You’re sitting at your desk, freezing, staring at a screensaver of a turquoise ocean. You’ve got the flight search open in another tab. You're looking at the Riviera Maya. But then you pause. Is December actually a good idea? Or are you going to spend your "tropical" vacation shivering in a damp hotel room because of some weird seasonal cold front?
Honestly, the weather Riviera Maya Mexico December is a bit of a paradox. On paper, it looks like a slam dunk. Average highs of 82°F (28°C). Lows that rarely dip below 68°F (20°C). It sounds like paradise. And usually, it is. But there’s a specific phenomenon locals call "Nortes" that can totally flip the script on your holiday if you aren't prepared for it.
The Reality of the December "Nortes"
Most travel brochures won't tell you about the Northers. Basically, these are cold fronts that push down from the United States and Canada, sweeping across the Gulf of Mexico and slamming into the Yucatán Peninsula.
When a Norte hits, the temperature can drop 10 degrees in an hour. The wind picks up. The ocean gets choppy. Suddenly, that cute bikini is useless and you're scouring the local shops for a $40 poncho. These fronts usually last about two to three days.
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Does this happen every week? No. But if you’re booking a seven-day trip, there’s a decent chance you’ll see at least one. If you're lucky, it's just a refreshing breeze. If you're unlucky, it’s a gray, windy mess.
Is the Water Actually Warm Enough?
The Caribbean Sea is pretty reliable. In December, the sea temperature in the Riviera Maya stays around 80°F (27°C). That’s warmer than most swimming pools in the US during the summer.
Swimming is a go. Snorkeling is great. Even if the air feels a bit crisp because of the wind, the water itself is like a lukewarm bath. However, visibility for snorkeling and diving can get murky if those "Nortes" stir up the sand. If you want the clearest water for visiting Cozumel or the local reefs, try to go on the days when the wind is coming from the East, not the North.
Cenotes are a different story
If you’re planning to visit the cenotes (natural sinkholes), be warned. That water is fresh and stays around 75°F (24°C) year-round. In July, it feels like a dream. In December, when the air is 72°F, getting out of a cenote can feel like stepping into a walk-in freezer.
Rain Patterns: Do You Need an Umbrella?
December is officially the start of the dry season. Statistically, you’re looking at only about 1.4 to 2.5 inches of rain for the entire month. That’s nothing compared to the 9 inches you might get in September.
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Rain in the Riviera Maya doesn't usually settle in for days. It’s tropical. It dumps for 15 minutes, the sky turns purple, and then the sun comes back out like nothing happened. You don't really need a heavy raincoat. A light windbreaker or a cheap plastic poncho is more than enough for those sudden bursts.
Humidity and Comfort
One of the best things about the weather Riviera Maya Mexico December is that the soul-crushing humidity of the summer is gone. In August, the humidity can make 90°F feel like 105°F. You sweat just standing still.
In December, the dew point drops significantly. The air feels "crisp" by Mexican standards. You can actually go for a walk in Playa del Carmen or explore the ruins at Tulum without feeling like you're breathing through a wet sponge. This makes it the absolute best time for "active" tourism. If you want to climb Coba or hike through the jungle to find monkeys, do it in December.
What to Actually Pack
This is where people mess up. They pack for 85 degrees and forget that the sun goes down at 5:30 PM.
Once the sun is gone, the temperature drops. If there’s a breeze coming off the water, it feels legitimately chilly. You'll see locals wearing light down jackets (which is overkill for you), but you will definitely want a hoodie or a denim jacket for dinner.
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- Light layers: A pashmina or a light sweater is a lifesaver for outdoor dining.
- Rash guards: If you're snorkeling, a long-sleeve rash guard keeps the sun off and provides a tiny bit of thermal protection.
- Footwear: Bring something more than just flip-flops. If it rains, the limestone sidewalks in Playa del Carmen and Tulum become as slippery as an ice rink.
The Crowds vs. The Climate
The weather is great, which is exactly why everyone else is there too. The "peak-peak" season starts around December 20th.
If you visit in early December—say the first two weeks—you get the "Norte-lite" weather (warm days, cool nights) without the insane crowds and the 300% markup on hotel rooms. Once Christmas hits, the beaches are packed, and the weather becomes a secondary concern to finding a spot for your towel.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip
If you're serious about heading down in December, don't just wing it. Check the 14-day forecast specifically for "Wind Direction." If you see a lot of "N" or "NW" winds, prepare for those cooler temperatures.
- Book your cenote tours for the morning. The sun hits the water directly, making it look more vibrant and helping you warm up faster when you get out.
- Choose a hotel with a heated pool. Most resorts in the Riviera Maya do not heat their pools because they assume the sun will do the work. In December, a non-heated pool can feel surprisingly brisk.
- Plan your ruins visits for midday. Unlike the summer when you'd want to go at 8:00 AM to beat the heat, the midday sun in December is actually quite pleasant and makes for better photos.