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 November–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 November is right for you, keep reading!
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Table of Contents
TULUM IN A NUTSHELL
Here’s a quick overview of all the useful info you need to plan an awesome trip!
- Nearest Airport: Cancun International Airport (CUN)
- Where To Stay: La Valise Tulum for an intimate boutique hotel stay in a beachfront suite, Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya for the utmost luxury resort vibes, or Papaya Playa Project for a chic yet party-centric atmosphere.
- How to Get Around: A rental car is not needed in Tulum. A lot of the tours/excursions provide transportation to/from your hotel. If you need to get around, renting a bike, taking taxis, pre-arranged transportation, or the local colectivo are common ways to get around.
- Must-Do’s: Spend a whole day at Xcaret Eco Park, swim in the Dos Ojos and Gran Cenotes, see the Tulum Archeological Site, and swim with sea turtles in Akumal!
- Before You Go Tip #1: Be sure to shop for reef-safe sunscreen before your trip! The Yucatan Peninsula’s shores are teeming with coral reefs, so you’ll want to avoid wearing traditional sunscreen as they contain chemicals that damage and even kill the precious reefs.
- Before You Go Tip #2: Make sure you have a valid passport way before your trip to Tulum. Your passport should be valid for at least six months after your planned departure date from Mexico. If you don’t have a passport, allow enough time to apply for one before your trip.
- Before You Go Tip #3: If your phone carrier doesn’t give you free coverage in Mexico, get yourself a digital eSIM card through Airalo to prevent costly roaming fees. With Airalo, you can install a digital data pack for 200+ countries/regions and get connected anywhere in the world as soon you they land.
- Before You Go Tip #4: Get yourself covered with travel insurance before your trip! SafetyWing is a travel essential for me these days! I love them so much because can purchase a policy even if your trip has already started. You can pause and resume coverage with flexibility and they’ve got you covered in 185 countries.
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 November: What To Expect
November is considered part of the shoulder season, which means it’s a great month to visit in our book! Shoulder season months are usually defined by fewer people, better hospitality in resorts, restaurants, and bars, as well as cleaner beaches and more travel deals to be found.
Come November, Tulum experiences the tail end of hurricane season. The weather in November is usually warm, sunny, yet still unpredictable.
There could very well be rain, especially towards the beginning of the month. Having said that, it’s rare that you will be rained in for a full day as Tulum usually experiences passing showers that last for a few hours.
In the latter half of November, rain is still a possibility. However, if rain comes, it falls mainly in the evening or for short periods of time during the day. As the month progresses, it gets closer and closer to the dry season, meaning less rain overall.
November also brings excellent weather for beaching, as well as other activities including hiking, sightseeing and more. Because of the warmer weather, you will likely not need to wear a jacket during the day or at night.
I am someone who is always cold (even when my friends are perfectly fine in the same weather) and in November, I don’t need to bring a jacket or coverup with me. That there alone tells you how warm the weather is in November!
Tulum Weather In November
Temperature: Highs of 86°F (30°C), lows of 73°F (23°C). It’ll be sunny and hot (but not as hot as the prior months) during the days, and cooler in the evenings. Very rarely will you need a long sleeve at night.
Humidity: Humidity hovers around the 75% min to 86% max range. This will depend on whether it’s rained or not. If it’s rained, expect higher humidity (that sticky, uncomfortable feeling).
Rain: November typically has 8 rainy days on average. Hurricane season is nearly ending, so chances of you running into a hurricane on your travels are low. There could very well be rain, but storms usually happen during the night or very sporadically throughout the day.
Hours of Sunshine: 8 hours
Sea Temperatures: 82°F (28°C)
Things To Do / Crowd Factor
Throughout the month, you’ll find less crowded beaches, restaurants, and pools at your resort. And while there will be fewer tourists around, nearly everything is open so there will be lots of things to do!
Since there are so few tourists during this time, you can expect better hospitality in resorts, restaurants, and bars, as well as amazing travel deals from flight prices to hotel rates!
As you reach the end of November, you can expect more people to start to flock in to spend their Thanksgiving holiday in Mexico (and to escape the cold where they live).
You can expect the general nightlife to liven up as you approach December, but with slightly older crowds than the spring break months.
In terms of how Tulum in November will impact your wallet, what you’ll find is good news! Because November is one of Tulum’s shoulder season months and it’s still technically hurricane season, hotels and resorts often will reduce their nightly rates in November.
You’ll also find that this is the optimal time to visit the area’s popular attractions (swimming in cenotes, Chichen Itza, Xcaret Eco Park, etc) as there won’t be long waits or huge crowds.
We still 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!
You may also like: 9 Best Cenotes In Tulum You Must See This Year
November Events In Tulum
Riviera Maya Jazz Festival – A free, three-day music festival, featuring major acts in the Jazz world.
Tulum Food, Spirits, and Wine Festival – a four-day event featuring highly acclaimed local chefs, international chefs, and mixologists. Events range from tequila tastings to mezcal tastings, and street food to prix-fixe dinner parties.
Golf Championship at Mayakoba – a sporting event that brings some of the greatest PGA Golf Players to the Riviera Maya.
Day of the Dead (Dia de Los Muertos) – This is the major highlight of visiting Tulum in November! Dia de Los Muertos is one of the most important celebrations in Mexico, celebrated on the 1st and 2nd of November.
Is November A Good Time To Visit Tulum?
November is certainly one of the best months to visit Tulum, so the answer is yes!
Tulum will be coming out of hurricane season, so you’ll have lower chances of tropical storms while still being able to enjoy the perks of the shoulder season– lesser crowds, cheaper accommodations, cheaper flights, and better, more attentive hospitality everywhere you go.
And if you love snapping photos, you’ll be glad to find a lot fewer people in the background of your pictures!
Read More: The Ultimate Tulum Packing List: 55 Essentials To Bring
Is Tulum Cold in November?
While it might be starting to get chilly in November for many other cities/destinations in the world, Tulum is not one of those places.
It does get ‘cooler’, but you can still expect average daytime temperatures of 80°F (27°C). Average temperatures rarely fall below 73°F (23°C).
Is It Rainy in Tulum in November?
While rainfall still occurs, it’s not as intense compared to the prior months. November in Tulum marks the end of the rainy season, which means more sunny days outdoors for travelers!
There will likely be more showers at the beginning of November compared to at the end of November.
So if you’re looking to travel in November, try to book your trip towards the end of the month.
Does It Rain All Day In Tulum During the Rainy Season?
Yes and no. While there is a possibility it could rain all day, there’s also the possibility that it could rain for 30 minutes during the day with nothing but sunlight the rest of the time. It could also rain overnight with no rain in sight in the daytime.
The rain can be heavy at times in Tulum, but it is unlikely to rain for the whole duration of your trip. Usually, if it does rain, it will only last for 1-3 days.
Rest assured, if you do vacation during the rainy season, you will likely not be rained in during your entire vacation!
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 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.
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
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!
- 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 November: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tulum crowded in November?
November is considered the shoulder season in Tulum, so it is generally less crowded than the peak summer months. However, the Yucatan Peninsula can still get busy during the Thanksgiving holiday week, as many families travel during this time.
But don’t let that scare you off! It’s still a relatively quiet time to visit, especially compared to the busier months of December to April!
Is Tulum humid in November?
In November, humidity hovers around the 75% min to 86% max range. The exact level will depend on whether it’s rained or not. If it’s rained, expect higher humidity (that sticky, uncomfortable feeling). As the month progresses, humidity levels will typically decrease.
Is October or November better for Tulum?
Our vote easily goes to the month of November. As Tulum begins to come out of hurricane season, November is typically drier and less humid than October, which can make it more comfortable for travelers.
We personally love visiting Tulum during the last week of November — you can still enjoy low prices and better weather. What’s not to like?
Is November or December better for Tulum?
Weather-wise, December is better than November. Budget-wise, November is cheaper than December. We personally like the sweet spot of late-November to early-December.
Both November and December can be good times to visit Tulum, as they offer lower prices and fewer crowds than the peak of “peak season”. December is typically drier and milder than November (November is technically the last month of hurricane season), which can make it more comfortable for travelers that don’t do well in hot/humid weather.
While November is considered shoulder season, December is considered peak season. As such, prices for flights/hotels tend to increase come December. Additionally, December is a popular time for holiday events and celebrations — so expect more crowds compared to November.
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.
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.
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- 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 November is right for you. Happy vacationing!