Spring Break (Mid-February through early April (peak: second and third weeks of March)). Cancún became the preeminent US college spring break destination in the 1990s, drawing hundreds of thousands of students annually to the Hotel Zone.
Carnaval de Cancún (February (dates shift annually; 2026 edition: February 12–17)). Annual street carnival with parades, floats, live music, and costumed performers along Avenida Tulum and at Malecon Tajamar. Organized by the Ayuntamiento de Benito Juárez.
Kukulcán Serpent Equinox Phenomenon at Chichén Itzá (Around March 20–21 (spring equinox) and September 22–23 (autumn equinox)). Triangular shadows form on the El Castillo pyramid staircase creating the illusion of the feathered serpent Kukulcán descending. Chichén Itzá is ~2.5 hours from Cancún.
Cancún Jazz Festival (May and November (biannual; 2026 fall edition: November 12–15)). Running since 2015; the 2026 fall edition celebrates its 11th year. Held at resort venues in the Hotel Zone / Riviera Maya. International jazz, R&B, and soul artists.
Hanal Pixán / Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) (October 30 – November 2). Yucatec Maya tradition (Hanal Pixán = 'food for the souls') combined with the national Día de Muertos. Cancún City Council hosts the Janal Pixán Festival; Xcaret Park runs a multi-day show Oct 30–Nov 2.