Riviera Maya is a coastal area of Mexico on the Caribbean Sea, with 24 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.
Riviera Maya
24 tracked beaches in Riviera Maya, Mexico, with live Caribbean Sea temperatures.
Sea
Caribbean Sea
Avg sea temp now
…
Best months
Year-round
Best time to swim in Riviera Maya
The sea in Riviera Maya peaks in June, 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 25°C, when cold-water swimmers dominate the coast.
Riviera Maya sea temperature history
Long-term climatology for Riviera Maya shows an annual mean sea temperature of 27°C, ranging from 25°C in winter to 29°C at the summer peak.
The seasonal swing is roughly 4°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 Riviera Maya, 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.
Jan
25°C
Feb
25°C
Mar
26°C
Apr
27°C
May
28°C
Jun
29°C
Jul
29°C
Aug
29°C
Sep
29°C
Oct
28°C
Nov
27°C
Dec
25°C
Values are area averages; individual beaches vary by exposure and depth.
Riviera Maya sea temperature: frequently asked questions
What is the warmest month to swim in Riviera Maya?
June is the warmest month in Riviera Maya, when the sea averages about 29°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.
When is the sea coldest in Riviera Maya?
The coldest month in Riviera Maya is typically January, when the water averages around 25°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.
When can you swim in Riviera Maya without a wetsuit?
The main swimming season in Riviera Maya 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 Riviera Maya?
Riviera Maya 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 Riviera Maya?
The long-term annual mean sea temperature in Riviera Maya is about 27°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.
How do I check the current sea temperature in Riviera Maya?
The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in Riviera Maya, 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 Riviera Maya
Ranked by current live sea temperature.
- 1Playa Del CarmenPlaya del Carmen, Mexico—
- 2Mamitas BeachPlaya del Carmen, Mexico—
- 3Playa FundadoresPlaya del Carmen, Mexico—
- 4Playa XcalacocoPlaya del Carmen, Mexico—
- 5Playa Punta EsmeraldaPlaya del Carmen, Mexico—
- 6Playa XcaretPlaya del Carmen, Mexico—
- 7Playa Xpu-HaXpu-Ha, Mexico—
- 8Playa AkumalAkumal, Mexico—
- 9Playa Half Moon BayAkumal, Mexico—
- 10Playa Yal-KuAkumal, Mexico—
- 11Playa KantenahPuerto Aventuras, Mexico—
- 12Playa Paraiso TulumTulum, Mexico—
- 13Playa RuinasTulum, Mexico—
- 14Playa Santa FeTulum, Mexico—
- 15Playa Las PalmasTulum, Mexico—
- 16Playa PescadoresTulum, Mexico—
- 17Playa El ParaisoTulum, Mexico—
- 18Playa Boca PailaTulum, Mexico—
- 19Playa Sian KaanSian Kaan, Mexico—
- 20Playa Punta AllenPunta Allen, Mexico—
- 21Playa XcacelXcacel, Mexico—
- 22Puerto Morelos BeachPuerto Morelos, Mexico—
- 23Playa SecretoPlaya del Carmen, Mexico—
- 24Coco BeachPlaya del Carmen, Mexico—