Weather in Mexico – Riviera Maya

*Updated November 2025
Mexico offers beach weather, mountain breezes, and everything in between—year-round. Because the country spans deserts, high plateaus, tropical jungles, and two long coastlines (Pacific and Caribbean/Gulf), conditions can change quickly by region. A brief downpour can give way to bright sunshine an hour later, especially in the rainy season. If you’re moving to Mexico or planning a visit, this month-by-month guide (with notes for Riviera Maya—Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum) will help you set expectations.

Quick seasonal framing: the dry season generally runs November–April and the rainy season May–October. The Atlantic/Caribbean hurricane season runs June 1–November 30 (peak August–October), while the Eastern Pacific season is May 15–November 30. Sargassum seaweed is more common on the Caribbean coast in spring and summer (typically April–October), though intensity varies by year.

Weather in Mexico in January

January is comfortably warm and mostly dry. The Atlantic/Caribbean side is a touch cooler than the Pacific. In Mexico City (high-altitude), typical highs are around 70–72°F with crisp nights near 44–48°F—great for museums and historic sites. Pacific resorts like Acapulco often reach the mid-80s (≈85–88°F). On the Caribbean, Cancún and the wider Riviera Maya see pleasant highs around 79–83°F; sea temperatures are usually 78–80°F and fine for swimming.

Mexico and Riviera Maya Weather in February

February continues peak beach season. Expect dry, sunny days and low humidity along both coasts. Daytime temps commonly reach 81–86°F; sea temps hover ~77–79°F. In the highlands, including the capital, days are mild (≈70–74°F) and nights cool (≈44–48°F). Riviera Maya stays comfortable—generally low 60s to mid-80s °F across the day/night cycle.

March Weather in Mexico

March trends warmer with abundant sunshine. Winds ease and seas are typically calm. Riviera Maya water temps tick up toward 79–80°F and afternoons around 80–84°F. Central Mexico sees warm days (mid-70s) and cool nights near 50°F, ideal for sightseeing before the late-spring heat arrives.

Weather in Mexico in April

April straddles late dry season and the first spring showers. The first half is classic beach weather; by late month, brief thunderstorms begin popping up, especially in the tropics. Expect hot afternoons in Acapulco (upper-80s to near 90°F) and mid-80s in Cancún. Riviera Maya commonly runs 66–89°F across the day; sea temps about 79–81°F. Occasional sargassum may start appearing along the Caribbean coast.

Weather in Mexico in May

May is the transition into the rainy season. It’s hotter and more humid—afternoons in many coastal spots reach 88–92°F with warm seas (81–84°F). If you’re sargassum-sensitive on the Caribbean side, consider booking accommodations with well-maintained beaches or a pool option. In Mexico City, days often reach ~80–82°F with nights ~55–61°F.

Weather in Mexico in June

June brings frequent tropical showers and higher humidity. Expect short, intense downpours followed by sun. Caribbean and Yucatán resorts (Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum) often see 88–93°F days; seas are toasty at 82–86°F. Surf on both coasts starts to build; breezier afternoons are common. In the capital, typical highs range 73–79°F with comfortable evenings around the mid-50s.

Weather in Mexico in July

July is peak rainy-season weather in much of the tropics. Downpours can last longer than in June, and seas are choppy at times. Coastal air temps remain around 90–93°F with warm water (84–86°F). If you’re chasing waves, midsummer often delivers—though beachgoers should remain mindful of rip-current flags and local advisories.

Mexico and Riviera Maya Weather in August

August marks the heart of the Atlantic hurricane season. The Caribbean and Gulf can see more frequent storms and swells, while some travelers opt for the Pacific coast to dodge Atlantic systems (remember, Pacific hurricane season is active too). Riviera Maya typically runs 86–93°F by day with seas 82–86°F. Plan flexible itineraries and consider travel insurance during this window.

Weather in Mexico in September

September stays hot, humid, and storm-prone—especially in the tropics. Rainfall starts to taper late in the month. Coastal highs hover near 88–90°F with sea temps in the upper-70s to low-80s °F. The interior cools a bit: Mexico City often sits in the mid-70s by day and mid-50s at night. Northern deserts remain very warm.

October Weather in Mexico

October is the rainy season’s exit ramp. Showers and storms diminish through the month. Coastal highs usually land around 84–90°F; the Caribbean Sea is a swimmable 80–84°F. In Riviera Maya, expect a broad 81–91°F day range. Central highlands cool down: Mexico City often sees 61–70°F days and ~50°F nights—bring a light layer.

November Weather in Mexico

November ushers in the dry season and the start of high season. Days are warm and sunny; humidity drops. Coastal areas commonly see 82–86°F with seas ~77–82°F—great for the beach. Acapulco stays on the hotter end. Riviera Maya typically runs upper-70s to upper-80s °F with far fewer showers than summer.

Mexico and Riviera Maya Weather in December

December is prime beach time, particularly on the Caribbean side. Expect 80–83°F afternoons and 75–81°F sea temps, light winds, and minimal rain. Acapulco can reach the upper-80s. In Riviera Maya, daytime commonly spans the low-80s, with comfortable evenings. Mexico City is cooler (~68–72°F by day) and mountain areas can get quite chilly at night.

What to Know About Weather in Riviera Maya

The most settled weather is December–April, with warm days, lower humidity, and typically calm seas. May is often the hottest month; June–October brings higher humidity and more frequent showers, plus a greater chance of sargassum on beaches. Swimming is usually possible year-round, but conditions can change quickly—check local forecasts, beach flags, and advisories during the rainy and hurricane seasons.

Planning a move as well as a trip? Our team at SDC International Shipping helps you time transit and delivery windows around regional weather so your relocation to Mexico is smooth from door to door.