Let’s face it. With global warming and all, there really isn’t a set rainy season in the Riviera Maya, anymore. While it is usually during the summer months (along with hurricane season), climate change has caused unexpected rains throughout the year. So, when you’re living in Playa del Carmen and those rainy days come along, it can be quite upsetting. After all, you moved here for the eternal sunshine, summer-like year-round weather and warm climate. But Playa del Carmen isn’t just the beach. And when it rains, there are still plenty of things to do.
Chill under a palapa
Trip Advisor reviewed over 1,500 restaurants in Playa del Carmen, many with nice dry thatched palapas where you can chill and watch the rain. You can also chill in a bar – one of the hundreds existing ones. If lifting a glass is too much hard work, have a massage at the beach under a palapa until the rain stops.
Watch a great movie with giant popcorn
Set your movie websites to Playa del Carmen (you have two options here: Cinepolis or Cinemex). Both theatres offer a wide array of popular, blockbuster movies, as well as a selection of Mexican film (which you should check out if you speak Spanish). Most movies are screened in English with Spanish subtitles. Although if you have children, you’re out of luck – those are always dubbed to Spanish. Mix up your experience with large popcorn and drinks.
Shop till you drop
Playa del Carmen has slowly grown into a major city, with two shopping centers, as well as a few shopping and entertainment venues. On the highway, you will find Centro Maya, which offers a handful of shops, as well as service offices and one of the movie theatres. The other one is Plaza las Americas, on the other side of the highway, with larger shops and an arcade game center. Along Fifth Avenue you will also find Paseo del Carmen (which is open, but you can spend plenty of time in its shops while the rain stops). Or you can go to Quinta Alegria, where you can spend time at Starbucks or looking at the different shops while the clouds go away.
Get cultural
Playa del Carmen’s government and private sectors have been investing large amounts of money into making it a much more cultural place. You can visit the new planetarium, where you can catch the Maya Universe show. Or you could check out what’s playing at the town’s new theatre. They often set up local productions; however, they also bring large productions from Mexico City. There’s also a handful of museums you could visit such as the Frida Kahlo museum, the 3D Museum of Wonders (perfect for surreal selfies) or descend into Xibalbá. The latter is the ancient Mayan underworld at MUXI, right next door to the 3D museum.
Learn about something new
When it rains, it is the perfect time for you to pick up a new hobby or join some new classes. You could join a Spanish group, learn salsa dancing, take Mexican cooking lessons. The options are endless. There are many groups that constantly put together drink and draw events, as well. Or, if you want to join something more formal, check out what class options are available at the Centro Cultural de Playa del Carmen
Explore the living underworld
When it’s raining (warning: without thunder), visiting the Yucatan’s magnificent caverns and cenotes is a great way to spend the day. Some of the best ones near Playa del Carmen are Rio Secreto, Aktun Chen, Dos Ojos, and Sac Actun. You will be fascinated with the long underground rivers, the forests of stalactites and the translucent curtains. Alternatively, you can go scuba diving if it’s just a light rain. You can check out the fish and corals in the world’s second-largest reef. If you’re fascinated by the underwater world but don’t actually want to get wet, you can check Playa del Carmen’s aquarium or dine underground at Alux restaurant.
Another option is the beach. Tropical rain and rough sea? Yes, but a coral-sand, palm-fronded beach is bliss in any weather. And when the sun-worshippers have fled, you’ll have it all to yourself. You’ll feel like Robinson Crusoe.
Find your dream home
Hey, you’re stuck at home or at your hotel, anyway, right? So, you might as well check out the hundreds of beautiful condos, homes, lots, penthouses and more available in Playa del Carmen or its surrounding areas. Start by visiting the Top Mexico Real Estate website and learning about each region and its real estate options. The next step? Contacting our Buyer’s Representatives and having them help you and walk you on the search of finding your dream home. After all, having a home of your own in Playa del Carmen means you can just chill there while the rain passes.
And remember, at Top Mexico Real Estate…we make it happen!
