Cabo Catoche

Cape Northern tip of Yucatán peninsula, notable fishing area

At the Yucatán’s northern tip, Cabo Catoche marks the marine divide between Gulf and Caribbean currents. Day-trippers come for fishing, snorkeling, and boat trips to nearby sandbars and bird colonies; access usually from coastal towns in Quintana Roo.

Main image

Cabo Catoche is a cape on the northern shore of the Yucatán Peninsula in Quintana Roo, Mexico, marking a notable coastal point where continental shoreline meets a series of shallow channels and reefs. The headland is important for local fisheries and coastal ecology.

Shallow waters, sandbars and nearby reefs create areas used for fishing, birdlife and coastal exploration rather than large sandy beaches; boat trips and small-boat fishing are common activities. The cape forms a navigational reference point for trips to nearby islands and lagoon systems.

The headland has long been used as a maritime reference point by local seafarers and has featured in regional coastal charts and navigation guides. Its proximity to important coastal wetlands and fisheries has shaped local settlement and use patterns.

Located on the northern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula in Quintana Roo, Cabo Catoche lies along the shore north of the lagoon systems and islands off the eastern tip of the peninsula, reachable by coastal roads and small boats.

  • Coastal geography: Forms a prominent cape at the northern edge of the eastern Yucatán coastline where shallow sandbanks and reef patches are common, giving rise to rich coastal habitats.
  • Access: Accessible by road along the northern Yucatán coast and often visited by local fishers and day-trippers from nearby coastal towns and islands.
Cabo Catoche
21.6047, -87.1032

Tips for Visiting Cabo Catoche #

  • Plan a boat departure from Chiquilá or Holbox and go early in the morning for calmer seas and to maximize birdlife and marine visibility around the cape.
  • Tell your skipper you want to approach the sandbars and shallow reef areas near Cabo Catoche-the best wildlife viewing (shorebirds, terns and occasional sea turtles) is along the shallower edges rather than from a wide pass-by.
  • Check local operators for combined tours with nearby Holbox or Ría Lagartos options; combining the cape visit with a flamingo/birdwatching trip or a reef snorkel day makes the remote location more worthwhile.

Best Time to Visit Cabo Catoche #

Cabo Catoche is best visited in the dry season (November-April) for calm seas and the best snorkeling conditions.

Dry season (best)
November-April · 24-32°C
Calmer seas, lower rainfall and better visibility make this the best time for boat trips and snorkeling around the cape.
Rainy/hurricane season (less ideal)
June-November · 25-32°C
Higher chance of heavy rain and storms, with peak hurricane risk in August-October-check forecasts and local advisories before travel.
Shoulder months
May, October · 24-32°C
May and October can offer a compromise with fewer tourists than peak winter months but still decent weather-conditions are variable.

Weather & Climate near Cabo Catoche #

Climate

Tropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and warm winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 17°C to 33°C. Abundant rainfall (1054 mm/year), wettest in September.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
33°
Warmest Month
17°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm).

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
18° 28°

Weather

45 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 17°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm).

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
17° 28°

Weather

40 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm).

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Warm
24°C
Temperature
19° 30°

Weather

32 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 20°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm).

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
20° 31°

Weather

44 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 22°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
22° 33°

Weather

86 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (137 mm).

Comfort

28°
Feels Like Warm
28°C
Temperature
23° 33°

Weather

137 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 33°C and lows of 23°C. Significant rainfall (113 mm).

Comfort

28°
Feels Like Warm
28°C
Temperature
23° 33°

Weather

113 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

August

August is the warmest month with highs of 33°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (127 mm).

Comfort

28°
Feels Like Warm
28°C
Temperature
23° 33°

Weather

127 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

September

September is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 22°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (178 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
23° 32°

Weather

178 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

October

October is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (129 mm).

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
22° 31°

Weather

129 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 20°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm).

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
20° 29°

Weather

70 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm).

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
18° 28°

Weather

53 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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