Lorry Perkins
Writer, Travel Blogger
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Weather in Riviera Maya, Mexico: When is the Best Time to Visit Riviera Maya
Riviera Maya, Mexico, is known for its all-inclusive resorts, hotels, and golf courses situated on or adjacent to beautiful pristine beaches. Along with its cool white sand and beautiful aquamarine water, the temperature is almost perfect year-round for those who desire a warm-weather vacation. That being said, many travelers are interested in Riviera Maya weather by month.
Average Monthly Temperature in Riviera Maya | Weather Conditions Year Round
According to beach-weather.com, the hottest month in Riviera Maya is August, when the average maximum temperature is 90°, the average temperature is 82°, and the average minimum temperature is 75°. The weather in Riviera Maya in January is the coolest month when the average maximum temperature is 81°, the average temperature is 73°, and the average minimum temperature is 68°. There is a rainy season and a time when there are more tropical storms, but don’t rely on weather reports because even if rain is predicted, many times, it is brief. When the weather forecast predicts rain, it is not necessarily a washout. Sometimes it rains lightly for a few minutes, then the rest of the day is sunny. We used to pack rain jackets but soon realized the rain was mostly intermittent, and many resorts provide umbrellas. Most resorts have air conditioning in the rooms, but some have open-air restaurants.
Weather in Riviera Maya, Mexico | Sun Worshippers Use Your Sunscreen
Yes, this is where you go if you want to worship the sun, but please do not forget your sunscreen, and apply it often. I’ve witnessed travelers sunbathing for hours only to turn beet red. We lounge in the shade and always wear sunscreen. If you are prone to sunburn, find a sunscreen with a high SPF and consider wearing a rash guard with sun protection built-in while you are in the water or in the direct sun.
We Escape the Cold and Avoid the Hottest Months in Riviera Maya
I have been to Riviera Maya in January, February, September, and October. Those months work best with my work schedule, and in January and February, we want to escape our cold weather and dark overcast winter days and enjoy warmer temperatures. We started making a second trip in September/October because my husband saw a great deal one year and asked if I wanted to go to Mexico for my birthday. “Yes, please,” was my answer. Since then, we’ve planned two vacations there, one in the winter and one in the fall. (Be aware there is a higher incidence of tropical storms during hurricane season in the fall.) Luckily we’ve always had pleasant weather.
The pandemic changed those plans causing us to miss two vacations to Riviera Maya in the past year. Now that my work schedule has changed, I’ve entertained the idea of traveling to Riviera Maya at other times of the year, too, so I’ve been researching the pros and cons of each season.
There’s A Dry Season and Peak Rainy Season
The dry season is from May to October, and the peak rainy season is from October to April. Since I’ve only been there in the rainy season, I can tell you there’s nothing to be concerned about. Many times our weather forecast for our vacation predicted rain every day. In the 20 times I’ve been there, I’ve never experienced what I would consider a rainy vacation. Once in a while, we would see a cloud roll in, and it would rain for 10 minutes and stop. Then the rest of the day would be sunny or partly cloudy and beautiful. A couple of times, we had a mostly rainy day, but it never ruined our vacation. When it was cloudy, we welcomed a needed break from the sun. On the days it rained, I would get a massage or else watch a movie in the room. There are plenty of other things to do in the resort if it rains, so don’t let the rainy season forecast bother you. With light rain, many tourists stay in the water and observe marine life or look for sea turtles ignoring the rain and passing the time until there are clear skies.
Hurricane Season in Riviera Maya | Tropical Storms
What about hurricanes? Hurricane season is from June through November. We have been fortunate to never have had our vacation spoiled by a hurricane or tropical storm, but luckily we missed the hurricane in October in 2020 because of the pandemic. Some people risked exposure to COVID and traveled to Mexico, but we listened to the CDC and canceled our plans. Thankfully, we dodged a bullet, but others were not so lucky.
Travel Insurance When You Visit Riviera Maya
If you are concerned about serious weather ruining your vacation plans, then you may want to purchase travel insurance. Not only can you buy insurance to cover travel disruptions due to the threat of weather, but there are also plans that cover you in case of illness.
When You Visit Riviera Maya During Tourist Season
In addition to the weather, you may want to consider the time of year to travel in relation to the busy tourist season. The busiest months are March, April, July, August, and the holidays including Christmas and New Years. Prices are generally higher during these times too. The least expensive time to travel is September October, so there are usually great deals this time of year. The shoulder season is January, February, May, and June.
Riviera Maya Peak Travel Season vs Off Season
What are the advantages of traveling during the off-season? Fewer people in the airport and at the resort. I’m sure you have seen the complaints that guests cannot find a lounger at the pool or the beach or they can’t get a dinner reservation at the a la carte restaurants. If you can travel in the off-season, you may avoid these hassles. That being said, sometimes you must travel at certain times of the year because of school or work schedules, so don’t let the crowds deter you. Most of the resorts have plenty of room for all of their guests. I’ve known individuals who have traveled during the tourist season, and they still enjoyed their vacation. Consider that just about anywhere that you go during that time of year is going to be busy.
Weather Forecast Predicts More Rain and Mosquitoes
When it is the rainy season and hot, expect mosquitoes. We’ve only had a problem with mosquitoes during one trip in September when we experienced higher humidity and temperatures, and it was only when we were around a certain pool in the resort. We always take insect repellent with us, but luckily have only needed it a few times. But be aware that in certain areas or certain times of the year (most likely during the rainy season), you may need it more than others, so be prepared. I’ve read complaints about mosquitoes around the Mayan ruins, especially in the summer. I’d suggest visiting the Mayan ruins during the coldest month.
Visit Riviera Maya During Christmas
I still prefer to travel to Riviera Maya in February and October, but would consider adding another trip in November now that my schedule allows, or possibly in December to experience the resorts at Christmas time. I recently discovered that many of the resorts celebrate the holidays in grand style with elaborate decorations and festivities. The colorful lighting displays at the resorts are the perfect way to either get into the holiday spirit in the weeks prior or a great way to celebrate Christmas or News Years’ Eve. You may experience some chilly evenings, but sunny Mexico is a popular holiday destination.
Pleasant Weather in Riviera Maya
When you need to escape the cold for warm temperatures or some sunny weather, keep in mind hurricane season, weather conditions, and peak season. If you are concerned about the weather either in Mexico or your place of departure, give yourself peace of mind by purchasing trip insurance. But if you need sunny days and a beautiful beach, Riviera Maya is one of the best tourist destinations at just about any time of the year. With consistent average monthly temperatures, sunny weather, and balmy nights, Riviera Maya is the place to be. Check out the Riviera Maya weather by month, and take into consideration the Caribbean hurricane season, but don’t let that scare you away from a fabulous vacation.
Book Your Travel
When traveling to Riviera Maya, we always book with our travel agent Jim Lucente. Rest assured that you will know the latest Covid protocols and have the added layer of a professional to contact directly with any questions or concerns. I highly recommend contacting Jim Lucente, owner of Lucente Travel, at 412-299-7699 or email him at jim@lucentetravel.com to book your all-inclusive vacation.
If you prefer to book online, you can book here or compare reviews at Tripadvisor.
As Canadians we love to head down to the Riviera Maya when it is cold in Toronto. We are sun seekers for sure. But the summer weather can be unpredictable at times so we have been known to head south in the summer when we know we will get consistent hot weather. Of course, that means planning before hurricane season. November would be a great time before the crowds head south.
Tourist season looks kinda scary 😉 Since I’m based in northern Europe, I would always go in the wintertime, obviously. However, we visited the Riviera Maya also in summer since we had more time then and it was totally fine.
I’ve spent a LOT of time petsitting in Mexico and I find it hilarious when people come during the rainy season and then are so shocked and disappointed when it rains every day. (Thus the name… “rainy season.”) Your article gives some excellent insights and hopefully people will heed your advice BEFORE they book their vacay. That photo of all those people in the pool makes me want to NEVER go during the “busy season.” Thanks for the great info!
I quite like visiting at the end of the season just before or as monsoon starts in places like this. I did this a few times and found it was that bit quieter and the rain although heavy would force us to slow our travel down on odd days and have more relaxed time.
I went to Mexico once with family over the holidays and it was a lot of fun! I would like to go back during a less busy time tho
Thank you. We stayed in Cozumel December and January and loved it. We then wondered when else we could go. I will skip June to November and probably go January and February next time. Thanks.
It’s always best to travel to a tourist destination during the off season. However, it comes with some disadvantages as well. You won’t get to admire people and befriend them. Anyway, thanks for your guide.