Real-time sargasso seaweed conditions for Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Puerto Morelos, Akumal, Isla Mujeres and other Riviera Maya beaches

What is sargassum?

Sargassum (sargazo in Spanish) is brown seaweed that floats across the Atlantic and washes ashore on Mexican Caribbean beaches from Cancún to Tulum every year. It's natural, but large accumulations affect swimming and beach conditions during peak season.

When is sargassum season in Cancún?

Peak season runs May–September, with July–August the worst. November–February are most reliably clear. March and April are transitional — check conditions weekly.

Which beaches have the least sargassum?

Playa Norte (Isla Mujeres), Cozumel's west coast, and North Cancún consistently receive the least. Tulum and Playa del Carmen face directly east into the Atlantic currents and get hit hardest.

Does Cozumel have sargassum?

Cozumel's west coast — all the dive sites, beach clubs, and tourist beaches — has very low sargassum exposure year-round. The island itself blocks the Atlantic currents. Snorkeling and diving are completely unaffected.

Does Playa del Carmen have sargassum?

Yes — PDC is one of the more affected beaches on the Riviera Maya. Its coastline faces directly east. Cleanup crews work from 5 AM daily. November–March offer the best odds of clear conditions.

Is there sargassum in Tulum right now?

Tulum consistently receives the heaviest accumulation in Quintana Roo due to its open coastline. The best window is November–February. Always check live conditions before visiting.

Is Isla Mujeres affected by sargassum?

Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres is one of the most reliably clear beaches in the Mexican Caribbean. It faces west, sheltered from Atlantic currents. Even in heavy years, it stays cleaner than mainland beaches.

Is sargassum dangerous?

Not to touch in small amounts, but decomposing mats release hydrogen sulfide gas — smells like rotten eggs and can irritate airways, especially for people with asthma. Check conditions before swimming during heavy events.

What can I do when sargassum is heavy?

Top alternatives: visit a cenote (freshwater, zero seaweed), take the ferry to Cozumel, book a resort day pass for pool access, or explore Chichen Itza or the Mayan ruins. Most can be booked same-day.

Does Puerto Morelos have sargassum?

Moderate exposure — less than Tulum and PDC, more than Isla Mujeres or Cozumel. Its natural reef system slows incoming mats. Active beach cleanup operates daily.

Which months are best to avoid sargassum?

November through February are safest. If travelling June–August, stick to sheltered beaches: Isla Mujeres, North Cancún, or Cozumel — and check live conditions daily.

How often is the data updated?

Beach conditions update hourly using satellite imagery, historical patterns, and geographic data. Each page shows the current status — Clear, Light, Moderate, or Heavy — with a live timestamp.

How We Track Sargassum

Satellite imagery · Historical seasonal patterns · Geographic positioning · Real-time processing — updated hourly and cached for 1 hour.

Condition Levels

10 Beaches Monitored

Cancún North & South · Playa Gaviota Azul · Playa del Carmen · Tulum · Akumal · Puerto Morelos · Cozumel · Isla Mujeres