Rainy Season in the Riviera Maya and How to Make the Most of It

Despite the Riviera Maya getting 300 days of sunshine each year, it still gets plenty of rain. The rainy season run from June through November; however, it does not rain every day. Hurricanes, when present, usually land between August and October, although they are a rare sight. Tourists are often baffled with what to do when it’s raining in the region. Firstly, it’s important to point out that showers usually don’t last very long, which means you can quickly resume outdoor activities. Funnily enough, “Playa del Carmen weather” is the most common search in Google.

Not a Fan of Rain? No Problem!

Beach rain

If you want to avoid any sight of rain, you have to travel to the region during the hot, dry months. That means anywhere between December and June. However, if a little rain doesn’t bother you, you should definitely visit any of those other months. You will enjoy the Riviera Maya just the same. There are plenty of things to do when it rains – including swimming! But, be aware, if there is lightning and turns into a thunder storm, steer clear of being in the water.

You need a positive attitude during rainy season. Many people often complain about not having enjoyed their stay at Playa del Carmen due to the weather. Unfortunately, that is out of anyone’s control. A positive attitude will be your ticket to enjoying your visit to the region when it is raining. Whenever the drizzling starts, head on over to one of the many shopping centers. Get a coffee, watch a movie, window shop and just wait for the rain to stop.

Start Taking Up New Activities

Rio Secreto

If you live in Playa del Carmen, using the time it rains to go to the gym, yoga, or even grocery shopping is a great way to spend some time outside your house. There are also casinos available for those who wish to give gambling a go. It’s the perfect place to spend a rainy day at. Lastly, you could always use it as an excuse to go get pampered at a spa.

However, outdoor activities are also quite fun whenever it’s rainy season. Places such as Rio Secreto, which is made up of natural caves and underground rivers, are even more fun when it’s raining. Xcaret, or any of its other 6 parks, are also great with a little drizzle. Since you’ll be wet most of the day anyway, you might as well make the most of it. There is no room for boredom in paradise. With so many fun activities for you and the family during the rainy season, there are no excuses.

Don’t Let the Rainy Season Ruin Your Visit!

A few drops of rain will hardly ruin anybody’s visit to the beautiful Riviera Maya – don’t let it ruin yours! The world is yours and there are many opportunities and activities if you visit with an open mind. Make the best of your retirement in paradise!

Playa del Carmen: Family friendly Things to do on a Rainy Day

Most families who have a condo in Playa del Carmen come to enjoy the sun and the beach. Having a rainy day can be bothersome for most expats, but for kids can be extremely difficult to miss out the fun at the beach.

Luckily Playa del Carmen is much more that a beach town, and we have listed some of the activities you can do with your kids or grandkids here in Playa del Carmen, to keep everyone happy and sane!!

  1. Visit the Xel-ha archeological site: If the rain is not too intense, this archeological site is ideal for a family adventure. Located 44 km south of Playa del Carmen and 9 km north of the archaeological site of Tulum, on the main highway Cancun-Tulum, this is an ideal area to explore with children, climbing up most buildings is allowed and the site is not heavily visited or too big for the kids to get tired.

Please note this is not the park but the archeological zone, located on the right side of the road when you are driving towards Tulum, there is an entrance fee is only 43 pesos ($3 USD) and it is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. everyday.

If you want you could challenge your kids and organize a rally, taking photographs of different elements or let them do their own findings. You could also hide tokens or candy chocolate coins and let your kids enjoy their own Indiana Jones adventure.

  1. Enjoy a Game day: A quick visit to your local supermarket will allow you to get enough classic games for several days of fun. The supermarket will have cards and other games like monopoly, operation or scrabble and don’t forget to grab some game day snacks. Go to your condos club house and enjoy hours of family fun in the game room.

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  1. Arrange a cooking class: Most condos have a concierge, ask your concierge if it is possible to arrange a cooking class for the whole family, either a family favorite such as pizza or a local recipe with lots of mashing like guacamole and chips. See your kids smiling happy faces as they devourer their master piece.
  1. Visit the local movie theater: Let the kids choose a movie and enjoy some buttery popcorn, both local shopping malls have a good sized movie theater and offer a coffee shop for tired parents.

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  1. Take the kids to a Play Zone: They are located in the shopping mall, let your kids have some pesos and let them play ancient videogames. Most of the games are so old they might be a novelty for your children.
  1. Or think ahead and bring your own game system: Mexico customs will let you bring a used gaming system in without any hassle. Have a relaxed evening, your kids can play video games and you can indulge in a quiet glass of wine on the balcony.

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We hope you enjoy your time in your beautiful Playa del Carmen condo, but the reality is that during low season (hurricane season) rain can happen and it can last for days. If you are traveling with children it is wise to plan ahead and have a few tricks up your sleeve.

Now if you have any question of this or any of the TOP MEXICO REAL ESTATE properties we have listed in Playa Del Carmen, The Riviera Maya or anywhere throughout Mexico, please feel free to contact any of our TOP MEXICO EXPERT SALES TEAM and we will be glad to help you find your very own piece of paradise.

And remember, here at TOP MEXICO REAL ESTATE

We make it happen!

Things to Do in Playa Del Carmen on a Rainy Day

Like every good tropical region, the Riviera Maya has one long rainy season. It starts in June and runs all the way through October. However, this does not mean that every day is a rainy day! While most days you will be able to enjoy the beautiful, paradise beaches, outdoor activities, site seeing, and much more, you should also plan (and pack) for occasional rainy days.

Most people come to the Riviera Maya because it’s a fully outdoor holiday, but there is plenty to do and enjoy while it’s raining outside. And worry not, because rain tends to fall strongly for an hour or two and then stop completely, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the beach, 5th Avenue, or anything else. Just carry a poncho (or umbrella) with you!

Here are some fun things to do in Playa Del Carmen on a rainy day:

Go to the Movies
Believe it or not, most movies screened in Mexico are in their original version and subtitled. Only children’s movies are dubbed. You have plenty of films to watch in either of the two movie theaters found in Playa del Carmen: Cinemex in Centro Maya, or Cinepolis in Plaza las Americas.

Go Shopping
Since you’re already in Centro Maya or Plaza las Americas, you might as well go shopping. Both malls are not as big as you are used to back home, but they have plenty of shopping and food available. Another option is visiting the new Quinta Alegria plaza located on 5th Avenue. This plaza is open but offers shelter from the rain to walk around.

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Have a Long Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner
It doesn’t matter what time it starts raining at…visiting a restaurant and enjoying a long and relaxing meal is a great option while the rain falls. You could visit any one of the many restaurants on 5th Avenue, or somewhere off the beaten path, and try some delicious Mexican, Italian, French, gourmet, street, or even German food!

Go Dancing!
12th street is waiting for you, regardless of rain. If it’s raining at nighttime (or party time), don’t stay in just because of the weather. Once you reach 12th street you will find plenty of choices between bars and clubs to dance the rain (and night) away!

Go on a Tour
Visiting cenotes, going on ATVs, or visiting Río Secreto and Xplor are great options for when it’s raining. You’ll be getting wet anyway. Rio Secreto is a beautiful underground river and cenote, perfect for any weather. Xplor is Experiencias Xcaret’s adventure park – zipline, swim through rivers, and have fun…rain or not! Most ATV tours include visiting a cenote and riding through fun filled and muddy paths!

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Discover a Café 
Playa del Carmen is full of uniquely designed, delicious coffee and teashops. Find one that you like and spend a rainy afternoon reading a book and enjoying a Mexican brewed coffee or tea. You can also find cookies, breads, cakes, and other sweet things to enjoy with the drink of your choice.

Get a Massage
You know you’ve been thinking about it since you arrived in Playa del Carmen. You’re on vacation and you deserve a massage. So what better time to get one than when it’s raining outside? The sound of the rain and the relaxing music at the spa will surely allow you to let it all go, relax, and enjoy. Playa del Carmen is full of spas waiting for you…get off 5th Avenue and find one that is not as expensive and that will leave you feeling more relaxed!

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Stay In 
Seldom do you get to enjoy a day of relaxation in the hotel. Pamper yourself, order room service, turn the TV on and watch a movie. You may not be getting the full Playa del Carmen experience through it, but you will definitely feel ready for your next adventure day in paradise!

There is no reason to feel frustrated because your holidays are “ruined” by the rain! Never forget that Playa del Carmen is much more than paradise beaches, and that there are plenty things to do in Playa Del Carmen on a rainy day.

Top Mexico Real Estate is an American-owned, locally based real estate company, leader in the Riviera Maya. If you are thinking of retiring or relocating to paradise, feel free to contact one of our Top Mexico Buyers’ Representatives who will happily guide you on your path to becoming a homeowner in Mexico.

And remember, here at Top Mexico Real Estate

We Make It Happen!