The Best Time to Visit Playa del Carmen According to a Local

Are you wondering what is the best time to visit Playa del Carmen? You’ve come to the right guide!

As a travel blogger who has lived in Playa del Carmen for many years, I’ve been able to experience the weather every month of the year! 

While the weather in Playa del Carmen can be unpredictable at times, you can enjoy any month in Playa del Carmen if you know what to expect.

In this month-by-month guide, I’ll let you in on the best time to visit Playa del Carmen so you can plan your vacation to the Riviera Maya accordingly.

Ready to find out the best month to vacation in Playa del Carmen? Let’s get started!

November is the best month to visit Playa del Carmen, based on my experience living in Playa del Carmen for many years.

November is right before the start of high season, so it’s less touristy than December and January. Fewer crowds mean lower prices, as well.

November also has pretty mild weather. It’s cooled down from the hot summer months and is also not too rainy or cold.

That said, there isn’t really a bad time to visit Playa del Carmen as there’s warm weather here all year round. 

So don’t worry if you have a limited window to use your vacation days. There are rainier months and hotter months, but it’s pretty easy to enjoy your vacation regardless.

The worst time to visit Playa del Carmen is in July and August as these are the hottest months of the year and the humidity can be pretty intense. 

Trust me, you won’t be able to walk outside without dripping in sweat!  And ladies, you can pretty much give up on styling your hair!

Additionally, the seaweed in Playa del Carmen is typically worse during the summer months, although conditions can change daily and levels can vary from year to year.

The summer months are also during the rainy season in Playa del Carmen so the chances of rain will be higher.  However, storms tend to pass quickly and there will still be plenty of sun.

That being said, if you have to visit during the summer, you can still cool off at the hotel pool or visit one of the cenotes near Playa del Carmen.  You’ll just need to be prepared for the heat! 

Playa del Carmen high season is from December through April. It’s a period of time when there are a lot more travelers and tourists in Playa del Carmen.

The “peak tourist season” during this time is around Christmas and New Year at the end of December into January and around Easter Week (Semana Santa in Mexico) in April. 

Semana Santa is one of the biggest holidays in Mexico, so many Mexicans travel during the week.

There’s also a high season during July and August when people are on summer vacation, though it’s typically much more crowded in the winter high season.

Fifth Avenue, public beaches, and other tourist hot spots are busier, and prices for flights, tours, and hotels in Playa del Carmen tend to be much higher.

Playa del Carmen low season is from May to June and September to October. This is when fewer tourists and travelers are coming to the area.

September to October is the other Playa del Carmen off season period. This is back to school time and also the middle of hurricane season, so fewer people travel.

But even though the low season can be either hot or rainy, it’s the most affordable time to travel to Playa. There are also fewer people around, so it isn’t as crowded.

The dry season in Playa del Carmen lasts from December to April, with March being the driest month.

Although very little rain falls during this time, a few scattered showers or short heavy rain may occur.

Humidity is also relatively low during the dry season, making visiting much more pleasant. However, humidity begins to climb in March and onward.

Playa del Carmen rainy season is from May to November. Rain, wind, and stormy weather are most likely during these months.

The wettest month of the year is June, with October behind it. Humidity is also very high during the rainy season, making it feel even hotter.

Humidity becomes more of a problem during peak summer months when you’re battling higher temperatures alongside more humidity.

Don’t worry too much if you have to visit during the rainy season. Even though there’s much more rain and spurts of heavy rain, it usually doesn’t rain all day in Playa del Carmen.

Oftentimes, the rain comes in heavy bursts, downpouring for about 30 minutes or so before lightening up. And sometimes, it only sprinkles on and off throughout the night or day.

However, there are a few days when it will rain all day, so you’ll want to be prepared for this possibility.

Fortunately, there are many restaurants, shops, bars, and spas in Playa del Carmen that it’s easy to find a place to stay dry during rainy days. 

Or you can head to an underground cenote like Rio Secreto or Cenote Taak Bi Ha.

Playa del Carmen hurricane season is from May to November with the highest risk of hurricane activity from July to October.

However, the risk of an intense hurricane touching the coast in Playa del Carmen is low. There were no major hurricanes in 2022 in the Riviera Maya. 

Playa del Carmen has experienced only two Category 5 hurricanes: Hurricane Gilbert in 1988 and Hurricane Wilma in 2005.

So, don’t let the fear of hurricane season prevent you from traveling during this time. Many resources and preparation plans are also available to tourists.

The best thing you can do is monitor the weather forecast and pay attention to a hurricane watch or warning.

You can also sign up for STEP, a program designed by the US Department of State for US citizens abroad. Once you sign up, they will send you email alerts like the one below.

Peak seaweed season in Playa del Carmen is usually between June and August when the water temperatures are highest. 

Sadly, seaweed (“sargazo” in Spanish) has become an unfortunate reality in the Riviera Maya over the last few years.

When I first moved to Playa del Carmen in 2018, the seaweed was at its all time worst. Since then, it has still stuck around but hasn’t been quite as bad. 

Conditions can change daily but most hotels are pretty good about clearing it off the beaches in Playa del Carmen on a daily basis.

If you want to avoid the seaweed, I recommend visiting in the winter months or the shoulder seasons between the rainy and dry seasons.

You can also read my Playa del Carmen seaweed survival guide for more tips and seaweed-free activities.

Yes, you can swim all year round in Playa del Carmen. The water temperatures are usually much warmer in the summer but also pretty warm in the winter.

The water temperatures typically fall between 78°F (25.5°C) and 87°F (30.5°C). June through November are the warmest months regarding water temperature.

The water can sometimes feel chilly in the winter, but it really isn’t that bad.  It’s mainly when you get out of the water and there’s a breeze.

So you can typically feel comfortable swimming in the ocean or in the hotel pool in Playa del Carmen at any time of year.

Here’s a chart of the Playa del Carmen average temperatures at a glance:

Playa del Carmen in January

On average, January in Playa del Carmen is the coldest month and has the lowest humidity. But when I say cold, it’s just in comparison to the other months and still has highs in the 80s! 

So you can definitely still enjoy warm and sunny days. You might just want to bring a light sweater or shawl, pants, and sweatpants for the evenings and early mornings.

New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are also good times to be in Playa del Carmen. Many bars and restaurants offer specials, and many people stay up all night to ring in the New Year and watch the fireworks on the beach.

Day Zero Festival is one of the key events in the Yucatan Peninsula. It’s a music/alternative festival in nearby Tulum that’s usually held in the middle of January.

Playa del Carmen in February

• ☀️ Average High Temperature: 82°F (28°C)
• ❄️ Average Low Temperature: 69°F (20°C)
• ☔️ Average Rainfall: 29 mm (1.1 in)
• 🥵 Average Humidity: 76%

Playa del Carmen Events in February: Carnaval, The Arena Festival, Día de la Constitución, Día de la Candelaria

Things start to warm up just a little in February, but it’s still very similar weather to December.

You’ll need your typical vacation clothes, a light jacket, and pants for the cooler evenings. There’s very little chance of rain, as well.

The highlight of February events in Playa del Carmen is Carnaval. Although the festival originated in Brazil, it’s becoming more popular in places like Playa del Carmen. Cozumel also does a large parade for Carnaval every year.

The Arena Festival is an annual festival that used to be held in Playa del Carmen and is now in Cozumel. It’s an LGBTQ+ festival with many parties, good music, and good times.

Playa del Carmen in March

• ☀️ Average High Temperature: 84°F (29°C)
• ❄️ Average Low Temperature: 71°F (22°C)
• ☔️ Average Rainfall: 24 mm (.94 in)
• 🥵 Average Humidity: 74%

Playa del Carmen Events in March: Spring Equinox, Semana Santa

March has some of the best weather in Playa del Carmen. There’s little chance of rain, still relatively low humidity, and warm days and nights.

The spring equinox occurs around March 21st. It is primarily celebrated at the Mayan archeological site of Chichén Itzá. 

Thousands of people travel each year to visit Chichen Itza and watch the snake spiral down the pyramid’s steps during the equinox.

Semana Santa, a holy week when most Mexican nationals have off, can also fall in late March. During this time, many people travel to Playa del Carmen, and there are various celebrations around town.

Playa del Carmen in April

• ☀️ Average High Temperature: 86°F (30°C)
• ❄️ Average Low Temperature: 73°F (23°C)
• ☔️ Average Rainfall: 43 mm (1.69 in)
• 🥵 Average Humidity: 76%

Playa del Carmen Events in April: Semana Santa

Temperatures rise into April, but it’s still pretty clear weather. There is more rain than in previous months, but not too much.

Humidity rises with temperatures but is still below average, so it’s also bearable.

Semana Santa can run into April. In 2023, it began at the beginning of April. But in 2024, it will begin at the end of March.

Playa del Carmen in May

• ☀️ Average High Temperature: 88°F (31°C)
• ❄️ Average Low Temperature: 76°F (25°C)
• ☔️ Average Rainfall: 86 mm (3.4 in)
• 🥵 Average Humidity: 77%

Playa del Carmen Events in May: Mexican Labor Day, Cinco de Mayo

In May, weather and humidity start to climb some more, and rain averages increase. You’ll want to bring cool clothes, protective clothing from the sun, and maybe a compact umbrella and light poncho, just in case.

Mexican Labor Day is on May 1st, so that day many locals will have off. Also, even though most of Mexico doesn’t celebrate Cinco de Mayo, you might see a few specials and events for the Americanized holiday.

Playa del Carmen in June

• ☀️ Average High Temperature: 89°F (32°C)
• ❄️ Average Low Temperature: 78°F (26°C)
• ☔️ Average Rainfall: 169 mm (6.7 in)
• 🥵 Average Humidity: 79%

Playa del Carmen Events in June: None

June is the first month of the calendar year when the rain really picks up and the humidity starts to soar. 

Of course, you’ll want to bring a bathing suit for the pool or cenotes on hot days, and an umbrella and rain jacket, just in case you get caught in bad weather.

Playa del Carmen in July

• ☀️ Average High Temperature: 90°F (32°C)
• ❄️ Average Low Temperature: 77°F (25°C)
• ☔️ Average Rainfall: 81 mm (3.2 in)
• 🥵 Average Humidity: 77%

Playa del Carmen Events in July: Día de la Virgen del Carmen

July is another hot month in Playa del Carmen. There’s a decent chance of rain and sun, so you should prepare for both.

Día de la Virgen del Carmen is a notable festival in Playa del Carmen, usually celebrated on July 16th. 

The festival originated in Spain and honors the “goddess of the seas.” Some sort of parade usually takes place around 5th Avenue.

Playa del Carmen in August

• ☀️ Average High Temperature: 90°F (32°C)
• ❄️ Average Low Temperature: 77°F (25°C)
• ☔️ Average Rainfall: 116 mm (4.6 in)
• 🥵 Average Humidity: 77%

Playa del Carmen Events in August: None

July and August are the two hottest months in Mexico. So, come prepared for heat and humidity.

I recommend bringing one or two bathing suits at a minimum and staying cool by the pool, beach, or cenote.

There are no public holidays in August and very few events, possibly because of the hot weather.

Playa del Carmen in September

• ☀️ Average High Temperature: 88°F (31°C)
• ❄️ Average Low Temperature: 76°F (25°C)
• ☔️ Average Rainfall: 130 mm (5.1 in)
• 🥵 Average Humidity: 78%

Playa del Carmen Events in September: Autumn Equinox, Mexican Independence Day

September is the third-rainiest month in Playa del Carmen, so you should be prepared for some heavy and light rain. It’s also still relatively humid and hot.

The Autumn Equinox is in September, and thousands of people gather at Chichen Itza to watch the snake crawl down the pyramid steps. 

Mexican Independence Day is also September 16th, and there are many parties and festivities at restaurants and bars in Playa del Carmen.

Playa del Carmen in October

• ☀️ Average High Temperature: 86°F (30°C)
• ❄️ Average Low Temperature: 75°F (24°C)
• ☔️ Average Rainfall: 154 mm (6.1 in)
• 🥵 Average Humidity: 78%

Playa del Carmen Events in October: Festival of Life and Death at Xcaret, Day of the Dead (Dia de Muertos), Halloween

October is one of the rainiest months of the year but also full of fun and excitement, so don’t let the weather “rain on your parade.” Come prepared with a rain jacket and umbrella for the wet days and nights.

They do celebrate Halloween in Mexico and in Playa del Carmen, children usually dress up on Halloween night and trick-or-treat around Fifth Avenue.

October is also the start of the Day of the Dead in Playa del Carmen, which runs into November.

There are many parades, face-painting activities, and other festivities. Xcaret hosts a Festival of Life and Death Traditions that starts around October 30th.

Playa del Carmen in November

• ☀️ Average High Temperature: 84°F (29°C)
• ❄️ Average Low Temperature: 73°F (23°C)
• ☔️ Average Rainfall: 82 mm (3.2 in)
• 🥵 Average Humidity: 77%

Playa del Carmen Events in November: Festival of Life and Death by Xcaret, Day of the Dead, Buen Fin, Día de la Revolución, Riviera Maya Jazz Festival, Thanksgiving

As mentioned, November is the best time to go to Playa del Carmen. There is significantly less rain in November, which marks the end of the rainy and hurricane season. 

Around this time, humidity also plummets, and things start to cool down. It stays warm day and night, so you should be okay with a typical beach vacation packing list.

There’s a lot of fun around November. Although Day of the Dead festivities begin at the end of October, the holiday officially takes place on November 1st and 2nd.

There’s also Buen Fin, a nationwide shopping day the weekend before Revolution Day (Día de la Revolución). Many stores offer massive discounts, comparable to Black Friday in the United States.

The Riviera Maya Jazz Music Festival usually occurs at the end of November. It’s held on the beach and is a must-see for music lovers and jazz enthusiasts. I went a few years ago and Norah Jones was the headliner!

Americans also celebrate Thanksgiving in Mexico and there are typically special Thanksgiving dinners available at Playa del Carmen restaurants and resorts.

Playa del Carmen in December

• ☀️ Average High Temperature: 82°F (28°C)
• ❄️ Average Low Temperature: 70°F (21°C)
• ☔️ Average Rainfall: 53 mm (2.1 in)
• 🥵 Average Humidity: 77%

Playa del Carmen Events in December: Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe, Christmas, Day of the Innocents, New Year’s Eve

December in Playa del Carmen is an ideal time to visit because of the great weather–it’s warm during the day and cooler in the evenings. 

There’s little chance of rain, and humidity is also low. There’s a reason it’s become so popular for snowbirds fleeing the cold north around December.

December is a great time of year to visit Playa del Carmen if you’re fine with the crowds and are looking for a more lively atmosphere.

Before Christmas, Playa del Carmen starts to get busy. It’s a magical place to spend the holidays if you want to escape the cold. 

Of course, you won’t get your typical winter wonderland but there are still Christmas and holiday decorations all around 5th Avenue and the Palacio Municipal. 

If you’re planning a trip to the Riviera Maya, you may wonder about the best time to visit Playa del Carmen.

Information online can be overwhelming, especially for a place like Playa del Carmen, where it’s basically warm year-round.

But as a travel blogger who has lived in Playa del Carmen for years, I can let you in on a little secret. 

November is the best time of year to visit Playa del Carmen Mexico because it’s not as busy as the winter holiday months, and it’s the end of the rainy season.

However, don’t worry if you can’t make November work. There are plenty of advantages to other Playa del Carmen seasons and months, as well.

No matter which month you choose to visit Playa del Carmen, you can still have an unforgettable vacation in the Mexican Caribbean!