Start of the wetter season · Weather & things to do
Playa del Carmen in May
Little changes in Playa del Carmen from April: highs stay near 84°F (29°C), lows near 79°F (26°C), and about 3.9 in (100 mm) of rain falls.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 75/100, 6th of 12.
- Avg high
- 84°F (29°C)
- Avg low
- 79°F (26°C)
- Rain
- 3.9 in (100 mm)
- Humidity
- 77%
- Cloud cover
- 45%
- Daylight
- ~12 h 59 min
- Comfort score
- 75/100 · Great
What May feels like
Days are warm, averaging 84°F (29°C).
Even at night it stays warm, around 79°F (26°C).
Humidity averages 77%, so the air feels sticky and the heat feels stronger than the thermometer says.
Some rain is likely, about 3.9 in (100 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Plan around May
May sits mid-table; the best months are February – April.
- Comfort slips from 89/100 in April to 75/100.
- Our Tulum & Riviera Maya route recommends Dec – Apr, so May falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for May
- Light, breathable clothes84°F afternoons
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hathigh UV on clear days
- Quick-dry fabrics77% average humidity
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 3.9 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Playa del Carmen in May
May is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Playa Mamitas
Lively beach with beach clubs north of the center.
Why now May scores 75/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Punta Esmeralda
Local beach where a cenote spring meets the sea, with calm water.
Why now Highs near 84°F and 3.9 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
La Cueva del Chango
Garden restaurant serving Mexican breakfasts since 1997.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Quinta Avenida
Pedestrian street with shops, restaurants and bars running parallel to the beach.
Xcaret
Eco-park with underground rivers, animals and an evening show of Mexican history.
Nearby in May
- Tulum in May~38 mi · highs 87°F, 4.3 in rain · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Bacalar in May~160 mi · highs 88°F, 5.1 in rain · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, wetter
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 May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Playa del Carmen?
It's middling, scoring 75/100. The best months are February – April, at up to 94. Expect highs of 84°F (29°C) and 3.9 in (100 mm) of rain. Our Tulum & Riviera Maya route recommends Dec – Apr, so May is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Playa del Carmen in May?
Average highs are 84°F (29°C) and average lows 79°F (26°C), making it the 4th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Playa del Carmen in May?
Some: about 3.9 in (100 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 6th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 50.5 in (1282 mm).
What should I pack for Playa del Carmen in May?
Bring light, breathable clothes (84°F afternoons), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (high UV on clear days), quick-dry fabrics (77% average humidity), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 3.9 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Playa del Carmen
Planning Playa del Carmen in May?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.