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— 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 February–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 February 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 February: What To Expect
The amazing weather continues in February, with temperatures warming up despite it being a winter month. February is one of the coolest and driest months of the year in Tulum with the least chance of rain and no hurricane risk.
February is considered the ‘high season’ as many other travelers have the same idea–escape their cold homes by vacationing in Tulum! It totally makes sense, because Tulum in February features relatively low humidity, warm temperatures, and excellent conditions for beaching, swimming, and snorkeling.
Having said that, crowds won’t be as crazy as they are in March/April, so you still get to enjoy the warm weather without having to worry about the massive Spring Break crowds.
The days are generally beautiful, warm, and sunny and the nights are cooler. What that means is that you’ll be able to enjoy outdoor activities in the sunshine and enjoy evening strolls without sweating the whole time.
Nights are cooler, with nighttime averages hovering around 73°F (29°C). You may want to bring a light cardigan or sweatshirt, but chances are you’ll be pretty warm already. Packing a long sleeve/light jacket, a light pair of long pants, and your normal beach clothes will be perfectly fine in February.
Tulum Weather In February
Temperature: Highs of 84°F (29°C), lows of 70°F (21°C). Skies are most of the time clear and sunny. It’ll be sunny and hot (but not too hot) during the days, and cooler in the evenings. Very rarely will you need a long sleeve at night.
Humidity: Humidity in Feb is lower than June through November, but higher than in January. All in all, humidity is relatively low for Tulum in February which is great because you won’t get that hot, sticky, stifling feeling on your trip.
Rain: February has 5 rainy days on average. Since the hurricane season and wet season are long gone, 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 unlikely in February.
Hours of Sunshine: 9 hours
Sea Temperatures: 79°F (26°C)
Things To Do / Crowd Factor
This is a pretty popular time to visit Tulum, as you’ll find lots of beach club events, yoga retreats, networking events, and more during the month of February. While Tulum won’t be as crowded as it was in January, you should still expect hotels to be fully booked and prices to remain high.
If you’re planning on snorkeling or diving while in Tulum/Riviera Maya in February, conditions will be great. Because it is dry season, the underwater visibility will be at its best. This is typically true between the drier months of January to March.
And because of how comfortable the temperatures are this time of year, this is also an ideal month for exploring more inland attractions such as ruins or jungle activities.
In terms of how Tulum in February will impact your wallet–be prepared for higher hotel and resort rates. You’ll also find that accommodations are usually pretty full, with the nice weather and all. Not to mention, Carnaval takes place in February!
If you plan on traveling to Tulum in February, be sure to make your hotel reservations as soon as possible.
With the exception of Spring Break, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve, February is one of the more expensive times of the year to visit Tulum.
And because of the ideal beach weather, expect more crowded beaches, restaurants, and pools at your resort.
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!
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 February is for you if:
- you enjoy mostly sunny temperatures in the 80’s °F
- you’re looking to take advantage of some truly great snorkeling/diving conditions.
- you’re okay with more expensive hotel prices (peak season).
- you’re okay with more crowded beaches, restaurants, and pools.
- you enjoy a vibrant nightlife scene.
- you’re down to experience the festive season of Carnaval!
February Events In Tulum
Arena Festival Internacional – Weeklong LGBT dance music festival, featuring both local and international DJs spinning in various locations in Playa del Carmen and Tulum, including the cenote Dos Ojos! You can find out more about the events on their IG.
El Dia de Candelaria (Tamale Day) – On El Dia de Candelaria (Feb 2), people will dress up figures of Baby Jesus in special outfits and take them to the church to be blessed. They will also get together with family and friends to eat tamales. Since this is not something that’s celebrated at restaurants or bars, you’ll have to meet locals for an in or know someone in Tulum.
Carnaval – Taking place a week prior to Ash Wednesday, Carnaval is a lively time to be in the Riviera Maya, especially in Tulum! Carnaval is celebrated in different parts of the Riviera Maya across different days, with the biggest celebration on Cozumel and the final celebration in Tulum. Expect parades, concerts, and parties all over the peninsula!
Read More: The Ultimate Tulum Packing List: 55 Essentials To Bring
Is February A Good Time To Visit Tulum?
Yes, February is a great time to visit Tulum. Because of the amazing weather and multitude of events that February brings to Tulum, it is one of the most popular times to visit Tulum.
While the weather will be great, there are a few other things you need to consider before pulling the trigger on a trip to Tulum in Feb.
Many tourists are looking to escape their cold homes, so expect more crowds and higher hotel rates.
If you’re looking for the best travel deals, February might not be the best month to visit Tulum.
Is Tulum Cold in February?
While it might be cold in February for many other cities/destinations in the world, Tulum is not one of those places. In fact, February is one of the best months in terms of sunny skies and warm weather in Tulum, Mexico!
Days are warm, nights are still cool and comfortable, and skies are almost always sunny and clear. Average highs are around 84°F (29°C). Average temperatures rarely fall below 73°F (23°C).
Get ready for some near-perfect weather in February!
Is Tulum Rainy in February?
No. February sits in Tulum’s dry season. This is one of the driest months in Tulum and the Yucatan Peninsula which means there is a low chance of rain.
In fact, there are only 5 rainy days on average in Tulum. If the rain does come, it usually passes by pretty quickly.
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.
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 thick 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.
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.
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
- 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 February: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tulum crowded in February?
Yes, February is one of the peak months for tourism in Tulum, and it tends to be crowded. Many travelers from colder regions flock to Tulum to escape the winter, leading to higher hotel occupancy rates and bustling attractions.
Is Tulum humid in February?
In February, Tulum experiences lower humidity levels compared to the previous months. The air feels more comfortable and less muggy, creating a pleasant environment for outdoor activities. However, it’s important to note that Tulum is a coastal destination, and some humidity is still present, so staying hydrated is essential.
Is January or February better for Tulum?
Both January and February are great times to visit Tulum, as they offer dry and mild weather and fewer crowds than the coming months of March/April.
February is ever-so-slightly warmer than January, with temperature highs in the low 80s Fahrenheit (Jan averages 78.8°F). As both months are considered high season, you can expect travel costs to be similar.
Is February or March better for Tulum?
Both February and March offer great travel conditions in Tulum, making it an ideal time for a beach vacation. However, there are some differences you’ll want to consider:
Weather: Both months provide warm and sunny days, with February experiencing slightly lower humidity levels. Both months are excellent for enjoying the beaches and various outdoor activities.
Budget: February and March are part of the peak season, so prices for flights and accommodations are generally higher compared to the off-peak months. However, some budget-friendly deals can still be found if booked in advance.
Quieter Time vs. Party Atmosphere: February is a better choice for travelers seeking a quieter and more relaxed vacation. While it is still a peak month, it is just before the spring break rush, offering a more serene environment. March, on the other hand, is famous for spring break, attracting college students and partygoers from around the world. If you enjoy vibrant nightlife and a lively atmosphere, March might be the perfect time to visit.
Best For: February is best for couples, families, and travelers who prefer a more laid-back experience with fewer crowds. It’s an excellent time for romantic getaways and tranquil beach days. March is best suited for those seeking an energetic and festive ambiance, especially for spring breakers looking to have a lively party vacation.
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 – very much needed if you like to go hiking or backpacking in the wild.
- travel delay
- lost checked luggage
- adventure sports coverage (add-on) – so you can rappel down waterfalls, cave dive, mountain bike, scuba dive, etc. with peace of mind.
- electronics theft (add-on) – get reimbursed if your laptop, phone, camera or other electronics get stolen.
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.
- WayAway | This site compares flight ticket fares from hundreds of agencies. You’re going to get the best prices on the market, at least $10 lower than those on Skyscanner, Kayak, and Priceline.com. The best part is? The WayAway Plus membership. With the membership, you’ll get up to 10% cash back on airline tickets, hotel bookings, car rentals, and other travel services.
- DEAL ALERT! Use code ‘travelswithelle’ for 10% off WayAway Plus.
- 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! Limited time offer: 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).
- 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 February 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
- What Is The Best Airport To Fly Into For Tulum, Mexico?
