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Weather Comparison

Cancun vs Playa del Carmen

Side-by-side weather comparison for February

Cancun: 26°CPlaya del Carmen: 26°C64 km apart

February Weather: Cancun vs Playa del Carmen

MetricCancunPlaya del CarmenBetter
Average HighHigher is warmer26°C (79°F)26°C (79°F)Tie
Average LowHigher is milder23°C (73°F)22°C (72°F)Cancun
Rain DaysFewer is drier8 days7 daysPlaya del Carmen
PrecipitationLess is drier36 mm27 mmPlaya del Carmen
Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier10h/day10h/dayTie
HumidityLower is more comfortable78%78%Tie
UV IndexLower is safer33Tie
Wind SpeedCalmer is better20 km/h16 km/hPlaya del Carmen

Which City is Better in February?

Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Playa del Carmen edges ahead as the better destination in February. Playa del Carmen offers 10 hours of daily sunshine with only 7 rain days, while Cancun sees 10 sunshine hours and 8 rain days.

Cancun sits in the comfortable travel range at 26°C. Playa del Carmen is also comfortable at 26°C.

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Playa del Carmen is the stronger choice in February.

Temperature Comparison in February

Cancun reaches an average high of 26°C (79°F) and drops to 23°C (73°F) at night during February. The daily temperature range is 3°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.

Playa del Carmen averages 26°C (79°F) for the high and 22°C (72°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 February.

Rainfall Comparison in February

Cancun receives approximately 36 mm of rainfall across 8 rain days during February. You can expect rain roughly every other day.

Playa del Carmen sees 27 mm over 7 rain days. That makes Playa del Carmen the drier option by 1 rain day and 9 mm of total precipitation.

Both cities share similar humidity levels at 78%.

What to Pack: Cancun vs Playa del Carmen

Packing for Cancun in February

Highs of 26°C, lows of 23°C, 8 rain days

  • light layers
  • a light jacket for evenings
  • sunscreen
  • a packable rain jacket
  • an umbrella
  • moisture-wicking fabrics

Packing for Playa del Carmen in February

Highs of 26°C, lows of 22°C, 7 rain days

  • light layers
  • a light jacket for evenings
  • sunscreen
  • a packable rain jacket
  • an umbrella
  • moisture-wicking fabrics

Pack for both: light layers, a light jacket for evenings, sunscreen, a packable rain jacket, an umbrella, moisture-wicking fabrics. These items are useful in either destination during February.

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.February 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
26°

Cancun Weather in February

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

26°

Playa del Carmen Weather in February

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cancun warmer than Playa del Carmen in February?
Cancun and Playa del Carmen have the same average high temperature of 26°C (79°F) in February. The average lows are 23°C and 22°C respectively.
Which city gets more rain in February, Cancun or Playa del Carmen?
Cancun gets more rain in February with 8 rain days and 36 mm of precipitation. Playa del Carmen is the drier option with 7 rain days.
Is it better to visit Cancun or Playa del Carmen in February?
It depends on your preferences. Cancun averages 26°C and 10 hours of daily sunshine with 8 rain days. Playa del Carmen averages 26°C with 10 sunshine hours and 7 rain days. If you prefer cooler conditions, choose Playa del Carmen. For fewer rain days, Playa del Carmen 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