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Weather Comparison

Cancun vs Playa del Carmen

Side-by-side weather comparison for September

Cancun: 29°CPlaya del Carmen: 30°C64 km apart

September Weather: Cancun vs Playa del Carmen

MetricCancunPlaya del CarmenBetter
Average HighHigher is warmer29°C (84°F)30°C (86°F)Playa del Carmen
Average LowHigher is milder26°C (79°F)26°C (79°F)Tie
Rain DaysFewer is drier24 days25 daysCancun
PrecipitationLess is drier205 mm198 mmPlaya del Carmen
Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier10h/day10h/dayTie
HumidityLower is more comfortable78%78%Tie
UV IndexLower is safer66Tie
Wind SpeedCalmer is better16 km/h12 km/hPlaya del Carmen

Which City is Better in September?

Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Cancun edges ahead as the better destination in September. Cancun offers 10 hours of daily sunshine with only 24 rain days, while Playa del Carmen sees 10 sunshine hours and 25 rain days.

Cancun can feel quite hot at 29°C, so plan for heat. Playa del Carmen runs hot at 30°C.

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Cancun is the stronger choice in September.

Temperature Comparison in September

Cancun reaches an average high of 29°C (84°F) and drops to 26°C (79°F) at night during September. The daily temperature range is 3°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.

Playa del Carmen averages 30°C (86°F) for the high and 26°C (79°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 September.

Rainfall Comparison in September

Cancun receives approximately 205 mm of rainfall across 24 rain days during September. Rain is frequent, so waterproof gear is essential.

Playa del Carmen sees 198 mm over 25 rain days. That makes Cancun the drier option by 1 rain day and 7 mm of total precipitation.

Both cities share similar humidity levels at 78%.

What to Pack: Cancun vs Playa del Carmen

Packing for Cancun in September

Highs of 29°C, lows of 26°C, 24 rain days

  • lightweight breathable clothing
  • sunscreen SPF 50+
  • sunglasses
  • a wide-brimmed hat
  • waterproof jacket
  • compact umbrella
  • waterproof shoes
  • moisture-wicking fabrics

Packing for Playa del Carmen in September

Highs of 30°C, lows of 26°C, 25 rain days

  • lightweight breathable clothing
  • sunscreen SPF 50+
  • sunglasses
  • a wide-brimmed hat
  • waterproof jacket
  • compact umbrella
  • waterproof shoes
  • moisture-wicking fabrics

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

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.September 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
29°

Cancun Weather in September

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

30°

Playa del Carmen Weather in September

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cancun warmer than Playa del Carmen in September?
No. In September, Playa del Carmen is warmer with an average high of 30°C (86°F) compared to Cancun at 29°C (84°F), a difference of 1°C.
Which city gets more rain in September, Cancun or Playa del Carmen?
Playa del Carmen gets more rain in September with 25 rain days and 205 mm of precipitation. Cancun is the drier option with 24 rain days.
Is it better to visit Cancun or Playa del Carmen in September?
It depends on your preferences. Cancun averages 29°C and 10 hours of daily sunshine with 24 rain days. Playa del Carmen averages 30°C with 10 sunshine hours and 25 rain days. If you prefer cooler conditions, choose Playa del Carmen. For drier weather, Cancun is the better pick.
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