Best Time to Visit Tulum

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Updated: March 23, 2023

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Best time to visit Tulum

When is the Best Time to Visit Tulum?

The best time to visit Tulum, Mexico, depends on your preferences for weather, activities, and crowd levels. Generally, the most popular time to visit Tulum is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. The weather during these months is typically sunny and warm, with temperatures ranging from 75°F (24°C) to 85°F (29°C).

The peak tourist season in Tulum is from December to March, coinciding with winter breaks and holidays in North America and Europe. During this time, you can expect higher prices for accommodations, more crowded beaches, and a lively atmosphere. If you don’t mind the crowds and are looking for the best weather conditions, this is a great time to visit.

The shoulder season from April to early June can also be an excellent time to visit Tulum. During this period, the weather remains warm and pleasant, but the crowds start to thin out, and accommodation prices are generally lower. This is a good time to enjoy the beaches, attractions, and activities without the peak-season crowds.

The low season, which runs from June to October, coincides with the rainy season and hurricane season in the region. Although there is a higher chance of rain and storms, you can still enjoy warm weather and fewer crowds. Prices for accommodations and activities are usually lower during this time, making it a more budget-friendly option.

Beach resort in Tulum.

Book Tulum hotels far in advance. Suenos beach resort is one of our favorite places to stay in Tulum.

  • The Best Time for Good Weather: Late November through April has the sunniest weather with the least amount of rain, along with warm daytime temperatures with comfortable, occasionally cool nights. Expect some rain for visits from May until October, with June, September, and October being the wettest months. Even during the rainy seasons, storms usually last only an hour or two, then the sunny skies return – it’s rare to have two or three days of continual rain without any sun. May and August are the hottest months, with August feeling especially hot due to high humidity. Ocean temperatures are comfortable for swimming all year long but are warmest from July through October. Hurricanes are not common, but if they’re going to hit, it will most likely happen in September and October.
  • The Best Time for Great Deals: Room rates will be at their lowest in the off-season, from June through October, especially during September and October, Tulum’s two rainiest months. Though humidity is high every day and rain is likely on half of the days, storms typically only last an hour or two, then it’s back to sun and warmth. October typically sees the biggest lull in tourism, so be advised that many shops and tour operators take advantage of this break and close for a few weeks during this time. April through June, post-high-season and pre-hurricane season, also sees occasional good deals, though prices tend to vary more widely. The best hotels in Tulum should be booked 4 to 6 months in advance.
  • The Best Time for Avoiding Crowds: Crowds are at their smallest in late summer/early fall, especially during September and October, when rain, heat, and humidity are at their peaks. June through August sees gradually thinning crowds, while October is the least crowded month, especially earlier in the first half. Though fewer tourists means less crowded attractions, this also means that many smaller tour operators and restaurants close for their own vacations. The major attractions will still be open, though, and the beaches will be quieter. Plan accordingly, and you can have a great, relaxing time.
  • The Best Time for Sightseeing (Ruins and Jungles): November to April are the best months to explore the area’s wonderful historical, cultural, and natural attractions. These months tend to be dry and warm, but not too hot in the day. Humidity and heat are highest during the rainy season from May to October, with May and August being the hottest months, and June through September the most humid. This isn’t a problem when you’re on the beach and refreshed by ocean breezes, but inland sightseeing at Coba, Chichen Itza, and Sian Ka’an can feel overwhelming in the sticky heat. If you visit during the summer months, bring plenty of water and plan an afternoon cenote swim to cool off.
  • The Best Time for Swimming, Snorkeling & Diving: Oceans, reefs, and cenotes are truly wonderful all year round, though there are some fluctuations in conditions. Water temperatures are at their lowest in January and February and at their highest from July through October. September and October tend to have more rainy days, though, so July and August are the better of these four months for swimming. For diving and snorkeling, visibility is not great in the warmer, rainier months but rather during the drier months from November through May, especially during the months of January through March. For snorkeling with whale sharks in particular, visit in late May; the water is warm, visibility is good, and the first whale sharks have arrived.
  • Best Time for Whale Sharks and Sea Turtles: Tulum is one of the most reliable spots for seeing these two endangered animals. Whale sharks begin to arrive in May and are plentiful by June. From June through August, whale shark tours have almost 100% chance of locating these gentle giants, usually several at a time in one location. Whale sharks begin to leave the area in September and are almost all gone by the end of the month. Adult sea turtles begin nesting on the beaches in May, especially toward the end of the month and finish laying in October. The baby sea turtles begin hatching and heading seaward in July, continuing their nightly treks through December. The best time to see all three groups (whale sharks, nesting turtles, and baby turtles) is in July and August when all are fully present and active.
  • The Best Time for Honeymoons: Tulum is most beautiful from November through May, with ideal beach conditions and clear skies throughout these drier months, the perfect honeymoon mix. Early November and May offer the best mix of good weather, low-ish crowds, and good room rates for honeymooners celebrating on a bit of a budget. January through March has the best weather, with the most number of sunny days, and near-perfect beach conditions, but rates are higher and crowds are thicker.
  • The Best Time for Nightlife: December and January land in the peak travel season and are the best months for nightlife. Bars and clubs are all hopping, some open as late as 4:00 a.m. Dancers and partiers are in a celebratory mood, but without the craziness that spring break brings in March.

Tulum Festivals and Events

The Best Recurring Parties in Tulum

  • Tuesdays and WednesdaysBatey Mojito and Guarapo Bar: Relaxed but trendy bar, serving their famous mojitos made with fresh, pressed sugarcane from a converted VW Beetle. Live music most nights. Located in Downtown in the main bar and restaurant strip, walking distance to plenty more nightlife.
  • ThursdaysCasa Jaguar: Intimate, contemporary, Mexican bar and restaurant, featuring a Jungle Party with live DJs every Thursday night in the garden backyard.
  • FridaysGitano: Upscale mezcal bar and restaurant in a jungle beach setting with a DJ and live music several nights a week. Popular on Thursday nights for getting a jump start on the weekend, though most of their official events are on Fridays and Saturdays.
  • SaturdaysPapaya Playa Project: This is the biggest, most stylish party of the week every Saturday, but their Full Moon Parties are totally over the top, held monthly on the Saturday closest to the full moon. Vibe is chic and beach-cool with top-name DJs and dancing until 3:00am or later.

Tulum in January

  • Zamna Festival: From late December through mid-January, this EDM music festival is actually a loose collection of different DJ sets every couple of nights, with a different lineup and venue each night. Tickets are sold individually for each set.
  • New Year’s Day – Año Nuevo, or New Year’s Day, is a national holiday in Mexico. January 1 tends to be very quiet in Tulum and throughout the country, with everyone resting and recovering from festivities the night before. While most businesses are closed, restaurants and other places that cater to tourists are usually open.
  • Comunité Festival: Daylong music festival with an eco, Mexican, and world-cultural focus, at a jungle ranch with three cenotes and three stages. Live bands and DJs share the bill, with a special focus on acoustic styles and folkloric traditions. A portion of ticket sales go to benefit social and environmental efforts.
  • El Día de Los Reyes (Kings’ Day): January 6 is the twelfth day of Christmas, which is the traditional gift-giving day in Mexico. Children receive their presents, and the family eats together, especially a wreath-shaped, sweet bread called Rosca de Reyes. A baby Jesus figure is baked into the bread, and whoever finds it in their slice will host El Día de Candelaria, the upcoming holiday, and make the tamales for the celebration.
  • 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. Attendees receive bracelets covering the admission for the duration of the event. Parties are biggest in the smaller pueblos.

Tulum in February

  • El Día de Candelaria/Tamale Day: Candlemas falls 40 days after Christmas, on February 2nd, and is a celebration of the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple. It is also the midway point between the winter solstice and spring equinox. On this day, people dress up figurines of the baby Jesus and take them to the church to be blessed, along with candles. This is followed by a meal of tamales, hence its other name, with family and friends. Celebrations in Veracruz and huge, with parades and more, but in Tulum, this is a more intimate holiday.
  • Carnaval: Exact dates vary, but celebrations take place the whole week before Ash Wednesday, with the biggest parties the night before. Carnaval is celebrated in different parts of the Riviera Maya on different days, with the biggest celebration on Cozumel and usually the final party in Tulum. Expect parades, live music, wild costumes, lots of food and booze, and dancing in the streets.

Tulum in March

  • Alborada Maya: A fusion of Maya and Catholic celebrations unique to Tulum. Events mostly take place at the Mayan Ceremonial Center as well as the Church of Tulum. Maya priests perform ceremonies of thanksgiving for harvests, while pilgrimages, prayers, ceremonies, and music all blend in honor of the saints.
  • Tres Cruces: March 7-14. This holiday is unique to the Cruzo’ob, the Cult of the Talking Cross, a small faction of indigenous Maya from Quintana Roo, who practice a religion that blends Maya and Catholic faiths and is rooted in the Caste War of the mid-1800s. The ceremonial center is near the Tulum Ruins, and its saints and entry are protected by a guard, who permits visitors to enter barefoot, with bare heads, in silence, and by candlelight. This holiday is in honor of the three original talking crosses, crosses being both pre-Hispanic and Catholic imagery, who spoke words of encouragement to the Maya people in their uprising against the Spanish.
  • Wine and Food Festival, Cancun-Riviera Maya: Five-day celebration of food and wine, with renowned chefs and sommeliers from Mexico and the U.S. Events include dinners, taco competitions, beach parties, golfing, and more.
  • Spring Equinox at Chichen Itza: Occurring annually on March 20, the first day of spring, when the afternoon light hits the pyramid temple of El Castillo just right, it reveals a representation of Kukulkan. The feathered serpent god seems to appear and climb down the side. This amazing event happens twice yearly at the spring and autumn equinoxes, amazing visitors with the astronomical and mathematical prowess of the ancient Maya peoples. It is usually very crowded on the equinoxes and tons of fun. If you prefer to avoid the crowds, you may still see the effect two days before or after the actual equinox.

Tulum in April

  • El Día del Niño (Children’s Day): A holiday filled with fun, gifts, and special activities just for kids. Though not an official holiday, many schools don’t hold classes this day. Zoos, amusement parks, and attractions often offer special discounts on April 30. Travelers can also participate by handing out toys or candy to street kids.

Tulum in May

  • Festival de Cultura del Caribe: Celebration of Maya, Mexican, and Caribbean culture through food, music, dance, literature, film, and more. The eight-day celebration takes place in a variety of venues throughout the city and features a variety of local and international acts.
  • Cinco de Mayo: Not actually a holiday here and only really celebrated in Puebla. Many bars will run drink specials, though!
  • Sacred Mayan Journey/Travesia Sagrada: Annual recreation of a thousand-year-old pilgrimage from Xcaret to Cozumel in worship of the fertility goddess Ixchel. Roughly 300 men and women row canoes across the ocean beginning at dawn and making their return journey the following dawn. Rituals, music, and dance begin and end the event. A feast awaits the rowers in Cozumel, but the biggest celebration is in Xcaret upon their return.

Tulum in June

  • Fête de la Musique: French-based music festival taking place in 100 countries at once. Taking place in Playa del Carmen, this event celebrates the first day of summer, June 21, with food, dance, cultural activities, and more. Proceeds benefit a local charity.

Tulum in July

  • Festival del Triciclo/Tricycle Festival: Playa del Carmen’s celebration of the tricycle, the crucially important vehicle traditionally used by fishermen to haul their catch, by street vendors to carry their wares, and by travelers transporting their luggage. The festival begins with a parade of wildly decorated tricycles down 5th Avenue to Parque Fundadores. Once at the park, prizes will be awarded to the best-decorated trikes, followed by live music and bites from food trucks and restaurants alike.

Tulum in August

  • ZoukMX: Ten-day music and dance festival in Playa del Carmen on the beach and in the jungle. This event begins with several teacher workshops, followed by days and nights on end of dancing to zouk, a fast tempo, Caribbean dance music.
  • Assumption of the Virgin Mary – Celebrated nationwide in mid-August, there are special masses held throughout the country, including Cancun. Though some cities will host processions, Cancun typically does not.

Tulum in September

  • El Grito and Independence Day: Celebrations begin in the afternoon on September 15 in the main square downtown with mariachi music, dancing, and carnival rides. Street vendors and restaurants serve all kinds of goodies, especially pozole and mole. Tequila and mezcal are the major drinks here. At 11 pm, the grito, or cry for independence, is called with bells ringing and fireworks. The country’s biggest party begins immediately after and goes well into the night.
  • Autumn Equinox at Chichen Itza: Occurring annually on September 22, the first day of fall, when the late afternoon light hits the pyramid temple of El Castillo just right, it reveals a shadow image of the feathered serpent god Kukulkan, just as it does in spring. However, September is the rainiest month of the year, and sometimes the cloud coverage prevents Kukulkan from making an appearance. Additionally, with daylight savings time, the event occurs after the park is closed for the evening. Some years, the park stays open late to accommodate the event, but other times, they close at the usual schedule. Check the weather and check the park’s officially posted hours before planning a trip out. It’s a long drive!

Tulum in October

  • Turtle Festival/Festival de la Tortuga Marina: A free, three-day event celebrating the sea turtle, with various events taking place in Tulum, Akumal, and Xcacel. The family-friendly festival centers on educating and encouraging sea turtle conservation. Activities include a turtle hatchling release, Maya ceremony, cookout, sandcastle competition, music, carnival, and more.
  • Día de las Brujas (Halloween): Though not traditionally celebrated in Mexico, Halloween has been catching on in the past few years. Smaller parties take place in Tulum and Puerto Morelos on October 31st, but Playa del Carmen has the biggest celebration, especially along 5th Avenue with costumes and trick or treating.

Tulum in November

  • Day of the Dead: November 1-2. Known as Hanal Pixan in Yucatan Maya. This is actually two holidays rolled into one, Día de Todos Santos (All Saints Day) and Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead, All Souls Day). On All Saints Day, Mexicans honor deceased children, leaving offerings to them on custom-designed altars in cemeteries or in their homes, with sugar skulls, toys, and treats. Day of the Dead is similar but for the souls of deceased adults. People decorate altars in their homes or in cemeteries, some keeping vigils and others leaving offerings, usually tequila, cigarettes, and the deceased’s favorite foods. Candles and trails of marigold petals are led from the altars to light the way for the spirit’s return. Unlike Oaxaca, Mexico City, and the tourist zone of Cancun, celebrations in Tulum are more low-key, without the big parades and fanfare. Though travelers can visit the cemeteries to see the altars, those are usually smaller and more intimate for families. The competition altars in Downtown are more elaborately designed, free to visit, and are usually more festive in the evening. For more of a family-friendly celebration, visit Xcaret Eco Park from October 30-November 2 for their special event with food, dancing, music, and performances.
  • Riviera Maya Jazz Festival: Free, three-day music festival, attracting major acts and anywhere from 9,000 to 15,000 attendees a night. The stage sets up on the beach near Mamita’s, with music beginning in the afternoon until late in the evening. Arrive early if you plan on sitting down; the area near the stage allows attendees to bring beach blankets and chairs. The back of the crowd is standing room only.
  • Tulum Food, Spirits, and Wine Festival: Four-day event featuring highly awarded local and international chefs and mixologists as they fuse their knowledge and talent with local spices, produce, and gastronomical traditions. Events range from street food to elegant dinner parties, along with tequila, wine, and mezcal tastings. Proceeds benefit a local charity.
  • Mayakoba Golf Championship: An official, PGA tour with over 100 pro-golfers competing for a huge prize in four rounds over the course of one week. The event takes place in Mayakoba at the El Camaleón golf course just north of Playa del Carmen. Some of the proceeds benefit local charities.

Tulum in December

  • Antorchas Guadalupanas and Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe: One of the most important Mexican Catholic holidays, December 12 celebrates the appearance of the Virgin Mary to an indigenous convert, Juan Diego. The holiday begins its celebration with a series of relay race pilgrimages, the Antorchas Guadalupanas, where runners take turns carrying a torch. The runners reach their destination in Downtown Tulum on December 12, and the main festival begins, with mass, food, music, dancing, and flowers. Though celebrated throughout the Riviera Maya, Tulum has the largest celebration.
  • Dos Equis Winter Beach: Three-day music, fashion, and entertainment festival, featuring internationally renowned DJs, beachfront catwalks debuting swimsuit and beachwear collections, and dance parties at Papaya Playa.
  • Christmas: Christmas Eve sees family and friends celebrating throughout town, often with a late night mass, followed by a midnight feast with mole, ham, and more. Christmas Day is much quieter, with most families celebrating at home.
  • Día de Los Santos Inocentes/Day of the Holy Innocents: December 28. This is basically a Mexican April Fool’s Day. Originally meant to commemorate the deaths of the Holy Innocents, the children slaughtered by King Herod in an attempt to kill the baby Jesus, the holiday has evolved into a day of pranks. Once someone is fooled, it is customary to say to them, “Innocent little dove that you let yourself be deceived.” This is also a day where people are known to borrow items and never return them.
  • Zamna Festival: From late December through mid-January, this EDM music festival is actually a loose collection of different DJ sets every couple of nights, with a different lineup and venue each night. Tickets are sold individually for each set.

Read More

  1. Best Beach Area on Tulum Strip

    What a lot of great information! If we rent a bike for the day in Tulum and bike out to the beach are there palapas and chairs for rent on the beach? Is there one beach in particular to spend the day that is best?

    Thanks again,
    Marlette

    1. Mexico Dave The Hotel Expert

      The beach at La Zebra is great, they don’t charge for chairs if you order something. Food is great too.

  2. Honeymoon in Tulum in July

    Hi dave, love your website on Tulum. We’re going in July for a week on our honeymoon. Finding it so hard to decide on a hotel. Looking for something on the beach, near restaurants and moderately priced. Any recommendations welcome!!

    Maire Bradshaw

    1. Mexico Dave The Hotel Expert

      Read Best Tulum Hotels for my favorite places to stay.

  3. Mountain Biking near Tulum

    Hola Dave!!! Best site on Tulum on the internet! Just stumbled upon it and truly don’t need any other guidance now!

    Quick question on biking……is there decent road or mountain biking in the area? I mean beyond city or beach biking?

    Thanks
    Jeff

    1. Mexico Dave The Hotel Expert

      There are no mountains and few hills in the Tulum area so not a lot of mountain biking. As for road biking there are highways that lead in 3 different directions from Tulum so I suppose you can head out there, not sure if you’d find this enjoyable or not. Certainly there are many cenotes to bike to.

  4. Surfing in Tulum

    Howdy
    Wondering if there’s any surf options near Tulum?

    1. Mexico Dave The Hotel Expert

      The waves aren’t big enough for surfing. Boogie boarding, kite surfing, and body surfing are popular. This company offers kite surfing and paddle boarding rentals.

  5. Average Cost of a KnickKnack Souvenir

    Can you tell me the average cost of a knickknack souvenir? I am having a hard time finding a straight answer

    1. Mexico Dave The Hotel Expert

      $2.54

    2. Dawn

      Funny !

  6. Beach Access for Public

    Hi Dave!

    If we stay in town, will it be an issue to find a spot on the beach? I have heard that the hotels kind of run the beach so it is hard to find public access. Is this true? Thanks!

    Katie W

    1. Mexico Dave The Hotel Expert

      The beaches are open to the public and finding a spot is not a problem at all.

  7. Tulum to Chichen Itza

    Hi Dave,

    Great site and very informative thank you! Were going in March and this has been really helpful!

    Whats the easiest way to get to Chichen Itza? My fiancée is worried about renting a car and I was wondering if its possible to get a driver for the day? Do you have any idea what that might cost?

    Regards

    Jonathan Hawthorne

    1. Mexico Dave The Hotel Expert

      I think you could hire a driver/taxi for $150 to $200 for Chichen Itza and back. Another option is Coba. Just as interesting as Chichen Itza, closer, and cheaper to get to. Lots of cenotes on the drive from Tulum to Coba so you could combine it with your visit. (The same applies to Chichen Itza too, but since it’s 2 hours both ways it’s already a pretty full day.)

  8. Renting a Car from Cancun Airport

    Hey Dave! Great blog… Heading to Tulum in April and May with two other girls and wondering if you think it’s safe to hire a car and drive from the airport?
    Thanks!
    Courtney

    1. Mexico Dave The Hotel Expert

      It’s hard to define “safe.” Like anywhere, getting in a car accident, is probably the largest risk you face when traveling in the Yucatan. Is it less safe than driving in the U.S. or Canada? Yeah, probably. Would you be more safe if a local were driving you? Yeah, probably. Is driving yourself a huge risk? No, you’ll more than likely be fine.

      Those are my thoughts. Not sure I’d go so far as to call it an answer.

  9. Best Grocery Store for Booze in Tulum?

    Random question- San Francisco vs. Chedraui for tequila and mezcal… Which has the better selection, and price? Or is there a better spot for a bottle in Tulum?

    J

    1. Mexico Dave The Hotel Expert

      Chedraui is hard to beat. They have a strong selection of tequila and mezcal and great prices. Their selection of other food and drinks is much better as well (it’s a huge American-style grocery store) so while you are there picking up your tequila you can grab limes, snacks, sunscreen, etc. too. There is also a specialty store full of different tequila options on main street in Tulum Pueblo. The selection there is the best in town but prices are also higher. If you are looking for Sal de Gusano (the specialty salt traditionally offered with mezcal), you won’t be able to find it at any of the stores in town. Bars do have it and if you befriend your bartender you may be able to get some from them.

      1. J

        Thanks! I found the specialty store on the main street last time and got some nice stuff, but figured the prices were probably higher there than at a proper store. I’ll plan to check out Chedraui- thanks again!

  10. Weather and Hurricanes in Tulum

    HI Dave! We are heading to Tulum tomorrow!

    I am a mother of two little ones, and we are heading into 80% chance of thunderstorms every day that we are there. Is that something to worry about? My biggest fear is being right next to the beach, and having a hurricane hit.

    It’s hard to find good information, so thought I’d ask!

    Thank you!
    Montgomery

    1. Mexico Dave The Hotel Expert

      Hurricane season doesn’t really begin until July and even then, most activity is August through October. I wouldn’t worry too much about a hurricane and rather, plan ahead for indoor activities with the little ones during the rainstorms. Some of the cenotes can be great activities during the rain as they actually provide some shelter from the rain. Dos Ojos is a good one with large overhangs to act as shelter and the cenotes themselves are open and less claustrophobic than some others. (Making it a great one for kids.) You may want to pack some games or a pack of cards to play in your room or at the hotel restaurant to stay busy and have some fun.

  11. Weather in Late June in Tulum

    Checking weather from NJ every day is 90% rain. Will we see sun at all? Arriving June 19. Really bummed!

    Stephanie

    1. Mexico Dave The Hotel Expert

      You should still see the sun while you are there. The forecast was exactly the same today and it was sunny and hot (no rain) except for one small burst in a very limited section of town. I would pack a deck of cards and have plans for the rain because in Tulum, when it rains it can really rain and you might be sticking to shelter wherever you are. But, even when the forecast shows full rain, the sun almost always peeks out for a while. If it does rain, check out Gran Cenote. Once you’re in the cenote you’ll be sheltered and able to have basically the same experience as if it wasn’t raining. Gran Cenote has decent parking so you won’t have to worry about muddy dirt roads or anything like that. Dos Ojos is all dirt so not as appealing in a storm.

  12. Solo Stay at Amansala

    Hi Dave,
    Thanks for all the great info. I’m planning to take a solo trip to Tulum in October and stay at Amansala for the six day package. What can you tell me about the place. Thanks Jackie

    1. Mexico Dave The Hotel Expert

      Amansala has many amenities that are rare along the beach in Tulum. Their pool is right on the beach so you can relax poolside and still enjoy beautiful views of the ocean and listen to the waves bringing the water in. Their section of beach is also very well maintained, is quite large and really beautiful. Their food is healthy and delicious but expensive (just like almost all food along the beach zone) but if you want to try other restaurants, they are very close to many of the best restaurants in Tulum. Shiva Tulum is great Indian food in a beautiful jungle setting with a grand, open palapa lounge area and within walking distance. Their trainers Katie & Ali will give you a brutal workout so the nice beach and pool will be a wonderful way to escape the heat and get a little R&R.

  13. Tulum Hotel for Single Female with Yoga

    Hi Dave! I’m a 30 year old female looking to go to Tulum solo mid December. I’ve done so much research on hotels but am having a hard time choosing one! Ideally I would like to go on a yoga retreat or stay at a hotel geared toward that but also would like something a little luxurious and within budget (around 200/250$ night)
    Where do you recommend to stay that has a good yoga/boho vibe, beach I can swim in and a true Tulum feel with the luxuries of a higher end hotel?? So far Amansala, PPP, and Kore all sound great.
    Amazing web site! I’ll definitely be using this to check out other places as well!! Sacha

    1. Mexico Dave The Hotel Expert

      Amansala holds great retreats and has an upscale vibe but is still very nice and luxurious. It is a pampered retreat getaway. They have great personal trainers from all over the world that push you but make sure you are enjoying your getaway and treating it like a vacation. Maya Tulum also has great retreats and events. Their atmosphere is very yoga/zen and calming. They have a beautiful palapa yoga studio off of the beach with great morning classes to start your day right. They aren’t as fancy as Amansala but more of the bohemian Tulum vibe and still very nice. Walking through the grounds makes you feel like you are in a secluded sanctuary. The are located near each other and along a great stretch of the beach so you really can’t go wrong in that way. Papaya Playa is a very fun hotel but a little more rowdy and less retreat-like and Kore is more like an all-inclusive resort which is very different than the true spirit of Tulum and the surrounding area. None the less, both are very nice hotels.

  14. Vegan Restaurants in Tulum

    Hi Dave! We’re looking to visit mid-end of May for six nights. Here’s the concern: We’re both strictly VEGAN (not vegetarian). No dairy, no meat. It’s hard for us to go to All-Inclusives because the food is normally terrible for us and we end up being isolated and always hungry. We eat beans and rice and all kinds of breads. We love food!

    We want as close to luxury on the beach as we can get (sand, water, air conditioning, drinks in hand), but access to as much Vegan food as we can get. This is always our biggest challenge. Hoping you can help us make the right decision. We’re using all of our savings, so it’s a big one for us!

    We collect and share information, so any directions you give us will be posted on vegan sites with a link to you.

    Jud Meyers

    Thank you for what you’re doing for everyone here. Glad we stumbled on your site.

    Best,

    Jud Meyers

    1. Mexico Dave The Hotel Expert

      Tulum is actually a great destination for Vegans. There are a number of restaurants along the hotel zone with a strictly vegan menu. Raw Love is a very popular, fresh, tasty cafe located in the Ahau Hotel which is beautiful. Another totally vegan restaurant is Restaurare. Since the area is very eco-centric and healthy, many restaurants (especially along the beach road) will also have vegan options. If you want quick, easy access to great vegan food and a nice hotel – stay at Ahau. Their rooms are very grand and dramatic with beautiful palapa roofs, their service is great and their beach is among the best.

  15. Staying in Chemuyil

    Hello, we are thinking of staying in Chemuyil. What are your thoughts on that village?

    Shannon Tithof

    1. Mexico Dave The Hotel Expert

      Chemuyil is a small, quiet town. It is however, near many of the top activities in the Riviera Maya (Akumal to swim with the turtles, Xel-ha park, etc.). So, if you are looking to spend much of your time in a quiet town but are renting a car to venture out during the day, Chemuyil is a great, more local and unique experience in the Riviera. There are small restaurants and access to cenotes and lagoons that are off the beaten path but again, a car would be necessary if staying in Chemuyil.

  16. Hotel with Lively Social Scene

    Hi Dave,
    Thank you for this very informative site. Hopefully you receive this message. I’m looking for a recommendation for two 30 something women looking for a hotel with a lively social scene, preferably on the beach. We’re traveling the weekend on the 19-23rd and the hotel we most wanted (Be Tulum) is sold out. I was interested in Mi Amor but it appears to be mostly couples. Is this the case? Anything you can recommend?
    Thank you.
    Jocelyn

    1. Mexico Dave The Hotel Expert

      If you are looking for a lively social scene, Papaya Playa Project is definitely the hotel for you. They have incredible parties every week. They have a great bar right on the beach with a platform overlooking the ocean, tables set into the sand and a huge stretch of perfect beach just for them. On Saturday nights, all of that is transformed into a huge party with guest DJs from around the world, lights, drinks and dancing. They also have music on the beach every afternoon so you have a very nice vibe while you are out relaxing by the water. Mi Amor is also beautiful but, you’re right – very romantic with lots of couples. And, it is pretty mellow.

  17. Off Season in Tulum

    Hi Dave,

    Great site! About to book a trip for the last week of June, even with the weather being what it is. I’m traveling down with my husband and was looking for a stellar hotel recommendation. We recently visited Bali and he was very put off by the beach at our hotel so a beautiful clean beach is a must! I LOVE that some of these hotels have plunge pools but they are still asking for $500+ which seems a little high for off season. We are willing to spend around the 300 mark a night but definitely need a nice beach (private plunge pool would be a huge bonus!) and close enough to get around town, either by bike or walking or even short cab. Any suggestions for the off season?

    1. Mexico Dave The Hotel Expert

      Ahau is a beautiful hotel on one of the best stretches of beach in Tulum. They are very close to the nicest restaurants (walking distance) and their restaurant is fantastic too. They rent bikes so that you can explore other areas of town and cabs into Tulum town are less than $5. They do not have plunge pools but their location along the beach and their beautiful rooms more than make up for that. Maria del Mar is a new hotel that has one common pool right outside the rooms. While it isn’t a private plunge pool, the hotel is small so you won’t feel crowded (especially during the offseason). Their section of beach is more rocky but it is a short walk or bike away from other great beach clubs (Papaya Playa is nearby and they have a great bar/restaurant and wonderful beach.).

  18. Tulum in Early August

    Hi Dave,

    I am thinking of visiting Tulum August 2nd-August 6th. Is this a bad time to go in regard to shops, hotels, and restaurants being closed? I know that this is the off-season, but I am wondering how quiet/slow/dead it actually gets. And I know the weather may be an issue, but I am mostly concerned with the liveliness of the surrounding area.

    Please let me know what you think! Thanks a lot.
    Catherine S.

    1. Mexico Dave The Hotel Expert

      Things in Tulum are definitely much quieter in August, September, October and some restaurants and shops do take their vacations during this time. But, there are so many great restaurants in Tulum now that if one great restaurant is closed, you can simply go to one of the others. There are not a lot of visitors during that time of the year so there will not be big crowds anywhere and the best part is, the beach is very quiet and low key. But, if you want to enjoy a lively atmosphere, things are much much different in the spring and that’s the time everything will be open and lots of people will be around.

  19. Tulum in Middle of August

    Hi Dave,
    Thinking of vacationing in Tulum this summer.
    Do you expect the water to be cloudy due to the weather, and what do you think the weather will be like.
    Do you think we will see the sun? Does it usually rain and then the sun comes out?
    Will the mosquitos be a problem at that time of year?
    Thanks so much for your help.
    Best,
    Nancy

    1. Mexico Dave The Hotel Expert

      It’s rare for the water to get cloudy in Tulum. There is some seaweed in the water recently but it can come and go fairly quickly so it’s hard to know what it will be like in August. In August it will be hot. Typically September and October are rainier but there is a chance for some rain in August. Typically the rain comes in at night and the days are clear. When it rains, it really rains. Being such a tropical climate and surrounded by water and jungle, there are mosquitos however they are more prevalent in the evenings. The restaurants burn copal, a resin that burns similar to incense and that helps keep them away. They’re never much of a problem at the beach.

  20. When To Book Tulum Holiday

    Hi. When is the best time to book for a Tulum vacation in February from New York?

    1. Mexico Dave The Hotel Expert

      February is just off peak season and hotels will start to get fully booked very early. If possible, I’d try to book before the end of August. Once summer is over people turn their attention to booking their winter vacations and September is a busy month for booking.

  21. All Inclusive Resort Near Tulum

    Dave,
    Love your posts and wonderful information. Thinking about traveling to Tulum November this year. Everyone involved is making me the travel agent. With a party of 8-10 was thinking more of an all-inclusive resort in that area. Any recommendations? Your help is much appreciated. Thanks, Helyn

    1. Mexico Dave The Hotel Expert

      Kore Tulum is the only all-inclusive hotel in Tulum. This is a 4-star luxury property with a fantastic spa, great food and drinks, and beautiful rooms, but it is not on the beach. The property is on a clifftop with views of the sea; the do offer a complimentary shuttle to the beach, and the beach club they coordinate with offers free use of their sun loungers to Kore’s guests. If having an all-inclusive in Tulum is the most important, then this is a great option. If having direct beach access is most important, consider La Zebra; it’s not an all-inclusive, but it does offer a little something for everyone. This is a luxury beachfront hotel that is ideal for large, mixed groups with rooms and suites suitable for couples or families, fantastic dining and cocktails, and a wide range of activities onsite (salsa nights, mezcal nights, open chefs-table Thursdays, and a weekly beach BBQ) or nearby (scuba for kids, biking to the ruins, cenote trips, Sian Ka’an nature preserve) that are available for drop in or easily arranged by the concierge. If having a beach and all-inclusive is most important, consider staying further north toward Playa del Carmen. If there are kids in the group, check out Hotel Xcaret, an all-inclusive with free access to all of the Xcaret adventure parks) or Grand Velas Riviera Maya (amazing beach, fantastic kids’ and teens’ clubs, awesome food). For adults-only, check out El Dorado Maroma for a stunning beach, gorgeous rooms, 3 pools connected by a lazy river, and 2 spas.

  22. Tulum in September/October

    Hi Dave, thanks for all your great tips! My fiance and I are planning a honeymoon from September 27-October 3 and would really love to go to Tulum, but we’re concerned about the weather. We love to do outdoor activities – do you think the rain and humidity would make the trip unenjoyable? I don’t want to spend a lot of money on a trip with gross weather, but if we’re talking quick rainstorms and mild humidity I think we could handle it! What’s your opinion?
    Thank you!

    1. mexdave The Hotel Expert

      It will likely be fine but there’s still the possibility of multi-day rainstorms. So, yes, you are taking a bit of a chance. But weather is never a guarantee – even in the dry season.

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