Traveling to Tulum in August – Weather Events & Things to Do
If you are planning to travel to Tulum in August, this post is all you need to read.
We will be covering everything that’s happening in Tulum at this time of the year, the weather, things to do, and many practical tips for a seamless vacation.
As one of the most exciting and rapidly developing tourist destinations in the country, Tulum has become a hotspot for travelers looking to get away from it all by escaping the hustle and bustle of the everyday world.
This outdoor enthusiast’s dream is home to unparalleled natural beauty and an authentic atmosphere that is hard to find anywhere else.
In the past decade, Tulum has become wildly popular for its unspoiled beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and Mexican contemporary art, but also for partying and yoga events.
But is August a good time to visit Tulum? It depends on what you are looking for and in this post we’ll find out.
Weather in Tulum in August – At a Glance
August is one of the hottest months in Tulum, with high humidity. So be sure to pack light clothes. Luckily the ocean breeze helps a lot in making the days bearable.
Most of the days will be cloudy, but rain showers pass very quickly so you won’t usually need to cancel any plans.
In Tulum, the summers are short, hot, oppressive, and partly cloudy and the winters are short, comfortable, muggy, and mostly clear.
Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 62°F to 92°F and is rarely below 53°F or above 96°F.
However, the best time of year to visit Tulum for warm-weather activities is usually from late November to mid-March.
That means that August is generally not the best month of the year to travel to Tulum, for many reasons.
Sometimes the great deals that you may find can make up for the unbearable high temperatures.
🌡 The temperature in Tulum in August🌡
The average maximum temperature during the day is around 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29.4 degrees Celsius). However, be aware that highs can reach up to 95°F (35°C).
The average minimum temperature is 70°F
In fact, even though the hottest month of the year is June, August is still a very hot month!
Make sure to stay hydrated, and try to bring an insulated water bottle with you on excursions; stay under shade as much as possible when you’re out and about.
Nights are much more bearable, with average temperatures hovering around 75°F (23.9°C). The Caribbean sea breeze helps cool down the temperature even further.
☔️Precipitation in Tulum in August🌧
August is usually one of the wettest months in Tulum, with an average of around 150 millimeters of precipitation.
The rain usually arrives in short, intense bursts, and it can be difficult to predict when the next downpour will occur.
However, there are quite a few sunny days in the mix as well, so don’t let the rain keep you from enjoying everything Tulum has to offer.
Tulum sees around 8 to 15 rainy days during August. 15 sounds like a lot, but it’s more of an extreme scenario; the average is more like 10 days.
It’s very common to have a few short showers during a sunny day but don’t let it stop you from doing your tours and enjoying the amazing wonders of the Yucatan peninsula.
Sunshine in Tulum in August
In Tulum, the average amount of daily sunshine during August is 9 hours. This is a great time to visit if you’re looking to soak up some rays, as the Yucatan Peninsula enjoys plenty of sunshine year-round.
That being said, the UV index average is around 7. For those of you who are unaware, an index of 6 to 7 means there’s a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure.
Stay in the shade as much as possible during excursions, and make sure to apply plenty of sunscreen during the day.
The latter rule applies even if it’s cloudy or raining, as the harmful UV rays make it through the clouds.
Especially when you are out all day visiting an archeological site such as Chichen-Itza or Tulum when it’s not possible to stay in the shade, make sure you protect yourself with a hat and sunscreen and drink a lot of water.
Sea water temperature
One can’t very well go to Tulum and not take a dip in the ocean. So what kind of seawater temperatures can you expect?
As it turns out, very pleasant ones. August sees one of the highest sea water temperatures in Tulum, with averages hovering around 84 F (29 C).
Sargassum Seaweed in Tulum in August
With the rise in temperature comes sargassum seaweed, which can be quite a problem if you plan on spending time on the beaches in Tulum.
In 2022 Tulum has been getting much higher-than-average sargassum seaweed, and this situation is supposed to continue until September of this year.
But don’t lose hope yet, the Mexican government and the local hotels have stepped up their efforts to clean up the beaches in response.
The only issue is that most economic hotels don’t have the resources to clean their beaches every single day, so you’ll have to find a hotel or a beach club that does so regularly.
Also, just because you can’t swim at the beach doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the spectacular cenotes in the area. There are so many beautiful cenotes around Tulum, and you’ll be missing out if you don’t go to at least a few of them.
So, to summarize, don’t let the sargassum seaweed deter you from visiting Tulum in August.
You can still have a grand time by visiting the beaches that are maintained by high-end hotels in Tulum or beach clubs, or you can just have a swim in the refreshing cenotes around the area.
Events in Tulum in August
Assumption of the Virgin Mary
The Assumption of the Virgin Mary takes place in the middle of August all across Mexico, and Tulum is no exception.
If you’re visiting it during August, you will find the festival is celebrated here with special masses and processions.
ZoukMX
Taking place on the beach and jungle side of Playa del Carmen, less than an hour’s drive from Tulum, ZoukMX is a ten-day event that you definitely need to see if you’re here in August. It includes lots of zouk music and dancing, as well as various workshops and training programs that you can join.
Three special Tulum Days are also part of the ZoukMX event, and include special events organized in Tulum.
During these, you can join training programs, attend socials, and go to the spectacular secret cenote party!
Pros of Visiting Tulum in August
✅ August as much as the other summer months are part of the low season in Tulum, which means that the town isn’t crowded with tourists. You can enjoy activities in relative peace.
✅ There are still enough tourists around that, if you’re traveling alone, you can socialize and plan trips with other people.
✅ The low season also comes with much more affordable pricing for accommodations and tickets.
✅ August is one of the best months to swim with the majestic whale sharks. Their sightings peak during July and August, and it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I highly recommend you go on. (More about it down below in this post.)
✅ The sea water temperature is nicely warm and ideal for long swims, scuba dive or snorkeling without getting cold.
✅ The nightlife is very good during August. Many tourists are there at the end of their summer vacations and they’re looking to party as much as possible while in town.
Cons of Visiting Tulum in August
👎 August is one of the hottest and rainiest months in Tulum, which means you will find a lot of cloudy days.
👎 Sargassum weed is an issue, and this issue has been especially bad in 2022. But worry not because the top hotels clean up their own beaches and you can always check out the beautiful cenotes and lagoons nearby.
👎 August is part of the hurricane season, so there’s a remote chance that a hurricane could ruin your entire vacation. However, you should know that in the past years we only had tropical storms passing by that never turned into big devastating hurricanes.
Things to Do in Tulum in August
Despite August being part of the “low season”, there are a ton of things to do and enjoy in Tulum. Here are a few that I recommend.
🔵 Explore the Cenotes
If you’re looking for a refreshing dip while in Tulum, be sure to check out some of the area’s cenotes. These sinkholes offer crystal-clear water and a chance to explore underground caves.
Some of the best cenotes around Tulum are Cenote Calavera, Gran Cenote, and Cenote Dos Ojos.
🏛 Go Visit the Mayan Ruins
The ancient Mayan ruins are a popular tourist destination for good reason. The ruins are both beautiful and interesting, providing a unique glimpse into a lost civilization.
Tulum has very conveniently located Mayan ruins that you can visit without going out of your way.
Those of you who are into Mayan history should also consider visiting other ruins like Chichen-Itza, Coba, Ek Balam, and much more.
Mexico is practically a treasure trove for anyone who’s into history.
👉 Book your tour to Chichen Itza + Cenote on VIATOR
🦈 Swim with the whale sharks
Swimming with whale sharks, the gentle giants of the sea, is an unmissable experience that everybody should try once in a lifetime.
There are tours available that operate in the respect of the natural environment of the whales and total safety.
👉 Book your Whale Sharks Tour on VIATOR
Tips For Visiting Tulum in August
August is a great time to visit Tulum because the weather is hot, but not too hot, and the beaches are still beautiful. Here are some tips for making the most of your trip:
🗝 Safety is key🗝
Tulum is a very safe town, and even petty crime is rare. That being said, you still need to take some basic precautions. When you’re going out, keep your valuables locked away in your hotel room safe. Don’t wear anything flashy, and only take enough money with you to last you through the day.
💧Hydrate💧
The weather is going to be quite hot in August, so it’ll help a ton if you carry an insulated water bottle with you.
🧴Apply sunscreen🧴
The UV index in Tulum during August is around 6-7. Sunscreen is a must, even on cloudy/rainy days.
🚴🏻♀️ Rent a bike to move around Tulum 🚴🏻♀️
In order to be able to explore Tulum properly, you could rent a bike in order to be able to get around more easily.
However keep in mind that August is hot, so always bring a bottle of water with you. Avoid biking around at night, especially on dark roads.
😎 Don’t forget travel insurance 😎
Whatever it is the way you love to travel, either by car, tour, or bus, always make sure you get
I have been using either World Nomads or Safety Wing. Depending on your needs or you can compare different insurance companies on this useful site, TRAVEL INSURANCE MASTER.
Make sure you read carefully what’s included before making the purchase. If you want to learn more about both insurance and all your options, you can head over to my thorough post on the best travel insurance for Mexico.
I am sure it will shed some light on why you need it when traveling in Mexico and how to choose the best one for you.
🚙 Rent a car and explore around 🚙
The Yucatan Peninsula is a very safe area to drive around and you can rent a car in Tulum for a few days and get off the touristy path and explore all the incredible wonders in the surroundings.
Discover Cars Mexico Review
Browse through international and local car rentals and find the best deal.
Tulum in August FAQs
Is August a good time to visit Tulum?
It depends on what you are looking for when visiting Tulum.
August is a great time to visit if you are looking for fewer crowds and cheaper prices on accommodations and flights, but the weather is also quite hot and humid, and August is part of the hurricane season.
The beaches in Tulum are definitely not as nice as they are in high season because of the sargassum weed problem.
However, as I’ve mentioned earlier, you can easily work around that by visiting hotels or the top Tulum beach clubs that regularly clean their beaches.
What is the best time of year to go to Tulum?
The best time of year to visit Tulum depends on what you are looking for. There’s no one “best time” for everyone. Some months offer better weather, while others offer fewer crowds.
The high season in Tulum lasts from December through April, and this is generally considered to be the best time of year to go.
Temperatures are mild and comfortable, and rainfall is scarce. However, note that December through February can be quite busy.
If you’re considering visiting during this season, you have to book accommodations and flights weeks/months in advance, and you’ll be paying quite a bit more for those compared to the low season.
May through October is the wet season, which means more frequent showers but also lower visitor numbers.
It’s a great time to visit if you’re looking to save money on your trip. If you’re looking for a quieter, more relaxed vacation, then the low season is definitely the time to go.
Tulum weather in a nutshell
Tulum rainy season – from June through November
Tulum coldest month – January
Tulum hottest month – May
Tulum peak season – Holy Week (Semana Santa)
Tulum driest month – January
Tulum shoulder season – May – June & October – November
Tulum wettest month – September
Tulum winter months – December through March
Tulum dry season – December through March
The most humid month of the year – August
How are the beaches in Tulum in August?
The beaches in Tulum are some of the most beautiful in the world, and they are one of the biggest reasons why people visit this town.
However, you should be aware that the sargassum weed season starts in April and continues until October.
2022 has been particularly bad in this regard because Tulum has been experiencing an unexpected volume of sargassum weed.
Even with this issue, you can still enjoy the beaches in Tulum if you go to the ones that are maintained by high-end hotels and beach clubs.
These businesses have the resources to regularly clean their beaches so they remain enjoyable for everyone.
Alternatively, you can go to one of the many cenotes in the area and enjoy a refreshing dip; especially on a hot day, these cenotes offer a refreshing and cool relief from the weather.
Does it rain in Tulum in August?
On average, Tulum receives around 150mm of rainfall in August. You should expect around 10 rainy days in August.
So yes, it rains quite a bit. Luckily, this rain usually arrives in the form of short, intense showers that can pass quickly enough.
Also, the rain isn’t all bad because it also brings a respite from the area’s typically high heat and humidity.
In short, you’ll rarely have to cancel any plans because of rain. Even in rare cases when you do, there are plenty of things to do indoors if you need to take a break from the weather.
Is Tulum worth visiting?
In my humble opinion, definitely! Tulum is very different from Cozumel, Playa del Carmen or Cancun and has a unique vibe and ambiance that you can understand only if you see experience personally.
Even if you don’t visit Tulum for an extended period of time, it’s a good place to base yourself in order to relax and rejuvenate before continuing with your travels.
In case you don’t like it, going to Playa del Carmen or Cancun is as simple as hopping on a bus.
Is Tulum safe?
Lately, Tulum has been in the news quite too often for unpleasant events which jeopardize the town’s reputation as one of the safest places to vacation.
The negative publicity didn’t stop tourists from visiting Tulum though and the authorities increased the number of military and police around the town.
However, I would increase the levels of caution and stay aware of my surroundings. I have written a full post on safety in Tulum which will help you do that.
For further reading📖🤓
🔗 Visit Cancun in August
🔗 Visit Puerto Vallarta in August
🔗 The Ultimate Guide to Bacalar
🔗 How to get from Tulum to Bacalar
🔗 Is there Uber in Cancun?
🔗 Renting a car in Mexico
🔗 The best Tulum Itinerary
✨ Mexico Travel Planning Guide ✨
👉 Do I need travel insurance to travel to Mexico?
I would do it if I were you. You never know what can happen and know that no matter what, you will be covered with any expenses will give you peace of mind, and make your travel worry-free. You can check out SafetyWing which I have used and find it affordable and comprehensive and also Travel Insurance Master which is great because you can insert all your information and what kind of insurance you need and their system will pull out the best insurance for your need.
🚰 Can I drink tap water in Mexico?
No, you can’t! Maybe in some areas or in some homes where they have installed water filters but to be on the safe side, I would say, never drink tap water in Mexico. Carry a water bottle with you and fill it up where you find available potable water sources. Most of the hotels have those.
🚗 Is it safe to drive in Mexico?
The short answer is: depending on where you are. Although in general if you stick to the main roads and don’t drive at night you should probably be safe. In lesser tourist areas you should probably check the local news to stay up to date. Driving in the Yucatan Peninsula is easy everywhere, even at night, although I would still avoid it. I recommend Discover Cars because the site offers the option to compare prices among different car rentals and you can add their own full coverage.
Read more on my guide on Renting a car in Mexico.
📱 Will my phone work in Mexico?
It will probably work, especially if you have a European or US phone, but your roaming rates may be to the stars (check with your SIM provider). Even if have an affordable international rate, you will be much better off by buying a Mexican SIM Card. It’s cheap, easy to set up, and it will keep you connected with your friends, family, and, more important, google Maps so you will never get lost!
🤕 Is it safe to travel to Mexico right now?
The short answer is, yes it is. However, there are parts of Mexico that are indeed troubled and you should avoid for now, and others that are super safe and easy to travel around.
Regardless of where you are you should always use some common sense rules such as, never flaunting expensive clothing, accessories, electronics, or money and keeping a low profile.
Read more on my detailed guide on safety in Mexico. If you are traveling to a specific destination I have got you covered as well:
💉 Do I need any vaccine to travel to Mexico?
No, there is no vaccine requirement (of any kind) to travel to Mexico
🇲🇽 Do I need a visa to travel to Mexico?
If you are coming from the US or Europe you don’t need a VISA to enter Mexico. Once you get in you need to fill out a form that you need to keep with you until you leave. If you don’t have it you will pay a fine.
Although the tourist visa for US and European travelers used to be 6 months long which you could easily renew by leaving the country for a couple of days and going back, nowadays they have been stricter. You may be asked how you would sustain your living and other similar questions. Sometimes they even ask you to show your credit cards.
It seems odd but they can do that. If you intend to stay longer than a usual couple of weeks’ vacation time, just be honest and explain your plans. If you are not from the US, check this site to see if you need a visa
💸 Where do I find the best travel deals for Mexico? 💸
A trip to Mexico can be expensive if you love to travel with all the comforts (like I do). There are a few tricks that will help you find the best deals. Here are my tips:
👉 DON’T travel in the high season, which is Holy week, Christmas and winter in general, and August.
👉 Book months in advance to find early booking discounts
👉 Use aggregators such as Discover Cars to find price comparisons and VRBO for vacation rentals!
👉 Look for packages flights+hotels on Expedia.
👉 Check on Booking.com or Hotels.com for hotel deals
Happy travels!!
Isabella, author, editor, and founder
A passionate traveler and photographer, in love with life and adventures, Isabella is the founder and editor of Letstraveltomexico where she shares her love for Mexico, a fascinating country that she’s proud to call home. When she’s not exploring a new place you will find Isabella in a cafe, writing on this blog, or on her other sites Boundless Roads, Mexico Cenotes and Ruins and Letstraveltocancun.com where she loves to share her travels on and off the beaten path in Mexico and around the world.