The best time to fish in Cancún depends on what you want to catch. Sailfish peak January to April. Mahi and marlin peak May to July. Wahoo peak in the winter months, November to February. Blackfin tuna are best April to June. Snapper, grouper and barracuda bite all year.
What is biting in your month?
Fishing in Cancún in January
In January, the best fishing is for Sailfish and Wahoo. Also good: Blackfin tuna.
Always biting: red snapper, grouper, barracuda, amberjack and triggerfish.
Winter north winds can make some days rough. If the port closes, we move you to a new date, or give you a full refund.
Fishing in Cancún in February
In February, the best fishing is for Sailfish and Wahoo. Also good: Blackfin tuna.
Always biting: red snapper, grouper, barracuda, amberjack and triggerfish.
Winter north winds can make some days rough. If the port closes, we move you to a new date, or give you a full refund.
Fishing in Cancún in March
In March, the best fishing is for Sailfish. Also good: Wahoo and Blackfin tuna.
Always biting: red snapper, grouper, barracuda, amberjack and triggerfish.
Winter north winds can make some days rough. If the port closes, we move you to a new date, or give you a full refund.
Fishing in Cancún in April
In April, the best fishing is for Sailfish and Blackfin tuna. Also good: Mahi-mahi, Marlin and Wahoo.
Always biting: red snapper, grouper, barracuda, amberjack and triggerfish.
Fishing in Cancún in May
In May, the best fishing is for Mahi-mahi and Blackfin tuna. Also good: Sailfish, Marlin and Wahoo.
Always biting: red snapper, grouper, barracuda, amberjack and triggerfish.
Fishing in Cancún in June
In June, the best fishing is for Mahi-mahi, Marlin and Blackfin tuna. Also good: Sailfish and Wahoo.
Always biting: red snapper, grouper, barracuda, amberjack and triggerfish.
Fishing in Cancún in July
In July, the best fishing is for Mahi-mahi and Marlin. Also good: Sailfish and Blackfin tuna.
Always biting: red snapper, grouper, barracuda, amberjack and triggerfish.
Fishing in Cancún in August
In August, no fish is at its absolute peak, but there is still plenty to catch. Also good: Mahi-mahi and Marlin.
Always biting: red snapper, grouper, barracuda, amberjack and triggerfish.
Fishing in Cancún in September
In September, no fish is at its absolute peak, but there is still plenty to catch. Also good: Mahi-mahi.
Always biting: red snapper, grouper, barracuda, amberjack and triggerfish.
Fishing in Cancún in October
In October, no fish is at its absolute peak, but there is still plenty to catch.
Always biting: red snapper, grouper, barracuda, amberjack and triggerfish.
Fishing in Cancún in November
In November, the best fishing is for Wahoo. Also good: Blackfin tuna.
Always biting: red snapper, grouper, barracuda, amberjack and triggerfish.
Fishing in Cancún in December
In December, the best fishing is for Wahoo. Also good: Sailfish and Blackfin tuna.
Always biting: red snapper, grouper, barracuda, amberjack and triggerfish.
Winter north winds can make some days rough. If the port closes, we move you to a new date, or give you a full refund.
The year at a glance
Orange means peak season. Blue means good. Bottom fish bite all year.
| Fish | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Sailfish |
Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Good | Not typical | Not typical | Not typical | Not typical | Good |
 Mahi-mahi (dorado) |
Not typical | Not typical | Not typical | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Not typical | Not typical | Not typical |
 Marlin (blue and white) |
Not typical | Not typical | Not typical | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Good | Not typical | Not typical | Not typical | Not typical |
 Wahoo |
Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Good | Good | Not typical | Not typical | Not typical | Not typical | Peak | Peak |
 Blackfin tuna |
Good | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Not typical | Not typical | Not typical | Good | Good |
| Snapper, grouper, barracuda, amberjack, triggerfish | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good |
Meet the fish
Sailfish
Our signature fish. They gather off Isla Mujeres in winter and spring.
Peak: January to April
Good: May to July and December
Mahi-mahi (dorado)
Fast, colorful and great on the grill. Summer is their time.
Peak: May to July
Good: April and August to September
Marlin (blue and white)
The big one. Less common than sailfish, but summer gives you a real shot.
Peak: June to July
Good: April to May and August
Wahoo
Fast and powerful. Winter is when our captains see the best wahoo.
Peak: November to February
Good: March to June
Blackfin tuna
Here most of the year, with the best action in late spring.
Peak: April to June
Good: July and November to March
Snapper, grouper, barracuda, amberjack, triggerfish
Reef and bottom fish. We catch them year-round, and they are the sure thing on any trip.
Good: all year
Questions about fishing seasons
When is the best time to fish in Cancún?
It depends on the fish. Sailfish peak January to April, mahi and marlin peak May to July, wahoo peak November to February, and blackfin tuna are best April to June. Snapper, grouper and barracuda bite all year, so there is always something to catch.
What fish are in season right now?
Pick the current month in the month picker near the top of this page. It shows the peak and good fish for that month, with photos.
Can you guarantee I will catch a certain fish?
No. Nobody can. These months are a guide based on years of fishing these waters. Weather, currents and luck change day to day, and your captain will go where the fish are.
Do you fish all year?
Yes. The bottom fishing is good every month, and offshore trolling changes with the seasons. Winter north winds can close the port on some days. If that happens, we move you to a new date first, or give you a full refund.
Which boat should I pick for the fish I want?
For offshore trolling (sailfish, marlin, mahi, wahoo), the bigger sport boats give you more room and range. Smaller boats fish closer to shore and the reef. Not sure? Message Captain Travis and tell him what you want to catch.
Ready to go?
Pick your boat, pick your date, and book online. Gear, bait and drinks are included.
Last reviewed November 2026. Written by the captains and crew at Don Chingon Charters, fishing out of Cancún since 2016.