If you own property in Cancún — whether it's a vacation home, a rental, or a business — protecting it from hurricanes isn't optional. The Mexican Caribbean is one of the most hurricane-active coastlines in the world, and a single storm can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage to an unprotected property. This guide covers everything you need to know.
The hurricane risk in Cancún
Cancún sits directly in the path of Atlantic and Caribbean hurricanes. Category 5 Hurricane Wilma (2005) caused massive destruction across Quintana Roo. Hurricane Gilbert (1988, Category 4) hit even harder. More recently, Hurricane Delta (2020) and Hurricane Zeta (2020) both caused significant damage to the region.
Statistically, a major hurricane makes landfall somewhere along Mexico's Caribbean coast approximately every 3–4 years. The official season runs June 1 through November 30, with peak activity in August, September, and October.
Types of hurricane protection available in Cancún
1. Hurricane screens and mesh (lonas anticiclónicas)
The most affordable option. Heavy-duty polypropylene or PVC fabric installed over windows and doors. Folds up and stores in a small space when not in use. Best for: budget-conscious owners, vacation properties that sit empty for months.
Typical cost: MX$180–$350 per m² installed.
2. Accordion shutters (cortinas de acordeón)
Permanently installed aluminum panels that fold to one side when open and extend across the window when closed. No storage needed — they're always there when you need them. One movement and you're protected. Best for: primary residences, rental properties, businesses.
Typical cost: MX$2,800–$5,500 per m² installed.
3. Roll-down shutters (persianas enrollables)
Aluminum slats that roll up into a hidden box above the window frame. Completely invisible when open — they don't alter the appearance of your property. Available manual or motorized. Best for: high-end residences where aesthetics matter.
Typical cost: MX$3,500–$7,000 per m² installed.
4. Storm panels (paneles contra tormentas)
Removable panels in aluminum, metal, or Lexan (clear polycarbonate) that attach to tracks installed around your window frames. Store stacked in a garage or utility room. Best for: large openings like garage doors or floor-to-ceiling windows.
Typical cost: MX$1,400–$2,200 per m² installed.
5. Safety film (películas antiastillables)
Applied directly to existing glass. If the glass breaks, the fragments stay attached to the film — no flying shards. The most affordable option per square meter. Best for: properties where structural installation isn't possible, or as an additional layer of protection.
Typical cost: MX$450–$950 per m² installed.
What about impact-resistant glass?
Impact glass is another option, but it requires replacing your existing windows entirely — a much larger investment and a longer installation process. The protection systems above are installed over your existing windows and are significantly more cost-effective.
How much does hurricane protection cost in Cancún?
The total cost depends on the size of your property and the type of protection you choose. A typical 3-bedroom condo with 8–12 windows and 2 doors might cost:
| Type | Estimated total |
|---|---|
| Hurricane screens | MX$18,000 – $35,000 |
| Storm panels | MX$28,000 – $55,000 |
| Accordion shutters | MX$56,000 – $110,000 |
| Roll-down shutters | MX$70,000 – $140,000 |
These are rough estimates. A free technical visit will give you exact pricing for your specific property.
When should you install hurricane protection?
Before the season starts — ideally before May. Once the first tropical storm is named in June, installers in Cancún are booked out for weeks. Prices may increase and availability drops to nearly zero when a hurricane watch is issued.
If you're a foreign property owner who visits Cancún seasonally, the best approach is to have permanent protection (accordion shutters or roll-down shutters) installed once — so your property is protected even when you're not there to close hurricane screens or put up panels.
Is hurricane protection required by Cancún condo regulations?
Many condo developments and hotel zones in Cancún have their own rules about approved hurricane protection types. Check with your condo administration (administración) before purchasing. Some buildings only allow certain types of shutters or have restrictions on exterior modifications.
Getting a quote
We offer free technical visits across Cancún, Riviera Maya, Los Cabos, and Puerto Vallarta. A specialist will assess your property, measure all openings, and give you a fixed quote with no surprises. Most installations are completed in 1–2 days.