Weather Comparison
Playa del Carmen vs Cancun
Side-by-side weather comparison for September
September Weather: Playa del Carmen vs Cancun
| Metric | Playa del Carmen | Cancun | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average HighHigher is warmer | 30°C (86°F)▲ | 29°C (84°F) | Playa del Carmen |
| Average LowHigher is milder | 26°C (79°F) | 26°C (79°F) | Tie |
| Rain DaysFewer is drier | 25 days | 24 days▲ | Cancun |
| PrecipitationLess is drier | 198 mm▲ | 205 mm | Playa del Carmen |
| Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier | 10h/day | 10h/day | Tie |
| HumidityLower is more comfortable | 78% | 78% | Tie |
| UV IndexLower is safer | 6 | 6 | Tie |
| Wind SpeedCalmer is better | 12 km/h▲ | 16 km/h | Playa del Carmen |
Which City is Better in September?
Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Cancun edges ahead as the better destination in September. Cancun offers 10 hours of daily sunshine with only 24 rain days, while Playa del Carmen sees 10 sunshine hours and 25 rain days.
Playa del Carmen can feel quite hot at 30°C, so plan for heat. Cancun runs hot at 29°C.
For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Cancun is the stronger choice in September.
Temperature Comparison in September
Playa del Carmen reaches an average high of 30°C (86°F) and drops to 26°C (79°F) at night during September. The daily temperature range is 4°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.
Cancun averages 29°C (84°F) for the high and 26°C (79°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 September.
Rainfall Comparison in September
Playa del Carmen receives approximately 198 mm of rainfall across 25 rain days during September. Rain is frequent, so waterproof gear is essential.
Cancun sees 205 mm over 24 rain days. That makes Cancun the drier option by 1 rain day and 7 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 September
Highs of 30°C, lows of 26°C, 25 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 September
Highs of 29°C, lows of 26°C, 24 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 September.
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.September 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 September
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities
Cancun Weather in September
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities