Tulum is located on the eastern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, a region that’s extremely rich in culture, history, and teeming with marine life. Unforgettable ruins, adrenaline-pumping activities, amazing gastronomy, and biodiversity that you have to see with your own two eyes are all a hop and a skip away.
Explore ancient ruins, swim in a cenote, go on a yoga retreat, go zip lining, attend one of the many soundbath classes — take your pick! The list of things to do in Tulum is never-ending!
But when exactly is the best time to visit Tulum?
If you’re looking into taking a trip to Tulum in April – a wonderful time of the year to visit – you’re still going to want to consider a few things.
You’ll want a good understanding of the weather, hotel/flight costs, crowd factor, annual events, and more to decide if this is the very best time to visit for you. To learn more about whether Tulum in April is right for you, keep reading!
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Table of Contents
Where Is Tulum Located?
Tulum, Mexico is located in southeastern Mexico, on the eastern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula. This coastal city is situated right next to the Caribbean Sea about 120 kilometers south of Cancun.
Tulum is known for its beaches and Mayan ruins. Tulum was one of the last cities built by the Maya, and it was inhabited until the early 16th century. The site is now a popular tourist destination.
North of Tulum sits the popular Mexican destinations of Playa Del Carmen and Cancun as well as a beautiful, laid-back island named Isla Mujeres.
Given its proximity to the Caribbean Sea and the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef (the second-longest coral reef system in the world), it’s no wonder travelers flock to this region of Mexico to get a taste of island living, warm waters, marine life, and sunny tropical paradise.
What Are Tulum’s Travel Seasons?
There are three distinct travel seasons for Tulum: high season, low season, and shoulder season. Before we dive into Tulum’s travel seasons, here’s a quick breakdown of how the weather fluctuates throughout the year in Tulum.
- WET SEASON: The wet season runs from May to October and tends to be actually hotter than the dry season.
- HURRICANE SEASON: Hurricane season spans June to November, with a higher likelihood of storms from August to October. Actual hurricanes are rare though, so it’s still a decent time to visit if you don’t mind periodic rain showers here and there throughout the day. (The area has seen only two hurricanes in the past 30 years.)
- DRY SEASON: The dry season is from December to April. Travelers will find cooler, more pleasant temperatures.
High Season In Tulum
Tulum’s high season typically stretches from late December to April.
This is peak season across the world’s sunbelt—especially in Mexico! From Christmas onward, expect Tulum and the rest of Mexico to be very busy. Tulum’s beaches will be covered with flocks of tourists ranging from kids on their winter break, party-goers flocking in for Cancun’s infamous Spring Break events, and more.
Because of the increase in tourism during the high season, you can expect a similar spike in airfares, hotel rates, and all-inclusive resort costs as well. Especially around Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and Spring Break!
Pro Tip: To get around this, visit Mexico in early December, before all the mayhem begins!
Low Season In Tulum
Tulum’s low season runs from May through October because this time period coincides with Mexico’s main rainy season. You can expect super hot, sticky, and sweltering days with frequent downpours and unpredictable weather. Tulum’s hurricane season also falls within the low season.
While it is the rainy season, rest assured you likely won’t be rained in during your entire vacation. The rain typically comes in short bursts–a downpour for a few days followed by sunny skies the next.
Also during the summer months, the shorelines of Mexico tend to draw in a lot of seaweed (sargassum). It’s especially noticeable in Tulum. Hotels and resorts do their best to clean up the seaweed but do expect to see more seaweed than normal during the low season.
Since tourists tend to avoid Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, and Tulum during this time, you can often find the best hotel deals in the low season. You’ll get crowd-free beaches, cheaper airfare and hotel rates, and better hospitality.
The is often considered the best time to visit Tulum if you’re traveling on a budget.
Shoulder Season In Tulum
A ‘shoulder season’ is a travel term, defined by the time between the high season and the low seasons of traveling to a specific destination.
In our opinion, the best time to go to Tulum is during the shoulder season, during the months of April, May, November, and December.
During these months, you’ll experience lesser crowds and more mild weather conditions, and pretty reasonable rates.
Tulum In April: What To Expect
With the end of Spring Break, tourism activity starts to dip a little in April, making it a great time to get a trip in if you don’t like crowds!
April is the driest month of the year for the Yucatan Peninsula – you can expect rain maybe one to two days out of the month. It’s humid but not as stifling as the coming summer months, so it’s still comfortable.
Skies are usually very clear and you’ll get more than 10 hours of sunshine on average. Since rain is rare, the weather is wonderful for enjoying various outdoor activities as well as swimming, scuba diving, and laying out on the beach.
Night temperatures are comfortable and ocean temperatures are warm. These warm water temps paired with sunny days make it perfect for snorkeling and diving.
Tulum Weather In April
Temperature: Highs of 90°F (32°C), lows of 73°F (23°C). Skies are most of the time clear and sunny. It’ll be sunny and hot as the temperatures rise from March to April, but not enough to make you uncomfortably hot.
Humidity: While it’s slightly more humid in April compared to March, it still isn’t too bad. Humidity is way lower than what you’d face in June through November, so you really shouldn’t let it stop you from visiting.
Rain: April has 3 rainy days on average. Since the hurricane season and wet season have not yet started, the chances of you running into a hurricane on your travels are virtually nonexistent! While there could always be rain due to Tulum’s semi-tropical setting, rain showers are very unlikely in April.
Hours of Sunshine: 10 hours
Sea Temperatures: 81°F (26°C)
Things To Do / Crowd Factor
You’ll also find that this is the optimal time to visit the Yucatan’s most popular attractions (swimming in cenotes, Chichen Itza, Xcaret Eco Park, etc) as there won’t be long waits or huge crowds.
It’s important to call out that April is one of Tulum’s shoulder season months, which means now is your chance to visit before the hot, humid, and rainy months begin.
While there will be spring breakers and party-goers (mostly in the Cancun area) in April, the crowds do start thinning throughout the month. It’s nothing as crazy as what you’d encounter in March.
In terms of how Tulum in April will impact your wallet… Mid to late April is about the time flight prices and hotel rates start going down, so you can easily plan your Tulum trip even on a budget. While room rates are higher compared to the coming months of May to October, they are really not that bad.
Pro Tip: Beat the herd of last-minute party-goers! If you plan on traveling to Tulum in April, be sure to make your hotel reservations as soon as possible. You’ll get cheaper rates the earlier you book.
We also recommend making restaurant reservations and booking your activities/excursions ahead of time wherever possible, as early as possible!
The last thing you want is to have planned a fun day trip for your friends only to find that there are no availabilities/timeslots left for your travel dates! (Viator, my favorite way to book activities, added a cool new feature that lets you know if an excursion is likely to sell out. Check it out!)
And if you’re aiming to dine at popular restaurants like Hartwood or Casa Jaguar, be sure to make reservations well in advance.
To summarize, Tulum in April is for you if:
- you enjoy sunny temperatures in the high 80’s to 90’s °F.
- you’re okay with a bit more humidity than what the winter months bring.
- you’re looking to find occasional hotel/flight deals, though prices tend to vary more widely.
- you enjoy a vibrant nightlife scene among last-minute spring breakers.
You may also like:
April Events In Tulum
El Dia del Nino (Children’s Day) – On April 30th, kids are celebrated! Not only do they have the day off, but there are also special discounts for children at many attractions. You’ll find that a lot of the eco-parks, theme parks, and zoos will be more crowded on the 30th.
Read More: The Ultimate Tulum Packing List: 55 Essentials To Bring
Is April A Good Time To Visit Tulum?
April is an awesome month to visit Tulum if you want to cut costs, avoid the March crowds, and still be able to enjoy the good weather before the wet season begins. It’s an especially great time to go for people looking to travel on a budget.
With most of the international tourists heading back home from their Spring Break holidays, you will find more hotel availability at cheaper prices, fewer crowds, and better hospitality almost everywhere you go.
If you’re looking for some good travel deals, April is a really good time to go.
Those of you looking to get some nightlife in will enjoy Tulum in April. Since Spring Break is winding down but still kicking, it’ll be easy to find events, parties, and other nightlife during this time.
Is Tulum Cold in April?
No, quite the opposite. In fact, April is one of the best months in terms of sunny skies and warm weather in Tulum, Mexico! It is the driest month of the year, so it’s the perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy outdoor excursions. You will likely not need a jacket for the entirety of your trip.
Days are warm, nights are still cool and comfortable, and skies are almost always sunny and clear. Average temperatures hover around 79-82°F (26-28°C). Average temperatures rarely fall below 73°F (23°C).
Aside from some light mugginess and humidity, get ready for some near-perfect weather in April!
Is Tulum Rainy in April?
No. April sits in Tulum’s dry season. This is the driest month in Tulum and the Yucatan Peninsula which means there is a really low chance of rain.
In fact, there are only 3 rainy days on average in Tulum. And if the rain does happen to come, it usually passes by pretty quickly (or happens at night).
Best Time To Visit Tulum For Perfect Weather
Tulum has great weather for much of the year, but for the best weather, you should visit between the months of December and April. The average temperature stays around the mid-80’s, with little to no rain on most days.
It’s important to keep in mind around March and April the spring breakers will start to visit the Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, and Tulum areas, which can lead to larger crowds and busier areas across the entire peninsula.
So while the weather might be amazing, if you’re looking to avoid these groups of rowdy travelers, you’ll want to travel closer to the December, January or February months.
This time is great as the temperature is extremely comfortable, without having to worry about hurricanes or too much rain in general. It’s ideal weather for spending time on the beach, while not feeling too hot or too cool.
Best Time To Visit Tulum For The Best Deals
The Yucatan Peninsula definitely has a peak tourist season, as well as a low tourist season during the year. Due to the great weather during the drier seasons, December through April are typically the busiest months in Tulum.
Beyond the weather, though, these months are most popular due to the holidays. Lots of people go on vacations to Cancun, Tulum, and Playa Del Carmen in December and January for holidays such as Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
On top of that, it is also particularly common for people who live in cooler areas to visit and escape the cold winter weather.
The popularity of these times of the year generally leads to a more expensive trip overall, with higher flight prices, hotel rates, and resort costs.
So, if you’re looking to snag a deal on your Tulum vacation, you’ll want to look into visiting between May and November.
This time of year brings fewer tourists due to the higher likelihood of rain and inclement weather. Because of this, hotels, resorts, and airlines will usually lower their prices to attract tourists.
The downside? The weather is quite hot and humid, and the rainy season is in full swing. (June, September, and October are the rainiest months in Tulum.)
However, if you wait until the sweet spot between late October and November, you can enjoy some of the more comfortable temperatures with a lower likelihood of bad weather (and still take advantage of those great deals).
Here are some of the most gorgeous yet affordable hotels in Tulum:
Best Time To Visit Tulum For Avoiding Crowds
If you’re looking to avoid crowds, you’ll want to keep a few details in mind while planning your visit to Tulum.
As we discussed before, the holidays are a popular time for people to visit Tulum–specifically in December and January, and March and April for spring break. If you’re looking to avoid massive crowds, you’ll want to make sure you visit outside these months at the very least.
The best months during the low season are May and July. There is a sizable amount of people who will flock to Cancun, Tulum, and Cozumel for their summer vacations throughout June, July and August, but still there are lower crowds than the holidays.
For the least amount of tourists visiting while you’re on your trip, you’ll want to look into visiting sometime in September or October. Having said that, the weather may be more unpredictable during these months.
Best Time To Visit Tulum For Sightseeing
Tulum and the rest of the Yucatan is probably one of the best places in Mexico to visit if you’re looking to spend some time seeing historical ruins and exploring the jungles.
If you want to do any of these things while in the Tulum area, you’ll want to visit during a month where the weather is beautiful and warm, but not too warm.
November to April are the best months to explore Tulum’s historical/cultural attractions. Why? Because these months tend to be dry and warm, but best of all, not too hot during the day.
Sightseeing at more inland attractions such as Coba, Chichen Itza, and Sian Ka’an can be overwhelmingly hot and sticky in the summer months. If you do plan on visiting during the summer months, be sure to anticipate heat, drink plenty of water, and plan to cool off in one of Tulum’s gorgeous cenotes in the afternoons!
Best Time To Visit Tulum For Nightlife
Beyond visiting Tulum to enjoy the historical ruins, beautiful beaches, and boho eco-hotels, did you know Tulum has a nightlife scene of its own? Sure, Cancun is infamous for its party life and lively nighttime entertainment, but you can get down in Tulum too!
We’ll admit, it definitely does not get as crazy as it does in Cancun. Which can be a good thing!
With tons of restaurants, bars, and clubs in Tulum, you’re guaranteed a fantastic time.
If partying is one of your vacation priorities, you will want to visit Tulum either during the peak season (December and January) or in March and April.
March and April are when many young people flock to Mexico during spring break–you can find lots of beach parties during the day, and energetic lounges/clubs later on in the evenings.
If you’re looking for a lively crowd to party with, but don’t exactly want to deal with the increased crowds of the spring break season, December and January are great months for nightlife too. Just not as crazy as March/April!
Read More: 10 Best Bars And Clubs In Tulum, Mexico
When Is The Sargassum Season in Tulum?
Sargassum season in Tulum typically runs from June through October.
However, the timing and intensity of the season can vary from year to year. Depending on the year, Sargassum can begin washing up on Tulum’s beaches in early April until mid-November. While the amount of Sargassum does vary year over year, you can expect the beaches will generally be covered with a layer of seaweed.
Some years, you’ll barely even notice it, especially during the early months of April and May. In other years, it can be a huge problem.
The Sargassum season in Tulum has caused some inconvenience for beachgoers, as the seaweed can make swimming and sunbathing uncomfortable.
In April specifically, the seaweed will likely start washing ashore at the beaches of Tulum in April, so it’s best if you go to Tulum expecting there to be sargassum during this month.
Having said that, the town’s businesses have also been working hard to clean up the beaches, and many of the beachfront resorts will do their best to clean up the seaweed on their private beaches.
Plus, it’s nowhere as crazy as it is during the months of June to October! At this point in the year, the seaweed hasn’t had weeks to accumulate on public beaches, so most beaches will likely still be very nice!
If you are planning to stay in one of the beachfront hotels, you can call/email them before booking to make sure the beaches are maintained.
When Is Tulum’s Wet Season?
The wet season runs from May to October. This is when tropical storms usually hit the Yucatan Peninsula. While you may think a wet season will be cold, it actually tends to be hotter than the dry season.
Hurricane season in Tulum spans June to November, with a higher likelihood of storms from August to October. Actual hurricanes are rare though, so it’s still a decent time to visit if you don’t mind periodic rain showers here and there throughout the day.
(The area has seen only two hurricanes in the past 30 years.)
When Is Tulum’s Dry Season?
The dry season is from December to April. Travelers will find cooler, more pleasant temperatures.
If you don’t do well with rain or wind, we would recommend visiting during the dry season.
When Is Tulum Most Humid?
There is always a moderate level of humidity in the Yucatan Peninsula. However, if you’re looking to avoid high humidity weather, try to avoid the months of June through September.
June, July and August are the hottest and most sweltering months with high humidity, high rainfall and high temperatures. September is the wettest month, and increased rains usually means increased humidity.
In terms of humidity, this season is the most unwelcoming.
Essential Travel Tips For Tulum, Mexico
- If you have a popular Tulum hotel in mind that you want to stay at, it should be booked 4 to 6 months in advance. Tulum doesn’t have mega-resorts with hundreds of rooms as Cancun does, so the cute boutique hotels and design eco-resorts are usually the first ones to fill up!
- There’s been a seaweed problem in the Tulum/Playa Del Carmen area. Check the latest seaweed conditions report before heading to the beaches in/nearby Tulum. If you’re keen to avoid sargassum seaweed on your Mexico visit, make sure to stay in a hotel that has staff constantly monitoring the issue.
- The most popular times to visit Tulum range from November to April (high season). If you’re looking for a quieter experience, plan your trip for May to October.
- Hurricane season runs from June through November. While hurricanes are unlikely, most weather experts recommend purchasing travel insurance if you plan on visiting during hurricane season.
- Bring pesos with you just in case you need to pay with cash. Pick up pesos from an ATM wherever you depart from before heading to Tulum. Not all places accept credit cards on the island (small shopfronts, food vendors, etc.), and ATMs are few and far between.
- When using a credit card, choose to pay in the local currency instead of your home currency. You’ll get a better exchange rate and will be paying less than the home currency option. (In my case, I would pay in $MXN instead of in $USD.)
- The tap water in Mexico is not safe to drink. Instead of spending your money on plastic water bottles, bring a water bottle with a built-in UV water purifier (like the CrazyCap 2 Pro). This is way more environmentally friendly compared to buying a ton of plastic water bottles.
- Tulum is extremely tourist-friendly. If you can’t speak a lick of Spanish, you’ll be okay. This region (Yucatan Peninsula) largely caters to English-speaking visitors, and you’ll find that English is spoken by most locals, hotel/restaurant staff, and tour guides.
- Tulum is safe, but always practice self-awareness and caution. Certain areas of Mexico have long held a reputation for being unsafe due to cartel violence, but resort areas and tourists are not targeted. Just exercise increased caution as you would anywhere–avoid being flashy, don’t walk around alone at night, be wary of your surroundings, and you should be just fine.
- No matter what you’re budget is, you’ll find tons of accommodation options in Tulum. Most budget accommodations and hostels are located in Tulum Centro, which means you’ll be close to most of the amenities/facilities you’ll need for your stay. Most of the beachfront accommodation options can cost hundreds of dollars per night, whereas downtown hostels, apartment rentals, and hotels are much less expensive.
- Taxis in Tulum are more expensive than buses and collectivos. Many savvy travelers opt for local bus transportation, which is reliable, frequent, and inexpensive (under $1/ride).
- Rent a bike to get around town. While you’re here, you’ll see lots of bike riders. Tulum town is just a few kilometers from the beach, making it an easy cycle ride to the coast.
- Dining out in Tulum can be expensive, so head downtown for the most affordable and authentic places to eat (taquerias with long lines are a great sign).
Essential Packing List For Tulum, Mexico
Lightweight Packable Day Bag | Inside my larger travel backpack, I always bring a lightweight, packable backpack to use for day-to-day exploration. The Fjallraven Kanken Mini is perfect for carrying a few snacks, a lightweight jacket, cameras, phones, a water bottle, and whatever else I need for the day.
Packing Cubes | Start packing smarter. The key to smart packing is going to be compartmentalization, aka packing cubes. This set comes with a bunch of different sizes, so you can create a separate compartment for undies and socks, for clothing, for toiletries, and for anything else you may want to organize. By using packing cubes, it’s so much easier to pull out only what you need, rather than dig through all of your luggage to find that one thing you’re looking for.
Laundry Bag | Tropical weather = lots of sweaty, smelly worn clothes. Don’t soil your entire bag by mixing worn clothes with your unworn clothes! Definitely bring a laundry bag to separate your clean clothes from your dirty clothes to maintain the utmost freshness.
Clothing | Pack your usual summer clothes for your Mexico vacation, as well as a few layers for unexpected cooler temperatures. This includes tanks, shorts, swimsuits, and swim coverups!
Light Rain Jacket | Traveling to tropical areas does not necessarily mean there won’t be rain or wind. Packing a light rain jacket will definitely come in handy in unpredictable tropical climates. This one for men and this one for women are some of the best jackets for any kind of travel. They’re ultralight, wind and water-repellent, and take up virtually no space so they’re easy to carry wherever you go.
Adventure Sandals | Tevas and Chacos are my go-to brands for multipurpose summer sandals. If you’re planning on having an adventurous day or two, you should definitely consider getting adventure sandals — comfortable for long-distance walking, safe for submerging in water, and super durable.
Walking Shoes | One pair of closed-toed shoes (walking shoes or running shoes) is always crucial for any trip. These ones that I’ve been traveling around with are super light and breathable. I can even walk 15+ miles in them before getting sore feet!
For women: Adidas Cloudfoam runners are simple looking and ultra-comfortable.
For men: ON Running Shoes have risen in popularity, and for good reason! They are comfortable as heck, my boyfriend loves his pair.
Cooling Facial Mist | When you’re faced with mid-day humidity, it can be very hard to deal with. Keeping a small bottle of facial mist in your purse or backpack on a hot day will save your life. This mist takes all the cooling, soothing ingredients you can think of—aloe, cucumber, and green tea—and combines them into one refreshing spritzer for your face.
Dry Shampoo | Bring some dry shampoo to use in between washes to instantly revitalize and freshen your semi-dirty hair. I like the ones by Batiste!
Leave-In Conditioner | I recommend bringing a leave-in conditioner to help nurture your hair after spending time in pools and the salty ocean. As someone with naturally frizzy hair, my hair tends to get tangled, coarse, and even more frizzy after it’s submerged in water. Sun Bum’s leave-in conditioner is a cult favorite – just put it in your damp hair after your shower and comb it through.
Sunscreen | Applying sunscreen is absolutely necessary for tropical destinations. Even if it’s overcast and cloudy, the UV index can be very high, so be sure to apply whenever you’re outdoors.
NOTE: If you plan on snorkeling near the reefs, choose a coral reef-safe brand, as traditional sunscreen contains chemicals that damage and even kill the precious reefs. In fact, you may even encounter tour companies and eco-parks asking you to only use sunscreen and sunblock that are biodegradable, containing titanium oxide and zinc oxide only. Here are a few travel-sized biodegradable sunscreens you can easily buy on Amazon:
- Badger Reef Safe Sunscreen – SPF 40 Kids Clear Sport
- Thinksport SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen
- Babo Botanicals Zinc Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
- All Good Sport Face & Body Sunscreen Lotion
After Sun Cooling Spray| Let’s be real– you’re probably going to be spending the majority of your vacation outdoors under the sun. Chances are, you’re going to get a nice tan, and maybe even a sunburn or two! Even if you don’t get sunburned, you should still treat your exposed skin to some much-needed hydration with an after-sun cooling spray or after-sun lotion.
Emergen-C packets or Liquid I.V. Hydration Packets | These are a great way to support your immune system and overall health on a trip. They are light, take up no space, and are very easy to pack!
Hand Sanitizer | Hand sanitizer gel or wipes are a must any time you’re going to be in contact with surfaces many other people have touched. Never leave your hotel room without it! And if you do happen to forget it, remember to wash your hands often, especially before eating or touching your face.
Body Wipes / Feminine Wipes | Feeling a bit gross but don’t have the time to shower right in that instant? Just whip out your pack of trusty body wipes for a quick refresher. The feminine wipes I like are by Summer’s Eve. Trust me, you will feel and smell so much better. Always good to have a few handy in your travel bag.
Insect Repellent Lotion | Mosquitos love hot climates, so I would definitely recommend packing insect repellent with a high DEET percentage, no matter the season you’re traveling. Sawyer makes some really great bug repellent products, and they’re travel-friendly too!
Permethrin Insect Repellent Spray for Clothing | This clothing insect repellent spray is a game-changer. If you’re going to be outdoors in areas where mosquitos are prevalent, I’d highly recommend preparing your clothes with this fabric spray!
How does it work? This is a treatment spray for clothes that adheres only to fabrics, leaving no smell or residue on clothes and doesn’t harm human skin. Permethrin spray lasts for up to 6 machine washes, which is more than enough for most tropical trips. Real life story– I hiked Machu Picchu after treating my hiking clothes with this, and I only got a total of 2 mosquito bites after the 4-day trip, whereas some of my friends got 20+ bites. Worth it.
Pro Tip: Buy and use before you leave for your trip. A few days before departure, spray all of your clothes, plus anything else made of fabric that you’d like treated.
Insect Repelling Lightweight Pullover | Too lazy to treat your clothes with insect repellent? I know, it’s a process. The ExOfficio BugsAway pullover is the next best thing– it’s super lightweight too.
Cooling Towel | Perfect for working out, a day at the beach, or simply sitting there baking in the sun—you’ll feel Chill Pal‘s cooling effect as soon as you take it out of the package. To activate the cooling towel, just soak it in water and wring it out, then wear it as a bandana or use it as a towel. Another hot weather game-changing travel essential.
Travel Towel | These are light and quick-drying, which is exactly what you need in hot, humid climates. Super useful if you plan on having beach days or staying in hostels. This one is a great option.
Travel Clothesline | This is a small and portable clothesline that allows you to hang up your wet clothes almost anywhere. I’ve found that it’s really handy whenever I have wet bathing suits or towels that need to be air-dried. I love it for its multi-purpose functionality!
Dry Bag | Another multi-purpose item on the list! Dry bags are completely necessary for keeping your dry belongings (clothes, electronics, money, etc)… dry. Don’t set foot on a kayak, boat or canoe without putting your stuff in a dry bag. Trust me, it’s better than ending up with a phone or camera submerged in water in the case where the boat tips or something. It’s also super handy for carrying around wet bathing suits and towels. Or even doubling as your laundry bag!
Underwater Smartphone Housing | Don’t want to invest in an underwater camera? That’s fine, just stick your phone in the AxisGo’s underwater housing! It’s designed to protect your phone from the harshest weather conditions while offering the freedom to safely capture those special moments underwater.
Portable Power Bank | You’re probably going to be out all day, snapping away taking pictures, GPSing to all the great food spots… the last thing you want is to be stranded with no phone battery! A portable power bank is a must-have, and Anker’s ultra-light, ultra-portable power bank is tried and true by so many travelers! I never embark on a day of exploration without it.
UV Purifying Water Bottle | Stay hydrated in the warm weather with a UV purifying water bottle that can go anywhere with you—and provide you with clean drinking water!
Snorkel Set | If you plan on snorkeling a lot, bring your own set to save on rental costs.
Medicine | If you get motion sickness, consider bringing a motion sickness reliever like Dramamine for various ATV or watercraft adventures, or even the ferry rides over to Isla Mujeres or Cozumel. If you need other meds, don’t forget your painkillers, antacids, etc.
Tulum In April: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tulum crowded in April?
Yes, Tulum generally sees its fair share of crowds and tourism in April. To better understand the crowd levels, let’s touch on March first.
March is one of the peak months for tourism in Tulum, and it tends to be VERY crowded. Many travelers from colder regions flock to Tulum to escape the winter and to celebrate their Spring Break holiday, leading to higher hotel occupancy rates and bustling attractions.
April is generally less crowded than March in Tulum, but it still falls within the peak season for tourism — some schools also have a later Spring Break. While most of the crazy partiers have left, there still may be a smaller trickle of partiers in Tulum.
Is Tulum humid in April?
Tulum is generally humid throughout the year due to its tropical climate, and April is no exception.
The average humidity levels in Tulum in April range from 72% to 88%. However, the humidity tends to be slightly lower in April compared to the coming month of May, when humidity levels reach up to 92%.
Furthermore, later months (July to October) can bring heavy rains with even higher humidity levels which may deter travelers more. Compared to all that, visiting Tulum in April really isn’t that bad in terms of humidity!
Nevertheless, it’s important to pack light and breathable clothing, stay hydrated, and take breaks in air-conditioned spaces to avoid discomfort from the heat and humidity.
Is March or April better for Tulum?
March and April are both popular months to visit Tulum, but they offer different experiences depending on your preferences.
March is the peak season for tourism in Tulum and tends to be very crowded, drawing in droves of young crowds looking to celebrate their Spring Break holiday. The weather is pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 70°F to 84°F, and the atmosphere is livelier, more youthful, and more party-oriented.
If you’re looking for a fun and energetic vacation with plenty of nightlife and socializing, then March might be the better choice for you. However, families with young children or those who prefer a more peaceful vacation may find March to be too hectic.
In contrast, April is a quieter and more relaxed time to visit Tulum. The weather is still pleasant, with average temperatures heating up to 73°F to 86°F, but the party crowds are smaller and the atmosphere is more laid-back.
This makes April a good choice for families or couples looking for a quieter, slow-paced, intimate vacation. The sea turtles hatchlings will still be present on the beaches of Tulum in April, which is a great opportunity to see these cute little creatures up close!
Is April or May better for Tulum?
Both months are still decent times to visit! If you want to avoid high humidity levels and excessive heat, opt for April. If you’re main objective is to travel during a time with fewer crowds, opt for May.
If you ask me, I’d go with April over May — only because I don’t function well in high humidity!
Both months are starting to slow down in terms of tourism, so both months are good for families looking to relax on beaches, and get in some fun excursions around the Yucatan Peninsula. The crowds are still relatively small compared to the peak season in March, and the beaches and attractions are still enjoyable without being overcrowded.
May is a good time to visit Tulum for those who enjoy warmer weather and don’t mind the higher humidity levels. The average temperatures in May range from 77°F to 89°F, and the humidity levels are higher compared to April.
What are the best months to visit Tulum?
The best months to visit Tulum are typically December through April. The weather is near-perfect at this time of year, which happens to fall in the middle of Tulum’s dry season. This is considered the peak tourist season in Tulum, so it is going to be a little more crowded than in other parts of the year.
As long as you plan your trip and book hotels/flights before the spring breakers do (they usually flock to the area in mid-March to April), then you can still take advantage of lower travel costs. If crowds are not your thing, the sweet spot is during late-November and December. January and February are going to be crowded months to visit, but not as crowded as it’ll be in March and April.
What are the worst months to visit Tulum?
Based on weather conditions, the “worst” months to visit Tulum are typically June to October, as they are the hottest and most humid months of the year. Given that these months fall inside of Tulum’s hurricane season, there is a higher chance of rainfall and tropical storms (though actual hurricanes are rare).
If pristine beaches are what you’re after, you’ll want to avoid visiting during these months too. Tulum not only has its hurricane season from June to November but also a seaweed season that begins around May and lasts until October.
Mexico Travel Insurance
This is a no-brainer. When traveling internationally, be sure to get yourself some travel insurance.
I’ve heard of too many unfortunate experiences where friends and family have had baggage lost/stolen, hotels canceled, or have had unexpected medical emergencies while traveling where they’ve had to cut their trips short.
True story alert — in 2022, my partner even had his shoulder completely dislocated while surfing in Mexico, resulting in a $950 USD emergency room bill that we had to pay out of pocket for! Not fun… and most definitely not cheap.
Without travel insurance, you would have to pay out of pocket for these mishaps. This is why I get travel insurance for all my international trips now!
One of the best budget-friendly travel insurances for those traveling outside their home country is SafetyWing.
SafetyWing Insurance provides coverage for unexpected illness or injury, including eligible expenses for hospital, doctor or prescription drugs. This means that if you get ill or injured, they will cover the medical expenses.
In addition, it provides emergency travel-related benefits such as emergency medical evacuation (much needed if you like to go hiking / trekking in the wild), travel delay, and lost checked luggage.
Click here to price out how much travel insurance would be for your trip.
My Favorite International Travel Planning Resources
These are my favorite companies to use when planning out a trip abroad. The sites/companies listed here typically have the best overall value, offer deals, beat out other competitors, and offer great customer service when needed.
Booking.com| Honestly, this is my go-to accommodation booking site. This site has free cancellation and no prepayment required on reservations which is huge for me. It also has amazing abilities to filter accommodation options by rating and price. Honestly, it’s shaved off so many hours of endless research for me and has made booking hotels and other accommodations a breeze.
Trusted Housesitters | Traveling on a budget? Don’t want to spend a dime on lodging and accommodation while traveling? Trusted Housesitters is such a great way to exchange your services for a place to stay while traveling. You’ll care for someone’s pets and property while they’re away, and in exchange, be able to stay at someone’s home completely free of charge!
DEAL ALERT: For a limited time, get $10 off a TrustedHousesitter Membership with code THS10
Viator | Viator is a huge online marketplace for all things tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, ATV tours, sailing trips, walking tours, hot air ballooning, and more.
Go City | Go City offers great value-for-the-money attraction passes in various destinations around the world. Whenever I want to play tourist in a city, I always check to see if Go City operates in that city. The money you can save with this pass is unreal (as opposed to buying admission tickets for various attractions separately).
DEAL ALERT: For a limited time, use the above link + the promo code AFFGOALL for an additional 5% off your Go City pass. This code is valid for any Go City pass in any destination!
Airalo | Need internet access while abroad? Airalo e-SIM card allows you to download a digital data pack and get connected anywhere in the world as soon as you land.
SafetyWing | SafetyWing is by far one of the best travel medical insurance for travelers as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those heading abroad.
We hope you found this post useful and now have a better idea of whether Tulum in April is right for you. Happy vacationing!
WANT MORE MEXICO TRAVEL TIPS? YOU MIGHT LIKE:
The Best Time To Visit Tulum: A Month By Month Guide
9 Best Cenotes In Tulum You Must See
The Ultimate Tulum Packing List: 55 Essentials To Bring
Xcaret Park Review: Is It Worth The Money?
27 Best Things To Do In Playa Del Carmen For An Unforgettable Vacation