Is it safe to go to Cancun Mexico?

A beautiful hotspot which attracts tourists from all over the world, Cancun is a destination which is popular all year round.

Offering exclusive hotels and immaculate beaches, with that all-important Mexican flavour, Cancun is a tiny slice of paradise, providing a real retreat from the rat-race.

Of course, like any destination it’s important to consider the safety aspects too and this guide will give you some answers to the question: Is it safe to go to Cancun Mexico?

Overview of safety

Traveling anywhere exotic can be worrying if you’re nervous about safety issues, and there will undoubtedly be differences compared to your home country.

However, Cancun is considered to be one of the safest places in Mexico, particularly in the Hotel Zone where most tourists opt to stay.

You may have seen some reports of violence in the news; this generally takes place on the Mexican border, a long way from the exclusivity of the Hotel Zone and the vibrancy of the Cancun nightlife. This border lies around 2,090 km from Cancun. To put this in perspective, this is the same distance as New York to Texas.

In the Hotel Zone, you’ll feel extremely safe and protected as you’ll see Tourist Police regularly in the area, casually strolling around on their patrols. This is particularly the case during peak season or during busy periods.

You can also take comfort in the fact that the tourist region within Cancun is monitored by the C4 Surveillance and Rescue Centre which has video cameras operating at key points throughout the area. There’s also the obligatory 911 service which provides support 24/7.

Just like anywhere in the world, it’s a good idea to always be sensible and keep your wits about you but Cancun is generally considered to be a destination where you can relax and simply take it easy without a care in the world.

Weather

When you travel somewhere exotic, hurricanes can be a concern, and as a coastal resort, Cancun can be at risk during certain times of the year.

You can expect to bask in glorious sunshine for approximately 253 days every year in Cancun, with November to April offering almost perfect weather. Daytime temperatures hover around 29°C (84°F) while at night; it’s still a balmy 18°C (64°F).

Between May and September, the weather can get very hot with temperatures topping 36°C (97°F). If you find high temperatures and humidity uncomfortable difficult to handle, avoid Mexico during this period.

Like many other tropical zones, Cancun has a rainy season which generally starts in September and lasts for around two months. Downpours are substantial and can last up to two hours.

In terms of safety, the hurricane season starts in mid-June and runs until November as storms which move from West Africa move across the Atlantic. The hotels in the tourist ocean areas of Cancun have been designed specifically to withstand even the fiercest winds, so even in huge hurricanes there’s a good chance you’d be safe if you were caught. Nevertheless, there would still be loss of power; flooding and a total breakdown in the local infrastructure so remaining in the area would be a less than pleasurable experience.

Just like any tropical area, to make sure you are safe during your stay, check for hurricane warnings before you travel and even better, don’t book during the hurricane season.

Drinking water

It’s not a good idea to drink the water in Cancun, as it’s not safe; unless you’re a local you won’t be immune to the bacteria and could spend your holiday sick.

Order bottled water to use for drinking and brushing your teeth, and keep your mouth firmly closed in the shower. You should also abstain from ice in your drinks or eating foods that have been washed or made using local water, just like you would do in many other areas of the world.

One extra word of warning to stay safe: always use a straw when drinking canned beverages. Cans are sanitised by rinsing them in local water, and it only takes a few lingering drops to make you ill. You’ll find that most of the locals use straws too, so you won’t feel conspicuous.

The sea

The surf in and around Cancun can be very inviting, particularly in the heat of the day, but do check to see if there’s any warning flags before taking a dip.

There can be dangerous undertows as well as hidden rocks so ask for advice at your hotel about whether the sea is safe to swim in, and keep your eye out for lifeguard’s warnings.

No matter what the state of the sea, it’s never a good idea to swim while intoxicated. It’s not safe and can result in serious injury.

Crime

This may be a major concern for many people thinking about travelling to Cancun, but the area, and in particular the tourist region, is considered to be among the safest places in the whole of the Caribbean.

Like any major urban area, it’s important to be vigilant with your belongings as you could end up the victim of pickpockets, especially in areas such as the airport or when you travel outside tourist areas. However, the general consensus is that in Cancun, there’s no reason to believe that you won’t be as safe as you would be anywhere else.

Checking government advice regarding travel is a good way to stay abreast of any new security risks or changes in the situation.

A friendly place

Cancun welcomes thousands of holidaymakers every year, offering an idyllic paradise which has everything including sun, sand and sea, with 5 star facilities and incredible restaurants lining the streets. Whether you want a quiet, get-away-from-it-all break or the chance to enjoy some of the best night life, Cancun has something for everyone.

Be sensible and take the usual precautions that you would anywhere, including back at home, and you’ll be able to enjoy the very best Mexico has to offer and create some memories you’ll never forget.