Understanding Tulum's Weather

Jump to: Best Weather • Rainy Season • Warmest Weather • Seasonal Weather

Before traveling to a new destination, it’s useful to find out what weather conditions to expect. If you plan to spend your vacation on the beach, you’ll want to know when Tulum weather is dry and sunny. Equally, it’s good to know when it’s most likely to rain, or when hurricane season falls, so you can avoid these times.

In this article, we’ll share all the information you’ll need to understand Tulum weather so you can make an informed choice about when to visit.

Factors in Tulum's Weather Patterns

Tulum has a tropical climate, which means it’s hot, hot, hot all year round, with defined dry and rainy seasons. Tulum is also subject to Atlantic Hurricane Season. Most hurricane activity is seen between June and October, although you’ll be pleased to hear that full-blown hurricanes, while relatively common, don’t hit land very often.

There are times of the year when you’re more likely to see settled, sunny weather in Tulum. And these, unsurprisingly, are when most tourists want to visit. But there’s plenty to see and do in Tulum no matter the weather. Check out Tulum: Our Expert Visitor's Guide for endless information about how to get there, what to see, and the best attractions in and around Tulum.

Before we move on to more specific weather conditions in Tulum, here’s the lowdown on the basics of weather patterns in this part of the world.

Factor 1: Prevailing winds

Generally, the wind blows towards Tulum from the east, hitting land after being blown across the warm Caribbean Sea. Put simply, this affects the weather for Tulum by causing warm ocean breezes.

Factor 2: El Niño and La Niña

Tulum's weather is affected by the El Niño and La Niña climate events. When El Niño is dominant, it warms up the Pacific Ocean, and fewer hurricanes are expected in and around the Atlantic. But, when La Niña is stronger, the Atlantic Ocean warms up, and as a result, more hurricanes can form and have an effect on storm activity in and around Tulum.

When Is the Best Weather for Visiting Tulum?

Overall, the best weather for visiting Tulum is December to March - this is the state of Quintana Roo’s winter. Days are generally sunny and warm, humidity is at its lowest and there is less rainfall than during the summer and fall.

Winter is what the Tulum weather of your dreams looks like, making it perfect if you want to spend your days lazing on the beach, exploring Mayan ruins, or enjoying the amazing tours available in this part of Mexico.

For more information on the best time to travel to Tulum for its cultural festivals, to avoid the crowds, or to score a bargain, check out When to Visit Tulum.

When Is the Rainy Season in Tulum?

Rainy season in Tulum falls roughly between June and October. Although these months see the highest rainfall, rain showers in the Mexican Caribbean tend to leave as quickly as they arrive. So, if you wake to rain, you’ll likely see blue skies again within an hour or two.

Don’t get me wrong, Tulum weather in October can bring downpours that really mean business, soaking you through in a matter of minutes. But, if you’re on the beach or near a pool when it rains, hop into the water and you’ll barely notice the difference!

For full disclosure, the average levels of rainfall in Tulum during each month are:

• January: 41 mm
• February: 39 mm
• March: 32 mm
• April: 39 mm
• May: 81 mm
• June: 140 mm
• July: 107 mm
• August: 112 mm
• September: 159 mm
• October: 141 mm
• November: 76 mm
• December: 41 mm

What Time of Year is Warmest in Tulum?

The temperature in Tulum is warm all year round, so you don’t need to worry about if it’ll be beach weather while you’re there. What does make a difference is experiencing high temperatures at the same time as high humidity. The two together can be uncomfortable if you’re not used to it.

So when it comes to packing for Tulum weather in June, when humidity is on the rise, light, breathable clothing is the best idea. Floaty dresses, flip-flops, shorts, and tank tops are the order of the day. Make sure you protect yourself from the sun’s powerful rays with a high-factor sun cream and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Tulum weather in May is the warmest, with average daytime high temperatures of 91° Fahrenheit (33° Celsius) and night-time lows of 70° Fahrenheit (21° Celsius). But compare that to the coolest month of January, when highs are usually around 82° Fahrenheit (28° Celsius) and lows are 63° Fahrenheit (17° Celsius) and you can see the difference is pretty small. This helps to make Tulum a popular year-round destination.

Here are the month-by-month average high and low temperatures in Tulum:

• January: High: 82°F (28°C), Low: 63°F (17°C)
• February: High: 84°F (29° C), Low = 63° F (17° C)
• March: High: 88°F (31 C) Low = 64 F (18 C)
• April: High: 90°F (32 C) Low = 66 F (19 C)
• May: High: 91°F (33 C) Low = 70 F (21 C)
• June: High: 90°F (32 C) Low = 70 F (21 C)
• July: High: 90°F (32 C) Low = 70 F (21 C)
• August: High: 90°F (32 C) Low = 70 F (21 C)
• September: High: 88°F (31 C) Low = 70 F (21 C)
• October: High: 86°F (30 C) Low = 68 F (20 C)
• November: High: 84°F (29 C) Low = 66 F (19 C)
• December: High: 82°F (28 C) Low = 63 F (17 C)

Seasonal Weather in Tulum

Splitting the weather for Tulum into the four seasons will give you a clearer idea of when you might want to visit. We’ll also help you out with some inspiration on the tours and excursions you may want to enjoy during each season.

Remember that, although some seasons are rainier or more humid than others, there’s really no bad time to visit this favorite Mexican Caribbean destination.

Winter in Tulum: December - February

Winter is generally considered the best time to visit Tulum. Tulum weather in December is beautiful. Lower humidity makes the 82 F days feel oh-so-good and if you’re from a colder climate, enjoying the 7 daily hours of sunshine around the pool and beach will be a real novelty.

Tulum weather in January is completely different from places further north. Swap the snow and rain for the sun and sand, and blow those January blues away. Consider enjoying the sunny days to the maximum on a Tulum Ruins, Zipline & Cenote Adventure.

If you come to the Mexican Caribbean for Valentine’s Day, you’ll see how the warm Tulum weather in February can increase the romance stakes. Why not try out a Private Tulum Sound Bath and Cenote Experience to enjoy some bonding time while on vacation?

Spring in Tulum: March - May

For the most part, Spring in Tulum will see clear blue skies, low rainfall, and manageable humidity. March and April tend to be busy, thanks to Easter and spring break, as well as their near-perfect weather. Because Tulum weather in March is great, get out there and enjoy a tour or two. This Chichen Itza VIP Tour with Lunch Buffet & Tequila Tasting is ideal, as Spring Equinox brings with it special meaning to the ancient Mayan ruins site.

As we move through spring, Tulum weather in April sees the warm temperatures continue to rise, but Tulum weather in May brings more chance of rain showers, and the humidity levels begin to increase. This is the last month for a while when the weather would be considered comfortable, so make the most of it and join a Half-Day Sailing Experience in Tulum with Open Bar, which is the ideal way to check out the ‘Lagoon of Seven Colors’.

Summer in Tulum: June - August

Summer is a busy season in Tulum, because of school vacation time. But it’s not necessarily the best time to visit, as there is more humidity to contend with. Hurricane season has officially begun and there’s also more chance of a rain shower interfering with your plans. On the other hand, Tulum weather in July and August also sees cloud-free periods, when you’ll get to enjoy up to 10 hours of sunshine per day.

We’d advise you to bring rainproof gear if you visit in summer. A lightweight waterproof jacket or umbrella will come in handy to fend off those rain showers. And if you decide to brave the Tulum weather in August, when the rainy season is well underway, you could also consider a Tulum Ruins, Reef Snorkeling, Plus Cenote: 3-in-1 Discovery Tour. If the heavens open while you’re snorkeling or in a cenote, it doesn’t matter, because you’ll already be wet. Win-win!

Fall in Tulum: September - November

Fall is probably the least favorable time to visit Tulum. Not only is Tulum weather in September likely to bring with it rainy days, but it’s also the most humid month, at a sticky 83% on average. October sees the number of rainy days begin to decrease, then Tulum weather in November brings the end of hurricane season and the beginning of those glorious sunny and dry days.

While there’s a high chance of rain, take the opportunity to explore under the water on an Akumal Sea Turtles & Mayan Cenotes Tour. Akumal is one of the few places in the Mexican Caribbean where you can get up close and personal with the wild sea turtles that live in Akumal’s pretty bay. Also consider packing a dry bag, where you can keep important stuff like your cell phone safe and dry, no matter what the weather’s like.

In a nutshell…

Tulum’s weather is tropical, with dry and rainy seasons and high temperatures year-round. Humidity levels vary, but peak in June and September, and hurricane activity is most likely during September and October.

While it’s useful to be aware of the main weather patterns in Tulum, it’s also important to remember that it’s no guarantee. You can enjoy a beautiful, sunny week in September, just as you can experience a week of torrential rain in January.

Ultimately, no matter whether you experience sun or rain in Tulum, you can be sure you’re going to have a great time regardless.