Punta Cana Cancun: Which is Better for You?

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Gene Openshaw
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19.09.2022 18:17
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When it comes to romantic getaways for the perfect beach location and a luxe beach vacation, then Punta Cana and Cancun will spring to mind.

The Punta Cana is found in the beautiful Dominican Republic, surrounding the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. It is popular for its scenic beaches, clear waters, and luxe all-inclusive resorts.

Cancun, a spectacular city in Mexico, presents a deeper approach to vacation life, with interesting sites like the Mayan ruins to explore. It is also popular for its beaches, resorts, and booming nightlife.

Although these two idyllic locations present magnificent options to explore, making a choice between Punta Cana or Cancun for a perfect destination might be daunting, as you may feel like you made the wrong choice. This is why we created this article, to help you understand what is available at both locations so you can make a more informed decision.

Punta cana vs cancun boat.

Best Hotels & Resorts in Punta Cana

Best hotel
Punta Cana
Tortuga Bay
5
Free WiFi
Free parking
Pet-friendly
$879.00
Price per night from
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Punta Cana
Eden Roc Cap Cana
5
Pet-friendly
Airport transfer
Pool
$510.00
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Punta Cana
Margaritaville Island Reserve, Cap Cana All inclusive by Karisma
5
Free WiFi
Pool
Free breakfast
$461.00
Price per night from
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Punta Cana
Selectum Hacienda Punta Cana
5
Free WiFi
Free parking
Air conditioning
$450.00
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Punta Cana
Villas Tropical Los Corales Beach & Spa
4
Air conditioning
Free parking
Kitchenette
$287.00
Price per night from
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Punta Cana
Barcelo Bavaro Palace All Inclusive
4
$219.00
Price per night from
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Punta Cana
The Golf Suites
4
Pet friendly
Pool
Free WiFi
$160.00
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Punta Cana
Bavaro Beach Apartment
4
Pool
Free WiFi
Free parking
$47.00
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Punta Cana
Fishing Lodge Cap Cana
4
Gym
Internet access
Microwave
$100.00
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Punta Cana
My Home Hotel Punta Cana
4
Restaurant
24/7 front desk
Laundry facilities
$44.00
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Best Hotels & Resorts in Cancun

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

Punta Cana and Cancun are known for having favorable weather with an average year-round temperature in the high 70°F. There are two major seasons in Punta Cana, the dry and rainy seasons. The rainy season is usually from May to November, while the dry season runs from December to April.

The best time to visit Punta Cana is from March to May, just as the peak tourist season begins to die down. Punta Cana usually experiences some of the effects of the Atlantic hurricane season between June 1 to Nov. 30. Punta Cana is relatively safer from hurricanes than Cancun that has been more frequently hit. However, Cancun is still generally safe to travel to even during the hurricane season. There is also a period of severe tropical storms, especially in October in Punta Cana. However, this does not deter tourists from exploring this city during this period.

The rainy season in Cancun runs from May to October, while the dry season runs through November to April. It is rare to get a shower at this time. The average temperature lies between a high 70°F and a low 80°F. The best time to visit Cancun is from December to April, which coincides with the peak seasons. Although the city is bustling with tourists at this time, you may snag some of the best accommodation deals during this period. The weather is almost perfect during this period, with golden skies and light showers.

Punta cana vs cancun bungalows.

Punta Cana vs Cancun: Average Hotel Price

Cancun and Punta Cana have beautiful hotels/resorts perfect for romantic getaways and couples’ retreats. Hotel prices in Punta Cana and Cancun differ with the seasons.

One of the best times to cut a great deal in Cancun is during the rainy season between July and October. To get even better deals in hotels and resorts, the September, October, and November hurricane season offers lower prices for fun activities in Cancun.

There are fewer crowds and reasonable accommodation in Duncan during the rainy season. September is a low season with fewer crowds. You can snag the lowest accommodation deals at this time. At the same time, the prices usually spike in July, which coincides with the high season with a higher tourist visit.

Punta cana vs cancun top view.

Things to Do in Punta Cana and Cancun

If you are looking forward to sailing, windsurfing or zip-lining then Punta Cana will be great for you. Punta Cana is also a great destination for family vacations as there are water parks and other fun things to do. There is also something for love birds, from the secluded ultra-romantic beach to beautiful sunset. You can also go diving for underwater life. Punta Cana is also great for golfers. If you are looking forward to a nice time in the Caribbean, with luxurious marinas and dreamy spas, then Punta Cana will be great for you.

Cancun, on the other hand, is great for a historical experience. The historical Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, built between 700 and 1100 AD, are a great place to start if you are in Cancun. Even better, you get to explore its scenic beaches and buzzing nightlife. You can also explore the island of Cozumel, which is close to some of the best scrubs sites in the world.

Conclusion: Which is Better Punta Cana or Cancun?

Although Cancun and Punta Cana are popular for their idyllic beauty with the gorgeous offshores and swaying palm trees. They also have unique features. There are no noteworthy historical sites in Punta Cana like they are in Cancun, so if you are looking forward to something historical, then Cancun will be better for you. However, Cancun has slightly rougher and choppier waters than Punta Cana, so if you are looking forward to activities like surfing or body surfing, then Punta Cana will be a better location. Also, Punta Cana has been known to experience severe storms.

There is a lot to consider when choosing an ideal location, more than its beautiful scenery. keep these in mind when deciding what location would be great for you.

FAQ

Is Punta Cana or Cancun better?

If you're looking for a party atmosphere, then Cancun is probably the better choice. However, if you're looking for a more relaxed and laid-back atmosphere, Punta Cana might be a better fit.

What is the difference between Punta Cana and Cancun?

Punta Cana is located in the Dominican Republic, while Cancun is located in Mexico. The climate in Punta Cana is generally hotter than in Cancun, with average temperatures in the summer months reaching into the high 90s. Cancun has a more tropical climate, with average temperatures in the 80s and 90s. Punta Cana also tends to be more humid than Cancun. Punta Cana is known for its luxury resorts, while Cancun is known for its budget-friendly hotels. Punta Cana also has a wider selection of restaurants and bars, as well as more activities for visitors to enjoy, such as golfing and zip-lining.

Is Punta Cana a more expensive vacation than Cancun?

Generally speaking, Punta Cana is slightly more expensive than Cancun.

Is the weather better in Punta Cana or Cancun?

The Dominican Republic is a great place to visit all year round, but the weather is definitely better in Punta Cana. Punta Cana has an average temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit, while Cancun’s average temperature is only 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Punta Cana also has less rainfall than Cancun, so you’re more likely to have sunny days on your vacation. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy the sun and the warm weather, Punta Cana is the place to go.

Are beaches better in Punta Cana or Cancun?

If you want to relax on a beautiful beach, Punta Cana is probably a better choice. If you are looking for a more active vacation with lots of nightlife, Cancun may be a better choice.

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