What's the best time to visit Riviera Maya?
The best time to visit the Riviera Maya is during the dry season from November to April, providing perfect beach weather and optimal conditions for exploring Mayan ruins and cenotes. The dry season also improves visibility for diving and reduces crowds, especially if you visit in November or April instead of the peak months from December to March. This period also features lively events but with fewer tourists.
Riviera Maya, on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, is one of my favorite places in the world to visit. The biggest city close to the Riviera Maya, Cancun, is a world-famous party destination in addition to having great beaches.
Playa del Carmen has one of the best beaches, while Tulum is a popular destination among New Agers and hippies. Quieter places such as Cozumel allow you to get away from the hustle and bustle.
No matter which part of the Riviera Maya you choose to visit, it’s important to time your visit so you can enjoy the best beach weather. Read on to learn the best, cheapest, least busy, and worst times to visit.
Overall Best Time to Visit Riviera Maya
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The best time to go to the Riviera Maya is during the dry season, from November to April, when you have the best chances of catching good beach weather.
The Riviera Maya has a tropical climate, which is one of the reasons it’s such a popular tourist destination. Temperatures are hot all year round, which means you can comfortably swim no matter what time of year you visit.
The main reason to visit from November to April is that this is the Riviera Maya’s dry season. The driest month is March, which only receives an average of 21 mm (0.8 inches) per month.
Most days during the dry season are full of gentle sunshine, perfect weather for working on your tan. The good weather isn’t just best for visiting the beach.
The dry season is also the best time to explore inland and head into the Yucatan Peninsula. Head to Mayan ruins such as the magnificent site at Chichen Itza, which are easier to explore when roads and trails aren’t muddy.
The drier weather also makes this a better time for exploring cenotes, unique sinkholes, which are easier to get to when the roads are not muddy. Swimming in the cenotes is also better during the dry season, when there isn’t as much rain or algae.
Diving in the sea off the coast of the Riviera Maya is also better in the dry season because it has better visibility. There are also more animals around, including migrating species that head north in the summer. December to March is the peak season for visitors to the Riviera Maya.
The benefit of visiting then is that you can experience the best nightlife and events, such as:
- New Year’s Eve
- Carnaval
- ZoukMX (Playa del Carmen, February)
- Alborada (Tulum, March)
- Spring Equinox (Chichen Itza, March)
However, the crowds are the worst during this time. Things get particularly rowdy in March, which is spring break time. If you want to enjoy dry season weather but fewer crowds, visit in November or April.
Cheapest Time to Visit Riviera Maya
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The cheapest time to visit Riviera Maya is in September and October, the peak of the rainy season. You’ll have to gamble with the weather, but it’s worth it to save lots of money on your vacation.
From late August to October, the Riviera Maya gets battered with rain and storms. September is the rainiest month in Cancun, with an average of 200 mm (7.8 inches) of rain falling the entire month.
Due to the weather, not as many tourists want to come. Visiting in the rainy season also involves an additional expense in the form of travel insurance.
However, this time brings the best deals on hotels, including top resorts. In Tulum, you can save as much as 50-60% on your nightly hotel rate compared to regular prices.
In smaller, less popular towns, such as Puerto Morelos, you can find even more affordable rooms, also with discounted room rates for the rainy season. Most visitors to Riviera Maya fly into the airport at Cancun.
Flights to Cancun are more affordable at any point from March to November compared to the peak season. You get the biggest discounts in September and October when demand is lowest.
Least Busy Time to Visit Riviera Maya
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The least busy time to visit Riviera Maya is during the fall rainy season (September-October) or during the late spring (April-early June). As mentioned above, fall receives the fewest visitors.
However, this time of year has the worst weather, so it may not be worth it to visit for the empty beaches if the rain prevents you from even enjoying those beaches.
Late spring offers fewer crowds but weather that is still beach-friendly. Temperatures are the hottest they get all year, with high temperatures in May reaching 37.5 degrees Celsius (99.5 degrees Fahrenheit).
It’s not the best weather for hiking, but you can jump into the sea or a cenote to cool off. The worst of the rain hasn’t started yet, and you still get a lot of sunny days well into June.
Once Easter and spring break are over, which usually happens in mid-April, visitor numbers drop drastically. From the end of April into June, there aren’t nearly as many tourists around, so you can enjoy the beach without having people step on your towel.
Once Easter is over, there aren’t as many festivals. This means fewer things to do, but also fewer crowds.
Cancun’s clubs continue to work, and many offer specials for Cinco de Mayo. In May, you can also see the Sacred Mayan Journey, a reenactment of a traditional pilgrimage in Playa del Carmen.
Worst Time to Visit Riviera Maya
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The worst time to visit the Riviera Maya is during the peak of the rainy season, from late August to October, when the weather is often very unpleasant. August, September, and October are very rainy, averaging seven or eight inches of rain per month.
It rains almost every day, which really cuts into the time you can expect to spend on the beach. The constant rain has other consequences.
The water visibility isn’t the best during this time, so snorkeling and scuba diving isn’t as fun. The jungle paths get muddy or flooded, so day trips into the interior of the Yucatan aren’t possible.
On a more dangerous note, the hurricane season in the Riviera Maya goes from June to November each year. August, September, and early October have the highest chance of experiencing a storm.
Although the Riviera Maya isn’t affected as often as other Caribbean destinations such as the Bahamas, hurricanes can still devastate the area, cause power outages, and damage other infrastructure.
Make sure you get travel insurance in case your flights get canceled or you have to cancel your travel plans due to a storm. If you’re interested in the Riviera Maya’s famous nightlife, this isn’t the best time to visit.
There aren’t many parties organized or festivals. Many clubs close down for the off-season, while others are mostly empty.
However, if you want a quiet getaway without the tourist crowds, this is the best time to visit. There are very few crowds around, and the low prices are worth gambling with the weather.
Riviera Maya by Month: Climate & Activities
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Still unsure about the best time to visit Riviera Maya? Take a look at our summary of the weather and climate by month below:
January
Winter temperatures in Riviera Maya range from 68-82°F. It’s a great time for beachgoers to enjoy the warm waters, explore ancient Mayan ruins such as Tulum, and partake in water activities.
February
Similar to January, February maintains pleasant temperatures between 68-82°F. It’s an excellent month for snorkeling and diving in the vibrant coral reefs or experiencing cultural events.
March
As spring begins, temperatures range from 70-84°F. March is perfect for outdoor activities like visiting eco-parks, exploring cenotes, and enjoying the natural beauty of the region.
April
Spring continues with temperatures between 72-86°F. April is ideal for experiencing the lively atmosphere of Playa del Carmen, attending the Riviera Maya Film Festival, and enjoying beachfront resorts.
May
May sees temperatures ranging from 74-88°F. It’s the start of the rainy season, but showers are usually short-lived. Visitors can still enjoy the beaches and explore the region’s diverse marine life.
June
Summer arrives with temperatures between 76-89°F. June marks the beginning of the wet season, offering lush landscapes. It’s a quieter time for tourists, providing a more serene coastal experience.
July
July maintains warm temperatures from 76-89°F. While it’s the rainy season, July is perfect for exploring ancient ruins like Coba or enjoying water activities with fewer crowds.
August
Temperatures in August range from 76-90°F. It’s a popular month for water sports, visiting the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, and experiencing the vibrant nightlife in the Riviera Maya.
September
September sees temperatures between 75-89°F. It’s the peak of the wet season, but travelers can still enjoy the natural beauty of the region and take advantage of lower hotel prices.
October
Rainy season persists in October, with temperatures ranging from 74-88°F. It’s an off-peak month, providing budget-friendly options for accommodations and the chance to explore Mayan archaeological sites.
November
November marks the end of the rainy season, with temperatures between 72-86°F. It’s an ideal time for visiting the Xcaret eco-archaeological park and enjoying the vibrant marine life.
December
Winter returns with temperatures ranging from 69-83°F. December brings a festive atmosphere, with holiday celebrations, water activities, and the opportunity to explore the natural wonders of Riviera Maya.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Here are just a few common questions people ask about visiting the Riviera Maya:
When is the best month to visit Riviera Maya?
The best month to visit Riviera Maya is April, which has gorgeous beach weather but far fewer crowds than the peak season.
When is the least expensive time to go to Riviera Maya?
The least expensive time to go to Riviera Maya is in September or October, the peak of the rainy season. Hotels and flights are discounted around this time.
When is the best month to go to Mexico?
The best month to go to Mexico is November. The weather is good along the Riviera Maya and in most other regions of the country, and prices are manageable. Plus, you can see the Day of the Dead festivities.
When is the hurricane season in Riviera Maya?
The hurricane season in Riviera Maya lasts from June to November. The peak of hurricane season is from late August to October.
Is there a rainy season in Riviera Maya?
Yes, there is a rainy season in Riviera Maya. From May to October, expect near-daily showers. Earlier on in the rainy season, the storms aren’t as intense.
So, What’s the Best Time to Visit Riviera Maya?
The best time to visit Riviera Maya depends on what you want from your vacation. For good weather, visit from November to April, for the best nightlife, come from December to March, and to beat the crowds, visit from April to May.
So, with so much to see and to and plenty of amazing times to visit, what are you waiting for — book your trip today and experience for yourself all that Riviera Maya has to offer. Happy travels!