Welcome to the ultimate cheat sheet for the best times of year to visit the Caribbean coastline of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. Rest assured, sunshine abounds, and there are plenty of things to do in Riviera Maya all year round.
The Best Times to Visit Riviera Maya
Imagine basking in Riviera Maya’s sun without having to hunt for the perfect spot.
1. The Sweet Spot Between Seasons—May to Early June
If Goldilocks headed to Riviera Maya, she’d probably go in May or early June when everything is just right. It’s not too hot, too rainy, or too crowded. And the prices are just right. May is one of the least visited months in this tropical paradise, so you’ll find bigger deals and smaller crowds.
2. Low Season Deals—September to Mid-October
Yes, you can have a vacation and hold onto some of your savings! The heart of Riviera Maya’s offseason starts in September and runs until mid-October. That means cheaper flights and lodging deals that’ll make you want to jump on the hotel’s king-size bed like one of our acrobats.
Although it may rain more this time of year, you'll still be able to find a myriad of things to do. You can swim with the dolphins, enjoy a spa treatment, or marvel at aerial acrobatics during one of our shows.
Best Time to Visit for Weather and Wildlife
There’s no bad time of year to visit Riviera Maya. But different seasons offer different advantages.
3. Perfect Climate—Late November to Early December
Kick off your winter boots and slip into some flip-flops. Avoid the rainy season and enjoy long, dry, and sunny days from late November until early December.
During the last 2 months of the year, Riviera Maya weather offers the perfect backdrop for exploring ancient ruins without breaking a sweat or indulging in relaxing beach days where the only thing melting is your ice cream.
4. Whale Shark Season—June to September
Dive into the plot twist of your summer adventure between June and September when Riviera Maya rolls out the blue carpet for whale shark season. These gentle giants, seemingly straight out of a fantasy novel, are very real and surprisingly friendly.
Enjoy the ultimate snorkeling adventure by floating alongside these majestic creatures. It's a unique experience that promises both thrills and chills (the good kind, we promise!).
Best Times for Events and Cultural Festival
Embark on a journey through the Caribbean coastline's events, where the only thing more dazzling than Riviera Maya beaches are the vibrant festivals and holidays. Each month presents a variety of colors, sounds, and flavors, inviting visitors into the heart of Mexico’s rich traditions and contemporary celebrations.
5. January: Day Ahead Festival
Kick off your new year with a bang at the Dead Ahead Festival, where the undead roam not to haunt but to party! This quirky, off-the-beaten-path festival is a hidden gem that combines live music, art, and local culture with a playful twist on the afterlife.
Prepare for skeletons dancing under the stars, vibrant altars that dazzle, and a beachside setting that’s alive with energy. It’s a place where the only thing to fear is FOMO (fear of missing out).
6. March/April: Semana Santa (Holy Week)
Semana Santa brings a picturesque transformation to Riviera Maya. This sacred week is deeply rooted in tradition and observed with passion and reverence.
The streets come alive with processions and religious reenactments. It’s a time to witness faith and community spirit. Beyond the spiritual, the beaches beckon with their usual allure, offering a serene backdrop for this special time.
Elevate your Riviera Maya Stay!
Ready for a whimsical twist to your Riviera Maya visit? Make the most of your day with high-flying Cirque du Soleil acts and vibrant shows!
7. May: Riviera International Film Festival
The Riviera International Film Festival showcases a diverse array of cinematic gems from around the globe and offers a platform for both emerging talent and established filmmakers.
Lounge on the beach, cocktail in hand, as you enjoy movies that make you laugh, cry, and dream. It’s a rare opportunity to dive into the world of film while surrounded by the natural beauty of Riviera Maya.
8. October/November: Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos)
Día de los Muertos is a vibrant homage to loved ones who have passed on, with altars that sparkle under candlelight and skeletons that smile in the moonlight. It’s an invitation to explore cemeteries, not as places of mourning but as stages for joyous reunions.
Families share stories, laugh, and even dine with the departed. This festival provides a colorful lens for viewing life, death, and the unbreakable bonds between them.
9. November: Riviera Maya Jazz Festival
The Riviera Maya Jazz Festival is a free event that transforms the soft, sandy beaches into an open-air concert hall under the moonlit sky.
Get lost in the rhythms of the saxophone, with the Caribbean Sea as your backdrop and the stars as your spotlight. It’s an intoxicating mix of salty air, sultry tunes, and spontaneous dancing that proves jazz isn't just music — it’s a lifestyle.
10. December: Las Posadas
December in Riviera Maya is a time of warmth, light, and the festive spirit of Las Posadas. This traditional celebration reenacts Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter with song, community, and a journey through the streets that ends in joyful gatherings.
Homes and hearts open wide, welcoming both neighbors and strangers to share in the festivities. Piñatas are broken, revealing candy and the sweetness of communal joy and togetherness.
Las Posadas is the perfect prelude to Christmas, infusing the holiday season with the essence of hospitality, warmth, and shared blessings. It’s a lot like one of our shows, wrapping audiences in a shared wonder and forging connections through the power of performance.
Have A Great Time During The Perfect Season in Riviera Maya
From the rhythmic pulse of jazz festivals to the wonder of whale sharks, each season paints a unique masterpiece on the canvas of the Caribbean. Its' artistry inspires us!
While you're here, you don't want to miss our show JOYÀ at the Vidanta resort. Our performers weave a story that blurs the lines between reality and the unimaginable as a rebellious teenager follows her grandfather's lead on a journey to discover the meaning of life.
Inspired by the monarch butterfly, this dazzling show mirrors the boundless beauty and spirit of the Mexican coast. Book your seats for this otherworldly adventure today.