🇲🇽 Cancún vs Playa del Carmen 🇲🇽

Cancún, Mexico vs Playa del Carmen, Mexico — a side-by-side climate comparison to help you pick. Cancún is the warmer of the two — about 1 degree warmer on average across the year. Cancún is drier, with roughly 13 fewer rainy days a year.

Climate at a glance

🇲🇽 Cancún🇲🇽 Playa del Carmen
Avg annual high31°C30°C
Hottest monthJuly (34°C)May (32°C)
Coldest monthJanuary (20°C low)January (21°C low)
Rainy days / year96109
SnowRareRare
Best months to visitJanuary, February, MarchJanuary, February, December

🇲🇽 Cancún

Best around January, February, March. Hottest in July (34°C), coldest lows in January (20°C).

🇲🇽 Playa del Carmen

Best around January, February, December. Hottest in May (32°C), coldest lows in January (21°C).

Frequently asked questions

Is Cancún or Playa del Carmen warmer?

Cancún is warmer overall, averaging about 1 degree higher across the year.

Which is rainier, Cancún or Playa del Carmen?

Playa del Carmen is rainier — Cancún sees about 13 fewer rainy days per year.

When is the best time to visit Cancún vs Playa del Carmen?

Cancún is best around January, February, March; Playa del Carmen is best around January, February, December.

Not sure? Find your ideal destination by climate →