Start of the drier season · Weather & things to do
Playa del Carmen in December
Little changes in Playa del Carmen from November: highs stay near 80°F (27°C), lows near 75°F (24°C), and about 2.7 in (69 mm) of rain falls.
It scores 82/100 for comfort, 5th of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 80°F (27°C)
- Avg low
- 75°F (24°C)
- Rain
- 2.7 in (69 mm)
- Humidity
- 78%
- Cloud cover
- 57%
- Daylight
- ~10 h 45 min
- Comfort score
- 82/100 · Great
What December feels like
Highs settle around 80°F (27°C), warm enough for short sleeves.
Nights stay warm too, with lows averaging 75°F (24°C).
With 78% average humidity, it feels muggy.
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 2.7 in (69 mm).
Plan around December
December is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (February – April).
- The drier spell starts: rain falls to 2.7 in (69 mm) after 5.1 in (129 mm) in November.
- Shortest days of the year, about 10 h 45 min of daylight.
- Comfort improves from 74/100 in November to 82/100.
- December sits inside the Dec – Apr window our Tulum & Riviera Maya route recommends.
What to pack for December
- Light, breathable clotheshighs average 80°F
- Quick-dry fabrics78% average humidity
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Playa del Carmen in December
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Xcaret
Eco-park with underground rivers, animals and an evening show of Mexican history.
Why now December scores 82/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
El Fogón
Taquería famous for al pastor tacos off the spit.
Playa Mamitas
Lively beach with beach clubs north of the center.
Why now Highs near 80°F and 2.7 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Coco Bongo
Big nightclub-show venue with acrobatics and live music.
Punta Esmeralda
Local beach where a cenote spring meets the sea, with calm water.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Nearby in December
- Tulum in December~38 mi · highs 81°F, 2.4 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Bacalar in December~160 mi · highs 81°F, 3.2 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Playa del Carmen in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Playa del Carmen?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 82/100 against a best of 94 in February – April. Expect highs of 80°F (27°C) and 2.7 in (69 mm) of rain. December is inside the Dec – Apr window our Tulum & Riviera Maya route recommends.
How hot is Playa del Carmen in December?
Average highs are 80°F (27°C) and average lows 75°F (24°C), making it the 2nd-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Playa del Carmen in December?
Some: about 2.7 in (69 mm) of rain falls across December on average, the 5th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 50.5 in (1282 mm).
What should I pack for Playa del Carmen in December?
Bring light, breathable clothes (highs average 80°F), quick-dry fabrics (78% average humidity), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Playa del Carmen
Routes in season in December
- Tulum & Riviera Maya Dec – Apr
Planning Playa del Carmen in December?
Share this December plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.