10 Things to Do in Cancun in August

Summer has arrived in Mexico, specifically in the port of Cancun, one of the most spectacular beaches in the world. With your flight already booked, you still don't know what places to visit? Don't worry, here we are going to tell you everything you need to know about Cancun in the month of August to have a unique experience.

Ana Caballero

Ana Caballero

8 min read

10 Things to Do in Cancun in August

Cancun | ©Jo Liu

It's no secret, Cancun has a lot to see and do all year round. It's not for nothing that it's one of the favourite places for tourists from all over the world, for its culture, history, beaches and, of course, its nightlife.

If this is your first time in this Mexican paradise, don't worry, we are going to give you the best travel tips to visit the region in August. So get your Instagram ready, because releasing turtles, swimming in beautiful cenotes and partying in Cancun's most exclusive spots will be unforgettable experiences that you won't want to stop sharing on your social networks.

Get pencil and paper ready because we are going to give you a list of 10 things to do in August on your visit to the Mexican port:

1. Enjoy Cancun's spectacular marine life

Snorkelling with Turtle Watching| ©Karolina Grabowska
Snorkelling with Turtle Watching| ©Karolina Grabowska

In the amazing ecosystems of the Caribbean, each species plays an important role in the ecosystem, from a coral sheltering thousands of species, to a shark eating dozens of fish.

The sea turtle nesting season in Cancun is a beautiful process full of life that takes place every year, with the month of August being the perfect time to enjoy these beautiful and important specimens.

This activity is for the whole family, as you don't need to be a nature lover to release a couple of sea turtles so now you know, if you want some relaxation and to be in contact with species that we can't observe every day, this activity is perfect for you.

Book a snorkelling experience in Cancun

2. Celebrate the festivities commemorating the Founding of Isla Mujeres

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

A very special day on the Mexican coast in which the Isla Mujeres Foundation is commemorated every year in Cancun with an extensive programme of cultural and sporting activities, although there are also processions such as the Bajada de la Virgen de Concepción (Descent of the Virgin of Concepción).

Also, during this celebration, the ambassador of the festivities is chosen from among the islanders in a beauty pageant, in which the popular Isla Mujeres dresses up. There are even fashion shows where you can see the traditional costumes worn by the participants.

There is also a 15 km race where you can test your fitness. Without a doubt, this is an event where locals and tourists alike come together to enjoy a few days of fun. If you want to know more about the excursions that are organised to Isla Mujeres I leave you with this article that we have prepared with all the information.

Book an excursion to Isla Mujeres

3. Dance to 70s rock at the Summer Music Festival

Summer Music Festival| ©Vishnu R Nair
Summer Music Festival| ©Vishnu R Nair

This is a cultural event organised by the state government to support and promote cultural activities in Cancun.

The event features the participation of different bands that will make you dance to classic rock from the 70s. If the dance floor and 80's music are your thing, this festival will give you a fun-filled time among the many options that Cancun's nightlife has to offer.

The bands are only a part of what this festival has to offer, you will also be able to taste food from the establishments that are set up around the area known as Campamento Cero, on Avenida Nader.

4. Dive into a cenote

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

Something you cannot miss during your visit to Cancun are its natural beauties: the whole state is full of beautiful mangrove swamps known as cenotes.

The weather in August will be perfect to take the heat off by submerging yourself in one of these natural fresh water pools or to sail in a boat in one of the lakes that the Mexican peninsula has to offer.

You can do these activities with your friends or companions, they are suitable for the whole family and we assure you that you will have an unforgettable day. Here are some recommendations for an excursion to a cenote in Cancun.

5. Vibrate to Cancun's endless nightlife party in August

The Coco Bongo| ©Serge Melki
The Coco Bongo| ©Serge Melki

Cancun is a world renowned tourist destination. Young people from the 5 continents choose August to take their holidays in the Mexican Caribbean, so if partying is your thing, you have chosen this place for its vibrant nightlife.

The magic of this place is that in the hotel zone and part of the city you will find avenues full of bars and discotheques, no matter your budget or musical preferences, in Cancun you will find fun for all tastes and pockets.

We know that in this city you have a thousand options to have fun, but if nightlife is your thing, here is a list with my recommendation where you can have a good time:

6. Taste tequila and mezcal at Viva el agave exhibition

Tequila| ©Isabella Mendes
Tequila| ©Isabella Mendes

Mexico and tequila; it is no secret that this is an inseparable union. For several decades tequila has been one of the most consumed typical drinks in Mexico and you can't miss it on your trip to Cancun.

August can be a good month if you like this liquor, because every year the expo tequila, also known as Viva el Agave, is organised. In this event, the largest producers and consumers of tequila gather in one place to exhibit or taste both tequila and mezcal, the latter being another of Mexico's native agave distillates.

It is usually held in Playa del Carmen, so you can throw on your swimming costume and take advantage of a sunny day to lay back and relax on the sand.

7. Explore Cancun's marine wildlife

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

If you're adventurous, Cancun offers a wide range of adventure experiences, many of which are aimed at getting to know the seabed. From diving in a cenote to swimming with whales, dolphins and turtles, the month of August is when you can get up close and personal with Cancun's incredible marine life.

The experience of getting up close and personal with these fabulous sea creatures is priceless, but if you want to talk budget, the price is around 150 euros.

Cancun is one of the best places in the world to get in touch with nature, so I think you shouldn't miss out on some of the tours and excursions that will give you the chance to discover some of the most beautiful places in the world.

8. Discover the incredible ruins of Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza| ©Luiz Eduardo
Chichen Itza| ©Luiz Eduardo

The pyramids of Chichen Itza in Mexico City is one of the 8 wonders of the world that not everyone has the pleasure of enjoying. If you are in Cancun, don't worry, you can also enjoy the beautiful Mayan sculptures with the many excursions to Chichen Itza.

Remember to hire a good tour, as the walk is approximately 3 hours so prepare your water bottles, sunscreen, and get ready to take a trip back in time through the history of Mexico.

Book an excursion to Chichen Itza

9. Enjoy an unforgettable day at Xel-Ha Park Natural Park

Xel-Ha Park Nature Park| ©Silvia J
Xel-Ha Park Nature Park| ©Silvia J

August is a great month for outdoor activities. Although it may rain one of the days you spend in Cancun, the truth is that when the sun comes out, the heat can be overwhelming, so an activity such as spending a day at Xel-Ha Park is a highly recommended experience.

If you are also travelling with your family to the Mexican city, this is a plan you can't miss because, thanks to the more than 20 activities you can do in this natural setting, the little ones will have a great day of fun. They will be able to go down the slides, swim in the cenotes, as well as enjoy direct contact with nature through sports such as snorkelling or zip-lining.

In addition, with some tickets you can enjoy Mexican food buffet style. For more information, I recommend you read our post on Tickets for Xel-Ha Park in Cancun: how to buy and prices.

Book tickets for Xel-Ha Park in Cancun

10. Relax on a paradise beach

Holbox Island| ©Robin Elric
Holbox Island| ©Robin Elric

You already know all the cultural variety, nightlife, and endless adventure activities available, but one thing you can't miss, whether you 're in Cancun for three days or you're lucky enough to enjoy a five or seven day trip to the Mexican region, is a day of sun and beach.

If you are planning a relaxing day on the coast, enjoy some postcard images, take out your camera and put on your swimming costume for an unforgettable day out with family or friends. Here's a list of the best beaches in Cancun:

  • Playa Maroma
  • Playa Paraiso
  • Playa Delfines
  • Playa Norte
  • Playa Holbox

What is the weather like in Cancun in August?

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

In this season there are highs of 34°C and lows of 25°C. The heat is humid, although a little cooler at night. Mid-July to mid-August is the worst time for heat. You can expect average daytime temperatures of 29.5°C and night-time temperatures of 27°C.

These are approximate temperatures, however, as the weather can change dramatically in August. There is a chance of rain about 10 days in the month, so keep in mind that high temperatures are not synonymous with sunny days, as August falls within Cancun' s rainy period. The rains are heavy but don't last long.

If you're still wondering when to travel to Cancun, be sure to read our post for more information on the best time to do so.

What should I pack?

Luggage| ©Anete Lūsiņa
Luggage| ©Anete Lūsiņa

If the decision to travel in August has been made and all that's left is to pack your suitcase, don't wait any longer and get started! To help you with the task, once you have checked the weather in Cancun, I recommend that you take a look at this list of tips I give you so that, once there, you won't miss any relevant garment or accessory:

  • Wear light-coloured clothes: wearing this type of clothing helps to keep you cool, as temperatures are high on the coast.
  • Sleeveless or short sleeved t-shirts: Sleeveless t-shirts are recommended because as it is a hot climate, keeping your arms out in the open air will help to cool them down.
  • Sunglasses: remember to always have them handy, as they can be a nuisance and even impair your vision.
  • Shorts: probably one of the most important items of clothing for the beach or for your cultural visits. They can also be your best ally for your boat trips.
  • Swimming costume: essential for a day at the beach or for activities such as snorkelling.
  • Sandals or flip-flops: no doubt with the overwhelming heat of the beach you won't want to wear shoes or tennis shoes. The latter can be recommended for an experience like the ones I recommend in this post about the best off-road tours in Cancun.