Cancun Tourism Statistics

Published Aug 22, 2024Updated Sep 21, 2026

Published Aug 22, 2024 · Updated Sep 21, 2026

Cancun, Mexico, is a top vacation spot known for its turquoise waters, luxurious resorts, and a wide range of activities ranging from ancient Mayan ruins to modern entertainment and water sports.

How many tourists visit Cancun each year?

A total of 9.41 million international tourists arrived in Cancun in 2025, on Mexico's migration count of foreign arrivals by nationality.1

  • Cancun welcomed 7.89 million international visitors in 2019, its pre-pandemic peak.2
  • The pandemic cut that by 59% to 3.25 million in 2020.3
  • Arrivals nearly doubled (up 98%) to 6.46 million in 2021.4
  • The recovery continued to 9.57 million in 20225 and 10.07 million in 2023, 28% above 2019.6
  • Arrivals then eased 3% to 9.72 million in 20247, still 23% above 2019.
  • A further 3% dip took 2025 to 9.41 million1, still 19% above the 2019 level.

These yearly totals count foreign nationals arriving at Cancun airport, as recorded by Mexico's migration authority and published by DATATUR. The same authority's count by country of residence, used for the market breakdown below, puts 2025 at 9.12 million, up 1.4% on 2024, so the two series differ in level and direction.

Annual international air arrivals in Cancún, 2018–2025Foreign visitors entering through Cancún International Airport2M4M6M8M10M12M3.25M10.07M2018201920202021202220232024YearInternational air arrivals
Annual International Tourist Arrivals in Cancun

How many people visited Cancun in 2026?

  • From January to August of 2026, Cancun received a total air traffic of 19,275,570 passengers (12,930,607 international and 6,344,963 domestic), a 5.7% decrease from the 20,438,138 passengers in the same period of 2025.8

Note: This data is preliminary and subject to change.

Total Air Traffic in Cancun, January–August 2026
MonthInternationalDomesticTotal
Jan1,988,889743,6062,732,495
Feb1,868,343630,4682,498,811
Mar2,054,234747,5562,801,790
Apr1,674,788789,6912,464,479
May1,305,796841,0582,146,854
Jun1,353,772759,3982,113,170
Jul1,492,358917,0792,409,437
Aug1,192,427916,1072,108,534
Total (Jan–Aug)12,930,6076,344,96319,275,570

Source · SEDETUR Quintana Roo, ¿Cómo vamos en turismo? June 2026 (ASUR figures, Jan–Jun); ASUR passenger-traffic releases for July and August 2026. Preliminary.

How many people visited Cancun in 2025?

  • In the full year 2025, Cancun received a total air traffic of 29,345,538 passengers, comprising 19,464,554 international and 9,880,984 domestic passengers, representing a 3.5% decrease from the 30,411,520 passengers in 2024.9
Total Air Traffic in Cancun 2025
MonthInternationalDomesticTotal
Jan1,945,595813,4642,759,059
Feb1,809,498680,1892,489,687
Mar2,142,355794,1152,936,470
Apr1,739,253835,0452,574,298
May1,468,569867,1552,335,724
Jun1,558,510828,7052,387,215
Jul1,709,759921,7812,631,540
Aug1,402,782921,3632,324,145
Sep962,546796,1731,758,719
Oct1,215,159835,4942,050,653
Nov1,594,485787,0592,381,544
Dec1,916,043800,4412,716,484
Total19,464,5549,880,98429,345,538

How many people visited Cancun in 2024?

  • In 2024, Cancun welcomed a total of 9.72 million international visitors.7 This represented a 23% increase from the peak pre-pandemic year of 2019 and a 3% decrease from 2023.

How much do tourists spend in Cancun every year?

  • Tourism generated an estimated $6.08 billion in economic impact (visitor spending) in Cancun in 2019, according to Quintana Roo's state tourism secretariat (SEDETUR).10 This number decreased to $2.65 billion in 2020 due to coronavirus travel restrictions and fewer international visitors.11
  • Tourist spending recovered to $3.62 billion in 2021 (up 36%)12, then jumped 73% to $6.27 billion in 202213 and reached a record $6.61 billion in 2023.14
  • SEDETUR's annual Cancun reports stop at 2023, but its 2024 figures, cited in Cancún's municipal development plan, put tourist spending at $6.49 billion from 7.47 million tourists15, and it reported that Cancun again led the state in 2025 with more than $6 billion in tourist spending, out of more than $18 billion across the Mexican Caribbean (about $1.4 billion less than the region's 2024 total).16 See the Mexico Tourism Statistics for national spending data.
Annual tourist spending in Cancún, 2018–2025Economic impact of tourism, US dollars; 2024 and 2025 are estimates$2B$4B$6B$8B$2.65B$6.61B20182019202020212022202320242025YearTourist spending (USD)
Annual tourist spending in Cancun, 2018–2025 (US$; 2024 and 2025 are estimates)

Which country visits Cancun the most?

The leading sources of foreign tourists to Cancun are the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Argentina and Colombia. In 2025, Cancun airport received 9,119,458 international air visitors counted by country of residence, 1.4% more than in 2024.2 The yearly totals above use the same authority's count by nationality, which fell 3% in 2025, so the two series are not directly comparable.

  • In 2025, the United States was the top source of international visitors to Cancun, accounting for 5.35 million visits with 58.6% of market share.2
  • Canada contributed 18.2% with 1,656,539 visitors, up 10.8% on 2024.2
  • The United Kingdom accounted for 365,544 international visits with a market share of 4.0%.2
  • Argentina accounted for 252,513 visits (2.8% market share), and Colombia for 157,535 visits (1.7% market share).2
Top source countries of international air visitors to Cancún, 2025By country of residence; top ten of 9.12 million arrivalsUnited States5.35MCanada1.66MUnited Kingdom365,544Argentina252,513Colombia157,535France147,163Spain141,847Chile118,265Germany115,966Brazil76,091Visitors 2025
Top Inbound Travel Markets in Cancun in 2025

How long do visitors stay in Cancun?

  • Inbound tourists stay about 5 nights in Cancun on average, according to the last figure published by Quintana Roo's tourism secretariat (5.0 nights in 2019, unchanged from 2018).2

Why do people visit Cancun?

Tourists visit Cancún for a combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and a wide array of recreational options:

  • Iconic beaches & marine life: Pristine white-sand shores and access to the Mesoamerican Reef offer premier snorkeling, diving, and water-sport experiences.
  • Year-round tropical climate: Consistently warm, sunny weather makes Cancún an ideal escape from colder regions.
  • Cultural & ecological attractions: Proximity to Mayan ruins (e.g., Chichén Itzá, Tulum), cenotes, and eco-parks like Xcaret draws history buffs and adventure seekers.
  • Robust hospitality & nightlife: World-class resorts, vibrant nightlife in the Hotel Zone, and seamless international access via Cancún International Airport enhance convenience and entertainment.

Cancun Tourism Statistics - Economic Impact

  • Nationally, tourism generated 8.7% of Mexico's GDP in 2024 and 2.9 million paid jobs (7.4% of the national total), according to INEGI's tourism satellite account.17 Quintana Roo, the state Cancun belongs to, produced 8.4% of national tourism GDP in 2022 (about 163 billion pesos at 2018 prices), the third-largest share of any state after Mexico City and the State of Mexico.18
  • Within Quintana Roo itself, tourism is the mainstay of the economy: the World Travel & Tourism Council puts the sector's contribution to Cancun's economy at 37.5% of GDP in 2022 (about US$4.14 billion, with 133,900 direct jobs, close to 30% of local employment), down from 48% in 2019.19

Where is Cancun?

  • Cancun is a coastal city located in the eastern part of Mexico, specifically in the state of Quintana Roo on the Yucatán Peninsula. It lies on the northeastern coast, facing the Caribbean Sea, and is part of a popular tourist destination.
    • Cancún is approximately 528 miles (about 850 kilometres) south of Miami and is easily accessible via its international airport, which serves numerous flights from North America and beyond.

When is peak season in Cancun?

Cancun airport's busiest months in 2025, by total passenger movements (arrivals and departures combined), were March, January, December, July, and April.

  • March 2025 had the busiest airport traffic, with 2,936,470 passenger movements, largely due to Spring Break attracting many college students and families on school holidays.9
  • January saw 2,759,059 passenger movements, as holiday travel and winter escapes continued into the new year.9
  • December saw 2,716,484 passenger movements, as the festive season drew tourists seeking warm-weather celebrations and year-end events.9
  • July saw 2,631,540 passenger movements, lifted by the summer school holidays.9
  • April attracted 2,574,298 passenger movements, influenced by Easter holidays and the continuation of spring break, drawing families and students alike.9
Monthly Total Air Traffic in Cancun (2025)Total passengers (domestic + international) handled at Cancún International Airport each month of 2025. Source: ASUR viaSEDETUR Quintana Roo1M2M3M2.94M1.76MJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecMonthTotal passengers
Monthly Total Air Traffic in Cancun (2025)

When is the best time to visit Cancun?

The absolute best time to visit Cancún is during the dry season, from December through early March, experiencing near-perfect weather (warm, sunny days with minimal rain) and the lowest chance of hurricanes

  • To avoid the largest crowds and snag better hotel and flight deals, consider the shoulder seasons of April–June or September–November. During these months, rainfall is still moderate, and temperatures remain pleasant.

Keep in mind that the wet season, which includes the peak hurricane risk, runs from June through November, with September historically the most active month. Plan carefully and purchase travel insurance.

More Statistics

How popular is Cancun as a tourist destination?

  • In 2025, the Cancun Convention & Visitors Bureau was named the World's Leading City Tourist Board at the World Travel Awards Grand Final in Bahrain, Cancun's first-ever world-level World Travel Awards title.20
  • At the World Travel Awards Latin America 2025, hosted in Cancun for the first time, Cancun took the region's Leading Beach, Business Travel and Meetings & Conference Destination titles; Quintana Roo collected 34 awards in total.21
  • Tripadvisor's Travelers' Choice Best of the Best 2025 ranked Cancun #24 among the world's top destinations and #1 in Mexico, with Playa Delfines #16 among the world's best beaches.22
  • Cancun was also the #1 international summer destination for US travelers in Tripadvisor's 2025 Summer Travel Index, alongside Las Vegas as the top domestic pick.23

Cancun’s Most-Visited Tourist Destinations and Attractions

  • Chichén Itzá: A renowned Mayan archaeological site and UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the most recognised landmarks on the Yucatán peninsula.
  • Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancún Hotel: Ideal for beach vacations.
  • Playa Tortugas: A favourite local beach spot well-known for its relaxed atmosphere, clean sands, impressive views, and nearby dining options, with daily ferries to Isla Mujeres.
  • El Rey Ruins: Located in the Hotel Zone, these easily accessible ruins date back to 1250 and were once a royal retreat.
  • Isla Contoy National Park: North of Cancún and Isla Mujeres, this park is famous for its stunning white sand beaches, spectacular nature views, and as a refuge for over 170 species of seabirds and marine wildlife.

Car rental in Mexico

References

  1. Turismo en Cifras — Diciembre 2025 (Resultados de la Actividad Turística), DATATUR / SECTUR · datatur.sectur.gob.mx ↑ b
  2. Cancun Tourism Key Figures · tourismanalytics.com ↑ b c d e f g
  3. Boletín Mensual de Estadísticas Migratorias 2020 — Cuadro 1.2.1: Entradas por entidad federativa y punto de internación, según condición de estancia, enero-diciembre 2020 · portales.segob.gob.mx ↑
  4. Boletín Mensual de Estadísticas Migratorias 2021 — Cuadro 1.2.1: Entradas por entidad federativa y punto de internación, según condición de estancia, enero-diciembre 2021 · portales.segob.gob.mx ↑
  5. Boletín Mensual de Estadísticas Migratorias 2022 — Cuadro 1.2.1: Entradas por entidad federativa y punto de internación, según condición de estancia, enero-diciembre 2022 · portales.segob.gob.mx ↑
  6. Boletín Mensual de Estadísticas Migratorias 2023 — Cuadro 1.2.1: Entradas por entidad federativa y punto de internación, según condición de estancia, enero-diciembre 2023 · portales.segob.gob.mx ↑
  7. Boletín Mensual de Estadísticas Migratorias 2024 — I. Registro de entradas (Cuadros 1.2.1–1.2.12: entradas por punto de internación según condición de estancia, enero a diciembre 2024) · portales.segob.gob.mx ↑ b
  8. ASUR Announces Total Passenger Traffic for August 2026 · asur.com.mx ↑
  9. SEDETUR Quintana Roo - ¿Cómo vamos en turismo? Diciembre 2025 · sedeturqroo.gob.mx ↑ b c d e f
  10. Indicadores Turísticos, diciembre 2019 — enero-diciembre 2019 vs 2018 (SEDETUR Quintana Roo) · sedeturqroo.gob.mx ↑
  11. Indicadores Turísticos, enero-diciembre 2020 (SEDETUR Quintana Roo) · sedeturqroo.gob.mx ↑
  12. Indicadores Turísticos, enero-diciembre 2021 (SEDETUR Quintana Roo) · sedeturqroo.gob.mx ↑
  13. Indicadores Turísticos, enero-diciembre 2022 (SEDETUR Quintana Roo) · sedeturqroo.gob.mx ↑
  14. Indicadores Turísticos, enero-diciembre 2023 (SEDETUR Quintana Roo) · sedeturqroo.gob.mx ↑
  15. Programa de Impulso Turístico — Plan Municipal de Desarrollo de Benito Juárez (Cancún), 2024 tourism balance citing SEDETUR · planmunicipaldedesarrollo.cancun.gob.mx ↑
  16. Destinos de Q. Roo disminuyeron 3.5% afluencia turística en 2025 (Novedades Quintana Roo / SIPSE, citing SEDETUR) · sipse.com ↑
  17. Cuenta Satélite del Turismo de México (CSTM) 2024 — Comunicado de prensa 203/25 · inegi.org.mx ↑
  18. El PIB turístico estatal y municipal 2018–2022 en México (Aproximación al PIB Turístico Estatal y Municipal), SECTUR / DATATUR · datatur.sectur.gob.mx ↑
  19. Ciudad de México y Cancún lideran la recuperación del sector de viajes y turismo del país (WTTC Cities Economic Impact) · wttc.org ↑
  20. World Travel Awards honours global innovators at 2025 Grand Final in Bahrain · traveldailynews.com ↑
  21. Quintana Roo shines at the 2025 World Travel Awards in Cancún · mexiconewsdaily.com ↑
  22. Cancún reconocido como destino turístico — Travellers' Choice Awards Best of the Best 2025 (Tripadvisor) · cancun.gob.mx ↑
  23. Tripadvisor Announces Cancun & Las Vegas as the Top Destinations For Travelers with Release of Annual Summer Travel Index · tripadvisor.mediaroom.com ↑
  24. Cancún Hosts World Travel Awards 2025 as Mexico, Peru, Chile Triumph · ftnnews.com ↑