​PLAYA DEL CARMEN

Hello, ​Playa del Carmen.

Playa del Carmen is considered as one of the Riviera's trendiest cities​. During peak season, the town's beaches are packed with American and European tourists, and the city's tourist center can feel like a mass-tourism destination.

Quinta, sometimes called 5th Avenue, is the place to see and be seen in Playa. It has the feel of a touristy beach resort during the day, changing to a pretty thriving night scene.

However, there’s a lot more to Playa del Carmen than just the beach. Rent a car and visit Puerto Morales for the view of fishing boats and spectacular aquamarine ocean off the pier.

Playa del Carmen is safe, but use common sense. Don’t wander around drunk (and/or alone) after dark. When out at night, watch your drink. Make sure you cannot be easily pick-pocketed.

Getting scammed by taxi drivers is more common. Walking further away from busy bus stations or main roads should help you land a cheaper cab, even if you speak perfect Spanish. Always ask the price before getting in.

There is a community of digital nomads ​that are now living in Playa del Carmen either long term or permanently. The internet connection ​is ​getting faster with the introduction of fiber optic, but certain areas like Playacar have slower internet speed. Short-term and long-term rental is easy to find just by walking around the town.

Although the beach town is known as one of Mexico’s most expensive destinations, it is possible to have a great time in Playa del Carmen on a budget. In general, rental and cost of living is cheaper after the highway (further away from the beach).

The best time to visit Playa del Carmen is between April and May, when there are less people along the shore. Day temperatures hover between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, dropping to around 60 degrees during the evening.

From October to March, the climate is generally dry and slightly warm. 

The coolest time of year falls between November and January. During these months the daytime temperatures are very comfortable and warm, but the air tends to cool off at night. There is some rain, but not constant or overwhelming.

Summer days and nights tend to offer high temperatures and humidity. Hurricane season lasts from June to September, so check weather forecasts and hurricane warnings before booking your trip.