Situated on Mexico’s popular Maya Riviera, Tulum is a Caribbean coastal destination famed for its parties as much as its ancient Mayan heritage. However, it’s not always clear when the best time to visit Tulum is to experience this amazing place.
Tulum offers opportunities to discover ruins, hike to cenote sinkholes, or simply kick back on the beach and party the night away. It shouldn’t be any surprise that hundreds of thousands of young travelers head here every year.
But if you’re wondering if the weather will be good for your trip, don’t worry. This guide to the best time to visit Tulum has it covered, with month-by-month temperatures and even handy tips for some of this resort town’s best festivals.
When is the Best Season to Travel to Tulum?
High season (December to April)
Due to the humidity and hurricane season that Tulum sees in the summer months, it’s best to visit in the winter. December to April marks the high season in Tulum. Temperatures will be pleasant and warm with little rainfall if you’re after the nightlife. The high season also brings around more parties, entertainment, and busy bars.
However, tourism is high, and you’ll face crowds around the popular sites. This means waiting at popular restaurants, bars, and cafes. You’ll also find crowded cenotes, and the ruins at Tulum will be slammed. Prices are also the highest now, especially around the US holidays.
Shoulder Season (November – Early December & May – July)
Tourism is lowering during this time, and temperatures are a bit hotter with more frequent rain showers. You’ll still find plenty of visitors, and the bars will have several people milling about.
This is a decent time to score a deal, and you’ll likely have pretty good beach weather, but don’t be too surprised if you get a cloudy day or rain.
Low Season (August – November)
This is the hottest time of the year and combines with humidity for fairly unpleasant weather off the beach. It also coincides with the hurricane season. When rainfall is most prevalent, days can often be cloudy.
Then there is always the ever-present risk of a hurricane. Many of the most popular bars and restaurants may close during this time. It’s altogether not an ideal time to visit Tulum, but you can score a deal.
When is the Absolute Best Time to Visit Tulum?
Any time around winter in the US (December to April) will have pretty good weather and is considered the best time to visit Tulum. However, December with Christmas break, March with Spring break, and easter in April make prices soar around Tulum. Europeans typically take their vacations in August, which also sees a price increase.
If you want to have good weather and lower prices with more tame crowds, aim to visit in February. The bars and restaurants will still be crowded during this time, but things will be much more enjoyable.
The weather can be scorching hot during the summer, from May to September. If you plan to spend all your time at the beach or pool, this may not bother you too much, but be prepared for sweat and humidity if you visit around this time.
When is the Cheapest Time to Visit Tulum?
The cheapest time to visit Tulum is in the low season. This is during the Hurricane season from August-November, when the temperatures are hot and humid. If businesses are not closed, they will compete for the few tourism dollars they can. However, this time may be the cheapest. I would avoid traveling during this heat, rain, and humidity.
October is peak hurricane season in Tulum, and even if there aren’t hurricanes, there will be a few tropical storms that last for days. It’s not the best time to go to Tulum.
When is the Best Time To Visit Tulum?
Tulum Weather January
January is the driest month of the year in Tulum, and it’s also the coldest. But this doesn’t mean that temperatures are particularly low. The average daytime temperature is a welcoming 24°C, with highs of up to 27°C; this dips during the night to an average low of 21°C.
There’s lots of sunshine per day and rainfall can be expected only for seven days of the month. This gives you an idea of just how dry it is. Overall, it’s one of the best times to visit Tulum, with sea temperatures of 26°C adding to the attractiveness of the weather and ensuring you can enjoy water activities.
Regarding other tourists, it’s half peak, half shoulder season. Going after the New Year’s rush will yield cheaper prices.
Tulum Weather February
Tulum in February sees much the same weather as January, but it’s a good time of year to visit if you want to avoid the crowds of Christmas and New Year (and spring). Days are crisp, clear, and sunny but cooler than the summer peak.
The temperatures in Tulum in February reach highs of 27°C and drop to lows of 21°C, but average around 24°C. It’s a nice place to escape chilly winters elsewhere in the world, and with over seven hours of sunshine a day and sea temperatures of 26°C, you can see why it’s popular. Overall it’s a fantastic time to go to Tulum.
Tulum Weather March
March in Tulum means crowds of revelers and sunseekers arriving for Spring Break. You can expect more people on the beaches, parties, and higher room rates. Unless this is what you’re here for, it’s perhaps not the best time to visit Tulum.
That said, March sees some really beautiful weather. The bright, sunny days enjoyed by Tulum during this month make it a perfect time to hit up the beach. The average temperature hovers around 25°C, with lows of 22°C and highs of 28°C. Combine that with 8 hours of sunshine a day and a low chance of rain, and it’s great weather-wise – if you can handle the Spring Break crowds.
Tulum Weather April
Spring Break continues, but the crowds start to thin during April in Tulum. Hotel rates, however, are on the rise during the start of the month over Easter, which is widely celebrated in Mexico. Temperatures are also rising, with highs of 29°C not unusual in April. Come ready with sun protection and cooling clothes.
It’s an ideal time of year to visit Tulum if you want to head to the beach with sea temperatures at a balmy 27°C. Rainfall is not so much on the agenda at this time of year, so you won’t have to worry about your beach day becoming a washout. If it does rain, expect short, sharp showers.
You’ll still need to book ahead in April, especially during the first half of the month, as it’s a busy time of year for Tulum.
Tulum Weather May
May beckons in the low season. This month means fewer crowds and great deals on accommodation. For the bargain-hunters out there, it’s a great time of year to visit Tulum. But the temperatures are still rising. On average, it’s 28°C, with highs in the early 30s not unheard of. Nights still feel relatively cool at around 24°C; coupled with a Caribbean breeze. It can be downright pleasant.
However, humidity is also increasing. That means it can get a bit sticky. Rain is more common in May, too, with an average of seven days in the month seeing at least some rainfall. Sea temperatures, however, are also high at 28°C; it’s like a bath! Great for swimming, diving, and other water sports. However, be aware that May is the beginning of sargassum seaweed begins in Tulum.
Tulum Weather June
When June rolls in, so does the start of the Atlantic hurricane season, which stretches to November. Much like in May, hotel prices in Tulum are low, and so is the number of tourists you’ll be sharing the beach with.
This is a hot, wet month. There’s increased rainfall, an average of 187 millimeters falling across 12 days, and an increased likelihood of thunderstorms occurring (however, these are usually short and sharp). As for the heat, temperatures rise well over 30°C; the average temperature sits around 28°C.
Tulum Weather July
In the middle of July, the Mexican vacation season starts. Hotel prices are higher, the beaches are busier, and there are more people around in general. July is also one of the year’s hottest months, which is part of the appeal of heading to the beach to cool off.
Similar to June, temperatures in July see averages of 28°C, with night temperatures only dropping as low as 25°C. The average high is 31°C, but this can get way higher.
On a positive note, rainfall has decreased. Only 133 millimeters of rain falls on average during July; this usually occurs in the form of storms. These also tend to break up the humidity, which is a plus.
Tulum Weather August
The Mexican vacation (and summer vacation for much of the world) continues through August. There are still plenty of tourists, beaches and bars are packed, and hotel prices are at their peak.
Temperatures are also at their peak in Tulum. Highs easily reach 32°C, the daytime average is 28.6°C, and night temperatures don’t get much lower than 25.6°C. Holidaymakers flock to the beach to relax. Sea temperatures are also at their highest, at 29°C on average.
Rainfall increases to 145 millimeters on average. August also sees high humidity of 77%. If all that heat and those tourist crowds aren’t your things, maybe this is not the best time to visit Tulum for you.
Tulum Weather September
September is the rainiest month in Tulum. That’s probably because it also happens to be peak hurricane season. Days are muggy and often overcast. Probably not the best time of year to visit Tulum (even if the hotels are more affordable in September).
Rainfall hits a whopping 226 millimeters, with rain expected on 15 days out of 30. Rainstorms tend to be heavy but usually don’t last all day. Temperatures are also pretty scorching; with an average of 28°C with highs of 31°C. The humidity also ramps up to 79%.
All in all, not pleasant and probably best avoided if you prefer sunshine and fewer hurricanes.
Tulum Weather October
October is also very rainy. It’s the second-rainiest month in the year for Tulum, with around 200 millimeters of rainfall expected across an average of 14 days. Though the rain chances are still fairly high, the summer heat is starting to fade.
The average daytime temperature has, by this point, dipped to 27°C. Highs hit around 30°C, with night temperatures falling 24.5°C. Humidity, however, at this time of year is at a very sticky 80%.
The average sea temperature is 29°C, so at least the sea is still warm even if it is still hurricane season.
Tulum Weather November
The Nortes (northerly winds) begin to blow in November, ushering in the end of the Atlantic hurricane season. Hotel rates at this time of the year are very affordable and the whole resort town is quiet compared to other times of the year.
The temperature is also winding down. The average daytime temperature is a pleasant 26°C, falling to around 22°C at night. This could be a good time of year to visit Tulum to explore its Mayan ruins as it won’t be so hot. Humidity, however, is still fairly high at 78%.
When it comes to swimming in the sea, temperatures are still a balmy 28°C. In terms of rainfall, you can expect 102 millimeters to fall only over 8 days within the month, so your days will likely be pleasant and sunny.
Tulum Weather December
At the beginning of December, hotel and general accommodation prices are low. But as the month begins to inch towards Christmas, prices start to soar. This is a peak time of year to visit Tulum, not just because of the holiday season but also because there’s less rain, less humidity, and cooler.
Specifically, it’s an average of 24°C with highs of 27°C and night temperatures falling to 22°C. You may even want to pack a light sweater! Skies are usually clear, too, with six hours of sunshine on average to enjoy and just 92 millimeters of rainfall expected over the month.
It’s a great time to explore the surrounding area of Tulum, but the sea temperature (even in December) is still a warm 27°C, so it’s great for swimming and water sports.
Festivals in Tulum
Winter Festivals in Tulum
Día de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe falls on December 12. It’s a celebration that honors the Virgin of Guadalupe, who appeared before Indigenous Mexican Juan Diego in 1512. One of the best festivals in Tulum, it’s marked by feasts and festivities in the run-up to the event itself, which is a national festival.
Day Zero Festival is a big deal in Tulum. This huge music festival marks the start of Tulum’s infamous festival season and is an extravaganza of an event. With numerous acts, laser shows, multiple stages, and fun times to be had, it almost always sells out.
After Day Zero, there is a load of other music festivals in Tulum. One of these is Zamna Music Festival. Split between the jungle and a beach club in the Hotel Zone, this is an otherworldly kind of event, with big acts flown to play for sizable crowds.
There are also Storytellers. This is a creative, production-heavy festival, with all sorts of incredible decor, fire displays, and dance performances, making it one of Tulum’s best festivals. Big-name DJs help crowds dance the night away.
Spring Festivals in Tulum
Taking place in late February or early March, Carnaval de Cancún marks the week leading up to Ash Wednesday. As Cancun is the bigger destination, the festivities in the nearby town are also much bigger; think concerts, dancing, parades and good food to be had.
Otherwise, there’s the Carnaval of Tulum. This happens simultaneously as Carnaval de Cancun but is a smaller production. Bands play live music, there are parades with colorful costumes, dancing, fireworks, and plenty of food.
It is unique to Tulum, and one of its more interesting festivals, Alborada Maya, in March at the Mayan Ceremonial Center. It’s a celebration of all things Maya, where priests perform traditional ceremonies hoping for a good harvest. A mixture of Mayan and Catholic traditions, local communities, come together for Mayan music and prayer.
Spring Break! This is when North American college kids typically come to kick back and let loose among the beaches, bars, and nightclubs along the Mayan Peninsula. Tulum is no exception. This goes on until early April.
Semana Santa denotes the week starting Palm Sunday and ending Easter Sunday. It’s a holy week for Catholics. You may be able to spot processions through town. Accommodation is jam-packed this time of year.
Summer Festivals in Tulum
Tulum isn’t known for its summer festivals, but there are a few interesting celebrations throughout the summer months. For example, in July there’s the Festival of the Speaking Cross, a combination of Catholic and Indigenous beliefs.
Fall Festivals in Tulum
Día de la Independencia (September 5) is Mexican Independence Day. In Cancun, at least, it kicks off with the morning “cry of independence” from the town hall. In Tulum, you’ll see celebrations in the form of music, dancing, and festivities.
Halloween is popular with tourists from the US, who come and get costumed up on the eve of October 31. The Day of the Dead, on the other hand, on November 1-2 is a colorful festival where locals honor the departed with processions and altars set up around town.
Quick Travel Tips for Mexico
- Currency – 10 Mexcian Peso – $0.50USD
- Language – Spanis. However, with a strong tourism industry, English is widely spoken.
- Official Name – Estados Unidos Mexicanos
- Capital City – Mexico City
- Visa – Most visitors to Mexico do not require a visa and are allowed to stay for up to six months after arrival
- Want to learn more about Mexico? Here are some awesome facts about Mexico
Plan For Your Trip
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