Best Time to Visit Tulum: A Month-by-Month 2026 Guide

The best time to visit Tulum is December through April during the dry season, when temperatures average 78-86°F with minimal rainfall and clear beaches. During these 5 months, you'll experience perfect beach weather with virtually no sargassum seaweed and comfortable humidity levels. However, prices increase 30-50% and crowds peak, especially during Christmas, New Year's, and spring break.

Choosing the optimal time for your Tulum trip requires balancing weather, costs, and crowds. Variables like rainfall, humidity, sargassum seaweed, and tourist volume shift dramatically month by month. In this comprehensive 2026 guide, I'll break down exactly what to expect during each season.

Quick Summary: Best Time to Visit Tulum

• Best overall weather: December–April (dry season)
• Lowest crowds: May, September, October
• Best budget travel: September–November
• Worst for seaweed: May–August (peak sargassum season)
• Hurricane season: June–November (peak August–October)

What Affects Travel Conditions in Tulum?

Weather Patterns

Tulum sits in a tropical climate zone with two main seasons: the dry season (December–April) and the wet/rainy season (May–November). Temperatures stay consistently warm (mid-70s to mid-90s°F / 24–35°C) year-round, but humidity and rainfall vary widely.

Sargassum Seaweed

If beach aesthetics are a priority, sargassum matters. This brown seaweed washes ashore in unpredictable but increasingly large quantities, peaking from May through August. While hotels clean it daily, some days are worse than others. The rest of the year, beaches are typically clear and pristine.

Tourist Crowds

December through March is high season, especially around Christmas, New Year's, and U.S. spring break. If you prefer fewer tourists and lower prices, shoulder seasons (April–May, late October–November) offer a good balance.

Month-by-Month Breakdown

January

Weather: Warm days (80–85°F), cooler evenings. Very little rain.

Crowds: High. Post-holiday travelers and remote workers flock here.

Seaweed: Usually minimal.

Best for: Perfect beach weather, exploring ruins comfortably.

Watch out for: Higher prices, crowded cenotes, and reservations needed at popular restaurants.

February

Weather: Similar to January, dry, pleasant, around 82°F.

Crowds: Still high, especially during Valentine's Day week.

Seaweed: Minimal to none.

Best for: Romantic getaways, beach days, cenote hopping.

Watch out for: Book accommodations early, this is peak season.

March

Weather: Slightly warmer (84–86°F), still dry.

Crowds: Spring breakers from the U.S. descend mid-month. Very busy.

Seaweed: Usually still clear.

Best for: Outdoor activities before summer heat kicks in.

Watch out for: Party crowds at beach clubs; plan quiet excursions for early mornings.

April

Weather: Getting hotter (86–88°F), humidity starting to rise.

Crowds: Tapering off after spring break. Great balance of weather and accessibility.

Seaweed: May begin appearing toward month's end.

Best for: Those who want good weather with fewer tourists.

Watch out for: Semana Santa (Holy Week) brings Mexican tourists, expect crowds if Easter falls in April.

May

Weather: Hot and humid (88–90°F), occasional rain showers begin.

Crowds: Low, one of the quietest months.

Seaweed: Begins to arrive in larger amounts.

Best for: Budget travelers, avoiding crowds.

Watch out for: Seaweed accumulation can be heavy on some beaches.

June

Weather: Hot and humid, daily afternoon showers possible.

Crowds: Moderate uptick with summer travelers.

Seaweed: Peak season, can be significant.

Best for: Cenotes (where seaweed doesn't matter), jungle tours.

Watch out for: Hurricane season begins, though June is usually calm.

July

Weather: Hottest month, expect 90°F+ and high humidity.

Crowds: Families and summer vacationers arrive.

Seaweed: Often heavy.

Best for: Cenote exploration, indoor cultural activities.

Watch out for: Midday heat, plan outdoor excursions for mornings or evenings.

August

Weather: Still very hot and humid, with daily rain likely.

Crowds: Moderate; summer families start heading home.

Seaweed: Peak levels.

Best for: Lower prices, cenotes, jungle adventures.

Watch out for: Peak hurricane risk begins, keep an eye on forecasts.

September

Weather: Still rainy and humid, but slightly cooler.

Crowds: Very low, this is true off-season.

Seaweed: Decreasing but variable.

Best for: Budget travel, avoiding crowds entirely.

Watch out for: Hurricane risk remains elevated. Some businesses close for maintenance.

October

Weather: Rainy season winds down, storms become less frequent.

Crowds: Low, with a slight uptick at month's end for Día de los Muertos.

Seaweed: Usually clearing out.

Best for: Budget hunters and culture lovers (Day of the Dead celebrations).

Watch out for: Last month of hurricane season, check weather forecasts before booking.

November

Weather: Dry season begins, less humidity, comfortable temps (80–84°F).

Crowds: Rising, especially around Thanksgiving week.

Seaweed: Minimal.

Best for: Great weather returning, beaches clearing up, shoulder-season prices.

Watch out for: Thanksgiving week brings U.S. tourists, book ahead.

December

Weather: Ideal, warm days (78–82°F), cool evenings, almost no rain.

Crowds: High season begins, peaking around Christmas and New Year's.

Seaweed: Usually minimal.

Best for: Holiday celebrations, beach perfection.

Watch out for: Prices surge and availability drops around the holidays, book months in advance.

Best Time for Specific Activities

Beach Days

December–April for the clearest water and seaweed-free sand. Avoid May–August if pristine beaches are your priority.

Cenote Swimming

Year-round, but May–September offers lower crowds and the cenotes provide relief from heat and humidity.

Ruins Exploration

November–March for comfortable temperatures. Avoid midday visits in summer, it's brutally hot.

Budget Travel

September–November offers the best deals on accommodations and tours, though some businesses may have limited hours.

Wildlife & Nature

May–September for sea turtle nesting; whale shark season runs June–September near Isla Mujeres.

Final Thoughts

There's no single "perfect" time to visit Tulum, it depends on what matters most to you. If you want flawless beach weather and don't mind crowds, aim for December through March. For budget-conscious travelers willing to risk some rain and seaweed, September and October offer incredible value. And if you're flexible, shoulder months like April, May, and November deliver a solid balance of weather, crowds, and cost.

No matter when you go, Tulum delivers. Plan around your priorities, pack accordingly, and enjoy one of Mexico's most stunning destinations.