The Riviera Maya vs Belize
Belize usually grades better in every month; the Riviera Maya never beats it by a clear margin. In winter (December to February) Belize is the stronger pick (B+ vs C+). Seaweed: the Riviera Maya peaks very high in August, Belize rarely sees any.
Month by month
A typical day in each month (median resort). Bold: better by a clear margin.
| Month | The Riviera Maya | Belize | Water | Rain chance | Seaweed | Crowds | Storm risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | B- | B+ | 81°F / 81°F | 44% / 53% | High / Rare | Very busy / Very busy | Very low / Very low |
| February | C+ | A- | 80°F / 80°F | 37% / 39% | Very high / Rare | Very busy / Very busy | Very low / Very low |
| March | C | B+ | 81°F / 82°F | 39% / 34% | Very high / Rare | Packed / Packed | Very low / Very low |
| April | C | A- | 82°F / 82°F | 34% / 24% | Very high / Rare | Very busy / Very busy | Very low / Very low |
| May | C | A- | 84°F / 85°F | 44% / 25% | Very high / Rare | Busy / Busy | Very low / Very low |
| June | C- | B+ | 85°F / 85°F | 71% / 62% | Very high / Rare | Busy / Moderate | Very low / Very low |
| July | D+ | B+ | 86°F / 86°F | 57% / 66% | Very high / Rare | Very busy / Busy | Low / Very low |
| August | D+ | B+ | 86°F / 86°F | 68% / 67% | Very high / Rare | Busy / Moderate | Moderate / Moderate |
| September | D | B | 87°F / 87°F | 77% / 76% | Very high / Rare | Moderate / Quiet | High / Moderate |
| October | C- | B | 86°F / 86°F | 70% / 76% | Very high / Rare | Moderate / Moderate | Low / Low |
| November | C- | B | 84°F / 84°F | 59% / 73% | Very high / Rare | Busy / Busy | Very low / Very low |
| December | C- | B+ | 82°F / 82°F | 46% / 68% | Very high / Rare | Very busy / Very busy | Very low / Very low |
Pairs of values read the Riviera Maya / Belize. From Veabird's year-ahead outlook: climate normals, the seasonal seaweed pattern, holiday crowds and storm history.
This week
Grades for the next few days at the resorts that usually do best this month.
The Riviera Maya
- Secrets Riviera Cancun ResortSatFSunDMonC-TueD+WedD
- Marina El Cid ResortSatFSunD+MonCTueC-WedD
- Now Jade ResortSatFSunD+MonCTueC-WedD
- Iberostar Selection Riviera CancúnSatFSunD-MonD+TueDWedD-
Belize
- Sea Dreams HotelSatCSunC+MonC+TueBWedA-
- Mahogany Bay Resort & Beach Club, Curio CollectionSatCSunCMonC+TueB+WedB+
- Mahogany Bay VillageSatCSunC+MonC+TueB+WedB+
- Michelo SuitesSatCSunC+MonCTueCWedB
Grades for the next few days from Veabird's beach forecast, updated Oct 3, 18:00 UTC. Higher is better: A+ to F.
Questions
- Is the Riviera Maya or Belize better?
- Belize usually grades better in every month; the Riviera Maya never beats it by a clear margin. In winter (December to February) Belize is the stronger pick (B+ vs C+). Seaweed: the Riviera Maya peaks very high in August, Belize rarely sees any.
- Which has warmer water, the Riviera Maya or Belize?
- the Riviera Maya averages 84°F over the year and Belize 84°F. In January it is 81°F vs 81°F; in July 86°F vs 86°F.
- Which is less crowded?
- the Riviera Maya is quietest in September and October; Belize in September and October.
- Which has less sargassum?
- Over a typical year, seaweed averages very high in the Riviera Maya and low in Belize. the Riviera Maya is lightest in January and February; Belize in June and December.