A stunning stretch of coastline spanning from Cancun to Tulum, the Riviera Maya is filled with gorgeous beaches, lush jungles, crystal-clear cenotes, sacred Mayan ruins, and incredible all-inclusive resorts. It’s the perfect vacation destination in the Yucatan Peninsula.

Whether relaxing on the beach, snorkeling the reefs, or heading into the jungle for a fun-filled adventure, there’s so much to see and do in Riviera Maya. And when you’re ready to plan your trip, Travel Yucatan can help with hotels, tours, transportation, and expert advice.

With nearly non-stop sunshine and tropical breezes, Riviera Maya is a year-round destination, but each season does offer a little something different. Here’s your guide to choosing the best time to visit Riviera Maya!

Riviera Maya in the Spring

Photo Credit: eskystudio

With warm, sunny weather, tons of outdoor activities, and spring breakers flocking to the Yucatan Peninsula, spring is peak season in Riviera Maya. But don’t worry — there are plenty of ways to break away from the crowds if you prefer to keep it low-key.

Spring Weather

Spring weather in Riviera Maya is warm, sunny, and breezy,. Temperatures are in the 70s and 80s, and little to no rain falls until late May. Tropical storms and hurricanes are also not a threat at this time of year, making it a great time to visit and enjoy the beaches and outdoor activities.

Best Things to Do in Spring

Spring’s mild temperatures, clear skies, and sunshine-filled days make it perfect for enjoying the outdoors in Riviera Maya.

• Beaches
• Snorkeling
• Diving
• Exploring the Mayan Ruins
• Visiting the cenotes
• Ziplining
• ATV adventures

Spring Events

Photo Credit: IR Stone

Between the Easter holiday and spring break happenings, there are many fun spring events in Riviera Maya.

• Spring Break: Riviera Maya is one of the hottest spring break destinations worldwide. From mid-March to early April, you’ll find tons of spring break parties and events happening all around Riviera Maya hotels, bars, and nightclubs.
• Semana Santa: Like most areas of Mexico, you’ll also find Semana Santa, or Holy Week, being celebrated across Riviera Maya in the days leading up to the Easter holiday, including religious and cultural parades, processionals, and ceremonies. Many local resorts also host Easter events.
• Spring Equinox in Chichen Itza: Just a short day trip from Riviera Maya, thousands of locals and tourists gather at Chichen Itza to witness the unique light formations created by the equinox that make a shadow serpent “dance” down the steps of El Castillo Pyramid — an incredible sight!

Riviera Maya in the Summer

Photo Credit: Arkadij Schell

With warmer weather and a higher risk of storms, summer is low season across Riviera Maya. However, it’s a great time to avoid crowds, snag a sweet deal on a five-star resort, and witness the incredible summer whale shark migration.

Summer Weather

Summer weather in Riviera Maya is hot and humid, with temperatures reaching up into the 80s and 90s. It’s also the rainy season and hurricane season which can sometimes put a damper on beach days. However, there are still typically plenty of days filled with sunshine and direct hurricane hits are rare, so you can still enjoy a summer getaway to Riviera Maya.

Best Things to Do in Summer

With frequent heat and rain in the summer, you’ll want to cool down in the water or head inside to enjoy some of Riviera Maya’s indoor attractions.

• Beaches
• Snorkeling
• Diving
• Visiting the cenotes
• Water parks
• Museums
• Shopping
• Catch a show like Cirque du Soleil Joya

Summer Events

Since it’s the low season, there aren’t many big events happening in Riviera Maya, but resorts often host their own special pool parties and beach bashes with live music, cocktails, and other festivities.

However, summer visitors are in for a special treat when it comes to what’s going on in the water. Summer is whale shark season in Riviera Maya. From late May through early September, whale sharks migrate to the waters off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula; an incredible sight to behold, especially if you decide to partake in a whale shark snorkeling tour — a must-do!

Riviera Maya in the Fall

Photo Credit: Filippo Carlot

With a mixed bag of weather and the summer season coming to a halt, fall is a bit of a shoulder season in Riviera Maya. Early fall is hot, humid, and rainy, with fewer crowds, but late fall cools down and dries up, ushering in bigger crowds and fun festivals.

Fall Weather

Early fall in Riviera Maya can be an extension of summer, with heat, humidity, rain, and temperatures still lingering in the 80s and 90s. But once October rolls around, the rain begins to dissipate, temperatures come down into the 70s and 80s, and the threat of storms fades away.

Best Things to Do in the Fall

With such mixed weather in the fall, it’s a good idea to include a mix of indoor and outdoor activities on your itinerary, so you’ll always have something to do, no matter what the weather brings.

• Beaches
• Snorkeling
• Diving
• Exploring the Mayan Ruins
• Visiting the cenotes
• Ziplining
• ATV adventures
• Shopping
• Museums
• Catch a show like Cirque du Soleil Joya

Fall Events

Fall in Riviera Maya is a celebration of music, culture, and marine life.

• Riviera Maya Jazz Festival: One of the biggest jazz festivals in the world, over 50,000 people flock to Playa del Carmen in November to hear world-renowned jazz artists perform.
• Sea Turtle Season: While sea turtles can be spotted throughout Akumal Bay almost year-round, during the fall, there’s a notable increase as they begin nesting season. Those hoping to spot a sea turtle while snorkeling have the best chances during the fall.
• Hanal Pixan: Also called the Food for the Souls Festival, Hanan Pixan is a cultural festival held from October 31st to November 2nd to honor the departed. It features food, costumed processionals, and cultural performances and is often compared to Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), widely celebrated across Mexico. However, this festival is deeply rooted in the Mayan culture of the Yucatan Peninsula.

Riviera Maya in the Winter

Photo Credit: Ronnie Chua

With plenty of sunshine, cool Caribbean breezes, and holiday happenings, winter is the high season in Riviera Maya. But don’t worry — you can still break away from the crowds and enjoy an intimate winter retreat.

Winter Weather

Winter weather in Riviera Maya is as good as it gets! It’s full of sunshine and tropical breezes, with temperatures in the upper 70s and low 80s and little to no rain. The occasional cold front might move in, bringing a few days of cooler temperatures, but no more than a light jacket is really ever needed.

Best Things to Do in Winter

With plentiful sunshine and cool ocean breezes, winter is perfect for enjoying Riviera Maya’s outdoor activities.

• Beaches
• Snorkeling
• Diving
• Exploring the Mayan Ruins
• Visiting the cenotes
• Ziplining
• ATV adventures

Winter Events

Photo Credit: PeopleImages.com – Yuri A

Winter in Riviera Maya is full of cultural events and fun festivities, especially around the holidays!

• Dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe: A celebration taking place on December 12th to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe, a vital figure in Mexican culture and religion, featuring religious ceremonies, processionals, music, and more.
• Christmas & New Year’s Eve: The holidays in Riviera Maya are filled with festive light displays, holiday shows, Christmas and New Year’s Eve parties, and other holiday-themed events.
• Carnival: Like many areas of the Yucatan Peninsula and the Caribbean, you’ll find Carnival celebrations taking place across Riviera Maya in February, featuring parades, costumes, music, food, and more.

When Will You Visit Riviera Maya?

With endless sunshine, gorgeous beaches, and so many fun things to do year-round, there’s never a bad time to head to Riviera Maya.

Ready to book? Travel Yucatan can help with hotels, transportation, tours, and expert advice so you can plan your dream Riviera Maya trip with ease!