When to Go to Cozumel

Peak Season: November; February-March. Late autumn and early spring bring the best weather, warm and dry—and with it, tourists in droves. You'll pay top dollar, but it may well be worth it if you're in search of uninterrupted sunshine.

Off-season: June-October; December-January. Weather conditions here are more extreme than you might expect on a tropical island, with chilly winters and steamy summers. June and September bring tropical rainstorms and in general summer is hot and humid. Prices are much lower out of season, and if you're a diver, the warm water and year's-best visibility might be enough to beat the heat. In winter, nortes—winds from the north—blow through, churning the sea and making air and water temperatures drop. If you visit during this time, bring a shawl or jacket for the chilly 65°F evenings. The windward side is calmer in winter than the leeward side, and the interior is warmer than the coast.

Sweet Spot: April-May. With a lull in tourist business and the perfect weather that precedes the rainy season, late spring might be your all-around best bet.