Puerto Rico Cancun: Which is Better for You?

Derek Dellinger portrait.
Derek Dellinger
Review author
19.09.2022 18:12
last update

When planning a vacation destination, one might come to find it difficult to choose between Puerto Rico and Cancun as they are both ideal in their own way. Both destinations are often pitted against each other, and for a good reason. Puerto Rico and Cancun are two of the most well-known resorts in the Caribbean. Cancun is highly recognized for its special beaches, splendid weather, and inclusive first-class hotels for travelers around the world. Puerto Rico has its own set of attractions, popular beaches, ancient ruins, and inclusive hotels for tourists. When it comes down to Puerto Rico vs Cancun, you should look at certain peculiarities between the two. Deciding which destination is better depends on the time of the year you visit, and the prices of resorts. Most importantly what each destination has to offer in attractions and activities.

In our guide, we pit Puerto Rico vs Cancun to help you decide which destination is better for you to spend the vacation in.

Puerto rico vs cancun beach.

Best Hotels & Resorts in Puerto Rico

Best hotel
Puerto Rico
Royal Isabela
5
Luggage storage
Check-in/out
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!
$495.00
Price per night from
View Deal
San Juan
Caribe Hilton
4
Gym
Parking available
Free WiFi
$269.00
Price per night from
View Deal
Puerto Rico
O:Live Boutique Hotel, A Small Luxury Hotel of the World
4
Air conditioning
Bar
24/7 front desk
$209.00
Price per night from
View Deal
Puerto Rico
O:LV Fifty Five Hotel - Adults Only
4
Front desk
Fitness center
Valet parking
$239.00
Price per night from
View Deal
Puerto Rico
Casa de Tortuga Guesthouse
4
Air conditioning
Free parking
Free WiFi
$115.00
Price per night from
View Deal

Best Hotels & Resorts in Cancun

Best hotel
Cancun
Garza Blanca Cancun
5
Free parking
Airport transfer
Gym
$675.00
Price per night from
View Deal
Cancun
SLS Cancun Hotel & Spa
5
Internet access
Non-smoking
Parking available
$265.00
Price per night from
View Deal
Cancun
Omni Cancun Hotel & Villas
4
Airport transfer
Gym
Free WiFi
$390.00
Price per night from
View Deal
Cancun
Canopy By Hilton Cancun La Isla
4
Gym
Air conditioning
Free WiFi
$139.00
Price per night from
View Deal
Cancun
Royalton CHIC Cancun, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort - Adults Only
4
Gym
Free parking
Air conditioning
$392.00
Price per night from
View Deal
Cancun
Renaissance Cancun Resort & Marina
5
$111.00
Price per night from
View Deal

Most popular hotel booking services

Best booking
#1
Agoda
4.9
Book your
perfect holiday and enjoy our great discounts on hotels, homes, flights and activities.
Less Hassle, More Travel
#2
Tripadvisor
4.7
Over a billion
Reviews & Contributions for Hotels, Attractions, Restaurants, and More
World’s most trusted travel advice
#3
Booking.com
4.6
The Best
Hotels, Flights, Car Rentals & Accommodations
Save time, save money!

Best Time to Visit Puerto Rico and Cancun

Visiting either Puerto Rico or Cancun at the best time of the year makes all the difference. The weather can range from warm to oppressive. You can consult the given table to fully understand who wins in the climate department in Puerto Rico vs Cancun.

Cancun Weather

Cancun summers can be hot and oppressive. Winter in Cancun is quite comfortable for visiting. Cancun offers the best hot-weather activities in Late January, early May, and Mid-Late December. Hot seasons last for 3.5 months, from June to mid-September. The average temperature in Summer is around 88°F, with the hottest month being July at 90°F. Cold seasons last for 3 months, from December to March with the average temperature being under 83°F. The coldest month in Cancun is January with temperatures low as 67°F. Wet seasons last for 5 months from May to November, most wet days are in September with 14.4 days and with 0.04 inches of precipitation. The driest month is in March with the fewest wet days.

The best thing about Cancun is the nightlife. The Caribbean's main hotspot for nightclubs is in Cancun, making it a major selling point for party-goers. Cancun is also popular for its beaches and daytime that is just as brilliant as its nightlife.

Puerto rico vs cancun island.

Puerto Rico Weather

Puerto Rico’s climate is partly cloudy, but mostly hot, oppressive, and windy summer. The temperature varies from 72°F and 88°F, rarely is it under 69°F. For the ideal beach activities, the best time to visit Puerto Rico is between early December to mid-April. Wet seasons last for 7.3 months, starting from April 24 to December 1. The wettest month is September with 14.6 days of rain, most out of any other month. Precipitation is 0.04 inches. Dry seasons last for 4 months, from December to April with the driest month being January with the fewest wet days, only 6.5 days of rain, and 0.004 inches of precipitation.

What makes Puerto Rico unique is its beaches. Although the weather is mostly hot and varies little, the number of magnificent beaches offer plenty of water-related activities. Such as snorkeling, surfing, swimming and of course relaxation.

Puerto Rico vs Cancun: Average Hotel Price

Puerto Rico and Cancun both excel in hotels and resorts. The price of hotels varies in each destination depending on the seasons throughout the year. But you can find the average hotel prices of both in the table here: Cancun’s peak season starts from December to April. The crowd gets heavier, and you might find some reasonable hotel rates for a winter getaway. A significant discount is offered in the late summer, fall, and spring seasons.

Puerto Rico gets busy in winter since the weather gets more pleasant. The crowd gets heavy and the hotel rates go up in the winter season. Some hotels give discounts during the season as well, so travelers may still get an affordable trip in the busy season.

Puerto rico or cancun couple in water.

Things to Do in Puerto Rico and Cancun

Since both destinations are known for their sunny charm, which one has more activities and attractions to offer. Puerto Rico offers many beaches, parks, and historical sights to visit, main attractions are:

  • Flamenco Beach
  • Sun Bay
  • El Yunque National Forest
  • Crash Boat Beach
  • El Morro Fort

Cancun’s clubs and luxury nightlife is a major attraction, but it also offers several beaches and sightseeing opportunities:

  • Chichen Itza
  • Isla Mujeres
  • Playa Tortugas
  • El Rey Ruins
  • Playa Delfines

When it comes to Puerto Rico versus Cancun in terms of activities and attractions, the former is in the lead. Even though Cancun has more beaches, Puerto Rico offers an entire island full of activities and sightseeing opportunities.

Conclusion: Which is Better Puerto Rico or Cancun?

Which is better Puerto Rico or Cancun? It depends on what you want. Both destinations have a little something they can give to travelers. Puerto Rico is perfect for tourists looking for a well-rounded trip to a country island brimming with culture and natural wonders. Cancun is perfect for party-lovers that want to upscale their visit an expansive city. Puerto Rico vs Cancun, the winner is what you are looking for.

FAQ

Is Cancun better than Puerto Rico?

If you are looking for a party atmosphere with lots of nightlife and beaches, then Cancun may be a better choice. If you are looking for a more relaxed vacation with beautiful scenery and plenty of opportunity to explore, Puerto Rico may be a better choice. Puerto Rico also has the advantage of being a US territory, so there is no need for a passport to travel there.

Is Puerto Rico cheaper than Cancun?

The cost of living in Puerto Rico is relatively low when compared to other Caribbean islands. Puerto Rico is also a great choice for those who want to experience Puerto Rican culture and cuisine. Cancun, on the other hand, is a bit more expensive, but it offers visitors stunning beaches, Mayan culture, and Mexican cuisine. So, which one is the better choice for you? If you are looking for a cheaper option, Puerto Rico is the place to go. However, if you are looking for a more luxurious vacation, Cancun may be a better choice. Whichever you choose, you are sure to have a great time!

What is the difference between Puerto Rico and Cancun?

Puerto Rico and Cancun are two very popular destinations for tourists, but there are some key differences between the two. Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States, while Cancun is part of Mexico. This means that Puerto Rico uses the US dollar as its currency, while Cancun uses the Mexican peso. Puerto Rico is also much smaller than Cancun, and its beaches are not as well-known or as popular. Finally, Puerto Rico is located in the Caribbean, while Cancun is located on the Gulf of Mexico.

Where is safer Cancun or Puerto Rico?

There is no definitive answer to this question as both Puerto Rico and Cancun have their own risks and safety concerns. That being said, Puerto Rico generally has a higher crime rate than Cancun, so it may be slightly less safe overall. However, both destinations have areas that are considered safe and unsafe, so it is important to do your research before deciding on a travel destination.

Is the weather better in Puerto Rico or Cancun?

The weather in Puerto Rico is generally warm and sunny all year round, with an average temperature of around 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Puerto Rico also experiences a wet season from May to November, so tourists should be prepared for some rain if they visit during this time. Cancun has a tropical climate, with average temperatures ranging from 77 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Cancun experiences its rainy season from June to October, so tourists should be prepared for some wet weather if they visit during this time.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Derek Dellinger
Review author
your name
your mail
please rate
evaluation of the article on a five-point scale
message text
messages are sent after being
checked by a moderator