Playa del Carmen or Cancún in March?
On climate data, Playa del Carmen comes out ahead overall in March. See the per-criterion details below.
Playa del CarmenPhoto: Ana Beatriz Vega González · CC BY-SA 4.0
CancúnPhoto: Luka Peternel · CC BY-SA 4.0Key figures in March
| Criterion | Playa del Carmen | Cancún |
|---|---|---|
| Average daily high | 27 °C | 28 °C |
| Average daily low | 24 °C | 23 °C |
| Sea | 27 °C ★ | 26 °C |
| Rainy days | 7 rainy days (est.) | 6 rainy days (est.) ★ |
| Sun | 7 h/day | 7 h/day |
| Humidity | 74 % | 73 % |
Winner by travel type
Playa del Carmen or Cancún in March: the short answer
In March, Playa del Carmen comes out ahead on the overall climate score (Playa del Carmen 87/100 vs Cancún 86/100). That is a snapshot of one month, though — which one truly fits depends on what you want from the trip, so the breakdown below goes criterion by criterion.
This comparison focuses on March as a representative month for the pair; for any other month, use each destination's month-by-month pages. Across the whole year Playa del Carmen averages a climate score of 69/100, Cancún 69/100. Both profiles below are historical monthly averages, not a forecast.
Weather in March, side by side
The average daily high is about 27 °C in Playa del Carmen and 28 °C in Cancún — warmer in Cancún. Average daily lows are around 24 °C versus 23 °C.
On rain, Playa del Carmen sees about 7 rainy days in March and Cancún about 6 — drier in Cancún. Sunshine is comparable (7 vs 7 hours a day).
Sea temperature and swimming
In March the water is about 27 °C at Playa del Carmen and 26 °C at Cancún — warmer for swimming at Playa del Carmen. Over the year, Playa del Carmen is comfortable for swimming (from ~21 °C) in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December, Cancún in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December. Peak sea warmth is September for Playa del Carmen and September for Cancún.
Rain and sun across the year
Over a full year Playa del Carmen records roughly 182 rainy days and Cancún about 170 — the drier of the two overall is Cancún. At their sunniest, Playa del Carmen reaches about 8 hours of sun a day (April) and Cancún about 8 (July). If dependable dry, sunny weather is your top priority, weigh these annual totals alongside the single month above.
Best time to visit each
Climatically, Playa del Carmen is at its best in January, February, March and April, while Cancún peaks in January, February, March and April. If your dates are fixed, pick the destination whose strong season overlaps them; if you are flexible, plan around these windows.
Which suits which kind of trip
Based on the March scores for each travel style:
Beach & swimming: both are close (Playa del Carmen 94 vs Cancún 94).
City breaks: Playa del Carmen scores higher in March (Playa del Carmen 85 vs Cancún 82).
Active & hiking: Playa del Carmen scores higher in March (Playa del Carmen 70 vs Cancún 68).
Family: Playa del Carmen scores higher in March (Playa del Carmen 92 vs Cancún 91).
Verdict: which should you pick?
In March, Playa del Carmen leads overall and for city breaks, active trips and family trips, while beach is effectively tied. Choose using the March values and travel-style scores above. The rounded annual overall scores are also tied (69/100). A higher annual score therefore cannot decide the choice. Use the monthly values for your actual travel dates.