Playa del Carmen vs Cancun

Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Playa del Carmen edges ahead as the better destination in December. Playa del Carmen offers 10 hours of daily sunshine with only 10 rain days, while Cancun sees 9 sunshine hours and 11 rain days.

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

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Playa del Carmen is the stronger choice in December. Playa del Carmen receives 1 more hour of sunshine per day, which matters for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

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

Cancun averages 26°C (79°F) for the high and 23°C (73°F) for the low, with a daily range of 3°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 December.

Playa del Carmen receives approximately 44 mm of rainfall across 10 rain days during December. You can expect rain roughly every other day.

Cancun sees 53 mm over 11 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%.