Planning a trip to Tulum in 2023? Whether you’re looking for perfect beach weather, affordable hotel prices, or fun cultural events to enjoy, this guide has all the tips and tricks you need to find the best time to visit Tulum, Mexico in 2023. Including the best time to go to Tulum without seaweed.
When is the best time to visit Tulum?
The best time to visit Tulum for the perfect beach vacation is between December and April. This is when temperatures are warm, sunny days are frequent and the seaweed isn’t too bad. More on this later.
Summer months can be hot, humid, and more expensive while the rainy season (May – October) sees heavy rains and increased humidity but also better flight deals. When you decide to visit will depend on your priorities for the vacation.
To get the best of everything, plan your trip during shoulder seasons – February/March or October/November – and enjoy gorgeous beaches with milder temperatures than summer months without paying a premium for travelling during high season.
Consider both the weather and the crowds
When deciding the best time to visit Tulum, consider local weather and crowds as well as the type of vacation you want to have. The peak months of December to April are the driest and warmest, but these are also the most crowded months.
If you are looking to party, these might be the best months for your trip. If you really want to party, then I suggest timing your trip during Spring Break as you will definitely have lots of people to hang out with and party.
Whereas if you want to avoid large tourist groups and higher hotel costs, consider visiting in July and August which tend to be quieter but have more of a chance of rain showers. Weather in these months is still pleasant with temperatures averaging around 28°C (82°F).
What festivals and events take place in Tulum during 2023?
There are always crazy awesome things to do in Tulum. During the year 2023, several holiday festivals and events will be taking place in Tulum. In January, the local area celebrates with Road Trip de Muertos, where people take their bikes through the nearby cemeteries wishing for good luck in the coming year.
In February and March, Semana Santa celebrates Easter on a massive scale with parades and live music. Of course, Cinco de Mayo in May is a massive celebration all across Mexico.
In July, locals and tourists join forces to create gigantic sand sculptures during Sonido que Arrasa. Finally, December concludes with Aniversario de la Revolucion where fireworks are part of the festivities. Be prepared for fun when you visit Tulum!
When is the rainy season in Tulum?
The rainy season in Tulum is typically between the months of May to October. During this time, afternoon thunderstorms are common. Thankfully, they don’t last all day and are usually quick. Be sure to pack an umbrella or light raincoat if you’re planning on visiting Tulum during this time.
Remember that the weather in Mexico can change quickly and bring unexpected rains throughout most of the year. They don’t last all day, but when it does rain, it really pours. It’s best to always be prepared. If you are planning your vacation at this time, be sure to pack accordingly.
The photo taken above was taken in December, which is said to be the best time to visit Tulum, Mexico for great weather. The first four days of our vacation had rain for some period of time. Usually, it was sunny during the day but it was wet in the mornings after the heavy rains overnight.
The heavy rains leave large mud puddles in their wake. This isn’t the trip to break in your new white sneakers or wear high heels. What to wear in Tulum doesn’t vary too much as this is a very bohemian town. I lived in flat sandals day and night.
When packing for Tulum, think casual, not fancy. I walked through mud puddles in my flip-flops and washed them off when I got home, lol! And if you plan on checking out the Tulum Jungle Gym, bring your runners. It’s a very fun place to work out.
What month is hurricane season in Tulum?
Hurricane season in Tulum typically begins at the end of July and can last through mid-November. It overlaps the rainy season, making July – October less than ideal months to visit Tulum. Visitors should try to avoid planning trips during this time as hurricanes can create dangerous conditions for travellers.
Additionally, infrastructure could be damaged or disrupted due to a storm, making it difficult to access certain areas. It is best to plan your trip outside of hurricane season for optimal safety and comfort.
Having recently had to escape Florida during Hurricane Ian while airports were shutting down, I can attest that this is no way to end a vacation! It was very stressful and I would not recommend planning a vacation during hurricane season. Our activities all got cancelled, the hotel went into lockdown, and we barely made it onto one of the last flights out of town before the airport closed. Phew!
When is the best time to visit Tulum without seaweed?
This is becoming a tricky question to answer as the sargassum seaweed has been getting increasingly worse. The hotels and resorts are excellent at cleaning the beaches but there are days when it can be very bad.
The beach pictured above was taken during my visit to Tulum at the end of March. The seaweed was so bad on several of the days that we opted to leave the resort and swim in nearby cenotes.
I highly recommend doing this if you haven’t yet, cenotes are magical places. Check out these helpful tips for visiting cenotes before you go. Number four is a lifesaver!
Mid-December, the seaweed was sparse on the beach. There weren’t any days that the seaweed bothered us. The best time to visit Tulum without seaweed would be during the colder months, April to August or even May to October. I don’t know about you, but I go to Mexico for hot beach days. I’m not willing to vacay when it’s cooler.
I often vacation in Mexico in December. On days when the seaweed is so bad I don’t want to spend the day on the beach, I check out a cenote or one of the other cool things to do in Tulum.
When is high season in Tulum?
The high season for all of Mexico, including Tulum is between December to March. This is typically when Canadians, Americans and some Europeans are looking to escape winter and head to a sunny destination. I’m one of them, lol! Mexico is my destination of choice for my annual December vacation.
High season has its pros and cons, just like any other time you visit. The weather is great, but the prices are higher and the resorts are full. Personally, I love this time of year because I want there to be people at the resort that I can meet and hang out with. If you are looking for a quiet, romantic vacation, Tulum in December might not be the place.
Conclusion – The best time to visit Tulum, Mexico
The best time to visit Tulum is whenever you decide to go. Don’t let the seaweed scare you away, or the threat of a thundershower cancel your vacation. Be prepared, pack for rain and have a great time! The best time to visit Tulum, Mexico is anytime you choose to go and have fun.
I love Mexico and have visited over a dozen cities. They were all fairly similar, until Tulum that is. Tulum is a very different town than other touristy parts of Mexico. If you’re visiting for the first time, these helpful Tulum travel tips will help you to avoid some of the mistakes I made.
No matter when you decide the best time to visit Tulum for your dream vacation, be prepared for laid-back vibes. I like to call it ‘Bohemian Chic’ because it’s relaxed but gorgeous at the same time. If you’re looking for a more traditional all-inclusive resort, there aren’t many in Tulum, but check out my review of the hotel RIU Yucatan in Playa del Carmen.
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