Best Times for Mahi-Mahi in Cancun (Seasonal Guide)
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The best time to catch mahi-mahi in Cancun is between May and September, with May, June, and July being the peak months with early morning and late afternoon being peak fishing windows.
Below, we will go more in-depth about the ideal months and seasons to catch these game fish if you should ever find yourself fishing in the waters of Cancun.
Table: Best Times for Mahi-Mahi fishing in Cancun
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Best Months | May to September (Peak: May, June, July) |
| Least Favorable Months | Late September to early April |
| Best Time of Day | Daytime, especially sunrise (Also, during a full moon) |
| Best Tide | Between high tides (incoming and outgoing) |
| Water Temperature | Preferably 78 to 82°F |
| Seasonal Breakdown | – Winter: Found in deeper waters offshore (Water temperature 75-80°F) |
| – Spring: Nearshore and offshore, better as summer approaches | |
| – Summer: Prefers near shore, ideal for young fish | |
| – Fall: Tends to head offshore, but still partially present, especially in early fall | |
| Offshore Distance | Up to 110 feet to 800 feet deep |
| Night Fishing | Possible under a full moon and cloudless nights (with live bait) |
| Tidal Conditions | Better during high tide movements, but mostly found offshore unless it’s summertime (nearshore and offshore during peak) |
Table of Contents
Best Times for Mahi-Mahi in Cancun
The best time to fish for Mahi-Mahi in Cancun is between May and September, with the peak months being May, June, and July, when their presence is most prominent. During the end of August and the beginning of September, fishing can be more challenging due to cooler water temperatures.
However, it’s important to note that while Mahi-Mahi can technically be caught any time of the year, the period from late September to early April is considered the least favorable for fishing this species in Cancun.
Best Times Of Day
Mahi-mahi like to feed during the daytime, so it’s best to try and catch them as soon as the sun is up. They like the light to be able to see their food.
However, if the moon is full and high in the sky, this sometimes provides enough light for them, so they will come out to eat then.
You won’t likely find them in large schools if the sky is too dark. Although, if you can time the weather to ensure mostly clear skies with just a little rain, this is a great time to get them to bite. They are aggressive fish attracted to the thrashing and action of rain hitting the water.
Water Temperature
Optimal Water Temperature: Mahi-Mahi in Cancun prefer water temperatures between 78 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
Winter Water Temperature: During the winter months, the water temperature in Cancun typically ranges from 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This is slightly cooler than the Mahi-Mahi’s preferred range, causing them to move to deeper offshore waters.
Year-Round Temperatures: Generally, the water temperatures in Cancun are almost always conducive to Mahi-Mahi fishing, as they often fall within the 78 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit range. However, the temperatures can occasionally drop below this range in winter.
Recommended Dolphin Charters in Cancun
These Cancun-based charters are some of the best at putting you on great fishing action. The captains are knowledgeable and professional and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.
| Recommended Fishing Charters | Location |
| Fishing Cancún Charters | Cancun, Mexico |
| Samaki Cancun Charters | Cancun, Mexico |
| Chartiers Del Mar – La Patrona 46′ | Cancun, Mexico |
| Chartiers Del Mar – El Patrón 46′ | Cancun, Mexico |
| Golu Fishing Charters | Cancun, Mexico |
| Plan B Charters | Cancun, Mexico |
| Sportfishingcancun – El Guapo | Cancun, Mexico |
| Family Fishing Cancun | Cancun, Mexico |
| My Caribbean Deals | Cancun, Mexico |
| Bonita Fishing Team | Cancun, Mexico |
| Good Life Fishing | Cancun, Mexico |
I recommend this Penn Pursuit Spinning Rod & Reel combo (available on Amazon) for inshore and nearshore fishing. It can handle everything from redfish to snapper and king mackerel. The Penn Battalion Series Spinning Rod and the Penn Battle Spinning Reel are fantastic if you want to create your combo.
Seasonal Breakdown of Mahi-Mahi Fishing in Cancun
The ideal times to fish for mahi-mahi are affected by the seasons. Below, we have broken it down for you between the four seasons.
Spring (March to May)
- Peak Season: Spring marks the beginning of the peak season for Mahi-Mahi in Cancun. The warming waters bring an abundance of these fish.
- Fishing Conditions: Calmer seas and increasing temperatures create ideal conditions.
- Tips: Focus on offshore fishing trips as Mahi-Mahi are often found in deeper waters.
Summer (June to August)
- High Season Continues: The warmest months of the year are excellent for Mahi-Mahi fishing.
- Fishing Techniques: Trolling with live bait or brightly colored lures can be particularly effective.
- Considerations: Early morning or late afternoon trips can be more comfortable due to the heat.
Fall (September to November)
- Season Transition: As water temperatures begin to cool, Mahi-Mahi fishing can still be productive, especially in early fall.
- Variable Weather: Be aware of changing weather patterns and occasional storms.
- Strategy: Look for Mahi-Mahi near floating debris or weed lines, as they often seek shelter and prey in these areas.
Winter (December to February)
- Off-Peak Season: While not the peak season, you can still find Mahi-Mahi, albeit in smaller numbers.
- Weather Watch: Cooler and sometimes unpredictable weather can affect fishing conditions.
- Opportunity: Less fishing pressure means less competition and potentially a more relaxed fishing experience.
Night Fishing Mahi-Mahi in Cancun
You can night fish for mahi-mahi, as they will typically feed at night if there’s enough light. I recommend fishing under a full moon on cloudless nights
Mahi-mahi like to eat when they have enough light to see what they are doing. If the moon is not high or bright enough, chances are you won’t be able to catch them while night fishing. However, you could always go out at night to catch the bait fish to use for the morning.
For night fishing, use live bait as this will be more likely to attract them due to the attention the baitfish will attract from moving and thrashing around. Artificial lights like from commercial boats and bouys can draw in baitfish and squid that attract bigger fish.
Tides & Dolphin
While tides do not have a substantial direct impact on Mahi-Mahi fishing in offshore waters, their indirect effects through changes in currents, baitfish behavior, and the formation of structures like weed lines can influence fishing conditions. However, factors like water temperature, weather conditions, and time of year are generally more critical for Mahi-Mahi fishing success in Cancun.
For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Cancun, check out this helpful guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Ascension Bay, check out this helpful guide.
