Quintana Roo is a coastal area of Mexico on the Caribbean Sea, with 28 tracked beaches. The sea here ranges from about 25°C in the coolest month to 29°C at the summer peak, with roughly 12 months a year sitting above 20°C — the level most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit. Use the beach list below to check the current sea temperature at each spot before you head out.
Quintana Roo
28 tracked beaches in Quintana Roo, Mexico, with live Caribbean Sea temperatures.
Best time to swim in Quintana Roo
The sea in Quintana Roo peaks in July, when the water averages around 29°C.
The main swimming season runs from January – December, when surface temperatures stay comfortable for extended sessions.
On average, 12 months a year sit above 20°C — the threshold most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
The coldest month is typically January at around 26°C, when cold-water swimmers dominate the coast.
Quintana Roo sea temperature history
Long-term climatology for Quintana Roo shows an annual mean sea temperature of 27°C, ranging from 26°C in winter to 29°C at the summer peak.
The seasonal swing is roughly 3°C between the coldest and warmest month — a useful yardstick when comparing years or checking whether the current sea is running above or below average.
Recent decades have trended slightly warmer at Quintana Roo, in line with regional sea-surface temperature records for the wider basin.
Monthly averages below are drawn from multi-decadal climatology and are updated as new observations arrive.
Values are area averages; individual beaches vary by exposure and depth.
Quintana Roo sea temperature: frequently asked questions
What is the warmest month to swim in Quintana Roo?
July is the warmest month in Quintana Roo, when the sea averages about 29°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.
When is the sea coldest in Quintana Roo?
The coldest month in Quintana Roo is typically January, when the water averages around 26°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.
When can you swim in Quintana Roo without a wetsuit?
The main swimming season in Quintana Roo runs from January – December — about 12 months a year when the sea sits above 20°C, the level most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
Do I need a wetsuit in Quintana Roo?
Quintana Roo stays warm year-round, so most swimmers never need a wetsuit — a rash guard is usually enough for sun and wildlife protection.
What is the average sea temperature in Quintana Roo?
The long-term annual mean sea temperature in Quintana Roo is about 27°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.
How do I check the current sea temperature in Quintana Roo?
The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in Quintana Roo, updated hourly from marine buoy and satellite data. The 7-day forecast covers water, air, waves, wind and UV for the week ahead.
Beaches in the Quintana Roo
Ranked by current live sea temperature.
- 1Playa DelfinesCancún, Mexico29.6°C
- 2Playa MarlinCancún, Mexico29.4°C
- 3Playa Norte Isla MujeresIsla Mujeres, Mexico29.4°C
- 4Xpu-Ha BeachXpu-Ha, Mexico29.4°C
- 5Playa Chac MoolCancún, Mexico29.3°C
- 6Mamitas BeachPlaya del Carmen, Mexico29.3°C
- 7Xcacel BeachXcacel, Mexico29.3°C
- 8San Miguel CozumelCozumel, Mexico29.3°C
- 9Playa TortugasCancún, Mexico29.2°C
- 10Playa del CarmenPlaya del Carmen, Mexico29.1°C
- 11Playa ForumCancún, Mexico29.0°C
- 12Playa Paraiso IslaIsla Mujeres, Mexico29.0°C
- 13PlayacarPlaya del Carmen, Mexico29.0°C
- 14Playa MaromaMaroma, Mexico29.0°C
- 15Playa Mia CozumelCozumel, Mexico29.0°C
- 16Punta MosquitoHolbox, Mexico29.0°C
- 17Playa LancherosIsla Mujeres, Mexico28.9°C
- 18Punta EsmeraldaPlaya del Carmen, Mexico28.9°C
- 19Playa Las PalmasTulum, Mexico28.9°C
- 20Punta Sur CozumelCozumel, Mexico28.9°C
- 21Playa CaracolCancún, Mexico28.8°C
- 22Playa San FranciscoCozumel, Mexico28.8°C
- 23Puerto Morelos BeachPuerto Morelos, Mexico28.7°C
- 24Playa PalancarCozumel, Mexico28.6°C
- 25Akumal BeachAkumal, Mexico28.5°C
- 26Mahahual BeachMahahual, Mexico28.5°C
- 27Playa PescadoresTulum, Mexico28.3°C
- 28Holbox BeachHolbox, Mexico28.3°C
Swimming in the Quintana Roo — FAQ
How warm is the sea in the Quintana Roo in September?
The Caribbean Sea off the Quintana Roo averages about 29.0°C in September, based on long-term monthly averages for this coast.
When is the best time to swim in the Quintana Roo?
The Quintana Roo is warmest in July (around 29.0°C) and coldest in January (around 26.0°C). There are typically 12 months a year when the water sits above 22°C.
What is the average yearly sea temperature in the Quintana Roo?
Across all twelve months, the sea in the Quintana Roo averages about 27.4°C.
Do you need a wetsuit to swim in the Quintana Roo?
In peak season (around July, ~29.0°C) most swimmers are comfortable without a wetsuit. Outside summer, when the water drops toward 26.0°C, a 3/2mm to 5/4mm wetsuit is recommended.
