Cancun vs Istanbul

Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Cancun edges ahead as the better destination in December. Cancun offers 9 hours of daily sunshine with only 11 rain days, while Istanbul sees 5 sunshine hours and 13 rain days.

Cancun sits in the comfortable travel range at 26°C. Istanbul is cooler at 10°C.

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Cancun is the stronger choice in December. Cancun receives 4 more hours of sunshine per day, which matters for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Cancun reaches an average high of 26°C (79°F) and drops to 23°C (73°F) at night during December. The daily temperature range is 3°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.

Istanbul averages 10°C (50°F) for the high and 6°C (43°F) for the low, with a daily range of 4°C. There is a notable 16°C gap between the two cities, so expect a very different feel.

Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in December.

Cancun receives approximately 53 mm of rainfall across 11 rain days during December. You can expect rain roughly every other day.

Istanbul sees 99 mm over 13 rain days. That makes Cancun the drier option by 2 rain days and 46 mm of total precipitation.

Humidity also differs: Cancun averages 78% while Istanbul sits at 65%. Cancun will feel muggier, especially at higher temperatures.