Tulum is a tropical destination like any other which usually means classic summer-like attire. However, there are many things that travelers should consider aside from their clothing that can be helpful during their trip. Depending on the types of activities that Tulum tourists plan to partake in, this can also affect the packing list - which can be a bit overwhelming for those who have never been to this part of Mexico before.
Before diving into what to pack and what to leave at home, it's important to know the weather patterns in Tulum. Just like with any other tropical destination, it does have its ebbs and flows. Additionally, the things that a traveler packs can be heavily influenced by the activities they plan to do once they get there.
Tulum's Weather
There are some very specific time frames during which travelers should consider both traveling to Tulum and staying away. Since it is a tropical destination, Mexico does experience a rainy season and is not immune to hurricanes. Alternatively, the summer months are popular tourist times but can get oppressively hot which limits activities, and also limits packing options.
The Best Time To Visit
The perfect month in which to visit Tulum is one that starts just before the weather gets increasingly hot: April. During this time, the temperatures hover between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and the humidity is not overwhelming. It's a great balance between being hot enough to lay on the beach but not sweltering to the point where retreating to the hotel room with the AC on full blast is the only thing on a traveler's mind.
Tips For Visiting During The Summer Months
The summer months in Tulum are between May and September and this is the hottest time of the entire year. Temperatures remain in the 80s and can get into the 90s, which makes doing any activity that much more strenuous. For tourists who are planning on lounging poolside or hanging out on the beach a majority of the time, the summer months might not be the worst option. For those who are planning on partaking in physical activities during their trip, these months should be avoided.
Winter In Tulum
The winter months in Tulum last from November to about February but just because they're considered to be 'winter' does not mean they're bad months to visit. During the winter, there's little rain and while there is still some humidity, the temperatures are much cooler. things tend to warm up throughout the day before cooling back down again at night, so this time of the year definitely caters to those who are planning to be highly active during their vacation.
Worst Month To Visit Tulum
The worst time to visit Tulum and Mexico, in general, is during October. This is the month that's the most prone to hurricanes, and it's also the month that brings the most rain. Since it signifies the end of hurricane season, it's not unusual to have several hurricanes passing through Tulum in October.
Now, The Important Question: What To Pack?
There are many different options for what one might wear in Tulum. As a general rule of thumb, the daytime attire is very casual.
This can include:
- Shorts
- Tanks
- T-Shirts
- Sundresses
- Mini-dresses
- Breathable slacks
- Flip-flops
- Comfortable sandals (for walking)
- Breathable sneakers
- Bike shorts
- Bathing suits
Obviously, what to pack depends on what travelers plan on doing. It's always a good idea to bring a bathing suit and some kind of cover - this makes transitions from the pool or beach to town easy enough. Additionally, travelers might want to consider some type of light activewear if they plan to be biking around town, doing tours, or hiking through Tulum's gorgeous rainforests.
At night, the attire is a bit more formal and dressy. It still sports a casual vibe, but it's more than a sundress or khakis and a tank top. Travelers might want to add a nice (breathable) dress, polo t-shirts, or even breathable button-downs to ensure that they're dressed properly for dinners out or one of Tulum's clubs or lounges.
Additional Things To Consider
Along with clothing, travelers should be sure to pack at least one pair of sunglasses since, and it probably goes without saying, the sun can be pretty strong. Along with sunglasses, travelers might consider sun visors or wide-brim hats to keep those strong rays off their faces - this comes in especially handing when hiking or walking through town!
Dry bags for wet towels and clothing are also a great thing to bring along, and will prevent anything else from getting soggy, especially if there's no time to stop at the hotel in between destinations.