Best time to visit · Playa del Carmen · Mexico
The best time to visit Playa del Carmen
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Río Secreto, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Quick answer
The best time to visit Playa del Carmen is from late November to April, the dry season, with sunny days, lower humidity and calm seas. It is also the most expensive period, especially around Christmas, New Year and Easter. May to August is hotter and cheaper, with some rain and seaweed; September and October bring the highest hurricane risk.
Key facts
- Best months
- November–April
- Shoulder season
- May–August
- Warmest month
- July (avg high 33°C (91°F))
- Coldest month
- January (avg high 28°C (82°F))
- Rainiest month
- September (~14 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- September–October
Seasons
Playa del Carmen is warm all year. The dry season from December to April brings sunshine and lower humidity, while June to October is hotter and wetter, with short tropical downpours and hurricane risk peaking in September and October. Sargassum seaweed often arrives in spring and summer.
December–April
Dry season
Sunny, breezy and the most comfortable weather, with occasional windy cold fronts; peak prices and crowds.
May–July
Early rainy season
Hot and humid with short afternoon showers, fewer visitors and frequent sargassum on some beaches.
August–October
Hurricane peak
The hottest, wettest months and the highest chance of tropical storms; deep discounts on hotels.
November
Late autumn
Calmer seas, easing rain, the jazz festival and moderate prices before the winter rush.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Sea | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28°C | 19°C | 7 | 26°C | 11 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| February | 29°C | 20°C | 5 | 26°C | 11.4 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| March | 30°C | 21°C | 4 | 26°C | 12 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| April | 31°C | 22°C | 3 | 27°C | 12.6 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| May | 32°C | 24°C | 6 | 28°C | 13.1 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| June | 32°C | 24°C | 11 | 28°C | 13.4 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| July | 33°C | 24°C | 9 | 29°C | 13.3 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| August | 33°C | 24°C | 10 | 29°C | 12.8 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| September | 32°C | 24°C | 14 | 29°C | 12.2 h | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| October | 31°C | 23°C | 13 | 28°C | 11.6 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| November | 30°C | 21°C | 9 | 27°C | 11.1 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| December | 29°C | 20°C | 8 | 26°C | 10.9 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| February | Carnival — parades and street parties (February or early March) |
| March | Semana Santa — Easter holidays bring Mexican visitors to the coast (March or April) |
| October | Festival de Vida y Muerte — Day of the Dead festival at Xcaret (usually late October to early November) |
| November | Riviera Maya Jazz Festival — free concerts at Mamitas Beach (usually late November) |
| December | New Year's Eve fireworks and beach parties (31 December) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in September–October, and the sights are quietest in September. Many visitors avoid September–October.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Dry season | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Early rainy season | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Hurricane peak | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Late autumn | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Playa del Carmen?
The best time to visit Playa del Carmen is from late November to April, the dry season, with sunny days, lower humidity and calm seas. It is also the most expensive period, especially around Christmas, New Year and Easter. May to August is hotter and cheaper, with some rain and seaweed; September and October bring the highest hurricane risk.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Playa del Carmen?
Usually in September–October. The wettest month and the peak of hurricane season; quiet streets and large hotel discounts.
+What is the rainiest month in Playa del Carmen?
September, with about 14 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Playa del Carmen get?
The warmest month, July, averages highs of 33°C (91°F) and lows of 24°C (75°F).