Is there ever a wrong time to visit Paradise? Playa del Carmen is the new kid on the block when it comes to tourism in the Yucatan Peninsula. Cancun, Tulum, and Isla Mujeres are well-established Caribbean beach-time destinations. But with a pleasant climate, lots of sunny days, and numerous attractions and events to experience year-round, Playa del Carmen is one of our favorite towns to visit in the Rivera Maya.

Get ready to grab your pesos and start planning your tropical getaway with Travel Yucatan as we break down the best things to do month-by-month in Playa del Carmen to help you decide what time of year is right for you.

Playa del Carmen in the Winter

December, January, and February welcome peak season to the Rivera Maya. Pleasant temperatures ensure that throngs of tourists flock to popular destinations like Cancun and Tulum, but those who choose to visit Playa del Carmen will find that they can enjoy the spoils of the Yucatan without all the crowds.

Sure, the number of visitors is at its highest during winter (dry season), but that’s because it’s the perfect time of year for sightseeing, beach-going, and escaping the frigid temperatures back home.

Wintertime Weather

Widely considered the “best time of year to visit,” Playa del Carmen is in peak season during the wintertime. With temperatures in the low 80s mid-day, you can feel free to explore the far-flung corners of this beach town. Night-time temps sink into the comfortable but cool 60s, and rain showers are few and far between.

Best Things to Do in Winter

Winter is the absolute best beach time of year for lounging and underwater activities in the Caribbean Sea.

• Take a discovery dive with Scuba Playa.
• Rent a snorkel and head to Xcalacoco Beach for off-shore snorkeling.
• Take a day trip to Cozumel for snorkeling and turquoise waters.
• Soak in the sunshine on nearby Playa Akumal or Puerto Morelos (and maybe see some turtles).

Wintertime Events

Alongside Christmas, many Spanish events are worth celebrating during the busy winter months. Here are some of the most important.

• Las Posadas (December
• Carnival Parade (February)
• Dia de los Reyes (January)
• Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe (December)

Playa del Carmen in the Spring

March marks the beginning of the Spring Break crowds. This is great if you’re a young group looking to socialize and enjoy the nightlife, but it could be better for a family looking to chill on the empty shores.

Expect the all-inclusive resorts, beach clubs, and adults-only hotels to be brimming during this time of year. As April and May roll around, you’ll find the shores progressively emptier, the beachfront warmer, and the prices lower than at other times of year.

Check out our favorite luxury hotels in Playa del Carmen.

Springtime Weather

As temperatures warm progressively through March to the summer, you’ll also experience more and more humidity, encouraging refreshing sea swims and pool days. Expect temperatures in the mid to low 80s.

Best Things to Do in the Spring

Shoulder Season in the Riviera means you can fully enjoy indoor and outdoor activities during your stay. While you should definitely spend some time at the beautiful beach, here are a few other things to bolster your itinerary.

• Take a tour of the Rio Secreto.
• Enjoy dinner and free outdoor shows at Parque Los Fundadores.
• See the natural aquarium at Xel Ha.
• Hit the links on a Playa del Carmen golf course.

Springtime Events

Early Springtime welcomes a spike in tourism as travelers across the United States from California to Florida arrive at Cancun International Airport and hit the shores for Spring Break. But at the end of the season, local events return with one of the year’s most spectacular traditional events.

• Spring Break (March)
• Sacred Mayan Journey (May)

Playa del Carmen in the Summer

The temperature increases in June, July, and August, as does enthusiasm for local events. Summer is one of the most popular times for travelers to visit Playa del Carmen, both from Mexico and abroad. While this means the beaches can be more crowded at this time of the year, plenty of other activities are just as fun!

Summertime Weather

It’s time to pump up the heat! Summertime in the Yucatan is balmy and hot, which can be a very welcoming environment for avid beach-goers. Expect average temperatures hovering around 90 degrees and the occasional afternoon shower to provide soothing relief from the otherwise scorching sunshine. Summertime visits to the Yucatan are for the true beach bums among us, not deterred by the rainy season.

Best Things to Do in the Summer

While summer is not typically associated with excellent underwater activities in the Yucatan, one huge exception exists—Whale Sharks. As the massive mammals migrate, they pass through the waters of the Yucatan Peninsula and are easily among the biggest summertime attractions in Playa del Carmen.

• Snorkel with Whale Sharks during the Quintana Roo Whale Shark season.
• Enjoy a day at Xcaret with the family – a Mexican Disneyland of sorts!
• Watch a performance of the Cirque de Solie Joya.

Summertime Events

While the summer months host very few events on the Mexican calendar, one traditional festival occurs yearly.

La Virgen del Carmen (July 16th)

A full day dedicated to celebrating the patron saint of sailors and seafarers. Not only is there much fanfare and decked-out processions of devotees, but the local government always organizes a fair during this same time to highlight traditional crafts and culture. This is a great way to immerse in the rich cultural traditions of this region of Mexico.

Playa del Carmen in the Fall

September, October, and November leave much to be desired in terms of cloud coverage, but sometimes that’s all the better for skin unaccustomed to the tropical sun. This season hosts various spectacular festivals that are well worth traveling for, and the lower prices make it a particularly attractive time of year to visit. Fall marks the hurricane season in the Yucatan, which means there are far fewer crowds.

Fall Weather

Cooling temperatures make this shoulder season a lovely time to visit Playa del Carmen. The humid summer months are behind us, and rain showers dissipate as Fall progresses. Instead, you can enjoy pleasant temperatures in the 80s and still avoid the crowds of the approaching high season.

Best Things to Do in the Fall

Now that we’ve covered most of the beachy activities to enjoy in Playa del Carmen, let’s examine the other unique attractions that make the beach town worth a visit.

• Shop on La Quinta Avenida.
• Eat at every taco stand you can find.
• Swim through the underground Cenote Chaak Tun.
• Take a day trip to Chichen Itza.
• Head indoors to the 3D Museum of Wonders.

Fall Events

Fall events in Playa del Carmen range from tests of strength at Xplore’s bravest race to Western celebrations like Halloween to more traditional festivals like the Day of the Dead. Fall is an especially festive time of year with so much to celebrate.

• Independence Day (September)
• Xplore Bravest Race (September)
• Halloween (October)
• Día de Muertos (Early November)
• Día de la Revolución (November)
• Riviera Maya Jazz Festival (November)

When Will You Visit the Riviera Maya?

Whether you want a peak-season vacation with calm waters and lovely temperatures or a culture-filled adventure in the off-season, Playa del Carmen has something to offer year round.

Spring breakers, family reunions, and couple getaways will find plenty to do on our shores. Be sure to check out our travel guides for the best travel tips to Playa del Carmen and beyond. With us, exploring the Rivera Maya has never been easier!