The Riviera Maya vs Punta Cana
Punta Cana usually grades better in July, August and September, and the other months are close; the Riviera Maya never beats it by a clear margin. In winter (December to February) the two are close (both C+). Seaweed: the Riviera Maya peaks very high in August, Punta Cana peaks very high in December.
Month by month
A typical day in each month (median resort). Bold: better by a clear margin.
| Month | The Riviera Maya | Punta Cana | Water | Rain chance | Seaweed | Crowds | Storm risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | B- | B- | 81°F / 81°F | 44% / 55% | High / High | Very busy / Very busy | Very low / Very low |
| February | C+ | C+ | 80°F / 80°F | 37% / 64% | Very high / High | Very busy / Very busy | Very low / Very low |
| March | C | C+ | 81°F / 80°F | 39% / 61% | Very high / High | Packed / Packed | Very low / Very low |
| April | C | C | 82°F / 81°F | 34% / 64% | Very high / Very high | Very busy / Busy | Very low / Very low |
| May | C | C | 84°F / 82°F | 44% / 67% | Very high / Very high | Busy / Busy | Very low / Very low |
| June | C- | C | 85°F / 83°F | 71% / 68% | Very high / Very high | Busy / Busy | Very low / Very low |
| July | D+ | C- | 86°F / 83°F | 57% / 76% | Very high / Very high | Very busy / Busy | Low / Very low |
| August | D+ | C- | 86°F / 84°F | 68% / 79% | Very high / Very high | Busy / Busy | Moderate / Moderate |
| September | D | C- | 87°F / 85°F | 77% / 69% | Very high / Very high | Moderate / Moderate | High / High |
| October | C- | C- | 86°F / 86°F | 70% / 68% | Very high / Very high | Moderate / Moderate | Low / Low |
| November | C- | C- | 84°F / 84°F | 59% / 74% | Very high / Very high | Busy / Busy | Very low / Very low |
| December | C- | C- | 82°F / 83°F | 46% / 61% | Very high / Very high | Very busy / Very busy | Very low / Very low |
Pairs of values read the Riviera Maya / Punta Cana. 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-
Punta Cana
- Majestic Colonial HotelSatC+SunCMonC+TueB-WedB
- Hotel NaraguaSatDSunC-MonC+TueC+WedC+
- Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta CanaSatC-SunC-MonCTueCWedC
- Riu Palace Bávaro (Arena Gorda)SatC-SunC-MonC-TueCWedC
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 Punta Cana better?
- Punta Cana usually grades better in July, August and September, and the other months are close; the Riviera Maya never beats it by a clear margin. In winter (December to February) the two are close (both C+). Seaweed: the Riviera Maya peaks very high in August, Punta Cana peaks very high in December.
- Which has warmer water, the Riviera Maya or Punta Cana?
- the Riviera Maya averages 84°F over the year and Punta Cana 83°F. In January it is 81°F vs 81°F; in July 86°F vs 83°F.
- Which is less crowded?
- the Riviera Maya is quietest in September and October; Punta Cana in September and October.
- Which has less sargassum?
- Over a typical year, seaweed averages very high in the Riviera Maya and very high in Punta Cana. the Riviera Maya is lightest in January and February; Punta Cana in January and February.