7 Things to Know About the Weather in Playa del Carmen
It’s understandable that all travelers get very excited when planning and setting off on a trip to the Mexican Caribbean, but with all that excitement, they might forget something very important, like checking the weather in Playa del Carmen before leaving. The weather forecast is one of the most popular searches on Google; however, the results are much more accurate in some parts of the world than in others.
When you’re booking any tropical vacation, you pray that the weather in Playa del Carmen will be good because, for many people, it makes or breaks the vacation. While that’s almost guaranteed to some extent here in Playa del Carmen, it’s always good to check the facts before visiting the city so you can plan better.
Make sure that when you come, you don’t forget to check the weather in Playa del Carmen or the Riviera Maya. You’ll have your fair share of sun, sea breeze, tropical heat, and maybe the occasional rain. The average figure for this region of Mexico is a whopping 300 glorious days of sunshine a year!
Therefore, depending on your personal preference, there may be better seasons than others to book your vacation. Due to the Caribbean’s global location, the weather is subject to quick changes, which is why we feel there are some things you need to know about the weather in Playa del Carmen to help you plan your next trip more effectively.
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1. The Weather in Playa del Carmen is Very Hot and Humid
The tropical Caribbean is a very popular vacation destination due to its high temperatures that are apparent year-round. Make sure to bring plenty of sunscreen, you will need it!
Generally, the year is divided into two seasons: the rainy season (October to April) and the dry season (May to October). However, the highest temperatures often occur from March or April to October. The months with the most rain are usually September and October, with cooler temperatures more noticeable in the mornings and evenings during these seasons. However, in recent years it has been increasingly difficult to define what is normal now, particularly in the Caribbean.
Many researchers believe this is due to global warming. Average high and low temperatures in Playa del Carmen by month (in Fahrenheit):
January – 61/82
February – 62/86
March – 64/88 April – 66/89
May – 71/93
June – 73/90
July – 72/90
August – 72/90
September – 70/89
October – 68/88
November – 64/84
December – 64/84
Monthly rainfall is less than 2 inches, except during the months from May to October, when it can be between 6 and 8 inches.
The weather in Playa del Carmen is almost always humid, which makes it feel hotter than it is, particularly from March/April to September/October. Remember to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water every day, especially if you’ve had a night of drinks.
2. When It Rains, It Pours
Speaking of the weather in Playa del Carmen, yes, a “rain” is usually a heavy downpour, but don’t be afraid.
When dramatic skies appear and melancholic clouds hang over our beautiful shores, 9 out of 10 times, they are fleeting. Due to favorable winds in this region, a storm usually passes as quickly as it arrives. If the forecast says it will rain throughout your vacation, don’t be fooled; the sun will come out again quickly after a brief rain. This means you can quickly get back to completing your tan.
3. What to Do When It Rains or There Is Sargassum?
Rain and sargassum are the least desired elements for a beach vacation. While Mother Nature is a force we cannot control, what we can control is the quality of your vacation despite these factors.
However, the truth is that no matter what time of year you come, it’s always possible to have a bad beach day (or two or three).
Luckily, Playa del Carmen is home to several other fascinating ecosystems that you can enjoy in the rain or sun. These include the jungle and the wonderful underground cenotes that are unique to this part of the world. On a rainy day, our top recommendations would be:
Visit Selvatica for a Jungle Adventure
It is TripAdvisor’s #1 outdoor activity, an adventure that can be enjoyed regardless of the weather. In my experience, I would say it’s more enjoyable in the rain. Why? What’s more fun than riding the trails of the Maya jungle on a cool Polaris ATV? An extreme adventure in the rain!
Get ready to get dirty because when the weather in Playa del Carmen is rainy, it’s not enough to stop us! When you’re behind the wheel of an all-terrain ATV in Cancun or the Riviera Maya, it makes the experience even more memorable. These state-of-the-art vehicles were designed for this terrain, and the Adventure Tribe knows how to have a great time even in the rain.
Selvatica is encapsulated by wild jungle; throw in some mud, let loose, you’re on vacation!
Not only is the rain an antidote to the hot and sticky weather, but you can also enjoy the way it feels on your skin when you fly like a bird on the 10 zip lines. Forget conventional zip lines, Selvatica boasts some of the most exciting and innovative designs in the world.
Visit a Spa and Enjoy a Good Relaxing Massage
When you’re on vacation, you should be relaxed and enjoying life as much as possible, and the rain shouldn’t interfere with that. Visiting a spa is one of the favorite plans of tourists and even locals, and for good reason. It’s a revitalizing experience that everyone deserves to enjoy. Imagine a place where stress and worries fade away, replaced by a sense of peace and well-being.
A spa offers a variety of treatments designed to rejuvenate both the body and mind, from relaxing massages and facial therapies to steam baths and jacuzzis. The tranquil atmosphere, soft music, and delicate aromas create the perfect environment to disconnect from the daily hustle and reconnect with yourself.
Treat yourself to a moment of luxury and take care of your physical and mental health by visiting a spa, you deserve it. And if you’re traveling through the Caribbean, we invite you to visit Ocean Spa, the only spa over the sea where you will experience true relaxation.
Enjoy a Good Movie at the Cinema
An option for children would be to go to the cinema to see a movie. Strangely enough, most movies in Mexico are released in their original version with subtitles. Sometimes, there’s nothing better than getting comfortable at the cinema with your favorite snacks and watching a good movie. Most likely, when it’s over, the rain will also be over. Win-win. There are many movies to watch at one of the two cinemas in Playa del Carmen: Cinemex in Centro Maya or Cinépolis in Plaza las Américas.
The options are endless, make the most of the rain!
4. Go Protected with Mosquito Repellent
No one likes being bitten by these annoying insects, and the effects are extremely irritating. Fortunately, there are some effective ways to avoid and prevent them from contacting your skin.
Prevention is the best medicine when it comes to deterring these blood-sucking bugs. In Playa del Carmen, during the rainy season, you will find there are many more mosquitoes than usual. You’ll notice this especially if your hotel is surrounded by lush tropical jungle.
Here is our advice to avoid being bitten:
Always use bug repellent when you’re outside. Especially between dawn and dusk, and reapply after getting out of the water.
If you plan to visit the cenotes in the Riviera Maya or snorkel in Cancun or Isla Mujeres to see the most beautiful reefs in the world, it’s absolutely essential to choose a biodegradable repellent.
The chemicals in regular repellents cause irreversible damage to rock formations and reefs, and not only that, they can have horrific effects on marine life. As you can imagine, millions of people visit Playa del Carmen every year, with so many bodies in the water over time, you can understand why it’s of great importance.
Wear light-colored clothing; mosquitoes are attracted to dark-colored clothing.
Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts whenever possible. Obviously, it’s very hot here in Mexico, so sometimes it’s not the most attractive option, but mosquitoes attack the areas of the ankles and arms.
5. Stay Informed About Hurricanes
Due to the tropical conditions in this area of the world, hurricanes are possible but not likely. However, hurricanes are much more predictable, and with advances in technology, we can better prevent their devastating effects.
The Atlantic and Caribbean regions experience hurricane season from June to November. Weather patterns before and after this season are not favorable for the development of tropical storms. We are fortunate to live in a time when meteorologists can predict a tropical storm’s development faster based on its growth and trajectory.
This gives us enough time for local warnings and to implement protection tactics to minimize damage.
If you plan to travel during hurricane season and are a bit worried, keep an eye on updates from the National Hurricane Center. You should always buy travel insurance, but especially during this season so that you can change flight dates without a penalty.
Many hotels and establishments are protected with hurricane shutters, and the authorities and embassies will do everything possible to ensure your safety.
Hurricane season should not be a deterrent to your travels, it’s the same as choosing to travel at any time of the year, you will always be protected from the dangers of bad weather if you need shelter.
6. High Season in Playa del Carmen
When you come to Playa del Carmen, note that there are different times of the year, some busier than others. However, due to the popularity of this city, the difference between low and high season is gradually becoming almost the same. For this reason, prices for hotels and even some tours can vary between low and high season. So, you might want to keep this in mind before booking your trip.
High season: March/April, July/August, and Christmas/New Year
Mid-season: January, February, May, June
Low season: September, October
7. The Best Season to Visit Playa del Carmen
Having a better understanding of the weather here in Playa del Carmen, you’re probably wondering when is the best season to visit? Any time of the year is a good time to travel to Playa del Carmen!
With the global weather we have today, it’s virtually impossible to predict the weather. The only thing that is certain is that the weather will be hot and humid all year round.
But if you really want to avoid rain as much as possible, avoid traveling between September and October. You’ll usually find more bad weather in these months than usual. Although we note that the cooler months from November to March can sometimes have lower temperatures, we should note that the weather will be more than satisfactory. Just keep in mind that there may be some cloudy and rainy days.
We hope you feel more informed about what to expect from the weather in Playa del Carmen and that you visit the city soon. Paradise awaits you!