Hi,

Is mid-April to mid-May a good time to visit Cancun/PLaya Del Carmen and Chicken Itza ? Will it be too hot or is it maneagable ? Also, how is the snorkelling scene there ? Is it good ?
We want to combine a mix of beach time+snorkelling+mayan ruins.

Any other recommendations ?

THanks
TB.

Whether it's too hot or not may depend on you. I live in Miami, so it's fine for me. There are sea breezes if you are near the coast. Just remember to wear lightweight cotton clothes and a good hat.

My favorite place for snorkeling there is Xel-ha. A little further along the coast toward Tulum (which are very nice ruins, by the way). It is a lagoon where fresh and salt water mix. There are plenty of fish, interesting rock formations, and it's just plain beautiful.

Chichen Itza is a must see, but it will be crowded (especially now with it's new designation as a wonder of the world). You might consider also seeing another ruin in the area, like Ek Balam, which is a pleasant site with much fewer people.

Depending on the time and interest you have, the entire Yucatan peninsula is full of interesting things to do.

THanks. So, the first week of May should be OK right ? I live in the San Francisco Bay Area. The reason I'm asking this question is that the Frommers book mentioend that interior Yucatan (Chichken Itza area) can be stifling from May-July.

As long as it isnt too bad, we should be OK. That is why I wanted to confirm.
The beach area should be fine in May too right ?

Thanks
TB

Mid-April to mid-May is probably the best time of year to visit this area. High season officially ends on May 1st, but crowds begin to disappear around mid-April. Fewer people and lower prices make for a better vacation IOHO.

The weather is also pretty good at that time of year. April and May are pleasant with temperatures on the coast in the mid-80's in the day and mid to high 70's at night. Since the rainy/hurricane season doesn't start until June 1st, there won't be the heavy summer humidity. It really doesn't get really hot until mid-June.

As for snorkeling you are in luck. The Western hemisphere's largest coral reef (second only to the Great barrier reef in the entire world) runs the length of the coast.You will find excellent snorkeling from the shore at Paamul and in Akumal Bay, at Yal-ku lagoon (a national snorkeling park ) in Akumal, and on various boat tours which will take you to different locations on the reef. We have a number of snorkel trip reports on our personal blog at: http://playazone.wordpress.com/tag/activities/.

As for Mayan ruins the big three are Chichen Itza, Coba and Tulum. We compare the different sites at:http://playazone.wordpress.com/about/the-mayan-world/. They all offer something different and all are beautiful.

Beach, snorkeling and Mayan Ruins. Add in the great restaraunt scene here in Playa Del Carmen and you have a nearly perfect vacation. Have fun.

Tony and Cheri

Luna Blue Hotel and Garden

We went to playa mid may and the weather was amazing. The days were hot, as expected, but every afternoon there would be an amazing breeze come through. It was PERFECT and we plan to go back again in May.

Thanks a lot.