When to Visit Tulum: a month-by-month guide

Tulum is the wonderfully boho beach town located just south of Cancun, Cozumel, and Playa del Carmen. With its white sandy beaches, hippy boutiques, and organic foodie vibe – Tulum is one of the trendiest destinations on Mexico’s Riviera Maya. 

But when is the best time to visit Tulum? 

Whether you’re focused on weather, swimming conditions, prices, or activities – read on to learn more! 

Quick Answer: When is the Best Time to Visit Tulum, Mexico?

• The best time to visit Tulum (considered the “peak season”) is from November – April. This is after the annual hurricane season, and the daily temperatures are not too hot. Travelers can expect the hotels and resorts to be full and attractions (ex: cenotes, beach clubs, Chicten Itza) to be crowded. 
• The off-season in Tulum is from May to September. The weather is typically hot and sometimes rainy, but you’ll avoid the crowds. There can also be significant seaweed on the beach from May to August due to natural ocean currents. During this time you can find great deals on hotels and Airbnbs. 
• October is hurricane season in Tulum, so we recommend avoiding travel to the Riviera Maya during this window unless you’re an extremely flexible traveler. 

In the article below we’ll give a month-by-month breakdown of what to expect when visiting Tulum! 

Insider Tip: If you’re looking for an amazing place to stay – check out our guide to Family Friendly Hotels, Boutique Hotels, and Hostels for awesome accommodation options. 

When are Tulum’s Travel Seasons?

The best thing about Tulum, Cancun, Cozumel, and Play del Carmen is that all four locations have warm weather year-round. Anytime you visit, you can expect daily highs between 80°F – 90°F (25°C – 32°C). 

The average temperature in January (the coldest month) is 74 °F (23.2 °C) and the average temperature in August (the warmest month) is 83 °F (28.2 °C). 

When is Tulum’s Busy Season? 

The busy season in Tulum is during the winter months and early spring: from December to April. December, January, and February attract the most travelers, as this is when tourists from the United States and Canada often plan trips to avoid the cold winter months. 

April can also be busy in Tulum as it overlaps with Spring Break and Easter. 

If you value optimal weather, you don’t mind spending a little extra money, and you are not bothered by crowds – the busy season is a great time to visit Tulum. The weather is fantastic, the ocean is warm, and there is very little rain or seaweed. 

High temperatures: 80°F – 85°F (27°C – 29°C)

Average temperatures: 73°F – 79°F (23.2°C – 26.3°C)

Low temperatures: 68°F – 74°F (20°C – 23°C)

With thousands of people visiting Tulum during the high season, we recommend booking your accommodations 1 – 2 months in advance. Attractions will also be packed, so try to plan and book tour reservations in advance too. 

When is Tulum’s Low Season?

The low season in Tulum is from May to October. In this period you can expect to find fewer crowds, hot temperatures, slightly more rain and seaweed, and better rates on hotels and Airbnbs. 

Three things to note weather-wise:

• June – August are typically the hottest months, and it can get uncomfortably hot if you’re inland in Tulum Town or visiting Chichen Itza.
• April – August are seaweed season, and visitors can often find an excess of seaweed on the beaches. Some people find this annoying and some don’t notice at all. 
• October is hurricane season and not the best time to visit Tulum.

From June to October you can also expect some light rain each day in Tulum. Luckily the rain is mostly short showers that pass quickly and allow you to quickly return to the beach or pool-side. 

A Month-to-Month Guide to Visiting Tulum

If you’re still not sure when you want to go to Tulum (or you’re packing!), we’ve put together a month-to-month breakdown of what you can expect. 

Tulum in January

Average Temperature: 65°F – 82°F (20°C – 27°C)

Highlights: Cool weather | Very busy | High season in Tulum

Events: New Year’s Day | Zamna Tulum | El Día de Los Reyes (Kings’ Day) | Arena Festival Internacional

January is the peak of the busy season in Tulum, it is busy and full of activity. The weather is balmy and sunny, with average daily temperature is 73°F (23.2°C). 

In January, travelers can expect tons of people to flood into Tulum. Almost all accommodations (hotels, Airbnbs, and hostels) will be at capacity, so we recommend booking 1 – 2 months in advance. 

In January, you can expect loads of people everywhere in Tulum, with everyone just in the mood for a beach getaway. It’s a good idea to book your accommodation early as the popular hotels and resorts can fill up way in advance.

In addition to celebrating the New Year, Tulum also has quite a few festivals, parties, and events: 

• Zamna Tulum: an ongoing EDM music festival that takes place from late December to mid-January. Each night has a different lineup. 
• El Dia de Los Reyes (Kings’ Day): January 6th is the twelfth day of Christmas, and the traditional gift-giving day in Mexico. 
• Arena Festival Internacional: Weeklong LGBT dance music festival, with local and international DJs spinning at twelve different parties in various locations in Playa del Carmen and Tulum, including the cenote Dos Ojos. Dancing goes from 1:00pm until 5:00am. 

Aside from celebrating the New Year, Tulum also celebrates Kings’ Day on January 6th where gifts are exchanged. January in Tulum is great for the bar scene and nightlife since it’s the peak season. There are also music festivals like Zamna Tulum and Arena Festival International that attract music-lovers and partiers to the town. 

Tulum in February

Average Temperature: 69°F – 82°F (20°C – 28°C)

Highlights: Clear days & warm weather | Many tourists

Events: Carnaval

February is well into the high season in Tulum. The weather in February continues to be excellent, with warm, sunny, and dry weather. 

February can be a great time to take day trips to locations around Tulum. For example, the Tulum Ruins, Chichen Itza, and the local cenotes. 

The main event happening in Tulum is Carnaval. 

Tulum in March

Average Temperature: 71°F – 83°F (22°C – 28°C)

Highlights: Wonderful beach weather | Spring Break

Events: Alborada Maya | Spring Equinox at Chichen Itza | Food & Wine Festival

March in Tulum is a great time to visit. The weather is warm, dry, and sunny almost every day. The only drawback (depending on the vibe you’re going for) is that many Spring Breakers will flock into the city, which can amp up the party atmosphere. 

If you’re in Tulum in March, attend the Alborada Maya festival which is unique to Tulum and a mix of Maya and Catholic traditions. Chichen Itza also hosts Spring Equinox celebrations in March. Food and wine lovers can check out the Food & Wine Festival that takes place during this time.

Tulum in April

Average Temperature: 74°F – 85°F (23°C – 29°C)

Highlights: Less Tourists | Good weather |Spring Break

Events: Children’s Day

April in Tulum is the end of the peak / high season. This is a great time of year to visit as the crowds have largely thinned out, but the weather is not unbearably hot yet. If you’re lucky and you plan in advance – you can start to find some really great deals on hotels and Airbnbs in April. 

Tulum in April is one of our favorite times for families with kids to visit Tulum. It’s not super busy, but the weather is still good enough for long beach days and exploring local attractions. 

Tulum in May

Average Temperature: 75°F – 86°F (24°C – 30°C)

Highlights: Not crowded | Hot weather with short rain showers | Nesting sea turtles

Events: Festival de Cultura del Caribe

May in Tulum marks the start of the low season. By this point, the temperatures have started to heat up and brief daily rain showers are to be expected. The great part of visiting Tulum in May is that there are fewer crowds, and you can score great rates on accommodations. 

The hot weather in May means that the oceans and cenotes are warm to swim in. If you’re interested in scuba diving or snorkeling, May is a great time to visit. Additionally, the beaches are also home to nesting sea turtles – although most tourists are required to keep their distance. 

PS: Cinco de Mayo isn’t a thing in Tulum (or Mexico generally) but you’ll still be able to find a great margarita at any bar!

Tulum in June

Average Temperature: 77°F – 87°F (25°C – 30°C)

Highlights: Lowest hotel/Airbnb rates | Rainy | Whale shark season

Events: La Fete de la Musique

By June, the low season is really in full swing. If you’re looking for few crowds, awesome hotel/Airbnb deals, and a relaxed party atmosphere – June is a great time to visit.

The downside of visiting Tulum in June is that it is hot and rainy. June is one of the rainiest months in Tulum – although the storms tend to be short. 

If you’re a diver or ocean-lover, June is a great time to visit. It’s one of the best times to see and swim with whale sharks. 

Tulum in July

Average Temperature: 76°F – 89°F (25°C – 31°C)

Highlights: Low season | Hot and rainy | baby sea turtles

Events: –

July in Tulum is known for high temperatures and rain. The humidity is off the charts during July, which is typically fine if you’re staying by the beach but can feel oppressive if you’re staying in Tulum Town or visiting inland for day trips. 

The benefits of visiting Tulum in July are that there are not many crowds and you can get great deals on accommodations. If you’re into water activities, this can be a great time of year to book scuba diving, snorkeling adventure, or visit Sian Ka (the local biosphere reserve). A huge bonus is that baby sea turtles hatch and migrate to the ocean during July – which is something awesome to experience. 

Tulum in August

Average Temperature: 77°F – 89°F (25°C – 32°C)

Highlights: Hottest month, rainy | Great time to see marine life

Events: ZoukMX

August in Tulum is hot, and when we say hot – we mean very hot. We recommend everyone come with floppy hats, sunscreen, and plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. 

The huge bonus of visiting Tulum in August is that it is the peak season for whale shark migration and sea turtle mating and nesting in the caribbean. 

Tulum in September 

Average Temperature: 76°F – 88°F (24°C – 31°C)

Highlights: Very rainy | Last chance to see whale sharks

Events: El Grito and Independence Day | Autumn Equinox at Chichen Itza

If you’re visiting Tulum in September, you should be prepared for hot temperatures and rain. September is one of the rainiest months in Tulum, and almost 50% of days see some type of rain storm. 

September is the tail end of whale shark migration season – so if that’s on your bucket list, be sure to book a snorkeling or scuba diving tour. 

Tulum in October

Average Temperature: 76°F – 88°F (24°C – 31°C)

Highlights: Rainy | End of sea turtle nesting season

Events: Halloween

October in Tulum is hurricane season, and also one of the wettest months of the year. We only recommend visiting Tulum in October if you’re okay being very flexible in your travel itinerary. With that said, October is one of the best months for enjoying smaller crowds and snagging great prices on hotels,Airbnbs, and hostels. 

Tulum in November

Average Temperature: 68°F – 82°F (20°C – 28°C)

Highlights: Less crowded beaches | Good weather | start of high season

Events: Day of the Dead | Tulum Food, Spirits, and Wine Festival | Riviera Maya Jazz Festival

November is one of our favorite times to visit Tulum!

November is the last month before the high-season begins in Tulum. By this time, the weather has started to cool off, there are fewer rain showers, but it isn’t quite as crowded as during peak season. The sunshine and slightly cooler weather make for great days no matter what type of vacation you’re looking for. Whether you’re interested in lounging beach/pool-side, taking a taxi to town, renting bikes, or exploring Mayan Ruins and cenotes – you can do it all. 

There are two main events in November that you’ll want to be aware of. 

The first is Mexico’s famous Day of the Dead, when Mexicans honor the souls of the deceased. 

The second is the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival which is a free, three-day event. 

Tulum in December

Average Temperature: 69°F – 81°F (20°C – 27°C)

Highlights: Peak season | Festive, lively atmosphere

Events: Dos Equis Winter Beach | Christmas | New Year’s Eve | Sound Tulum

December is officially the start of the high season in Tulum. During this month you’ll find that temperatures have finally cooled off and every day is almost always clear and sunny. You can enjoy almost any activity in Tulum this time of year: snorkeling, swimming, sun bathing, cenotes, Mayan Ruins, renting bikes, etc. 

The only drawl back is the large crowds. With Christmas and New Years’, this month is one of the busiest for Tulum. 

If you’re looking for great party events, there is an annual three-day Dos Equis Winter Beach at Papaya Playa and Zamna Tulum, an EDM festival that takes place mid-December onwards.

Where to Stay in Tulum

Whether you’re looking for a hostel, Airbnb, or hotel, we’ve got you covered. Check out the following articles for our picks

To help you out, we’ve selected some of the best places to stay in Tulum for a great stay.

• Best Boutique Hotels in Tulum
• Best Hostels in Tulum
• Best Family Friendly Hotels in Tulum