What's the Weather like in Playa Del Carmen in October
Temperature
October starts to cool off a bit in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, but only by a degree or two. The temperatures are still extremely high and the month is typical of the resort's tropical climate there is plenty of sunshine, a fair amount of rain, and warm Caribbean waters. October is a great time to visit if you are looking for a relaxing beach break and to soak up some last minute sun before winter sets in.
Average temperatures in October drop a degree or two from the previous months, hovering at around 26°C, though during the hottest parts of the day temperatures can rise to 31°C and above extremely warm for this time of year. At night the temperatures rarely fall below 22°C, so it is cooler than the past few months but still very pleasant after the sun sets. Lightweight clothing is best for the daytimes at this time of year, so be sure to pack plenty of cool t-shirts, shorts, and swimwear, but you might also want to slip in a thin jumper or two just in case it gets a bit nippy at night. It is important to pack lots of sun cream as well, because the Mexican sun is very strong, even in October.
Rain
Thanks to its positioning so close to the equator, Playa del Carmen experiences a tropical climate with a dry season and a rainy season. October falls into the rainy season, seeing around 114mm of rainfall throughout the month. This falls on an average of 3 days, so it is actually quite unlikely that you'll experience any showers. If you do, they will pass quickly, leaving characteristically warm sunshine in their wake. It might be an idea to pack an umbrella or waterproofs anyway, though, so you don't get caught out.
Sunshine Hours
The hours of sunshine begin to decrease in October, though not by much. Playa del Carmen's tropical climate means that there is very little variation in the amount of sunshine throughout the year, and in October you can expect to see around 9 hours of sunshine per day still plenty of time to get out and about and explore all that the resort has to offer.
Average Sea Temperature
Beach-goers flock to Playa del Carmen for its pristine beaches and relaxing coastline. Even in October the clear Caribbean waters are warm, with sea temperatures sitting at a very pleasant 28°C after having been warmed up throughout the summer. They provide the perfect backdrop for swimming, snorkelling, and splashing around in the shallows, but there is a 24% chance of a windy day so watch out for undercurrents and choppy waves that the blustery weather might bring with it.
October is a popular time to visit Playa del Carmen because the rainy season is coming to a close, but the temperatures remain very high and warm. The sea has had all summer to heat up and the tropically long days mean that there is loads of time to explore the beaches and cultural attractions.
Playa Del Carmen Hotels in October
The BlueBay Grand Esmerelda is a luxury 5-star accommodation option nestled amongst lush jungle and mangrove swamps on the beachfront of the Caribbean Sea. Guests have exclusive access to the three large swimming pools, the relaxing spa facilities, the on-site tennis courts, and the hotel golf course. Rooms are spacious and modern, decorated in fresh, white tones with earth-coloured accents. The lighting is ambient and each room has its own balcony that overlooks the surrounding scenery. There are no less than 7 restaurants in the resort, all of which serve a variety of international flavours, including American, Oriental, French, Italian, and traditional Mexican cuisine. In addition, there is an on-site theatre, as well as a small shopping mall with a range of boutique stores, newsstands, and souvenir stalls.
Hotel Riu Palace is an elegant resort located on the Mexican shores just outside of Playa del Carmen. Rooms are stylish and contemporary, with white-tiled floors and bright, airy décor bursting with pops of pinks and purples. Each room has its own spacious private balcony with sprawling views out across the surrounding vistas. Outside of the rooms, guests can enjoy the two freshwater swimming pools, the picturesque parks, the Jacuzzi and solarium terrace, the gym, and the wellness centre that offers a selection of relaxing treatments and massages. The all-inclusive resort also provides a number of on-site activities, including golf, kayaking, windsurfing, live music, and craft workshops.
The Royal is a grand, adults-only resort situated right on the beachfront in Playa del Carmen. The hotel itself is located inside an ornate, historic villa-style building, with stain-glass ceilings and impressive pillars. The suites are spacious and luxurious, decorated with whitewashed walls and dark, heavy-set furniture. Deep reds and earthy tones provide a splash of colour, and each room has its own Jacuzzi bath and large balcony that takes in the stunning surrounding views. There is also an on-site spa for guests to indulge in, as well as an art gallery showcasing local Mexican work, a real bazar that boasts boutique stores, newsstands, and souvenir stalls, and 17 restaurants and bars, including coffee houses, beach bars and VIP lounges.
Paradisus Playa del Carmen la Perla is another adults-only resort set right on the shimmering shores of the Caribbean Sea. It is tucked in a private bay and is surrounded by lush jungle, picturesque parks, and incredible sea views. Rooms are elegant and sumptuous, with feature walls, thick carpets, and crisp, white bedding. The larger suites also have their own mini-aquarium over the bed, as well as private balconies overlooking the stunning scenery. There are 16 on-site restaurants, bars, and lounges, which serve everything from traditional Mexican fare and seafood to Pan-Asian cuisine and Italian dishes. In addition, the resort boasts a selection of large swimming pools and a relaxing spa area with a variety of treatments and services.
Playa Del Carmen Beach for October
Isla Mujeres lies just a short ferry ride away from bustling Cancun, just along the coast from Playa del Carmen. Because it is exposed all around to the windy waves of the Caribbean Sea, not all of the island is ideal for swimming. However, the North Beach offers warm, shallow waters perfect for splashing around in and great for kids. The beach here is popular for its pristine sands and its glorious views out to sea as well as across to mainland Mexico.
Whilst the North Beach is perfect for family beach days out and gentle swimming, the leeward side of the island provides the perfect backdrop for snorkelling and diving. The waters here are colourful and filled with an array of vibrant sea life just waiting to be explored. Garrafon Park is one of the better beaches in this section of the island. Located near the southern tip, it boasts typical white-sand views and warm, welcoming waters.
Bars and Restaurants
Mambo Café is a lively salsa bar located between the vibrant 5th and 10th Avenues in the heart of Playa del Carmen. Each night a live band takes to the stage, with international performances coming from places like the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and the rest of Mexico, encouraging guests to shimmy their way across the dancefloor. Throughout the evening, there is an open bar serving a selection of classic cocktails, local wines, and refreshing beers, too.
Chez Celine is a French-inspired patisserie and boulangerie. The interior is decorated in a quaint style, with blackboards and heavy-set wood furniture. Guests can browse the selection of mouth-watering sweet and savoury treats, and enjoy a hot drink in the outside area whilst watching the world go by. The menu boasts a delicious selection of breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, including country-style sandwiches, quiches, continental breakfasts, and croque monsieurs.
Things to do in Playa Del Carmen in October
Make the most of the Caribbean Sea and Mexico's glorious climate by spending an afternoon exploring the coastline on a catamaran. Fat Cat Catamaran offers guests the chance to get up close and personal with the underwater world from the luxurious confines of a catamaran complete with open bar and picnic lunch. An introduction to snorkelling and a snorkel tour is included in the trip.
Muyil, also known as Chanyaxche, is a small ruin close to the major Tulum Ruins. It is a lot quieter than the larger historic sites on the Riviera Maya, but still provides a fascinating insight into the past of Mexico. In its golden age, Muyil was a Mayan trading post, and visitors can learn more about its functional uses, as well as explore the unique round tower of El Castillo.
Beginner and experienced dive enthusiasts should check out the Tank Ha Dive Centre, one of the oldest in the region. The centre offers a selection of lessons for all levels, as well as dive tours and a three-hour snorkelling tour that takes in the beautifully colourful underwater world just off the coast of Playa del Carmen.
