What is special about Playa del Carmen?

This coastal town runs along the Riviera Maya, where divers and snorkelers can explore one of the world's largest coral reef systems. The central part of Playa del Carmen is a vibrant avenue filled with quirky shops and restaurants, as well as a beachfront park that hosts traditional Mayan performances in the evenings.



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Playa del Carmen is mostly known for its beaches, parties and giant resorts. But there's the whole other side of the city. It's a great hub for independent travelers with many things to do in and around.

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In fact, after staying five nights, I realized this lovely Mexican city is brimmed with beauty and excitement. Playa Del Carmen offers endless activities to make your holiday memorable, from lounging on its sandy beaches to exploring ancient Mayan ruins. And don't forget those cenotes!

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The best time to visit Playa del Carmen is between April and May, when there are fewer people along the shore. Day temperatures hover between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, dropping slightly in the evenings. From October to March, the climate is generally dry and slightly warm.

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Be extra careful at night in Playa del Carmen As with many places in the world, most crimes in Playa del Carmen occur at night. Besides being extra careful at the bars in Playa del Carmen, you'll also want to be extra careful when walking alone at night.

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Poised along the glitzy Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen is no doubt one of the most expensive parts of Mexico, but even shoestring travelers will rejoice at the legion of well-priced apartments, cheap local eats and affordable day-trip options available in Playa del Carmen.

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Punta Esmeralda Beach is known as the hidden local beach in Playa del Carmen. This undeveloped beach is perfect for those wanting to escape the crowds, relax and unwind. At Punta Esmeralda Beach, visitors will find a natural cenote that flows into the Caribbean.

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Waves will not get to big, this is a not a surfers paradise so swimming can be done every day! Playa del Carmen and the bays are protected by natural reef systems or in the case of Playa, the island of Cozumel so high waves just don't happen very often.

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The ideal number of days in Playa del Carmen depends on your preferences and interests. Generally, a 3 to 7-day trip should provide enough time to see the main attractions, enjoy the beach, and take day trips to nearby sights.

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The no shoes, no shirts policy does not apply to Playa, believe me. All of PDC is very casual. There are only a couple of very nice restaurants. Why don't you add a pair of khakis or tropical weight slacks so you won't feel out of place if you do go to one of them.

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Playa del Carmen is generally safe at night, however, it is important to take the same precautions as you would in any other city. It is best to stay in well-lit, populated areas and avoid walking alone at night. It is also recommended to avoid carrying large amounts of cash and to keep your valuables out of sight.

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You can use the tap water to brush your teeth, however, do not drink the tap water. Drink water and lots of it. The myth that the water in Mexico makes people sick is outdated.

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May is the hottest month in Playa del Carmen with an average temperature of 28.35°C (83°F) and the coldest is January at 23.3°C (74°F) with the most daily sunshine hours at 11 in May. The wettest month is September with an average of 173.1mm of rain.

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To get to Playa del Carmen, most travelers fly into Cancún International Airport (CUN), which is about 35 miles north of Playa del Carmen. To reach Playa, you can rent a car, take a bus or hop in a taxi.

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