10 Things to Do in Cancun in June

June is the low season in Cancun, so there are usually fewer tourists and the prices of flights and hotels drop. This makes it a great destination for many travellers.

Ana Caballero

Ana Caballero

9 min read

10 Things to Do in Cancun in June

Cancun | ©bonniejconley

Temperatures in Cancun remain warm all year round, which is why many tourists prefer to visit the Caribbean in winter and experience a 'second summer', but if you travel to Cancun in June, you'll find much more affordable prices and can enjoy the city and its beaches without the crowds of the high season.

In addition, June is also the time of unique events, such as the arrival of the whale shark off the coast of Isla Mujeres, and special events such as the sales and the summer solstice. Stay and read on if you want to discover all that this city has to offer!

1. Swim with whale sharks

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

It may not be the first thing that comes to mind when planning your trip to Cancun, but you should know that from early June to mid-September, the imposing whale shark, the largest fish in the world, settles around Isla Mujeres in search of warm weather and forms the largest concentration of this species in the world.

There is organised tourism around them and many companies promise to spot them from the comfort of a small boat, although it is also possible to snorkel and even swim and dive with them, one of the best things to do in Cancun.

Whale sharks can reach up to 12 metres in length, but don't panic! These animals feed exclusively on plankton and are very docile, so activities with them are completely safe.

If swimming or diving is not your thing, don't miss the experience of being able to see one of these animals from the boat, it's definitely worth it at least once in a lifetime. For more information about this activity you can read the post about the best boat trips in Cancun.

Book an excursion to the cenotes of Cancun

2. Visit Isla Mujeres

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

Since we have already mentioned this island because of the whale shark populations, it is worth mentioning that Isla Mujeres is one of the most popular destinations in the country among tourists, it has one of the best beaches in Cancun and leaves no one indifferent, especially in the summer months, when temperatures are warmer and more pleasant.

The island gets its name from the Mayan civilisation, since the women of that time used to make a pilgrimage to this place to make the symbolic passage from girl to woman. That is why you will also find here the ruins of the temple consecrated to Ixchel, the goddess of the moon.

In addition, when night falls, Isla Mujeres becomes a hive of bars and entertainment venues, especially on Avenida Hidalgo, located in the centre of town. Ferries leave every half hour approximately from four different ports (from the Embarcadero, Playa Caracol, Playa Tortugas and Puerto Juárez) and the trip takes about 20 minutes. Don't miss it!

You may also be interested in taking one of the organised excursions to Isla Mujeres, where transfers to and from the island are included.

Book a catamaran excursion to Isla Mujeres

3. Escape to Holbox

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

Although it is a little further away than Isla Mujeres, excursions to Holbox Island are always recommended. Besides, you are in luck, because due to the temperatures and the weather, June is the best month to enjoy all that this paradise has to offer and it is a good time to travel to Cancun. Especially to admire the marine bioluminescence.

Marine bioluminescence is a very special natural phenomenon that only occurs in a few specific places on our planet. Thanks to a protein found in the water, it glows at night. Just move it a little and you will see hundreds of little lights, as if there were fireflies swimming around! Without a doubt, one of the things to do if you travel to Cancun with children.

In addition to the above, this island remains true to its essence, it doesn't even have cars to begin with! People and tourists get around in golf carts. So relax, enjoy the beaches, admire the fauna (there are many flamingos, crabs, turtles...), lie in one of the hammocks and, above all, don't leave without trying the seafood.

The ferries leave from the town of Chiquilá, some 140 kilometres from Cancún. The ferry ride takes about 30 minutes. From the boat you will be able to enjoy privileged views of the sea and, if you are lucky, you may even see dolphins.

Book a boat trip in Cancun

4. Celebrate the spirituality of the summer solstice

Chichen Itza| ©Leosprspctive
Chichen Itza| ©Leosprspctive

For the ancient Mayan civilisation, the sun was of fundamental importance, especially on its key dates: the solstices and equinoxes. The summer solstice takes place on 21 June all over the world, which is the longest day of the year and consequently has the shortest night of the year.

For the Mayans, this was synonymous with the planet receiving more solar energy than any other day and therefore abundance, fertility and joy were celebrated. Many people celebrate this date by going to Chichén Itzá, one of the main archaeological remains in the Yucatán and one of the most famous in Mexico. Although the distance is almost 200 kilometres, it's a visit you can't miss and there are plenty of companies that organise excursions, so you have no excuse!

Take the opportunity to purify yourself and renew your energy in one of the most impressive ruins in the world, just as the Mayans did.

Book an excursion to Chichén Itzá

5. Be amazed by the Voladores de Papantla

Voladores de Papantla| ©Ben & Gab
Voladores de Papantla| ©Ben & Gab

And, speaking of the summer solstice, another ritual that takes place on these dates is that of the Voladores de Papantla. In this ceremony, four bird-men climb a 30-metre high pole while playing the flute and drum. This rite has been performed in the city of Papantla, located in the state of Veracruz, for more than 2,500 years.

Cancun is quite far from this area, but don't despair! At Xcaret Park (located in Playa del Carmen, an hour's drive from Cancun), you will have the opportunity to experience one of these ceremonies up close, as well as many other activities such as swimming in underground rivers, admiring archaeological remains and much more.

Xcaret Park organises these rituals for tourists every day. However, as with the temple of Chichen Itza, it is very interesting to see it on one of its traditional dates, as the locals used to do in the past. I leave you with this post to find out which are the best excursions to Xcaret Park in Riviera Maya from Cancun.

6. Stroll along Quinta Avenida

On Fifth Avenue| ©Michael Johson
On Fifth Avenue| ©Michael Johson

Continuing on to Playa del Carmen, you'll find Quinta Avenida. This area is super popular and, especially in the summer months, is full of life.

The avenue is about 5 kilometres long and runs parallel to the sea. So, at any time, you can take one of its narrow streets to get to the beach.

Many tourists come here to shop, have lunch and dinner or just have a drink. However, a simple stroll around here is highly recommended. You can also end up in Parque Fundadores, located at one end of the city, where many events and shows are held.

Compare the best Cancun tours

7. Spend an afternoon at the Paradise Island Experience

At Paradise Island Experience| ©Farid Char
At Paradise Island Experience| ©Farid Char

No, the Paradise Experience Island is not an island in itself, but the best shopping centre in Cancun. Although the official sales season starts at the end of June, it is possible to find great discounts and promotions from the very beginning of the month.

In this immense shopping centre you will find everything from popular fashion shops, such as Stradivarius or Bershka, to the best luxury brands, such as Tiffany's or Yves Saint Laurent, to name just a couple. But you'll also find cinemas, restaurants and even a tequila museum!

Don't miss the Interactive Aquarium of Cancun, which has more than a thousand specimens of fish of more than 140 species. Here you can touch stars and sea urchins, as well as dive into the fish tanks - an adventure for the little ones!

But don't leave just yet! A 3-minute walk from the shopping centre is the Sky Wheel or Gran Rueda de Cancún, a 70-metre high Ferris wheel that promises to offer you one of the best views of the whole city. Don't miss it!

8. Attending concerts, dances and plays

Party on the Beach| ©Wells Baum
Party on the Beach| ©Wells Baum

As in any other city, summer in Cancun starts in June and with it comes a whole programme of concerts, festivals, dance shows and plays that flood the city and liven up its people.

Of course, the events change every year. So check out the concerts scheduled for your favourite singer or band, because if they are international, they are sure to make a stop in Cancun!

I recommend you take a look at the cultural and entertainment programme for the days of your trip and buy tickets for the events in advance. You can check it here.

9. Celebrate Navy Day

Getting to know Isla de Mujeres| ©Anna Szwal
Getting to know Isla de Mujeres| ©Anna Szwal

Every year on the 1st of June, Isla Mujeres celebrates the National Navy Day, to pay special tribute to Mexican sailors and, in general, to any worker whose activity is developed or related to the sea, such as merchants, fishermen or security and protection corps, among others.

As a result, a number of days beforehand, an extensive cultural programme and various activities are organised, culminating on the 1st, with the commemorative ceremony and the floral offering in Bahía Mujeres.

In addition, if you are a fan of beach sports, during these days there are also volleyball and beach football tournaments that you can attend.

10. Visiting the largest convention in the Mexican Caribbean

Geek Fest| ©Daniel Grawys
Geek Fest| ©Daniel Grawys

I'm talking about Geek Fest, an annual 3-day convention held in early June in Cancun that brings together more than 2,000 fans of manga, anime, comics, video games, cosplay and much more.

Here you can find out about all the new products that have come out in the last year, attend conferences and concerts, participate in tournaments and contests, meet creators and artists and a host of other activities.

You will also be able to find exclusive products and get discounts at the convention stands.

If you are also passionate about this world, this convention is highly recommended. You can find all the information and buy tickets directly on their website.

Prices in Cancun in the month of June

Money in Euros| ©Pixabay
Money in Euros| ©Pixabay

June is already low season in Cancun, so the influx of tourists is much lower. This means that the prices of flights, hotels and tourist services are somewhat more affordable than in the high season months.

This also means that you will be able to enjoy the beaches and attractions of Cancun in a much quieter and more relaxed way, as there won't be as much overcrowding as in other seasons.

However, I recommend you organise your trip at least 6 months in advance. This way you will be able to get the best fares, especially with the airlines. Remember that, for international trips, it is best to look for accommodation that offers free cancellation.

Weather in Cancun in June

Evening in Cancun| ©Bill Claxton
Evening in Cancun| ©Bill Claxton

June 1st is considered the start of hurricane season in Mexico, so many tourists prefer to plan their holidays on other dates. However, hurricanes are quite rare - there have only been two in the last 30 years, and always between August and October. So you shouldn't have any problems on your trip.

Cancun's climate is semi-tropical, so temperatures tend to stay warm throughout the year, although they increase slightly in the summer months.

Generally, during the month of June in and around Cancun there is still little chance of rain and the days are usually sunny. Temperatures range between 32⁰C maximum and 25⁰C minimum.

The water temperature is also quite warm in the summer months, so swimming and snorkelling are perfect activities (especially if there are whale sharks!).

Compare the best Cancun tours