Essential information for Cancun

When to go

Cancun‘s position on the Caribbean coast means the city enjoys enviable year-round temperatures, with averages of 23°C in winter and 28°C in summer – though these can climb significantly higher.

Warmth-wise, it represents a viable destination pretty much all year, though rainfall is more likely during summer months. While this is largely confined to an hour or two’s downpour in the evenings, cheap trips to Mexico often become available during this time – so it could be worth braving the chance of rain for the discount sunshine on the rest of your trip. It’s also worth noting that Cancun holidays are popular with American spring-breakers in March, so for a quieter trip you may wish to book outside of this month.

Health and safety

Please be advised the water in Mexico is not drinkable so you must purchase bottled water during your stay and brush your teeth with it too. You can bathe in the tap water and cook with it, but avoid ice in drinks unless you know it’s made from filtered/bottle water.

Just as you would with any holiday, taking out comprehensive medical and travel insurance prior to arrival is a must.

If you plan to get involved in any watersports or other adrenaline-fuelled pursuits while in Cancun, you should see to it that your insurance covers this. Check out our holiday extras page for more information, and for the latest health and safety information, visit gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/mexico/health.

Passports and visas

British citizens don’t need a visa to enter Mexico but must have a valid passport. It’s recommended that you should carry your passport with you at all times and you may need to show it when paying by credit card. You’ll also need to complete a tourist card on your flight. For the most up-to-date passport and visa info, visit gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/mexico/entry-requirements.

Getting around

Cancun’s airport is served by a whole host of international carriers and is the second-largest in the country, behind the capital, Mexico City’s airport. It’s very well-connected and there are regular flights from London, as well as other UK airports. Once you’ve landed, Cancun Airport is 12 kilometres or so from the centre of Cancun and 20 kilometres from the hotel zone. So, it should take you no more than half an hour to get to your hotel.

The city’s very easy to navigate, with the downtown area adjacent to Nichupte lagoon and the hotel zone sandwiched in between that and the Caribbean Sea. The bus network is well-maintained and fairly regular, linking downtown and the hotel zone with ease. It’s cheap to use and drivers are friendly and happy to help.

Taxis can be pricey near the airport and in the hotel zone, but are generally less expensive downtown. Although rental cars are readily available, they’re not really necessary unless you plan on travelling further afield.

Advice for travellers with children

Cancun’s location on the coast, and its status as a global resort, means it’s well-equipped to deal with visitors of all ages. Besides splashing about on the pristine sands of its beautiful beach, the Interactive Aquarium is also a delight for youngsters. As well as petting nurse sharks and stingrays, there’s also the opportunity to swim with dolphins in an enclosed pool. As far as food’s concerned, the plethora of restaurants can cater to even the fussiest of eaters, and there are plenty of All Inclusive Cancun hotspots that will take the stress out of feeding and entertaining the little ones.

Electricity

Connector type: Round two-pin plugs. No earth connector.

Voltage info: 110V AC

Emergency services

Call 911 for emergency services throughout Mexico to be redirected to the police, fire brigade or ambulance. The line is free of charge from all landlines and mobile phones and is operational 24 hours a day.

British Consulate

The British Consulate is in the hotel zone and should be contacted in the case of accident, theft, assault or arrest.

Address: The Royal Sands Resort Blvd. Kukulcan KM 13.5 Cancun Hotel Zone 77500 Cancun

Email: consular.mexico@fco.gov.uk

Telephone (from within Cancun): (998) 881 0100

Telephone (from the UK): 0052 551670 3200

Hospital

There are a variety of different hospitals in Cancun, most of which offer excellent service and English-speaking doctors and nurses. For ER treatment, you’ll most likely go to Hospital Galenia.

Hospital Galenia Av. Tulúm Lote 01 Mza 01 SM 12, Fracc. Sta. María Siké, Esquina Nizuc, Cancun

Telephone (from within Cancun): (998) 891 5200