Playa del Carmen in September

September is the rainiest month and the peak of hurricane season. Highs are 87 to 89°F (31 to 32°C), the sea is 84°F (29°C) and the chance of a wet day is 46% to 55%. It is also the quietest month of the year.

September at a glance

Temperature	87 to 89°F (31 to 32°C) by day, 72°F (22°C) at night
Sea temperature	84°F (29°C)
Rain	4.5 to 6.2 in per sliding 31-day period, 46% to 55% chance of a wet day
Humidity	Muggy on 100% of days (dew point measure)
Sargassum (typical)	Easing, though some beaches can still get it.
Hurricane season	The peak of the season is around September 10.
Crowds	Typically the quietest month. Weekly hotel occupancy in the Riviera Maya was 49.5% for September 27 to October 3, 2025.
Best for	Warm water, the quietest beaches and indoor-friendly plans.

Long-term averages, not a forecast. A range spans the month, low to high. Climate: Weather Spark (Cozumel and Cancun airport records plus NASA MERRA-2 data, 1980 to 2016).

Weather

In September, daytime highs are 87 to 89°F (31 to 32°C) and nights are 72°F (22°C). Weather Spark's average rainfall is 4.5 to 6.2 in per sliding 31-day period, and the chance of a wet day (at least 0.04 in of rain) is 46% to 55%. The sea is 84°F (29°C). On Weather Spark's dew point measure, 100% of days are muggy.

September has the highest chance of a wet day in Weather Spark's data, from 46% to 55%, and the sliding 31-day rainfall climbs from 4.5 in to 6.2 in. Muggy conditions are close to 100% of days.

The sea reaches its warmest of the year, 84°F (29°C). Highs ease from 89 to 87°F as the month goes on.

Sea and beach

Sargassum is easing, though some beaches can still get it. Across the Atlantic, abundance usually falls from July to December. This is a typical pattern, not a forecast.

September holds the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season, around September 10 (NOAA National Hurricane Center). Check forecasts and consider travel insurance. Whale shark swimming off Isla Mujeres and Holbox is open until September 17. Cold-front season starts in September and runs to May.

What is on in September

Independence Day. September 16 is a paid federal holiday. In 2027 it falls on a Thursday. (date published)
Semana Patria Gastronomica. A food week in Parque Fundadores. The 2026 edition ran September 12 to 15. Dates for 2027 are not announced. (latest edition)
IRONMAN 70.3 Cozumel. A triathlon on Cozumel, usually in September. The 2025 race was on Sunday, September 21. (usually this time of year)
Autumn equinox at Chichen Itza. Around September 21 to 22. In 2025 INAH ran a special operation on September 21, with the equinox on September 22 and the light-and-shadow effect expected between 3:00 and 4:30 pm. (usually this time of year)

Crowds and rates

September is typically the quietest month. Weekly hotel occupancy in the Riviera Maya was 49.5% for September 27 to October 3, 2025, according to Sedetur figures reported by Riviera Maya News.

See dates and rates

What to pack

Quick-dry clothes, a rain jacket, a waterproof phone pouch, sandals that handle wet streets, sunscreen and insect repellent.

Plan September

Rainy days suit a spa, a long lunch or a cenote. A few places to start.

Questions

Is September a good time to visit Playa del Carmen?

It is the quietest month and the sea is warmest, at 84°F (29°C). It is also the rainiest, with a 46% to 55% chance of a wet day, and it is the peak of hurricane season. It suits flexible travelers.

Is it hurricane season in Playa del Carmen in September?

Yes, and September holds the peak, around September 10. The season runs June 1 to November 30 (NOAA National Hurricane Center).

Is there sargassum in Playa del Carmen in September?

It is easing, though some beaches can still get it. Check the state's sargassum traffic light and NOAA's inundation risk map before you go.

Why is September so quiet?

It is the low point for visitors. Sedetur weekly figures showed hotel occupancy in the Riviera Maya at 49.5% for September 27 to October 3, 2025. We do not quote rates here, so check the stay page for your dates.

Sources

Every figure on this page comes from the sources below. Climate numbers are long-term averages from one source for all twelve months. Sargassum is described as a typical pattern and is never a forecast.