If you’re heading down to Cancun, Mexico, for a vacation or group tour, and a rainy day throws your plans off the charts, don’t worry – there are plenty of ways to make the best of it.

Whether it’s your first time visiting Cancun or you are a seasoned traveler looking for something new, this blog post will give you seven surprisingly fun things to do in Cancun when the weather gets dull. 

You won’t have to spend all day in your hotel room wishing for the sun to shine —  you can still enjoy Mexico’s beach paradise on a cloudy, drizzly day.

1. Visit a museum

Cancun has several museums, including the Mayan Museum of Cancun, which showcases the history and culture of the Mayan civilization. 

Here are some of the popular ones worth visiting. 

• Museo Maya de Cancun — This museum holds one of the most important collections of Mayan artifacts, from jewelry to ceramics and sculptures. There are nearly 400 pieces on display, all showcasing the Mayan culture. 
• Galeria Balance Cancun — This small art gallery is located in the Plaza Caracol shopping mall in the center of the Hotel Zone. You can find interesting contemporary art from various artists from Cancun, Mexico, and other Caribbean countries.
• Cancun Underwater Museum — This museum is accessible by snorkel or scuba dive and features over 500 sculptures submerged in the ocean. It is a unique and exciting experience that is worth a visit.
• Museo de Arte Popular Mexicano — This museum showcases traditional Mexican folk art, including textiles, ceramics, and wood carvings. It is a great place to learn about Mexican culture and history.
• Cancun Wax Museum — This museum features wax figures of famous people from history, politics, and entertainment. It is a fun and interactive museum that is great for families.

2. Go shopping

Cancun has various shopping options, from local markets like Mercado 28 to upscale malls like Kukulcan Plaza. Whether you want to window shop or splurge on some best buys, you can pass the time in these places. 

• Isla Shopping Village — This open-air mall is one of the most popular malls in Cancun, featuring a diverse range of stores and restaurants, from high-end to more affordable options.
• Puerto Cancun Marina Town Center — This is one of the nicest and busiest malls in the Hotel Zone, with various shops and restaurants.
• Luxury Avenue Mall Cancun —  This mall is located in the Hotel Zone and features high-end luxury stores

3. Have a spa day

Relax and unwind with a massage or other spa treatments. Most hotels in the city center are offering the service. Some spa treatments that can be availed include massages, hot stone treatments, reflexology rituals, and open-air palapa massages. 

Other spas can be expensive, although the quality of massage is generally satisfactory. Here are some types of spas and massages you can avail of. 

• Mayan Mud Massage — Incorporates a traditional Mayan healing practice with modern spa techniques. This treatment uses organic mud that’s been sourced from ancient Mayan ruins to cleanse and detoxify your skin. 
• Temazcal Experience — This treatment involves sitting in a small, enclosed room heated with hot stones and infused with aromatic herbs. The heat and humidity help to detoxify your body and promote relaxation, while the herbs provide a calming and soothing atmosphere. 
• Aromatherapy Massage — This treatment uses essential oils to promote relaxation and reduce stress. Each oil has its unique benefits, from lavender to eucalyptus, and the massage therapist will work with you to create a personalized blend that meets your needs.
• Chocolate-based Treatments —  Chocolate is rich in antioxidants, which can help to combat the signs of aging and leave your skin feeling soft and supple. Whether a chocolate body wrap or a chocolate facial, this treatment will leave you feeling pampered and indulged.

4. Visit an aquarium

Why is visiting an aquarium one of the best activities to do when it’s raining? Well, for starters, it’s an indoor activity. So you won’t have to worry about getting wet or cold. It provides a peaceful and calming environment that can be a welcome relief from the hustle and bustle of a rainy day in Cancun. 

The Interactive Aquarium Cancun at Isla Vista Shopping Mall offers 1,195 underwater species, attractions like Sea Trek, meeting with dolphins and sea lions, and touch tanks to interact with sea creatures such as starfish, sea cucumber, and sea urchins. It’s a top family attraction in Cancun, especially during the rainy season.

5. Visit one of the Cenotes

When the weather doesn’t cooperate with your Cancun plans, don’t let the rain spoil your vacation – instead, take the opportunity to explore the stunning cenotes that the region has to offer. 

Swimming in cenotes during a rainy day has many benefits too. The rainwater dilutes the minerals in the water, creating an even clearer and more refreshing swimming experience. 

In addition, rain water also helps keep the temperature of the water cooler, making it more comfortable to swim in. While some visitors may avoid visiting cenotes during the rain, it’s actually a great time to explore them without the crowds, offering a more peaceful, serene experience.

6. Take a daily trip to Yucatan

If you’re interested for a day trip during rainy day in Cancun, Yucatan is an excellent option. The best time to visit is November, at the tail end of hurricane season, when the crowds are thinner. This means that you can enjoy the attractions without having to deal with large crowds of tourists.

Year-round Yucatan prices are relatively affordable. High-season weather and holidays raise prices. Low season brings fewer tourists and the best deals of the year.

7. Visit Chichen Itza and Valladolid colonial town

Visiting Chichen Itza and Valladolid colonial town is an excellent option during a rainy day in Cancun for several reasons. Firstly, these historical sites are stunningly beautiful, with architectural wonders that are sure to captivate your senses. 

Specifically, Chichen Itza is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and it is a must-visit site for any archeological enthusiast. 

Besides their aesthetic value, both sites are situated far from Cancun, making them less prone to heavy rains. With their dryer climate, these historical sites can offer a rare opportunity to avoid the wet weather, which can otherwise be a major bummer.

Plan your trip with Holibay

Planning a trip to Cancun can be exciting, but preparing and ensuring you get the best deal possible is essential. Holibay allows you to easily plan your trip and enjoy up to 80% off on hotel deals. 

But it’s not just about the savings. Holibay also offers personalized itineraries, so you can experience the best of what Cancun offers. And speaking of which, this popular vacation destination has plenty of things to do.

Remember this: Cancun’s rainy season is typically between May and October. Checking the weather forecast before you go will help you plan accordingly and avoid surprises.