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The beaches in Cancun and the Riviera Maya are amongst the most beloved by travelers globally, consistently recognized for their pristine beauty and tranquil, crystal-clear waters.
Just a few days ago, the stunning Playa Norte in Isla Mujeres made it yet again to this year’s TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Awards ‘Best Beaches in the World’ list.
Now, a new study conducted by St. Moritz revealed the hottest beaches in the world – in both senses of the word.
Combining social media and weather data, the skincare company identified the hottest beaches in the U.S. and internationally this spring.
Playa del Carmen and Cancun beaches earned a spot in the top 20 hottest beaches overall, with 110K and 165K average monthly search volume in the U.S., respectively.
The ranking was calculated according to TikTok and Instagram search data, with Cancun reaching a solid 72K on TikTok and 141K on Instagram, earning the 16th spot.
But Playa del Carmen knocked it out of the park this time, securing the 17th place with an impressive 132K on TikTok and 258K on Instagram.
@barboraraz *p a r a d i s e* #mexico #mexicotravel #traveltiktok #playadelcarmen #beach ♬ Sun Models (feat. Madelyn Grant) – ODESZA
The study also includes average temperature, precipitation and visibility data. Both destinations average a comfortable temperature of around 75F, which earned them an index score of 69.
In the hottest international beaches category, other Mexican Caribbean beaches were ranked: Playa Norte in Isla Mujeres, Playa Delfines, and Tulum Beach, and Tulum Ruins Beach.
The fact that only two other international beaches (Aruba and Cabo San Lucas) made it to the top 20 list only goes to show the immense popularity Playa del Carmen and Cancun beaches enjoy.
So, if you want to find out why these beaches are among the hottest for this spring, especially for American travelers, read on!
@gelton.menezes7 ♬ som original – Gelton Menezes
Cancun
Year after year, Cancun tops the charts of the preferred international destinations for U.S. travelers, regardless of whether it’s the winter holidays or spring break.
Even as other destinations like Punta Cana and Aruba grow in popularity, Cancun remains a top choice for Americans, and there’s little doubt that the beaches are a big reason why.
If you’ve ever been to Cancun’s Hotel Zone, you know how amazing and expansive these coastlines are.
@sudistesaucanada Best beach in Cancun 🏝️☀️🇲🇽 #mexico #cancun #view #playa #best #beach ♬ Del Mar – Solo Version – Ozuna
The fine, white sand is not just for show – it’s way more comfortable than the darker, thicker-grained beaches that can burn your feet.
You can chill in the sun for hours (just don’t forget your sunglasses, as the white sand reflects a lot), and when it gets too hot, the cool turquoise Caribbean waters are perfect for a quick dip.
Moreover, beaches on the eastern side of the Hotel Zone, like Playa Langosta, Playa las Perlas and Playa Tortugas, showcase unusually calm waters, especially because Isla Mujeres island blocks some of the surf – making them perfect for families with children.
Yet for those seeking a bit more excitement with waves, popular spots like Playa Delfines and Chac-Mool beaches offer larger waves, though the seas typically remain relatively calm.
Playa del Carmen
One of the downsides of Cancun beaches (apart from the occasional presence of the pesky sargassum seaweed) is that they can get too crowded for some people, particularly during high season.
This is why many travelers choose to spend their beach days at Playa del Carmen, a popular beach town located about a 45-minute drive from Cancun.
Overall, the town offers a much more relaxed and authentic experience compared to Cancun, a vibe that seamlessly extends to its beaches.
While beaches in downtown Playa del Carmen might not be as pristine as Cancun’s, that doesn’t mean they don’t offer an amazing beach experience.
Unlike Cancun, there are a lot of excellent beach clubs like Mamita’s, Kool Beach Club, and Indigo Beach Club, where you can rent lounge chairs and spend a delightful beach day while enjoying top-notch food, cocktails, and live music.
And, if you’re up for a short drive, you’ll find spectacular hidden gems near Playa del Carmen, such as Xpu-Ha, Akumal, and Maroma beaches.
Not only do these beaches easily match Cancun’s in terms of beauty, but their secluded location makes them the go-to spot for anyone seeking a laid-back beach day away from the crowds.
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