Best Time To Go To Mexico Riviera Maya (and The Worst!)
Wondering when is the best time to go to Mexico Riviera Maya?
When deciding the best time to go to Mexico’s Riviera Maya, you need to consider the weather patterns, cost considerations, attractions availability, and safety concerns.
We spent a month living in and exploring all the Riviera Maya and the Yucatan peninsula have to offer. And I fell in love with this area of Mexico.
From tourist destinations to hidden gems to culture and festivities, this place is absolutely amazing.
While this region offers plenty of sun, sand, and surf all year round, certain times are better for traveling than others due to weather patterns. Plus cost considerations, and other factors.
To help make your vacation as enjoyable as possible while getting the most out of it culturally, let’s explore the different seasons in Riviera Maya.
Then I will cover the best and worst time for you to visit Mexico’s Riviera Maya.
Let’s roll.
Best Time To Go To Mexico Riviera Maya
The best time to go to Mexico Riviera Maya is typically from November to April, as temperatures are mild and rainfall is low.
Let’s explore what makes this time period a great time of the year to visit.
It Offers Amazing Weather
During this period, visitors can enjoy an average temperature of 75°F (24°C).
However, the months of May through October bring higher humidity levels and more frequent rain showers.
Temps during this span usually hover around the 78-82°F (26-28°C) mark.
From November through April, the weather is most agreeable, with mild temperatures and little rain.
This time frame is great for activities such as snorkeling, diving into cenotes, or sightseeing at Mayan ruins.
The warm waters are also perfect for scuba diving and other water sports.
Enjoy Beautiful Riviera Maya Beaches to the Fullest
From November to April, you will get the best of Mexico’s beautiful beaches, with the perfect weather to enjoy a day swimming or relaxing with a drink in your hand.
The Riviera Maya offers some of the best beaches in Mexico, with powdery white sand and crystal clear waters.
Popular activities include swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, fishing, and sailing.
Visitors can explore cenotes – natural sinkholes filled with freshwater – or go whale watching off the coast of Isla Mujeres.
Thrill-seekers can get their fill with a variety of aquatic activities, such as jet skiing, parasailing, and kite surfing.
Participate in Cultural Experiences and Activities
From November to April, you will also be able to enjoy many of the cultural experiences Mexico offers.
The Riviera Maya is known for its lively music scene. Which includes mariachi bands playing at local restaurants as well as DJs spinning electronic beats at nightclubs along the coast.
There are also plenty of art galleries featuring works by both established and emerging artists from around Mexico.
During particular seasons, you can take part in cultural fiestas like Carnaval de Playa del Carmen or the Day of the Dead festivities in Tulum.
The Carnaval de Playa del Carmen takes place in the second half of February each year.
Meanwhile, the Day of the Dead festivities take place in November (or the end of October), both of which fit into the time frame of November to April.
Mexico’s Riviera Maya Costs To Expect
However, one of the downsides of visiting during this period is that things can get expensive, especially during the holiday season.
This includes the times of the year around Christmas and New Year and during specific festivities such as the Day of the Dead celebrations.
Flights from the USA will get more expensive, as do tours and accommodation options.
Accommodation Options
Use the interactive map below to check out various accommodation options for your range of budget and preferred location for your visit to Riviera Maya.
Accommodations in the Mexico Riviera Maya can range from budget-friendly hostels to luxury resorts. The cost of lodging can differ significantly based on the type, location, and season.
Budget travelers should expect to pay anywhere between $20-$50 per night for a basic room with shared bathroom facilities.
Mid-range hotels are available for around $100-$150 per night, while more luxurious options can cost upwards of $200 or more per night.
It is also possible to rent private villas and condos at varying prices depending on the size and amenities offered.
However, during Christmas, you may see higher prices than this.
Flights
Round-trip tickets to the Cancun International Airport (CUN) from many cities in North America typically range between $250 and $600.
Depending on when the booking is made and how far ahead of time it’s made. During the holiday season, don’t be surprised if it’s closer to the $600 mark.
If you’re looking for a cheaper option, consider flying to Cozumel International Airport (CZM).
Flights here tend to be slightly less expensive than those coming into Cancun but still relatively affordable compared to other international destinations.
Remember, when traveling through Mexico’s Riviera Maya, you should factor in additional expenses.
These include souvenirs, activities (like snorkeling trips), and entrance fees for national parks, all of which can really add up over time.
How To Get Around
One of the good things going for Riviera Maya, though, even if you visit during peak times, is that public transportation is widely available throughout the region at very reasonable prices.
Also, it is very easy and affordable to grab yourself a rental car.
I strongly recommend renting a vehicle to get around Riviera Maya so that you can see as much of the beautiful area as you want, on your own schedule.
Renting a car in Mexico is so easy with Discover Cars.
This is what I use, and I strongly recommend it to everyone I know.
Discover Cars has a simple and user-friendly booking platform. You can quickly browse and compare rental cars from multiple providers to find the best deal that suits your needs.
Not only that, Discover Cars guarantees the best price for your car rental and provides 24/7 customer support for any questions or concerns.
Taxis are also an option if you need door-to-door services. However, they tend to be much pricier.
So it’s best to use them only as necessary or during late hours when public transport may not be running anymore.
You could also use Uber, Didi, or Indriver, popular ridesharing apps in Mexico, instead of public transport. And instead of taxis (as they tend to be cheaper and you don’t have to haggle over the price).
Worst Times To Visit Mexico’s Riviera Maya
In this section, we’ll go over some of the worst times to visit Mexico’s Riviera Maya based on factors such as weather and crowds.
September to October
September and October are some of the hottest months. Temperatures soar to 90°F (32°C) with oppressive humidity levels, making it a less-than-ideal experience for tourists.
If you’re planning a trip to Mexico’s Riviera Maya, you’ll probably want to avoid these two months. Unless you enjoy the higher temperatures.
The rainiest month in Riviera Maya is typically September.
On average, September brings 90mm of precipitation over 12 days, with 8-9 inches (20-23 cm) of rainfall each month.
So it wins the award for the hottest and wettest month of the year.
This is due to the humid tropical climate and its proximity to the Caribbean Sea, which brings warm air masses from the Gulf of Mexico.
You can expect heavy downpours during this period, but there are also plenty of sunny days as well.
June to August: Hurricane Season
Rainfall averages around 60 inches per year in Riviera Maya but increases significantly during the months of June through August.
This is when hurricanes and tropical storms are common in the region. Humidity levels also tend to be highest during these summer months.
You can expect heavy downpours during this period, but there are also plenty of sunny days as well.
During the summer, the Riviera Maya can become sweltering and damp. Which could be detrimental to those with heat-related medical issues or respiratory illnesses.
Sargassum on Riviera Maya Beaches in June and August
Sargassum is a type of seaweed that can accumulate in large amounts along coastlines.
The worst times for sargassum are usually during the summer months when warm ocean currents and winds carry it closer to shore.
It typically begins appearing on Caribbean beaches in May or June, peaks around August and continues through October before dissipating with colder temperatures.
While the severity of sargassum accumulation can vary from year to year, these months tend to be when it is at its worst.
Crowds During the New Year, Winter Holidays, and Spring Break
It gets a little crowded in the Riviera Maya around Christmas or New Year’s. Also, you might want to avoid spring break times if you are looking for a secluded, quiet vacation spot.
The area is known for its bustling nightlife and beach resorts that attract large crowds of tourists looking for a lovely holiday and spring break vacation spot.
Visiting Riviera Maya can be costly during peak seasons; therefore, it may not be suitable if you’re looking to save money.
Is the Riviera Maya Safe?
Another issue you might experience during the holiday season is safety.
Mexico Riviera Maya is generally a safe place to visit. In fact, it is one of the safest places to visit in Mexico.
Despite Mexico Riviera Maya being generally safe, just keep in mind that petty theft and pickpocketing in tourist-heavy areas can happen. Especially when there are crowds and during peak periods.
Travelers should use their common sense and take precautions like steering clear of dimly lit or deserted roads.
Keep your wallets and bags close, don’t show off expensive items, and use reliable transportation services when feasible.
Get Travel Insurance
The best thing you can do to protect yourself and your possessions on vacation is to get quality travel insurance.
We only use SafetyWing Travel Medical Insurance when we travel, and for good reason. It is one of the best travel insurance companies we have found.
Their policies cover medical emergencies, trip interruption, and personal liability with worldwide coverage that includes Mexico.
SafetyWing also offers affordable pricing with flexible payment options and the ability to renew policies while traveling.
You Can Enjoy All Times of The Year
Even if you go during a “bad time”, you can still make the most out of your trip and have a great time.
We visited during the months of October and November and enjoyed it so much. For us, it was the best time to go to Mexico Riviera Maya in Quintana Roo.
There was plenty of sunny weather and warm days.
Things To Do All Year Round
Eat all the food. 😎
I’m not even kidding. The Riviera Maya has some of the best food you will ever eat. I still have dreams about it and attempt to make it all the time. It just isn’t the same.
Eating out in Mexico Riviera Maya doesn’t have to break the bank.
There are plenty of delicious restaurants offering traditional Mexican cuisine that are much more affordable than restaurants in the United States.
Street food vendors offer even cheaper options, such as tacos, tamales, and empanadas, all under $5 each.
🌮🌯 In my experience, street food vendors have the best food around.
Of course, there are some higher-end establishments where dinner could easily set one back $20 or more. But these places aren’t necessary unless you’re feeling fancy.
Another thing you can do is visit the Mayan ruins and get a glimpse of Mexico’s rich history.
There are numerous Mayan ruins scattered throughout the region, including Tulum, which is perched on top of cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
Other sites include:
- 🏆 Coba, where visitors can climb an ancient pyramid
- 🏆 Chichen Itza, where you can witness spectacular views
- 🏆 Ek Balam, which has stunningly preserved sculptures
- 🏆 Uxmal, whose structures date back to 600 AD
In addition to these archaeological wonders and ancient ruins, several colonial towns, such as Valladolid offer insight into Mexico’s rich history.
Shopping is another perfect activity when you can’t relax on the beach due to bad weather.
Shopping enthusiasts will find plenty to do in Playa del Carmen’s 5th Avenue, where they can find everything from designer boutiques to local souvenir shops.
Other Times of the Year To Consider
Consider traveling right after the peak season ends or begins (May or October). This is what we call the shoulder season.
You may experience rainfall, but the rainfall varies from year to year, and it doesn’t usually rain all day, every day. You can still enjoy outdoor activities such as swimming and exploring the area’s natural attractions when the sun comes out.
Plus, traveling during the low season rather than the high season means you can take advantage of lower prices and fewer crowds.
Just ensure you pack accordingly with lightweight and breathable clothing, rain gear, and insect repellent.
How To Choose the Best Time for Your Visit
If you’re looking for a good deal on your trip to the Riviera Maya but don’t want to go when the weather is terrible, there are a few factors to consider when deciding the best time to visit.
☔ The region does have a rainy season from May to October, which can bring heavy rainfall and high humidity.
☀️ The best time to visit the Riviera Maya if good weather is your top priority is during the dry season, which runs from November to April.
🫰 Looking for a good deal and hate crowds? Consider traveling during the low season from May to October when prices are lower, and crowds are thinner.
🎊 If you like events and festivals, the Riviera Maya hosts a number of events and festivals throughout the year. Including the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival in November and the BPM Festival in January.
Overall, the best time to go to Mexico Riviera Maya for good deals and reasonable weather is during the dry season from November to April.
This also avoids peak holiday periods like Christmas and New Year’s when prices are at their highest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions we see from readers about visiting Riviera Maya for the first time.
The best month to visit the Riviera Maya in Mexico depends on your preferences. For warm and dry weather, November is the ideal time. However, if you’re looking for lower prices and don’t mind some rain, traveling in May or October is a good option.
The rainy season in the area is from May to October. However, the wettest months are September and October, so if you don’t like rain, I recommend skipping those months. Still, rainfall does vary from year to year.
I recommend visiting the region of Riviera Maya during the dry season, from November to April. You won’t get a lot of rainfall, and humidity will be low.
Final Thoughts
The best time to go to Mexico Riviera Maya depends on what you are looking for. If you want cheap prices above all, go during the low season and weather the bad weather.
Renting a car with Discover Cars is the best way to explore the stunning beauty of the Riviera Maya at your own pace. From the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea to the ancient Mayan ruins scattered throughout the region.
If you want the best weather, though, go from November to April.
No matter when you decide to visit Mexico’s Riviera Maya, though, there will be plenty of exciting experiences for you.
