The Grand Escape
Destinations · Head-to-head

Crete vs Riviera Maya

Crete and Riviera Maya, side by side: live travel advisories, our resort catalog's real guest data, and each destination's honest weather picture — everything you need to break the tie.

Crete guide · Riviera Maya guide · How we score

By the numbers

CreteRiviera Maya
U.S. travel advisoryLevel 1: Exercise Normal PrecautionsLevel 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Resorts in our catalog48
Average guest rating★ 4.7★ 4.5
Nightly rates$300–$800+/night$300–$800+/night
Adults-only resorts2 of 43 of 8
Hurricane exposureNo hurricane seasonIn the hurricane belt
Rainy seasonNovember–FebruaryJune–October, heaviest September–October
Sweet spotJune and September; July–August is hottest and busiestDecember–April
Best forFood-driven beach trips, history day trips, long seasonsCenotes + ruins + beach in one trip; low-rise seclusion

Advisory levels sync from travel.state.gov; catalog figures reflect the resorts we've researched, not every hotel in the country.

Weather, month by month

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Crete — high °F606164697683858581746862
Riviera Maya — high °F828385878990909189878482
Crete — rain (in)3.53.02.21.00.60.10.10.10.82.72.33.0
Riviera Maya — rain (in)3.52.01.51.54.06.54.04.58.58.54.03.5

Approximate climate normals for Crete (north coast) and Playa del Carmen–Tulum — planning guidance, not a forecast.

Where you'd actually stay

Best of Crete

  1. 1.Grecotel Caramel Boutique Resort — Rethymno, Crete, Greece · ★ 4.8
  2. 2.Ikos Kissamos — Kissamos, Crete, Greece · ★ 4.7
  3. 3.TUI BLUE Atlantica Crete — Agia Pelagia, Crete, Greece · ★ 4.6

Chains here: Grecotel · Ikos Resorts · TUI BLUE

Full Crete guide

Best of Riviera Maya

  1. 1.Barceló Maya Riviera - All Inclusive Adults Only — · ★ 4.9
  2. 2.Grand Velas Riviera Maya — Playa del Carmen, Mexico · ★ 4.8
  3. 3.UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya — Riviera Maya, Mexico · ★ 4.6

Chains here: Barceló · Grand Velas · UNICO Hotel Collection

Full Riviera Maya guide

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