Tulum in October: Weather Info & Travel Tips for 2024

tulum ruins in mexico, ancient mayan ruins on the beach

Wondering, What’s the best time to visit Tulum?

You’ve landed on the right article, as I live in Mexico, and I’m going to tell you everything you need to know about visiting Tulum in October.

October is outside of the Tulum busy season, as the weather can be too hot for many. It is one of the least-busy months, and October can be a great time to visit, especially late-October when temperatures drop.

From the weather in Tulum in October, to the best things to do in Tulum in October and even some Tulum travel tips for October — it’s all here.

Ready to discover everything you need to know for your Tulum October trip? Let’s get to it!

Weather in Tulum in October

Wondering, How is the weather in Tulum in October? Of course you are — as every Tulum traveler wants to know the best time of year to visit!

Tulum weather in October can be sunny and warm, or overcast with rain showers. Though they’re usually short showers, you can still expect rain.

Either way, you shouldn’t let advanced weather predictions about traveling to Tulum Mexico in October deter you! Tulum’s tropical climate is unpredictable, and predictions don’t always pan out as reported.

🚐💨 how to get from Cancun to Tulum

The easiest, safest, and best way is to book this private shuttle with Cancun Airport Transportation. Round trip service is just $210 USD for 1-3 people, $220 for 4-6 people, and $230 for 7-8 people.

October is during the rainy season, though it’s not the wettest month; that’s actually June. However, there’s always some chance of rain in the tropics, no matter the month.

Remember that just because October is in the rainy season in the Yucatan Peninsula, that doesn’t mean it will rain in Tulum during your trip. If it does, there’s a good chance it won’t be more than a quick shower.

Weather in Tulum in October

Average Temperatures in Tulum in October

weather in tulum chart
Tulum weather forecast in October (Photo: Weather Atlas, Tulum Weather October)

You can expect average daily temperatures of 80-86°F (26-30°C) while visiting Tulum in October. When the sun goes down, the temperatures in Tulum drop, but not by much.

Nighttime temperatures in Tulum average about 75-80°F (24-26°C), though the humidity also usually isn’t as bad as in the day.

This is the case year round, as there’s not much temperature fluctuation from daytime to nighttime in Tulum.

  • Average high temperature in Tulum in October: 86°F (30°C)
  • Average low temperature in Tulum in October: 75°F (24°C)
  • What are the hottest months in Tulum Mexico? May-September, with an average max of about 90°F (32°C)
  • What are the coldest months in Tulum Mexico? December-February, during the winter months
Weather in Tulum in October

Sunshine in Tulum in October

weather in tulum chart
Tulum weather forecast in October (Photo: Weather Atlas, Tulum October weather)

Wondering, How cloudy is Tulum in October?

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but it’s one of the overall least sunny months in Tulum. It averages about 8.2 hours of sunshine per day, so you might get a bit of rain, but your October Tulum trip should still be sunny overall.

As you can see in the chart above, there are usually only about 5.4 fully sunny days in October. Just think — you could be the lucky one who’s traveling to Tulum on those exact days!

Weather in Tulum in October

Is there rain in Tulum in October?

weather in tulum chart
Find out the best month to visit Tulum Mexico for good weather. (Photo: Weather Atlas, Tulum in October weather)

When is the rainy season in Tulum? is a question on anyone’s mind when traveling to Tulum, Mexico.

The rainy season Tulum months go from about June to October. It will very likely rain in Tulum in October, and you’ll also likely have heavy cloud cover.

  • What’s the average rainfall in Tulum in October? 5.2 inches (13.2 cm)
  • How many days does it rain in Tulum in October? 22.5 days — October is one of the rainiest months in Tulum Mexico, but that doesn’t mean you won’t catch some sunny days ☀️

Note: No one can predict the weather with 100% accuracy. If you don’t mind taking a risk, April to October is the slow season in Tulum Mexico which means lower price tags and smaller crowds.

Remember that even in the Tulum rainy season, there are always sunny days.

Weather in Tulum in October

Does it rain all day in Tulum in October?

weather in tulum chart
Wondering, How many rainy days are there in Tulum in October? Check the chart to find out. (Photo: Weather Atlas, Tulum rain season)

If you do get some rain on your trip to Tulum Mexico — Don’t panic!

Rain storms and even tropical storms tend to come in short bursts and pass quickly. In fact, some people end up enjoying watching the storms roll by.

Usually after the rain, the air temperature and humidity drop a bit, so some rain in Tulum isn’t all bad.

Best Things to Do in Tulum When it Rains

When it rains in Tulum, you still have options for things to see in Tulum that are indoors.

💆‍♀️ Get a Massage in Tulum: If you’re staying at one of these best Tulum all-inclusive resorts, you can book a massage.

🛍 Go shopping in Tulum: There’s no mall in Tulum, but there are clusters of boutique shops on the beach and in downtown.

🤿 Cenotes in Tulum: You can also swim in the best Tulum cenotes because you won’t mind the rain while you’re swimming!

🎨 Tulum Museum: Finally, you can visit the SFER IK Museum, one of the best Tulum Instagram spots, located next to the famous Azulik Tulum Hotel.

Weather in Tulum in October

Is it hot in Tulum in October?

sunscreen on a woman's back in the shape of the sun
☀️ The sun is incredibly strong in Tulum year-round, so make sure you pack one of these best sunscreens for Mexico.

When traveling to Tulum, you’ll need to know Is Tulum cold in October, or is it hot?

It’s hot — In fact, it’s hot all year-long as you can see from weather.com. There might be a few cooler days, usually in December to February, but overall, the weather in Tulum ranges from hot to very hot!

Want to know, Is it too hot to go to Tulum in October?

This answer is a matter of preference, but in short, you can expect to sweat a bit!

If you don’t like tropical weather, Tulum in November to March are the months known for clear skies, pleasant weather and many hours of sunshine.

🏖 Tulum Travel Tips to beat the heat

To avoid the heat in Tulum, head indoors and soak up the air conditioning from 11am-2pm, the hottest parts of the day.

Also, plan for water activities like snorkeling in Tulum and swimming in the Tulum cenotes during these hours.

Weather in Tulum in October

Average Humidity in Tulum in October

weather in tulum chart
Weather in Tulum in the month of October (Photo: Weather Atlas, Weather Tulum October)

Tulum humidity is a fact of life, as it’s located in the Caribbean. This part of the world is basically a jungle, but it’s also surrounded by water so that helps a bit.

Being right on the Caribbean Sea, as you are in Tulum, you will get a nice breeze and a respite from the humidity here and there. However, there’s no way to sugarcoat this: Tulum is humid for much of the year.

Since it’s humid in Tulum almost all the time, a better question to ask here would be: What month has the worst weather in Tulum?

The worst months in Tulum, weather-wise, are May to September. May tends to be the hottest month in the Yucatan Peninsula, and even Tulum locals dread it.

Weather in Tulum in October

Are there hurricanes in Tulum in October?

weather in tulum chart
Tulum’s weather in October (Photo: Weather Atlas, Tulum Mexico Weather in October)

Want to know if there are Tulum hurricanes in October?

Yes — It is possible, as Atlantic Hurricane Season runs June 1-November 30 each year.

However, hurricanes are rare in Tulum. In fact, there have only been two hurricanes in Tulum in the past few decades — ​​Hurricane Grace on August 19, 2021 and ​​Hurricane Emily on July 10, 2005.

  • What’s the average wind speed in Tulum in October? 6.3 mph (10 km/h)
  • What’s the windiest month in Tulum Mexico? There are actually two windiest months in Tulum, March and April

When is Hurricane Season in Tulum?

The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1-November 30. Based on historical data, the highest likelihood of storms is from August to early-October.

  • When is Mexico hurricane season? The answer is the same for all countries and cities, June 1-November 30. There’s no specific Tulum Hurricane Season.

Again, hurricanes are rare, but this is still something to be aware of when planning a Tulum trip in October.

If hurricanes concern you, a Tulum October trip might not be the ideal time for you, as its Hurricane Season and one of the rainiest months in Tulum. Besides hurricanes, thunderstorms and bad tropical storms can happen.

Weather in Tulum in October

Is Tulum safe during hurricane season?

Yes — For the most part. For a hurricane to completely devastate Tulum, the city would have to take a direct hit, which is rare.

Hurricanes are usually quite large in physical size. It’s usually only the area close to the center (known as the eye) where large-scale damage occurs.

Traveling to Tulum in October during Hurricane Season

The #1 reason you’d want to visit Tulum during Hurricane Season is because prices are low. ▶ Check Tulum hotel prices here. Also, the Fall season in Tulum has the fewest number of tourists.

In short: Don’t skip Tulum in October just because it’s technically Hurricane Season. The odds are definitely in your favor that there won’t be any Tulum hurricanes when you visit.

Weather in Tulum in October

How warm is the water in Tulum in October?

weather in tulum chart
The average sea temperature in Tulum Mexico is between 79°F (26°C) to 84°F (29°C), so the ocean in Tulum is warm all year. (Photo: Weather Atlas, Weather in Tulum Mexico in October)

Want to know about the water temperature in Tulum in October?

The Caribbean Sea is warm all year long, so you can comfortably swim, snorkel and go scuba diving in Tulum in October. The water temperature rises a bit in the warmer months, but it’s still comfortable.

  • What’s the average water temperature in Tulum in October? 84°F (29°C)

Best Tours in Tulum in October

If those warm water temperatures sound enticing, you’ll want to go on some of these Tulum tours to take advantage of all this Mexico beach town has to offer. Below, you’ll find some of the best tours in Tulum Mexico.

Weather in Tulum in October

When is there seaweed in Tulum? (Sargassum)

sargassum seaweed in mexico

It’s no secret that in the last few years, large amounts of seaweed have arrived on the once-pristine Mexican Caribbean Coast. This does include Tulum, which has some of the best beaches in Mexico.

When is the seaweed season in Tulum Mexico?

After seeing the image above, you’re likely wondering, Is there seaweed in Tulum in October? The answer is maybe, as the seaweed comes and goes.

Tulum seaweed season is usually during the warmer months, from about April to August.

However, one of the worst parts of the Mexico seaweed problem is that it’s unpredictable — and sargassum can also show in other months.

🌿 Note: The actual name for the type of Tulum seaweed that washes ashore in this part of Mexico is called sargassum. You will see it spelled sargasso or sargazo in Spanish.

The good news? The sargassum in Tulum often goes away very fast.

What I mean here is that it can be very bad one day, and completely gone the next day, so don’t cancel your Tulum vacation over the sargassum.

Besides the beaches, there’s so many more things to do in Tulum that you’ll want to check out the off-beach places as well. For swimming, there’s the Tulum cenotes. These natural jungle pools have no seaweed in them.

There’s also the Tulum Mayan Ruins, and other ruins near Tulum to check out, like Coba, Ek-Balam, and Chichen Itza Pyramids.

You can also visit the nearby towns, like Valladolid and “The Yellow City” of Izamal — two of the best pueblos magicos in Yucatan. In Spanish, the phrase pueblo magico means “magic towns,” and these two towns are certainy magical!

Weather in Tulum in October

Tracking the Tulum Sargassum

If you’re uninterested in doing anything else on your Tulum trip besides hitting the beaches, you can use Facebook to get updates. The seaweed situation can change day to day, so you can get the best info here.

Sargasso Seaweed Updates Riviera Maya is a great group to join before your trip to get updated info.

There’s also Red de Monitoreo del Sargazo de Quintana Roo, which is a page, not a group, so you can just view it. Their page is in Spanish, but they use self-explanatory graphics, like the one seen above.

When you see a red dot 🔴, that means there’s a lot of sargassum on that beach; a blue dot 🔵 means that beach is 100% free and clear of sargassum.

Note: Many of the best beach resorts in Tulum have crews that clear away the seaweed each morning. For this reason, you might see a beach come up in the red, but crews might be working to clean it that very moment.

Unique Things Do to in Tulum in October

Explore Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins

chichen itza, a mayan pyramid and wonder of the world - day trips from Merida
Chichen Itza Ruins is located about 2.5 hours from Tulum. Don’t miss seeing one of the best pyramids in Mexico when traveling to Tulum Mexico.

As one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and most recognizable landmarks in Mexico, does Chichen Itza even need an introduction?!

This ancient Mayan city is about 2.5 hours from Tulum (one way), so it requires a full day on your Tulum itinerary. However, for most travelers, it’s worth it to visit this Mexico bucket list site.

You can go by rental car, on a Chichen Itza tour, or by ADO bus. The bus is the cheapest way to visit Chichen Itza from Tulum, but you’ll be adding another 2-3 hours total to the travel time.

Personally, I always recommend a tour guide for this important place, so you understand what you’re looking at. This Chichen Itza Day Trip from Tulum is a great option because it includes lunch and a swim in beautiful Cenote Saamal.

Traveling to Tulum in October

Tulum Mayan Ruins

The Tulum Ruins, located right on Tulum Beach in Mexico’s Riviera Maya.

There are other Mayan Ruins in Tulum much closer than Chichen Itza, though they may not wow you the same as Chichen Itza.

There are other Mayan Ruins in Tulum much closer than Chichen Itza, though they may not wow you the same as Chichen Itza. However, if you don’t want to commit a full day to visiting Chichen Itza, there’s these ancient ruins instead:

Traveling to Tulum in October

Laze on the Tulum Beaches

playa paraiso beach tulum slanted palm tree | best beaches in mexico
Don’t miss the famous Tulum slanted palm tree, located outside El Paraiso Hotel & Beach Club on Playa Paraiso Beach.

Tulum sits right on the bright blue Caribbean Sea, and has some of the best beaches in Mexico.

You can’t go wrong with any beaches in Tulum, but don’t miss these visitor favorites: Playa Paraiso, Playa las Palmas, Playa Pescadores, Tulum South Beach, Playa Santa Fe, and Punta Allen (AKA Tulum Secret Beach).

🏖 Best Tulum Beach CLubs

Famous for its boho beach clubs, you’ll want to check out at least one of them while on your Tulum vacay.

Most of them charge about $50-100 USD to get in, but often that will go towards your “minimum spend” for food and drinks. In other words, you pay $1,000-2,000 pesos ($50-100 USD) to enter the beach club.

You’ll then have access to the pool and beach facilities, showers, bathrooms, etc., and then whatever you paid to get in will be credited to your food and drink tab.

For some of the best beach clubs in Tulum, check out:

Traveling to Tulum in October

Swim in the Cenotes in Tulum

woman swimming in cenote calavera, cenote in tulum mexico
Don’t miss Cenote Calavera, one of the most beautiful Tulum cenotes. (Photo: Mathilde Langevin via Unsplash, Tulum Mexico in October)

No visit to Tulum Mexico is complete without swimming in the best Tulum cenotes (pronounced sen-no-tays).

Cenotes are swimmable sinkholes with freshwater that comes from a river under the Yucatan Peninsula. This river is part of the longest flooded cave system on Earth, Sistema Sac Actun, which is 164-miles-long (263 km).

🤿 Not sure what to bring to the cenotes? Check out this Tulum cenotes packing list so you’re prepared to swim in the cenotes in Mexico.

There are about 6,000 cenotes in the Yucatan, and some of the best cenotes in Mexico are right in Tulum.

Located only 10-20 minutes from Downtown Tulum, there’s Cenote Calavera, Gran Cenote, Cenote Zacil-Ha and Cenote Car Wash.

🐠 Snorkeling in Yal Ku Lagoon

Want to do some snorkeling in Tulum?

Yal-Ku Lagoon has a mix of freshwater and saltwater, so you can see colorful tropical fish, rays and even sea turtles. It is located about 30 minutes from Tulum by rental car, or you can book this tour.

Traveling to Tulum in October

Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve

Sian Ka’an boat tour is one of the best things to do in Yucatan Mexico. (Photo: Kay Tours)

Sian Ka’an Tulum is one of the Mexico UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is the best place in Tulum to see wildlife like dolphins, manatees, turtles and birds — and all right where they should be: in the wild.

Sian Ka’an is one of the largest protected areas in Mexico, at about one million acres (4,046 km²)! The best way to visit Sian Ka’an is on a boat tour like this Sian Ka’an Tour, one of the highest-rated tours in Tulum.

💧 Laguna Kaan Luum (Tulum Lagoon)

Kaan Luum Lagoon used to be one of the best kept secrets in Tulum. However, it has gained in popularity thanks to social media and YouTube.

Still, for most travelers it remains on the best off the beaten path Tulum hidden gems.

Kaan Luum Tulum is a shallow water lagoon, perfect for a swim and SUP in Laguna Kaan Luum, and it even has a cenote inside it. It makes for a nice place to spend a few hours, and it’s only 15 minutes from downtown.

Holidays & Festivals in Tulum in October

Noche de Brujas (Halloween in Tulum)

While not a long-held tradition, Halloween in Mexico has become popular in the last decade or so. It’s not one of the official holidays in Mexico, but similar to the U.S., it’s a time for costumes, parties and trick or treating.

You can expect parties at various hotels in Tulum like Papaya Playa Project, as well as some of the best restaurants in Tulum, like Jaguar Tulum.

For the best tips, ask a local when you arrive in town where the best parties will be. These spots can change from year to year, and no one will know better than a Tulum local.

Day of the Dead in Tulum

Day of the Dead technically takes place November 1-2. However, you will also find celebrations in late-October, especially if the last weekend in October.

Though not one of the best places to celebrate Day of the Dead in Mexico, Tulum is a party town, so there will be parties.

Festival de la Tortuga Marina (Sea Turtle Festival)

quintana roo travel: swimming with turtles in akumal, mexico, in akumal bay
Swim with the turtles in Akumal Mexico, a small town located only about 30 minutes from Tulum.

The Festival de la Tortuga Marina features various events in Tulum, as well as the nearby pueblos (small towns) of Akumal and Xcacel.

It is a free event that’s family-friendly. The purpose is sea turtle education, conservation and preservation of this beautiful marine animal.

Some of the activities at the festival include a baby sea turtle release, Mayan cultural ceremonies, sandcastle competition, live music, carnival rides, local food vendors, and more.

Tulum in October: Ultimate Travel Guide & FAQ

Is Tulum safe for travelers?

For the most part, yes. I say for the most part because no place on Earth is 100% safe.

For a deep dive into the topic of Tulum safety, check out Is Tulum Safe to Travel to Right Now? If you’re traveling Tulum alone, this Tulum solo travel guide will help you plan the best, safest trip to Tulum.

Tulum is safe for the majority of visitors, who go and simply enjoy their trip without incident.

However, make no mistake — this is a tourist town, and things like petty theft aren’t uncommon in these types of destinations in any country.

Millions of travelers go to Mexico on vacation every year, so if we play the numbers game, the number of incidents is very small… When I’m asked if Mexico is a safe place to go travel on vacation, my response is yes.

CARLOS BARRON, 25-YEAR FBI VETERAN (source)

While Mexico is portrayed as a totally unsafe country in the mainstream U.S. media, know that millions visit Tulum each year — with most coming from the United States, Canada and Europe.

If Mexico were as unsafe as it’s portrayed, people would just stop coming, wouldn’t they!? Well, they aren’t, so that should tell you something.

According to Mexico Secretary of Tourism statistics, an astounding 35 million international travelers visited Mexico from January to August 2021. Even with all the sinister news reports, millions still flock to Mexico each month.

Traveling to Tulum in October

Where is Tulum Mexico?

Wondering, What state is Tulum in? Tulum is located in Quintana Roo State.

This is one of the three states in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, along with Yucatan State and Campeche State. Of the three, Quintana Roo is the most visited, and Campeche is the least.

🗺️ Tulum Map

📍 Quintana Roo, Mexico

Quintana Roo is a long, thin state, stretching the entire length of coastline along the Caribbean Sea.

Because of this, you may also hear this part of the Yucatan Peninsula called the Mexican Caribbean, where so many popular Mexico beach towns are located.

Quintana Roo has some of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico, including Playa Maroma which has the best overwater bungalows in Mexico.

Also in the state, you’ll find Playa del Carmen, Mexico’s Riviera Maya, Holbox Island, Puerto Morelos and Laguna Bacalar, AKA the “Maldives of Mexico.”

Traveling to Tulum in October

How to Get to Tulum Mexico

There’s no Tulum Airport, so you will have to fly into Cancun International Airport.

This is the closest airport to Tulum, and also one of the busiest airports in Mexico, so it’s easy to find direct flights to Cancun.

🗺 How far is Cancun Airport from Tulum?

The distance from Cancun Airport to Tulum is 73 miles (118 km). In normal traffic, the drive from Cancun from Tulum takes 1.5 hours.

🚐💨 Private shuttle from Cancun Airport to Tulum

The easiest, safest, and best way to get to Tulum from Cancun Airport is to book this private shuttle with Cancun Airport Transportation.

Round trip service is just $210 USD for 1-3 people, $220 for 4-6 people, and $230 for 7-8 people.

Best Places to Stay in Tulum in October

🏝️ Zona Hotelera: Tulum Hotel Zone (Tulum Beach)

casa malca tulum
Casa Malca Tulum is owned by NYC art dealer, Lio Malca — and the whole place is a work of art. (Photo: Expedia)

Tulum Beach is the part of Tulum you’ve seen on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

This is where you’ll find all the best Tulum resorts, boutique hotels, Tulum beach houses, and treehouses for Tulum glamping.

There’s also chic restaurants and bars, spas and yoga centers, shopping, and of course, the Tulum beaches.

Here are some of the best hotels on Tulum Beach:

  • Casa Malca ($$$$): A mansion-turned resort once owned by Pablo Escobar. This is the most stylish and best hotel in Tulum, and home to the Tulum hanging couch.
  • Libelula Tulum ($$$$): Luxurious eco-glamping under the stars, gourmet meals, and a near private beach — What more is there to say!?
  • CoCo Tulum Beach ($$$): Home to the famous black and white swings in Tulum, CoCo is one of the best hotels on Tulum Beach that won’t break the bank.
  • Selina Tulum Hostel ($$): The most famous hostel chain in the world, Selina has set a new bar as far as hostels go.

🏝️ Aldea Zama & Tulum Town (Downtown Tulum)

hotel tiki tiki tulum
Not sure where to stay in Tulum? Hotel Tiki Tiki Tulum is the best cheap hotel in Tulum, and located in Tulum Town. (Photo: Expedia)

Tulum Town (AKA Downtown Tulum or Tulum Pueblo) and the Tulum Aldea Zama neighborhood are located about 2-3 miles (3-5 km) from Tulum Beach.

However, you can save a lot of money staying here, and still get an amazing place. In fact, if you’re looking for the best cheap hotels in Tulum, they are in downtown and Aldea Zama.

You can also find amazing options here if you have a higher budget, like these places:

  • Bardo Tulum ($$$$): Adults-only, 5 Star hotel with sexy vibes, luxurious rooms and gorgeous ambiance throughout the property.
  • Hotel Tiki Tiki Tulum ($$$): An adorable mix of retro tiki deco meets Tulum boho, and free breakfast. For my money, this is the best cheap hotel in Tulum!
  • Holistika Tulum ($$-$$$): Part healing center, and part resort. Holistika has a hotel and hostel dorms, and obviously the hostel is the more affordable option.
  • Meteora Hostel & Coffeeshop ($-$$): The best hostel in Tulum, and a favorite among digital nomads in Tulum
Traveling to Tulum in October

Is there Uber in Tulum?

Woman standing in the street holding her phone waiting for an Uber
Hoping to take Tulum Ubers to get around? Sadly, there’s no Uber in Tulum Mexico.

No — There’s no Uber in Tulum, and no Lyft in Tulum either. You will find plenty of taxis, day and night, though costs add up quickly. Check out this guide to learn how to get around in Tulum.

Is there Uber in Cancun?

Sort of — In 2019, a court ruled Uber can operate in Cancun, but to say Cancun taxi drivers weren’t thrilled would be an understatement.

In fact, there are sometimes clashes between groups, and most locals stay away from Cancun Uber for this reason.

Also, Uber can not pick you up at Cancun Airport.

For this reason, I recommend booking your private shuttle with Cancun Airport Transportation.

Round trip service is just $210 USD for 1-3 people ($220 for 4-6 people, $230 for 7-8 people) — and it’s the safest, best way to get to Tulum.

🚗💨 Cancun Rental Cars

woman leaning on a red convertible sports car and holding her license and the key | renting a car in mexico
When renting a car in Mexico, I highly recommend Discover Cars, the company I always use.

Considering renting a car in Tulum? The best place to get one is at Cancun Airport since you’re flying there anyway. Also, they have a much larger selection than Tulum.

When renting a car in Mexico, I always recommend and use Discover Cars.

For a deeper dive into this topic, head to Renting a Car in Cancun: Everything You Need to Know. It explains the whole process so you don’t get scammed, which sadly isn’t uncommon with Cancun car rentals (or car rentals anywhere).

Traveling to Tulum in October: FAQ

What’s the best time to travel to Tulum?

The Tulum Archeological Site has some of the best Mayan Ruins in Yucatan Mexico.

🤑 For Great tulum travel Deals

Want to know what is the cheapest month to go to Tulum?

For the best Tulum travel deals, you’ll have to visit in the slow season (AKA low season).

The Tulum slow season runs from about April to October, though you can often find deals and cheaper hotel rates from about mid-April to early-November.

☀️ For Great Weather in tulum

November to March are the months you’ll get the best weather in Tulum Mexico. This is the Tulum dry season, so you’ll have very little rain (if any), low humidity levels, and fewer mosquitoes and bugs.

🦟 Tulum Pro Tip: Do not forget the mosquito spray, no matter when you visit, even if it’s in the driest months!

This is also the busy season, so things will cost more, and the crowds will be bigger. However, many travelers find higher price tags and larger crowds an acceptable trade off for perfect weather.

If you’re planning to get married in Tulum, or honeymoon in Tulum, this would be the ideal time of year to do it.

👨‍👩‍👦‍👦 For Families with Kids

Travelers visiting Tulum with kids tend to go the Summer months of June to August, when the kids are on summer break.

The best place to stay in Tulum with kids is the Dreams Tulum All Inclusive Resort & Spa, which is family-friendly.

🐢 To Swim With turtles

The best place to swim with turtles in Tulum is the small town of Akumal, located about 30 minutes north of Tulum.

They are in Akumal Bay year-round, as they come here to feed. You must book an Akumal turtle tour to swim with them.

May to November is the nesting season for the sea turtles in Akumal. This is when you’re most likely to see them near the beach, outside of the water. The baby sea turtles begin hatching in July.

🐳 To Swim With Whale Sharks

The whale shark season in Mexico’s Caribbean runs from May 17 to September 17, but the peak months are July and August.

You must book a whale shark boat tour to swim with them, as you’ll venture deep into the Caribbean Sea.

😎 For Avoiding the Crowds

The slow season in Tulum goes from about April to October.

December is the busiest month for Tulum travel, and all Mexico travel, as it has ideal weather for a tropical Christmas and New Year. The summer months tend to be slow in Tulum, and most of Mexico.

The Spring Break crowd is usually gone by late-March. However, there will still be some Spring Breakers lingering around through early-April because there’s actually no official dates for Spring Break in Tulum (or anywhere).

🚨 A word of Warning: Semana Santa in Mexico

If you don’t like crowds, avoid Semana Santa (Holy Week or Easter Week). This is the week leading up to Easter, usually in late-March or early-April, though the dates fluctuate.

Semana Santa is the busiest week on all Mexico beaches — not just Tulum beaches or Yucatan beaches.

Traveling to Tulum in October

What are the travel seasons in Tulum?

Don’t miss the famous Ven a la Luz statue when you go to Tulum.

Tulum High Season: November to March

Weather-wise, the best time to travel to Tulum is from November to March. This is during the dry season, when you’ll see very little (if any) rain, low humidity, and few mosquitoes.

This is also the high or busy season in Tulum Mexico, when the most people will be visiting.

Tulum Low Season: April to October

In October, flight prices usually aren’t too high, and should be able to snag a great deal at many Tulum hotels.

If you want to treat yourself to a fancy place, like these best Tulum all inclusive resorts, prices are below average in October.

When travelers want to escape the crowds in Mexico, I usually recommend the summer months as they tend to have fewer people.

However, Tulum can be a bit different because nearby Cancun is so popular with families and kids on summer break, and many also visit Tulum.

For Tulum without the crowds in the low season, opt for May and late-August to October.

⭐️ Tulum Shoulder Season: Best Time to visit Tulum

follow that dream tulum sign
Tulum is one of the best places to visit in Mexico, no matter which one of Tulum’s travel seasons you’re visiting in. (Photo: Alex Azabache via Unsplash)

The shoulder season is a magical time between seasons, when the weather is still nice, but the crowds have died down — and the prices have as well.

In my opinion, the shoulder season is the best time to visit Tulum, Mexico.

It takes place just before the busy season is about to begin in early December, and then picks up again right after it ends in early-April.

The shoulder season in Tulum includes the months of April, May, October and November. Now, May is the hottest month in Tulum so that’s generally a bad time to visit.

Wondering, What’s the worst time to visit Tulum Mexico? In my opinion, April to September, as that’s the hottest time of the year.

You can still find great travel deals in other months, but you likely won’t find low prices and small crowds anytime during the peak season (busy season).

Traveling to Tulum in October

Packing for Tulum in October: What to Bring?

Right off the bat, you can pack light because it will be hot when you visit because it’s always hot in Tulum Mexico.

We’ll get to what to wear in Tulum below, but just know you can get away with only a few outfits for Mexico if you’re strategic about it.

🧳 To help you pack light, these Space Saver Packing Cubes are everything!

Since Tulum is a party town, I always recommend Liquid IV because with the sun and booze, you can easily dehydrate. Liquid IV has 165,000+ reviews on Amazon, and it’s one of the best anti-hangover cures out there.

👗 What to wear in Tulum Mexico

In Tulum, anything goes. It can be a bit of a fashion show because the town’s so popular with influencers and social media personalities.

However, you can also just wear simple, boho sundresses or a casual romper, and no one will bat an eye.

🏖 For Cenotes and Beaches: Besides clothing and the basics, you’ll want water shoes if you’re visiting the cenotes and a ASAKO underwater camera (it’s basically a GoPro, but much cheaper).

To shield yourself from the sun, definitely bring a cute sun hat, but also consider a long sleeve bathing suit (AKA rash guard). You can’t wear sunscreen of any kind in the cenotes, so this will shield your skin.

🧗‍♀️ For Climbing Ruins and Outdoor Activities: If you’re visiting the Mayan Ruins and pyramids in Mexico, a sporty outfit, good sneakers and a sun hat.

You’ll want to use sunscreen each day, and likely, multiple times per day. I personally love this sunscreen/bug repellent combo from Bullfrog, one of the best natural sunscreen brands.

💧 Can you drink the water in Tulum?

No — You can not drink unfiltered tap water in Tulum, or anywhere in Mexico. However, you will need to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water.

As single-use plastics are horrible for the planet, these Water-To-Go bottles have a three-stage filter that makes Tulum tap water safe to drink.

Final Thoughts: Visiting Tulum in October

I hope this article answered all of your Is October a good month to visit Mexico? questions.

As you now know, Tulum in October can have perfect weather and sunshine, but there’s always at least some chance of rain. However, that shouldn’t even make you think twice. Located in the tropics, rain in Tulum will pass quickly.

🚨 Tulum Travel Tips: Don’t forget to purchase Travel Insurance for Mexico so you’re protected for whatever happens when you’re on vacation in Tulum in October.

Also, no one can predict weather in the tropics with 100% certainty. I grew up in Miami, and learned not to give much credence to weather reports, because they rarely pan out as reported.

Though October doesn’t usually have perfect weather, you can still enjoy Tulum Mexico in October.

If Tulum in October isn’t for you…

After reading this, you might not want to visit Tulum in October after all. If so, check out the articles linked below about visiting Tulum during other months of the year.

Tulum Travel Planning Guide

1. Should I buy Mexico travel insurance?

100% YES! — With basic coverage averaging just $5-10 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from Travel Insurance Master, one of the biggest names in travel insurance. (Read more)

2. Can you drink the water in Tulum?

No — You’ll want to buy this Water-To-Go Bottle, which filters your drinking water so you don’t get sick from drinking water in Mexico, and helps keep you hydrated while traveling Mexico. (Read more)

3. Is it safe to rent a car in Tulum?

Yes — Renting a car in Mexico is one of the best ways to see the country! I always rent with Discover Cars, which checks both international companies and local Mexican companies, so you get the best rates. (Read more)

4. Will my phone work in Tulum?

Maybe — It depends on your company, so check with your provider. If you don’t have free Mexico service, buy this Telcel SIM Card. As Mexico’s largest carrier, Telcel has the best coverage of any Mexico SIM Cards. (Read more)

5. What’s the best way to book my Tulum accommodations?

For Tulum hotels, Booking.com is the best site, but for hostels, use Hostel World. If you’re considering a Mexico Airbnb, don’t forget to also check VRBO, which is often cheaper than Airbnb.

6. What do I pack for Tulum?

Head to the Ultimate Tulum Packing List to get all the info you need on packing for Mexico.

7. What’s the best site to buy Mexico flights?

For finding cheap Mexico flights, I recommend Skyscanner.

8. Do I need a visa for Mexico?

Likely Not — U.S., Canadian and most European Passport holders don’t need a visa for Mexico; but check here to see if you do a Mexico travel visa. The majority of travelers will receive a 180-Day FMM Tourist Visa or passport stamp upon arrival.