The best time to visit - High season for Cancún starts at the end of November and lasts until the first week in April. Between December 15th and January 5th, however, hotel prices are at their highest -- and may rise as much as 30%-50% above regular rates. If you plan to visit during Christmas, spring break or Easter, you should book at least three months in advance.

The sun shines an average of 253 days a year in Cancún. The months between December and April have nearly perfect weather; temperatures hover at around 84°F during the day and 64°F at night. May through September are much hotter and more humid; the temperatures can reach upwards of 97°F.

The annual Mexico-Caribbean Food Festival, featuring special menus of culinary creations throughout town, is held each year over the first two weeks of November.

Additional information is available through the Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Climate - It's hot but not overwhelmingly humid. The rainy season is May through October. August through October is hurricane season, which brings erratic weather. November through February is generally sunny but can also be cloudy, windy, somewhat rainy, and even cool.

Seasons- Technically, high season is from December 15 to April; low season is from May to December 15, when prices drop 10% to 30%. Some hotels are starting to charge high-season rates during June and July, when Mexican, European, and school-holiday visitors often travel, although rates may still be lower than in winter months.

Currency Exchange- Most banks are downtown along Avenida Tulum and are usually open Monday through Friday from 9:30am to 5pm. Most have automated teller machines for after-hours cash withdrawals. In the Hotel Zone, you'll find banks in the Plaza Kukulcan and next to the convention center. There are also many casas de cambio (exchange houses).

Emergencia - To report an emergency, dial tel. 060, which is supposed to be similar to 911 emergency service in the United States. For first aid, the Cruz Roja, or Red Cross (tel. 065 or 998/884-1616; fax 998/883-9218), is open 24 hours on Avenida Yaxchilán between avenidas Xcaret and Labná, next to the Telmex building. Total Assist, Claveles 5, SM 22, at Avenida Tulum (tel. 998/884-1058 or 998/884-1092, is a small (nine-room) emergency hospital with English-speaking doctors. It's open 24 hours and accepts American Express, MasterCard, and Visa. Desk staff may have limited command of English. Another facility that caters to English-speaking visitors is Ameri-Med (Plaza Las Americas, in downtown Cancún; tel. 998/881-3434) with 24-hour emergency service. Air Ambulance service is available by calling tel. 01-800/305-9400 in Mexico.

Safety- Aside from car break-ins, there is very little crime in Cancún. People are generally safe late at night in tourist areas; just use ordinary common sense. As at any other beach resort, don't take money or valuables to the beach.

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