Weather in Riviera Maya in December

How December compares

December is the 11th warmest month of the year in Riviera Maya. Within Mexico it is 3rd of 5 (Mexico in December). Against London's average high of 7.7°C in December, Riviera Maya is 18.7°C warmer by day and 19.7°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in December

The typical December day in Riviera Maya peaks at 26.4°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 28.0°C or more. About 84% of days top 25°C. Nights average 22.4°C; one night in ten drops to 19.6°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest December day here reached 29.9°C (2004-12-25) and the coldest night 14.7°C (2018-12-22).

Rain in December

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 11 days with 1 mm or more, 49 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest December was 2006 with 235 mm, the driest 2010 with 6 mm. Humidity averages 78%.

Sea temperature in December

The sea averages 27.2°C - warm enough to swim (22°c+). Depending on the year it ranges from 26.7°C to 27.9°C. For the warmest sea here, come in September (29.2°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 6.0 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 10.8 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 07:17 and sets about 18:10 local time in mid-December. Average cloud cover is 44%.

Is December a good time to visit Riviera Maya?

It is a reasonable choice: hot days but expect showers. The best months for Riviera Maya on our scoring are March, April, February; months averaging 25°C or more: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec.

Warm days without the strongest heat

December is among Riviera Maya's cooler months, but that is relative to the region, not to a British winter. Days reach 25°C on 84% of occasions, so warm weather is the usual experience rather than an occasional bonus. Average night-time lows of 22°C also mean evenings generally stay mild. The catch is humidity at 78%, which can make warmth feel sticky, especially when you are active. Loose, breathable clothing makes more sense than heavy fabrics, with a light layer for cooler evenings. Keep strenuous outdoor plans flexible around midday if you find humid warmth tiring, rather than treating the moderate daytime average as a promise of cool conditions.

Expect sunshine, but leave room for rain

December offers about 6.0 hours of sunshine within 10.8 hours of daylight, so there is useful time outdoors without a promise of uninterrupted sun. Around 11 rainy days make waterproof protection a sensible part of your packing. That does not mean every affected day is lost to rain, but it is enough to avoid making every plan depend on dry weather. Take a lightweight waterproof and choose clothing that dries readily. This month suits travellers who can move outdoor time around as conditions change; it is less convincing if your main requirement is reliably clear skies from morning until evening.

The sea is a strong reason to go

At an average of 27.2°C, the sea is warm enough for swimming rather than something to brave briefly. The year-to-year range of 27°C to 28°C also makes water temperature a reassuring part of the December picture. If your priority is spending time in the water without very hot afternoons, the balance is favourable. Warm water does not, however, guarantee calm conditions or make every day suitable for swimming, so follow local advice when you arrive. Between swims, keep sun protection handy even when cloud interrupts the sunshine. December works better as a warm swimming holiday with weather flexibility than as a guarantee of constant sun.