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Playa del Carmen is known for its mild winter weather, which is why so many Americans visit the destination between December and April, but during the summer, it can get pretty hot.
Temperatures are currently already approaching the 90s, with heat indexes close to 100 degrees.
Because various dangers exist as the temperatures rise, local authorities have issued a travel health alert in Playa del Carmen ahead of the summer season.
Food Health Risks Caused By The Heat
Street food and beach picnics are the stuff of summer dreams, but they can be dangerous too.
Food left out for too long can cause all sorts of problems brought on by gastrointestinal diseases and foodborne illnesses if consumed.
Being sick is the last thing you want to deal with on vacation, so officials are warning to be careful of what you eat during these hotter temperatures.
What To Watch Out For
When ordering food from a street vendor, it’s important to take stock of the setup and the environment in which the food is being prepared in.
Food vendors should have sufficient cooling and cooking conditions to prevent the growth of bacteria.
If something doesn’t look right, it may be best to avoid the street food vendor altogether.
The Riskiest Foods To Beware Of
Many fresh foods can become dangerous when there’s excessive heat and the food is not stored properly.
Even fresh fruits and vegetables can grow bacteria if they stay unrefrigerated for too long after they’ve been cut.
The biggest dangers, though, come from meat, poultry, and seafood products, which can cause serious illness if left out at room temperature or above for even a short time.
Increased Dehydration Risk
Another danger to watch out for, which might seem obvious but affects unsuspecting visitors in warmer destinations every summer, is dehydration.
Being in the sun all day in higher temperatures, especially when exerting yourself, can cause you to be dehydrated quickly if you don’t drink enough fluids.
You’ll want to stock up on plenty of bottled water when visiting Playa del Carmen because drinking local water is not advised.
Protecting Yourself From The Sun
Everybody knows that too much sun is not good for you, but in the Mexican Caribbean, the sun is hotter, so it doesn’t take being in it long to get a sunburn.
It can take as little as 30 minutes, and most beachgoers spend a lot longer than that in the sun.
Sunscreen, hats, protective clothing, and alternating between sun and shade, if possible, are highly advised when spending the day on the beaches in Playa del Carmen.
Where To Go In Playa Del Carmen In Case Of An Emergency
In the unfortunate case that you do find yourself in an emergency situation, there is help nearby.
There are several urgent care-type establishments in the area to treat symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders, dehydration, and sunburns.
These places, located throughout Playa del Carmen, are open 24 hours a day.
Playa Del Carmen’s Hottest Months
If you’re worried about visiting Playa del Carmen when it’s too hot, you’ll be happy to know that the temperatures during the wintertime are nearly perfect.
The average highs hover around 80 degrees, with cooler nights and mornings.
If this is the kind of weather you’d enjoy, then December, January, and February are ideal times to visit.
There’s nothing like a beach vacation in the middle of the summer, though; you just have to take a few more safety precautions when visiting Playa del Carmen when the temperatures are higher.
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