10 Things to Do in Cancun in July

July is one of the best months to travel to Cancun. Temperatures are pleasant and will allow you to enjoy all the attractions that this Mexican paradise has to offer.

Carmen Navarro

Carmen Navarro

9 min read

10 Things to Do in Cancun in July

Cancun | ©John Hull

July is considered high season in Cancun so you will find the city quite lively. Although July is one of the months with the highest probability of rain, this is not always the case, so it doesn't have to put a damper on your plans.

As one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world, Cancun welcomes visitors at any time of the year, as it enjoys a semi-tropical climate. That said, the city is also known for its vibrant nightlife and idyllic beaches. But there are many other things to do in Cancun in July that you shouldn't overlook.

To help you plan your Cancun vacation, I've compiled this article with everything that awaits you in this Riviera Maya city during the month of July. I'll tell you all about it below.

1. Don't miss the Virgen del Carmen festivities

Virgen del Carmen Festivities| ©Meredith D
Virgen del Carmen Festivities| ©Meredith D

In mid-July, Cancun celebrates the festivities in honor of the patron saint of Playa del Carmen, the Virgen del Carmen. Take advantage of the fact that you are in Cancun during the month of July to get to know and experience this colorful tradition first hand.

It is a perfect opportunity to taste the typical Mexican food due to the wide offer available. There are also parades through the streets, games and parties in bars and restaurants throughout the area.

These are days when the streets are filled with people in a festive spirit. In fact, there are almost 10 days of celebration, with free concerts, art exhibitions, attractions and, of course, the processions with the image of the Virgen del Carmen. Undoubtedly, a good opportunity to feel the essence of Playa del Carmen, one of the best beaches in Cancun.

Book an excursion to the best beaches in Cancun

2. Celebrate the Mayan New Year in Cancun

Archaeological sites| ©Silvia J
Archaeological sites| ©Silvia J

The Gregorian calendar, inherited from the Romans, begins on January 1st of each year. However, the Mayan culture used different calendars that measured time in different ways.

According to some beliefs, in the Mayan Haab calendar, the year begins on July 26th of each year. July 25 (The Day Out of Time), was the time to consider the year that had passed and the lessons that had been learned.

Although this idea is believed to be erroneous, there are many festivities celebrated in Cancun during these days to commemorate the Mayan New Year. If you visit Cancun during these July days, take some of the tours and excursions to some of the main archaeological sites in the region, as you will be able to attend the festive rituals.

Book one of the tours or excursions in Cancun

3. Swim with whale sharks in Cancun

Swim with sharks in Holbox Island| ©Edier Rosario
Swim with sharks in Holbox Island| ©Edier Rosario

If you want to see whale sharks in Cancun, the best month of the year is July. In addition, you will be able to see other marine life, such as sea turtles and even dolphins.

Whale sharks are not dangerous, but you will be surprised by their enormous size. They are the largest fish in the sea, with a length of between 12 and 15 meters (40 and 50 feet).

The whale shark season in Cancun runs from May 17 to September 17, but the best time to see them in Cancun is in July and August. In fact, a festival is held in Isla Mujeres between June and July with many activities.

The main objective is to make visitors and locals aware of the challenges this animal faces to survive, as well as to highlight its relevance to the local ecosystem.

Book an excursion to Isla Mujeres from Cancun

4. Enjoy Cancun's nightlife during the month of July

Shopping Village| ©Leon Yaakov
Shopping Village| ©Leon Yaakov

In addition to visiting Cancun to enjoy its beautiful beaches and relax in the luxurious resorts, this city attracts more and more people for its vibrant nightlife. Cancun is famous for its party nights and lively nightlife.

In July many people visit Cancun during the summer vacations, so you can find plenty of atmosphere on the beaches and crowded nightclubs at night.

If partying is one of your priorities when looking for a vacation destination, travel to Cancun during July or any other summer month. I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

5. Dive into the cenotes, the natural limestone pools

Cenote in Cancun| ©Viviane Kermeci
Cenote in Cancun| ©Viviane Kermeci

A visit to Cancun or any other place in the Riviera Maya will not be complete without going for a swim in the best cenotes in Cancun. Cenotes are like sinkholes or natural pools formed by limestone where you can swim and dive, containing fresh water coming from a river.

July is a good month to visit the cenotes, because, being considered rainy month, there is less influx of tourists. It is the best time to swim in tranquility and enjoy the crystal clear waters of the cenote.

The entire coast of the Riviera Maya is dotted with cenotes. Some are open air and surrounded by vegetation, while others are part of vast cave systems and subway rivers, where you can dive or snorkel on a guided tour.

There are about 6000 cenotes in Yucatán. Near Puerto Morelos is the Cenotes Route where you will find Cenote Sol y Luna, Cenote Verde Lucero, Cenote Zapote and Cenote La Noria. Cenote Dos Ojos and Gran Cenote are near the ruins of Tulum. There is usually a small fee to enter and you can rent life jackets and snorkeling masks.

Book a cenote tour from Cancun

Explore the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza| ©Leosprspctive
Chichen Itza| ©Leosprspctive

The Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza are located about 2.5 hours from Cancun, but it's a visit you can't miss, no matter what time of the year you travel. In July, the ruins are highly recommended, as the weather is good and makes the visit more comfortable and enjoyable.

The ancient Mayan city of Chichen Itza, famous for its pyramid ruins, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

The ancient city dates back to the 5th century, although its most impressive structures were built later, between the 9th and 12th centuries, and are a mixture of Maya, Toltec and Puuc styles. The Temple of Kukulkan is the best known pyramid, and was designed so that, during the equinoxes, sunlight creates a vision of a feathered serpent.

Book a tour to Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins

7. Visit the Mayan Museum of Cancun

Cancun Mayan Museum| ©David Stanley
Cancun Mayan Museum| ©David Stanley

If it rains during your trip to Cancun in July, you can take advantage of that day to visit indoor places. The city offers plenty of options for when it rains. One of the best visits you can make is to the Mayan Museum of Cancun.

It is one of the most important art and anthropology museums in the city, with almost 400 exhibits to learn more about the Mayan culture.

This ancient empire was one of the most advanced of its time, so a visit to this museum is a good way to learn more about its history and culture.

8. Take a refreshing visit to the Underwater Museum

Underwater Museum of Art| ©GoMéxico
Underwater Museum of Art| ©GoMéxico

Another visit you can make in July if it rains is to the Museo Subacuático, or MUSA. It is an underwater art museum located between Cancun and Isla Mujeres. It has more than 500 sculptures that were designed and installed to encourage coral growth and replenish the habitat of tropical marine life.

The museum is the largest artificial reef in the world and continues to expand as older works are hidden by the fauna. Here you can see naval mines and life-size sculptures of people.

There are several ways to visit MUSA, such as on a glass-bottom boat or on a snorkeling excursion. In this article I tell you how: Visit Cancun's underwater museum. Undoubtedly, it is a very innovative museum that will leave you with your mouth open.

Book your tickets for the Cancun Underwater Museum

9. Get close to the sea turtles

Snorkeling with sea turtle sighting| ©Karolina Grabowska
Snorkeling with sea turtle sighting| ©Karolina Grabowska

The beaches surrounding the Riviera Maya are some of the best places in the world to see sea turtles. You will see the giant leatherback turtles (the largest turtle in the world), although the most common are loggerhead, green and hawksbill.

From May to October, female sea turtles come ashore every night to dig nests and lay dozens of eggs each. The eggs hatch and the hatchlings swim out to sea between July and December.

In Cancun, resorts participate in sea turtle conservation efforts, and allow guests to participate or observe all stages, including collecting the eggs in a protective enclosure.

10. Enjoy an excursion to the Mayan ruins of Tulum

Ancient Mayan walled city of Tulum| ©ironypoisoning
Ancient Mayan walled city of Tulum| ©ironypoisoning

Excursions to Tulum from Cancun are among the most popular in the area. July, being a quieter month, is a good time to visit the area without rushing. These excursions offer a unique getaway where you will find a little bit of everything: cenotes, Mayan ruins and paradisiacal beaches.

The magic of Tulum, and the reason why it has become such a popular destination in the Yucatan Peninsula, lies not only in the history of the Mayan ruins, but in the energetic attraction that the city and the sea exert on those who come to visit.

After seeing the ruins, take advantage of your visit and stop by one of the three main cenotes in the area. The Gran Cenote, as its name indicates, is the largest and busiest, and is made up of several small cenotes full of fish and turtles.

Dos Ojos are two connecting cenotes, one bright blue and the other a deep, dark cavern (they have flashlights for rent). Finally, Yal Ku is more of a lagoon, with a mix of fresh and salt water with colorful tropical fish.

The weather in Cancun during the month of July

Afternoon in Cancun| ©Bill Claxton
Afternoon in Cancun| ©Bill Claxton

You may have heard that July is a month of heavy rains or even hurricanes. It is normal that this puts many people off planning their vacations because they think it is not the best time to visit Cancun. But fear not, the weather in July can be sunny and warm, or rainy or cloudy, but this should not deter you from traveling to Cancun in July.

July is considered to fall within the rainy season, although it is not the rainiest month. In fact, October is the rainiest month. However, there is always some chance of rain in the tropics, no matter what month you travel. It doesn't necessarily rain in July, and if it does, the rains are likely to be short-lived.

As for temperatures, July temperatures hover around 31 or 32°C in Cancun. When the sun sets, temperatures in Cancun drop, but not much. Nighttime temperatures in Cancun average 26 or 27°C, although the humidity is also not usually as high as during the day.

Is July a good time to visit Cancun?

Paradise beach of Isla Mujeres| ©dronepicr
Paradise beach of Isla Mujeres| ©dronepicr

If you want to save money on the most important expenses, such as flight, hotel or resort stay, you may find deals in the month of July. Due to the possibility of rain showers, some travelers don't want to travel during this time.

On the other hand, if you don't mind the increased heat and humidity or a few days of rain showers, then Cancun in July will be a perfect time to visit. While there are bound to be days with tropical storms, there are also plenty of sunny days. The chances of you facing a hurricane are very low.

July is also a great time to visit the island if you want to see marine life up close, whether it be swimming and snorkeling. You'll be able to see whale sharks and it's also the month when baby sea turtles come out to sea.

Whether you're traveling with your partner, on a family vacation or a solo trip, in July you'll be able to enjoy the best activities in Cancun. Don't let the threat of rain spoil your plans. In this vibrant city, the party goes on even when the weather is bad.