Travel
UV Index Cancun: Month by Month + Packing List
Cancún lies at 21°N on the Yucatán coast: from April to September the UV index parks at 11–12 — the 'extreme' band where unprotected fair skin burns in about 15 minutes. Even the December–February high season holds UV 6–7, a UK midsummer. White Caribbean sand and turquoise water reflect radiation from every angle; cenote and reef days call for a rash guard over spray-on SPF.
Typical peak UV by month
Typical midday peak on clear days. Clouds lower it; sea, sand and altitude push it up.
Time to sunburn in May (UV 12)
| Very fair (type I) | ~12 min |
| Fair (type II) | ~17 min |
| Medium (type III) | ~25 min |
| Olive (type IV) | ~38 min |
Unprotected skin, typical values. SPF 50 extends this roughly 50× when applied properly.
When to go
For sun-seekers, Mar–Oct are the most intense months (UV 12 in May). Sensitive skin or travelling with small kids? The shoulder months are gentler — mild enough for long days outside, though protection still pays off.
What to pack — tick as you go
Links open the pick for your region — we may earn a commission.
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Lip Protection carry-on ✓ alwaysSun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm 3-Pack →
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Daily Face SPF carry-on ✓La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Pro-Sport SPF 50 →
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UV400 Sunglasses carry-on ✓SOJOS Retro Polarized UV400 →
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Kids Sunscreen SPF 50+ look for ≤100 mlBlue Lizard Kids Mineral SPF 50+ →
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High Protection Face look for ≤100 mlEltaMD UV Sport SPF 50 →
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UPF 50+ Clothing carry-on ✓BALEAF UPF 50+ Sun Protection Hoodie →
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Body Sun Protection checked luggageBanana Boat Sport Ultra SPF 50 →
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After-Sun Care checked luggageSun Bum Cool Down Aloe Vera Gel →
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Gradual Self-Tan checked luggageJergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer →
Flying there? Read the carry-on rules first: Sunscreen in your carry-on →
Check the live UV
Check the current value: open the live UV
Frequently asked questions
How high is the UV index in Cancún in summer?
At the summer peak the UV index typically reaches 12 (May) — very high to extreme. Unprotected fair skin burns in roughly 12 minutes.
Do I need sunscreen in Cancún in winter?
Yes. A typical December midday reads UV 6 — early-summer level for the UK. SPF 30–50 for the face is sensible.
Is the sun stronger in Cancún than at home?
Considerably. A UK or US-northeast summer rarely passes UV 8; in Cancún, 12 is normal — and the high-UV season lasts longer. Sea breeze and wind hide the exposure.