Holbox Snorkeling Season
The Holbox snorkeling season for whale sharks is 15 May to 17 September, strongest in July and August; the Cabo Catoche reef runs all year.
January
Cabo Catoche snorkel and fishing
February
Cabo Catoche snorkel and fishing
March
Cabo Catoche snorkel and fishing
April
Cabo Catoche snorkel and fishing
May
June
Search and swim with whale sharks
July
Search and swim with whale sharks
August
Search and swim with whale sharks
September
Search and swim with whale sharks
October
Cabo Catoche snorkel and fishing
November
Cabo Catoche snorkel and fishing
December
Cabo Catoche snorkel and fishing
Come in July or August for the best chance of whale sharks; from October to April snorkel the Cabo Catoche reef, which runs all year.
- Whale shark swimming: 15 May – 17 September only, 7:00–14:00.
- Peak months: July and August; May and September are hit and miss.
- The reef at Cabo Catoche runs all twelve months.
- Bioluminescence is best June–October on moonless nights.
- Sea temperature: 25 °C in January–February, 29 °C July–October.
Holbox Snorkeling Season for Whale Sharks in Detail
The window is set by law, 15 May – 17 September, and the sharks are most reliable in July and August.
- Swimming is allowed only between 7:00 and 14:00.
- In May sightings are hit and miss; in September numbers thin out.
- Tour calendars on GetYourGuide open from 15 May.
Holbox Snorkeling Season Month by Month
Each month in one line — what you can snorkel and what to watch for.
| Month | Whale sharks | Night glow | Sea | Watch for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | No | Weak | 25 °C | Northerly winds can cancel boats. |
| February | No | Weak | 25 °C | Northerly winds easing. |
| March | No | Weak | 26 °C | Dry season. |
| April | No | Weak | 27 °C | Dry, warm. |
| May | From 15 May | Weak | 28 °C | Sargassum season starts. |
| June | Yes | Good | 28 °C | Hurricane season begins 1 June. |
| July | Peak | Best | 29 °C | Afternoon storms. |
| August | Peak | Best | 29 °C | Hurricane risk rising. |
| September | To 17 Sep | Good | 29 °C | Wettest month. |
| October | No | Good, fading | 29 °C | Peak hurricane risk. |
| November | No | Weak | 27 °C | Northerly winds begin. |
| December | No | Weak | 26 °C | Northerly winds can cancel boats. |
The reef at Cabo Catoche runs all twelve months. Compare the reef tours
Best Time in the Holbox Snorkeling Season by Goal
The month depends on what you came for.
Holbox Snorkeling Season Outside the Whale Shark Months
From October to April the reef is the snorkel day, and it's a good one.
Winter winds
Northerly winds from November to February can cancel small boats for a day; book with free cancellation.
Cooler water
Water drops to 25–26 °C in winter; a shorty wetsuit helps.
Holbox Snorkeling Season FAQ
What is the best month for whale sharks in Holbox?
July and August. The season runs from 15 May to 17 September, but early May and late September are less reliable.
Can you see whale sharks in Holbox in October?
No. Whale shark swimming closes on 17 September; from October the reef at Cabo Catoche is the snorkel option.
When is the best time to snorkel in Holbox?
For whale sharks, July–August; for the reef, any month, with the fewest weather cancellations usually from March to May.
What is the water temperature in Holbox?
About 25 °C in January and February and 29 °C from July to October.
When is bioluminescence best in Holbox?
June to October, strongest in July and August, on moonless nights; a full moon washes out the glow.
Is hurricane season a problem for snorkeling in Holbox?
Hurricane season runs from 1 June to 30 November, with most risk from late August to October. Tours are canceled when conditions are unsafe, and all tours here have free cancellation.
Is sargassum a problem in Holbox?
It is heaviest from May to August and clears by November; Holbox usually gets less than the Caribbean coast.
Do I need to book whale shark tours in advance?
In July and August, yes: boats are small and fill up. Book with free cancellation and check the forecast the day before.
Book Your Holbox Snorkeling Season Tour
Whale sharks from 15 May to 17 September, the reef all year; both have free cancellation.