The best time to go diving in Mexico depends on the region.
For diving on the Caribbean side (where the famous cenotes are), the ideal period is between November and April.
If you’re heading toward Baja California, it’s better to plan your trip between May and November to enjoy warmer water and better underwater visibility.
Some times of the year are also perfect for spotting iconic species like bull sharks!
Quelle est la meilleure saison pour plonger en mer au Mexique ?
The best time to go diving in Mexico varies by region, but in the Riviera Maya (Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, and the cenotes), the ideal season runs from November to May.
Here is a table of temperatures and rainy days in Mexico, specifically in Cancun :
| Climate | Jan | Feb | Mars | April | May | June | July | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Déc |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🥵 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 31 | 30 | 28 | 27 |
| 🥶 | 20 | 20 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 24 | 23 | 20 | 20 |
| ☀️⏱️ | 6 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 6 |
| ☔ | 6 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 7 | 7 |
🥵: Maximum temperature in °C | 🥶: Minimum temperature in °C | ☀️⏱️: Hours of sunshine per day | ☔: Rainy days
The water temperature is ideal, between 26°C and 29°C, and the visibility is excellent, reaching 20 to 30 meters depending on the dive site.
What is the best season to dive in cenotes in Mexico ?
Diving in cenotes can be done year-round, as the water temperature stays stable at around 24°C (75°F), providing consistent comfort for divers no matter the season.
However, the dry season is generally considered the best time to fully enjoy the cenotes and their ideal conditions.
Each cenote is different, and the time of year you dive (depending on the climate, the light, or simply your availability) will influence your experience.
Choosing the right moment can truly enhance the quality of your dive and the sensations underwater.
The major wildlife events of the year (bull sharks)
There is one wildlife encounter you can experience while diving in Mexico: Diving with bull sharks. Unlike whale sharks, which you can only snorkel with.
From November to March, female bull sharks come to Playa del Carmen to rest during gestation.
You can observe them calm and settled on sites like Shark Point, always under the supervision of professional divers for an incredible and safe experience.
What is the best time for you ?
If you want the simplest answer:
👉 Diving in the Riviera Maya in the ocean is ideal from November to May
👉 Diving in cenotes is excellent all year round, with a slight advantage during the dry season (November to April)
It all depends on what you want to experience:
| Your goal | Ideal period | Why |
|---|---|---|
| See the bull sharks | November → March | Females migrate to Playa del Carmen |
| Warm water + great visibility | December → May | Water 26–29°C, visibility up to 30 m |
| Enjoy cenotes with magical light | November → April | Little rain + strong sunlight |
| Less crowded dive sites | May → October | Quieter season, but sometimes less clear in the ocean |