Weather Comparison
Playa del Carmen vs Cancun
Side-by-side weather comparison for August
August Weather: Playa del Carmen vs Cancun
| Metric | Playa del Carmen | Cancun | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average HighHigher is warmer | 30°C (86°F) | 30°C (86°F) | Tie |
| Average LowHigher is milder | 26°C (79°F) | 26°C (79°F) | Tie |
| Rain DaysFewer is drier | 22 days | 21 days▲ | Cancun |
| PrecipitationLess is drier | 146 mm | 146 mm | Tie |
| Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier | 11h/day | 11h/day | Tie |
| HumidityLower is more comfortable | 78% | 78% | Tie |
| UV IndexLower is safer | 9 | 9 | Tie |
| Wind SpeedCalmer is better | 13 km/h▲ | 16 km/h | Playa del Carmen |
Which City is Better in August?
Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Cancun edges ahead as the better destination in August. Cancun offers 11 hours of daily sunshine with only 21 rain days, while Playa del Carmen sees 11 sunshine hours and 22 rain days.
Playa del Carmen can feel quite hot at 30°C, so plan for heat. Cancun runs hot at 30°C.
For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Cancun is the stronger choice in August.
Temperature Comparison in August
Playa del Carmen reaches an average high of 30°C (86°F) and drops to 26°C (79°F) at night during August. The daily temperature range is 4°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.
Cancun 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 August.
Rainfall Comparison in August
Playa del Carmen receives approximately 146 mm of rainfall across 22 rain days during August. Rain is frequent, so waterproof gear is essential.
Cancun sees 146 mm over 21 rain days. That makes Cancun the drier option by 1 rain day and 0 mm of total precipitation.
Both cities share similar humidity levels at 78%.
What to Pack: Playa del Carmen vs Cancun
Packing for Playa del Carmen in August
Highs of 30°C, lows of 26°C, 22 rain days
- ✓lightweight breathable clothing
- ✓sunscreen SPF 50+
- ✓sunglasses
- ✓a wide-brimmed hat
- ✓waterproof jacket
- ✓compact umbrella
- ✓waterproof shoes
- ✓moisture-wicking fabrics
Packing for Cancun in August
Highs of 30°C, lows of 26°C, 21 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 August.
Year-Round Comparison: Playa del Carmen vs Cancun
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.August is highlighted for quick reference.
| Month | Playa del Carmen | Cancun | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | Rain | High | Rain | |
| Jan | 26°C | 10d | 25°C | 11d |
| Feb | 26°C | 7d | 26°C | 8d |
| Mar | 27°C | 7d | 27°C | 7d |
| Apr | 28°C | 7d | 28°C | 7d |
| May | 29°C | 14d | 29°C | 14d |
| Jun | 29°C | 20d | 29°C | 19d |
| Jul | 30°C | 18d | 30°C | 18d |
| Aug | 30°C | 22d | 30°C | 21d |
| Sep | 30°C | 25d | 29°C | 24d |
| Oct | 28°C | 21d | 28°C | 21d |
| Nov | 27°C | 12d | 27°C | 12d |
| Dec | 26°C | 10d | 26°C | 11d |
Playa del Carmen Weather in August
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities
Cancun Weather in August
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities