Home › Destinations › Akumal
Weather in Akumal
Sea turtles and cenotes on the Mayan coast
—
Loading live weather...
About Akumal
A remarkable destination worth exploring.
Best months to visit
January, February, March, April, December
Things to do in Akumal
Explore
Dine
Culture
Nature
Shopping
Day trips
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
Recommended
January
27C
Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.
Recommended
February
28C
Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.
Recommended
March
28C
Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.
Recommended
April
30C
Hot and humid, with occasional showers.
May
30C
Hot and humid, with regular rainfall.
June
30C
Hot and humid, with regular rainfall.
July
31C
Hot and humid, with some rainy days.
August
31C
Hot and humid, with regular rainfall.
September
31C
Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.
October
30C
Hot and humid, with regular rainfall.
November
28C
Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.
Recommended
December
27C
Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.
Akumal means 'place of the turtles' in Maya, and its calm bay lives up to the name, with green sea turtles regularly grazing on seagrass just metres from the shore. The low-key village sits between the busier resorts of the Riviera Maya, offering relatively gentle snorkelling straight off the beach alongside a scattering of small hotels and restaurants.
Best areas to stay in Akumal
Akumal Bay
The main beach and turtle snorkelling area, with small hotels and restaurants along the sand.
Half Moon Bay (Yal-Ku side)
A quieter cove near Cenote Yal-Ku, good for additional snorkelling away from the main bay.
Cenote Yal-Ku
A brackish lagoon at the edge of the village, popular for snorkelling among tropical fish in clear water.
Tulum & Playa del Carmen
Larger towns nearby offering more dining, nightlife and additional cenote access for day trips.
Getting to Akumal
✈
Flights
Fly into Cancún (CUN), then drive or shuttle about 1.5 hours south.
⏱
From London
~10-12 hours from London via a direct or one-stop Cancún flight, plus the transfer.
🚕
Getting around
The village is walkable; taxis or rental cars are useful for visiting cenotes and nearby towns.
Frequently asked questions
Can I snorkel with turtles at Akumal?
Yes — turtles regularly feed in the bay close to shore, and licensed guides are required to accompany snorkellers to protect the animals.
Do I need a guide to snorkel with turtles?
Yes — local regulations require a certified guide for turtle encounters in Akumal Bay, which can be arranged through beach operators.
How far is Akumal from Cancún and Playa del Carmen?
About 1.5 hours from Cancún and 30-40 minutes from Playa del Carmen, making it an easy stop along the Riviera Maya.
Is Akumal a good base for visiting cenotes?
Yes — several cenotes, including Cenote Yal-Ku, a brackish lagoon good for snorkelling, are within a short drive.
When is the best time to see turtles in Akumal?
Turtles can be seen year-round, though nesting season runs roughly May to October when females come ashore to lay eggs.
Traveler reviews
★★★★★
Saw multiple turtles within minutes of getting in the water with our guide, an amazing experience for the kids especially.
Ravi S. · April 2024
★★★★☆
Much quieter and smaller-scale than Playa del Carmen, which we appreciated. Cenote Yal-Ku next door was a lovely extra snorkel spot.
Claire D. · March 2023
★★★★★
The guided turtle snorkel was well organised and respectful of the animals. Stayed two nights and wished we'd planned for longer.
Mateo P. · February 2024
Ready to visit Akumal?
Find the best hotels and experiences for your trip.
More dream destinations
