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Weather Comparison

Cancun vs Playa del Carmen

Side-by-side weather comparison for April

Cancun: 28°CPlaya del Carmen: 28°C64 km apart

April Weather: Cancun vs Playa del Carmen

MetricCancunPlaya del CarmenBetter
Average HighHigher is warmer28°C (82°F)28°C (82°F)Tie
Average LowHigher is milder24°C (75°F)24°C (75°F)Tie
Rain DaysFewer is drier7 days7 daysTie
PrecipitationLess is drier38 mm39 mmCancun
Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier11h/day12h/dayPlaya del Carmen
HumidityLower is more comfortable78%78%Tie
UV IndexLower is safer66Tie
Wind SpeedCalmer is better21 km/h17 km/hPlaya del Carmen

Which City is Better in April?

Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Playa del Carmen edges ahead as the better destination in April. Playa del Carmen offers 12 hours of daily sunshine with only 7 rain days, while Cancun sees 11 sunshine hours and 7 rain days.

Cancun sits in the comfortable travel range at 28°C. Playa del Carmen is also comfortable at 28°C.

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, both cities are equally dry in April. Playa del Carmen receives 1 more hour of sunshine per day, which matters for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Temperature Comparison in April

Cancun reaches an average high of 28°C (82°F) and drops to 24°C (75°F) at night during April. The daily temperature range is 4°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.

Playa del Carmen averages 28°C (82°F) for the high and 24°C (75°F) for the low, with a daily range of 4°C. The two cities feel quite similar in terms of temperature.

Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in April.

Rainfall Comparison in April

Cancun receives approximately 38 mm of rainfall across 7 rain days during April. Rain is occasional, so a light rain jacket should suffice.

Playa del Carmen sees 39 mm over 7 rain days. Both cities are equally rainy this month.

Both cities share similar humidity levels at 78%.

What to Pack: Cancun vs Playa del Carmen

Packing for Cancun in April

Highs of 28°C, lows of 24°C, 7 rain days

  • lightweight breathable clothing
  • sunscreen SPF 50+
  • sunglasses
  • a wide-brimmed hat
  • a packable rain jacket
  • an umbrella
  • moisture-wicking fabrics

Packing for Playa del Carmen in April

Highs of 28°C, lows of 24°C, 7 rain days

  • lightweight breathable clothing
  • sunscreen SPF 50+
  • sunglasses
  • a wide-brimmed hat
  • a packable rain jacket
  • an umbrella
  • moisture-wicking fabrics

Pack for both: lightweight breathable clothing, sunscreen SPF 50+, sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, a packable rain jacket, an umbrella, moisture-wicking fabrics. These items are useful in either destination during April.

Year-Round Comparison: Cancun vs Playa del Carmen

The table below shows average high temperatures and rain days for every month of the year, helping you find the best time to visit either city.April is highlighted for quick reference.

MonthCancunPlaya del Carmen
HighRainHighRain
Jan25°C11d26°C10d
Feb26°C8d26°C7d
Mar27°C7d27°C7d
Apr28°C7d28°C7d
May29°C14d29°C14d
Jun29°C19d29°C20d
Jul30°C18d30°C18d
Aug30°C21d30°C22d
Sep29°C24d30°C25d
Oct28°C21d28°C21d
Nov27°C12d27°C12d
Dec26°C11d26°C10d
28°

Cancun Weather in April

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

28°

Playa del Carmen Weather in April

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cancun warmer than Playa del Carmen in April?
Cancun and Playa del Carmen have the same average high temperature of 28°C (82°F) in April. The average lows are 24°C and 24°C respectively.
Which city gets more rain in April, Cancun or Playa del Carmen?
Both cities average 7 rain days in April with similar precipitation levels.
Is it better to visit Cancun or Playa del Carmen in April?
It depends on your preferences. Cancun averages 28°C and 11 hours of daily sunshine with 7 rain days. Playa del Carmen averages 28°C with 12 sunshine hours and 7 rain days. If you prefer cooler conditions, choose Playa del Carmen. For fewer rain days, both are equal.
How far apart are Cancun and Playa del Carmen?
Cancun and Playa del Carmen are approximately 64 km (40 miles) apart. Cancun is located in Mexico (North America) while Playa del Carmen is in Mexico (North America).
What is the best month to visit Cancun and Playa del Carmen?
For Cancun, May tends to be the best month with 12 hours of daily sunshine and a high of 29°C. For Playa del Carmen, April is typically ideal with 12 sunshine hours and 28°C highs.

Compare Cancun and Playa del Carmen in Other Months

Climate data sourced from the Open-Meteo Historical Weather API, using ERA5 reanalysis data covering 30-year normals from 1991 to 2020. All temperatures shown in Celsius with Fahrenheit equivalents. Rain days count days with 1 mm or more of precipitation. Sunshine hours represent average daily values. This comparison is generated from long-term climate averages and individual trips may vary.

Cancun coordinates: 21.16°N, -86.85°E | Playa del Carmen coordinates: 20.63°N, -87.07°E