Will there be sargassum in Cancún this week?

Check the 7-day forecast widget above for current predictions by beach. Conditions are modeled daily using satellite data, ocean current patterns, and historical trends for each of the 9 monitored beaches.

Which beaches have the lowest sargassum risk?

Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres and the west coast of Cozumel consistently show the lowest sargassum risk due to their sheltered geography. North Cancún also fares better than South Cancún and Riviera Maya beaches like Tulum and Playa del Carmen, which face directly into Atlantic currents.

How accurate is the sargassum forecast?

The forecast is based on the same satellite data and ocean current models used by researchers. Short-range forecasts (1–3 days) are most reliable. Beyond 4 days, weather variability and tidal shifts reduce accuracy. Always check live conditions the day before you visit.

Updated Daily

7-Day Sargassum Forecast — Cancún & Riviera Maya

Q: When is sargassum season in Mexico?

Sargassum season in Mexico typically runs from May through October, peaking in June and July. However, 2026 has seen early arrivals starting in January and March — earlier than the historical average. The safest months are November through February.

Q: Is 2026 a bad sargassum year for the Riviera Maya?

Yes — the University of South Florida sargassum outlook forecasts 2026 as a potentially record or near-record year. Early arrivals were confirmed along Quintana Roo beaches in January and March 2026, well ahead of the typical season start.

Will the beach be clear when you arrive? This 7-day outlook covers all 9 monitored beaches — Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, Akumal, Puerto Morelos, and more. Updated daily from satellite data so you can plan around the best conditions.

Last updated: Loading...

This forecast uses the same real-time satellite data as the homepage. Short-range predictions (1–3 days) are most reliable. Beyond day 4, treat as a trend indicator and check live conditions before you go.

Sargassum Level Key

Clear — No sargassum

Light — Minimal impact

Moderate — Noticeable presence

Heavy — Significant accumulation

Loading forecast data...

Forecast Accuracy by Day Range

Today & Tomorrow

Matches live conditions closely. High confidence.

Days 2–4

Based on current satellite patterns. Moderate confidence.

Days 5–7

Trend-based estimate. Use as planning guide only.

Forecast generated: Loading...

Sargassum Forecast — Common Questions

When is sargassum season in Mexico?

Sargassum season typically runs May through October, peaking in June and July. 2026 has seen unusually early arrivals starting in January and March. The safest window for clear beaches is November through February — though conditions can vary significantly by beach even during peak season.

Is 2026 a bad sargassum year?

Yes. The University of South Florida's sargassum outlook projects 2026 as a potentially record or near-record year. Early arrivals were confirmed along Quintana Roo beaches in January and March — months ahead of the historical average. Peak season (June–August) warrants extra caution, especially at exposed beaches like Tulum and Playa del Carmen.

Which beaches have the least sargassum?

Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres and Cozumel's west coast are the most consistently protected — both face away from Atlantic currents. North Cancún is the safest mainland option. Tulum and Playa del Carmen face directly east and receive the heaviest accumulations during peak months. See the beach-by-beach conditions for current status.

How accurate is this sargassum forecast?

Day 1–3 forecasts closely match live conditions. Beyond day 4, weather shifts and tidal patterns reduce reliability — treat longer-range forecasts as a directional guide, not a guarantee. Always check live conditions the morning of your visit.

See Live Conditions Right Now

The forecast shows trends — the live map shows what's actually happening at each beach today.

View Live Map