Month guide · Playa del Carmen · Mexico
Playa del Carmen in December
What December is really like in Playa del Carmen: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: FeldBum, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
December is one of the best months to visit Playa del Carmen. Expect average highs of 29°C (84°F), lows of 20°C (68°F), about 8 rainy days and roughly 10.9 hours of daylight. Pleasant weather and peak demand over Christmas and New Year, with fireworks on the beach.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 29°C (84°F) / 20°C (68°F)
- Rainy days
- About 8
- Daylight
- About 10.9 hours
- Sea temperature
- 26°C (79°F)
- Crowds
- Very busy
- Hotel prices
- Highest
Weather in December
December is the 11th-warmest month in Playa del Carmen: days average 29°C (84°F) against a yearly average high of 31°C (88°F), and nights fall to about 20°C (68°F). Rain falls on roughly 8 of its 31 days. Compared with November (30°C (86°F)), December is about as warm; by January highs stay near 28°C (82°F).
- Sunrise (15 December)
- About 07:17
- Sunset (15 December)
- About 18:10
- Daylight
- About 10.9 hours
- Sea
- 26°C (79°F)
Late autumn (November). Calmer seas, easing rain, the jazz festival and moderate prices before the winter rush.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, December rates 5 for crowds (the peak is January at 5) and 5 for hotel prices (highest in January). Book accommodation early: December is one of the pricier months.
Events in December
- New Year's Eve fireworks and beach parties (31 December)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in December
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Street · Centro and Quinta Avenida
Quinta Avenida
Fifth Avenue is Playa's pedestrian main street, running parallel to the beach from near the ferry pier north for several kilometres.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Free
- Shopping
- Food
- After dark
Landmark · Centro and Quinta Avenida
Parque Fundadores and Portal Maya
Come at sunset to see the plaza busy with families and street performers.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Iconic
- Photo spot
- Kids
Theme park · South of Playa del Carmen
Xcaret
About 6 km south of town, Xcaret is a large eco-archaeological park with underground river swims, a coral-reef aquarium, butterfly and bird sanctuaries, a Maya village and a nightly show, 'Xcaret México Espectacular', on Mexican history and culture.
- Time needed
- Full day
- Cost
- Expensive
- Kids
- Iconic
- Nature
- After dark
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Theme park · South of Playa del Carmen
Xplor
Wear secure footwear and leave loose items in the lockers; minimum height rules apply for some activities.
- Time needed
- Full day
- Cost
- Expensive
- Active
- Kids
- Nature
The sea averages 26°C (79°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Playa del Carmen.
What to pack
For highs near 29°C, lows near 20°C and 8 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; a packable rain jacket for showers; comfortable walking shoes.
Is December a good time to visit Playa del Carmen?
One of the best months to visit Playa del Carmen, with a notable event on the calendar. The other best months are January–April and November. Compare every month.
Playa del Carmen in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is December a good time to visit Playa del Carmen?
It is one of the best months to visit Playa del Carmen. Pleasant weather and peak demand over Christmas and New Year, with fireworks on the beach.
+How warm is Playa del Carmen in December?
Average highs are around 29°C (84°F) and lows around 20°C (68°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Playa del Carmen in December?
Expect rain on about 8 days of the month.