The Best Time to Visit Playa del Carmen (And When I’d Go Again) 2026

Playa del Carmen, like most destinations along Mexico’s Riviera Maya, is one of those places where timing really matters. Choosing when to visit can completely change your experience.

This whole region, including Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cancún, and Isla Mujeres, is very season-dependent. I once made the mistake of visiting during the off-season when the seaweed situation was at its worst, and let me tell you, it was no joke and it definitely had an impact on the quality of my trip. I wouldn’t recommend making that mistake.

Which is why, in this guide, I’ll share my personal tips and insights on the best time to visit Playa del Carmen, plus a full breakdown of the seasons, including how to avoid seaweed season, hurricane season, and when you’ll find the best weather and prices. Let’s get into it.

The Best Time to Visit Playa del Carmen – My Experience

Pretty much everything I’ll say here applies not just to Playa del Carmen, but also to the rest of the Riviera Maya with places like Cancún, Tulum, and Isla Mujeres. I’ve been to this part of Mexico many times, mostly during high season but also during the shoulder months, so I’ve experienced both sides of it.

I’ve had some amazing luck visiting Playa del Carmen (and spots like Isla Holbox) in May, which is technically shoulder season, with perfect weather, white sand, and zero seaweed. But I know that could’ve easily gone the other way. The conditions here can be unpredictable: one week it’s paradise, the next it’s seaweed chaos.

One of my worst experiences was in Tulum, where the beach was completely covered in sargassum and my hotel didn’t even have a pool. So unless I wanted to pay for a beach club day pass, there was basically no swimming. 

Since then, I’ve decided to only visit Mexico during high season, which runs roughly December to April. Yes, it’s busier and more expensive, but the weather is perfect and seaweed isn’t an issue, which for me is worth it.

If you’re traveling on more of a budget, shoulder season (April–June or October–November) can still be a great option, just know it’s a bit of a gamble. Personally, I’d avoid visiting during off-season (June to October). It’s hot, humid, and the seaweed plus rain can really take away from the experience.

Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Playa del Carmen

Seaweed (sargassum) is real: Unfortunately, the whole seaweed situation has been getting worse over the years. Tulum tends to get hit the hardest, but Playa del Carmen isn’t immune either. The beaches here are often cleaned, but that doesn’t completely solve the problem. It’s another reason why I always plan my trips during high season when seaweed is much less of an issue.

Hurricane season is also real: Around October, the entire Yucatán and Riviera Maya region enters hurricane season. Locals and anyone from Florida will know this well, it’s not the time I’d recommend visiting. Weather can be unpredictable, and some resorts or tours may even close temporarily.

Prices vary a lot: Hotel prices in Playa del Carmen fluctuate massively depending on the season. I’ve found incredible deals before, only to realize they were for July (and, well, no thank you). December to February tends to be the most expensive, but you’re paying for the best weather and no seaweed.

Sort out your transport: I always recommend booking your airport transfer in advance from Cancún International Airport. I usually go with ADO buses or book a private shuttle through Viator, it just saves me the post-flight stress.

Get an eSIM: I never travel without an eSIM anymore. Having data the second I land makes everything so much easier, no hunting for a local SIM card or queueing at the airport. I usually get mine through Sim Local. (Sign up here and use my discount code GIRLONAZEBRA)

Playa del Carmen Mexico by Season

High Season in Playa del Carmen (December – April)

This is hands down my favorite time of year to visit Playa del Carmen and honestly, anywhere along the Riviera Maya. The weather is unbeatable: blue skies, warm but not scorching days, and low chances of rain or seaweed.

I know that October, November, and May can also have great weather and little to no seaweed, but I personally don’t like taking chances. During December and January, I’ve had some of my best trips here. I’d have breakfast by the beach every morning, go snorkeling or diving around Cozumel, and the water was crystal clear every single time.

It’s true that prices go up during these months and the area gets busier, but I always book my hotels and tours well in advance to score decent deals. To me, it’s completely worth it for the peace of mind, no seaweed, no storms, just perfect beach days.

Shoulder Season in Playa del Carmen (May and November)

The shoulder season in Playa del Carmen, and really across the whole Caribbean side of Mexico, is always a bit of a gamble.

May and November sit right between high and low season, so things can go either way. 

I’ve been to Playa del Carmen in both months and honestly had amazing experiences both times. There was barely any seaweed, the weather was perfect, prices were much lower, and in November I even got to celebrate Día de Muertos in town, which was such a fun and unique experience.

So yes, I’d definitely recommend considering a shoulder-season trip. Just keep in mind that weather and seaweed can be unpredictable, you might get lucky, or you might not. But if you’re flexible and okay with a bit of risk, it can be a fantastic time to visit.

Low Season in Playa del Carmen Mexico (June – October)

When it comes to visiting Playa del Carmen, I really want to stress that June to October is not the best time to go. This is peak seaweed season, the water usually isn’t great, and the chances of hurricanes or storms are much higher, after all, low season is also rainy season here.

The only reason I’d ever visit Playa del Carmen (or anywhere else in the Riviera Maya) during this time is to swim with the whale sharks. My biggest pet peeve is that whale shark season happens right when the weather and seaweed are at their worst which is such a bummer.

So yes, if you ever see me in Playa del Carmen between June and October, I can promise you I’m there exclusively for those whale sharks.

FAQs About When to Visit Playa del Carmen Mexico

When is the worst time to go to Playa del Carmen?

Honestly, July and August are probably the worst months to visit Playa del Carmen. The chances of hurricanes, heavy rain, and thick seaweed covering the beaches are just way too high, not exactly the tropical getaway most people imagine.

When is the cheapest time to go to Playa del Carmen?

The cheapest months are usually between June and September. That’s right in the middle of hurricane and seaweed season, which is why hotel prices drop a lot. Personally, I wouldn’t visit then just to save money, it’s not worth the risk of bad weather and murky water.

Is Playa del Carmen worth visiting?

100%! Playa del Carmen is so much fun. There are amazing restaurants and bars, some of the best Mexican food I’ve had, free public beaches, and great resorts and boutique hotels. It kind of has it all.

Is there seaweed in Playa del Carmen?

Yes, there definitely is, especially from June to October. During that time, seaweed often covers big parts of the beaches, and it can really affect swimming conditions. If you’re visiting then, I recommend booking a hotel with a good pool so you can still relax and enjoy the sun.

Final Thoughts on the Best Time to Visit Playa del Carmen

Overall, Playa del Carmen is a fantastic destination for most of the year. I personally prefer visiting between December and February, but I’ve also had great experiences in the shoulder months of November and May. 

When I visited during Día de Muertos, it was absolutely incredible and I had the best time with fewer crowds, cooler weather, and still great beach conditions.

That said, I really wouldn’t recommend visiting during low season (June to September) because of the weather and seaweed. If that’s the only time you can go, make sure to book a resort with a pool so you’re not relying solely on the beach.

I hope this guide to the best time to visit Playa del Carmen helps you plan your next trip!

Check Out My Other Playa del Carmen Travel Guides

How to Get to Playa del Carmen: My Playa Transportation Guide

Where to Stay in Playa del Carmen Mexico: My Top Areas & Hotels

Is Playa del Carmen Worth Visiting: My Honest Review

Best Time to Visit Playa del Carmen: A Season by Season Guide

Restaurants in Playa del Carmen: My Top Food Spots in Playa

Check Out My Other Mexico Guides

Is Mexico Worth Visiting: My Honest Review

Best Places to Visit in Mexico: My 11 Top Mexico Destinations