Cancún is Mexico’s crown jewel of tourism — a Caribbean destination blending turquoise waters, luxury resorts, Mayan history, and world-class nightlife.
In 2024, Cancún welcomed about 9.72 million international tourists, slightly below the 10.04 million in 2023, but still ~23% higher than pre-pandemic 2019 levels.
The city remains Mexico’s most visited resort destination, accounting for more than 40% of international arrivals to the country.
Key stats: Cancún Tourism
- 21 million visitors in 2023 — Cancún reached a new high, cementing its status as one of Mexico’s top-visited destinations.
- Cancún’s airport saw 30.41 million passengers in 2024, of whom 20.18 million were international.
- Tourist spending in 2019 hit US$6.08 billion, though it dropped sharply during the pandemic; by 2021 spending had recovered to US$3.62 billion.
- The U.S. supplies the majority of international visitors: ~6.16 million in 2024 (~63% share).
- Canada contributed ~1.15 million visitors (~11.8% of international arrivals) in 2024.
- The UK accounted for roughly 204,200 visitors (~2.1% share) in 2024.
- In early 2025, Cancún (and the Mexican Caribbean) saw an average of 928,000 international passengers monthly, up from ~859,000 in the same period of 2024.
- Despite overall gains, U.S. visitor numbers have slipped ~6.5% in the first half of 2025 compared to early 2024.
💡 Expert Insight — Ana Paty Peralta, President of Cancún
“These awards reaffirm Cancún’s popularity among tourists, business professionals, and industry experts worldwide.”
How Many Tourists Visit Cancún Each Year?
In 2024, Cancún hosted ~9.72 million international visitors.
- 2019: 7.89M
- 2020: ~2.3M (COVID impact)
- 2021: ~6.8M
- 2022: ~8.4M
- 2023: ~10.04M
- 2024: ~9.72M
How Many Tourists Visit Cancún Each Day?
Cancún averages about 26,600 daily international visitors in 2024.
During peak holiday weeks (Christmas, Spring Break, Easter), arrivals can surpass 40,000 per day.
How Much Do Visitors Spend in Cancún Every Year?
Tourists spent around $6 billion in Cancún in 2019; updated estimates suggest higher post-pandemic levels but official consolidated 2024 figures are pending.
- Tourist spend 2019: ~$6.08B
- Tourist spend trend 2023–24: Rising ADR (Average Daily Rate) & luxury spend indicate higher per-capita outlay than before the pandemic.
💡 Expert Insight — CBRE México Report
“Cancún has emerged as the frontrunner in Mexico’s hotel expansion during the first eight months of 2024. The growth is primarily driven by high demand for beach destinations and an increase in international tourists.”
Which Countries Visit Cancún the Most?
The U.S. dominates with ~63% of arrivals, followed by Canada and the U.K.
| Country | Visitors (2024 est.) | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 United States | ~6.16M | ~63% |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | ~1.15M | ~11.8% |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | ~200K | ~2.1% |
| 🇨🇴 Colombia | ~190K | ~2% |
| 🇦🇷 Argentina | ~160K | ~1.6% |
| 🇫🇷 France | ~150K | ~1.5% |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | ~120K | ~1.2% |
| 🇪🇸 Spain | ~100K | ~1% |
| 🇮🇹 Italy | ~80K | <1% |
| 🇧🇷 Brazil | ~75K | <1% |
How Long Do Visitors Stay in Cancún?
International visitors spend about 5 days on average in Cancún.
This makes Cancún both a short-vacation hotspot and a hub for Riviera Maya extensions (Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cozumel).
What Are the Most Visited Attractions in Cancún?
Beyond beaches and resorts, Cancún’s biggest draws are natural wonders, nightlife, and Mayan heritage.
| Attraction | Annual Visitors (est.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cancún Hotel Zone Beaches | ~6M | White-sand coastline |
| Isla Mujeres excursions | ~1.5M | Day trips & snorkeling |
| Chichen Itzá (nearby) | ~2.5M | UNESCO site, day tours |
| Xcaret Eco Park | ~1.7M | Riviera Maya attraction |
| Cenote swimming tours | ~1M | Underground lagoons |
| Cancún Underwater Museum (MUSA) | ~750K | Unique dive/snorkel |
| Coco Bongo | ~600K | Famous nightlife show |
| Tulum ruins (excursion) | ~2.2M | Popular day trip |
| Xel-Há Park | ~900K | Nature water park |
| Cancún Interactive Aquarium | ~400K | Family-friendly |
When Is the Best Time to Visit Cancún? (Seasonality)
High season runs from December to April; summers bring lower prices but more sargassum.
| Season | Trend | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Peak | Holidays, best weather |
| Spring (Mar–Apr) | Peak | Spring Break, Easter |
| Summer (May–Aug) | Moderate | Hotter, seaweed issues |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | Low | Hurricane season |
What Are the Biggest Events Attracting Tourists to Cancún?
From Spring Break to international festivals, Cancún’s events boost seasonal surges.
| Event | Visitors (est.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spring Break (Mar) | ~100K | U.S./Canadian students |
| Día de los Muertos (Nov) | ~50K | Local + tourist draw |
| Riviera Maya Jazz Festival | ~20K | Playa del Carmen, near Cancún |
| Wine & Food Festival Cancún | ~10K | Culinary tourism |
| Ironman 70.3 Cancún | ~5K | Sports tourism |
How Much Money Does Cancún Make From Tourism?
Cancún generates ~$6–7B annually from tourism, representing the majority of Quintana Roo’s economy.
Tourism supports tens of thousands of jobs in hotels, transportation, nightlife, and hospitality, making Cancún one of the most tourism-dependent cities in the world.
Which Neighborhoods in Cancún Are Most Popular With Tourists?
Most visitors stay in the Hotel Zone, but Downtown and Playa Mujeres are gaining popularity.
- Hotel Zone (Zona Hotelera): Luxury resorts, nightlife, beaches
- Downtown Cancún (El Centro): Local restaurants, markets, budget stays
- Playa Mujeres: Luxury all-inclusive resorts, quieter upscale vibe
- Puerto Cancún: Marina, shopping, modern developments
FAQ – Cancún Tourism Insights
How many international tourists did Cancún receive in 2024?
~9.72M visitors, slightly below the 2023 record.
Which country sends the most tourists to Cancún?
The U.S. dominates with ~63% of arrivals.
What’s the average stay length?
About 5 days.
When is peak season?
December–April (winter/spring).
How much does Cancún make from tourism?
Roughly $6–7B annually.
What are the top attractions?
Beaches, Isla Mujeres, Chichen Itzá, Xcaret, cenotes, nightlife venues like Coco Bongo.
Why is Cancún so popular?
Affordable flights, world-class resorts, nightlife, and proximity to Mayan culture.
Sources
- Road Genius — Cancún Tourism Statistics 2025
- Tourism Analytics — Cancún tourism arrivals and hotel occupancy
- Vallarta Daily — Cancún hotel occupancy dips below 80% in summer 2025
- Río Times / CBRE México — Cancún leads Mexico’s hotel expansion (2024–25 outlook)
- CND English — Cancún continues to be a world-class travel destination, officials say (quote: Ana Paty Peralta)
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