Traveling to Tulum in October: Weather, Events, and Things to Do

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Tulum weather in October is one of the first things to consider when visiting this chic town. The tropical weather makes Tulum a popular destination all year round, October is considered hurricane season. Ouch!

But, don’t despair yet! In fact, although it’s not the ideal month to travel to Tulum, it also has its perks and it doesn’t necessarily rain all the time.

In this post, we will talk about all the pros and cons of traveling to Tulum in October.

In case you don’t know much about Tulum, I’ll give you a short intro to this unique resort town in Mexico before moving on to the October weather here.

Tulum, a trendy beach town situated on the Caribbean coast of the Mexican Yucatan Peninsula, is famous for its stunning white sand beach, cool high-end beach hotels, picturesque yoga spots, fancy shopping, and art and culture.

The thriving nature and history of Tulum also make it a popular tourist destination. These include the breathtaking beaches, lush jungle, mystical cenotes, and well-kept Maya ruins. In other words, there is no shortage of things to do and explore in Tulum.

If you are looking for a relaxing beach vacation, Tulum is the perfect destination. The beaches here are some of the most beautiful in Mexico, and there are plenty of activities to keep you busy.

Snorkeling and scuba diving are popular activities, as there are many amazing exotic marine creatures and reefs to explore.

And if you want to experience nature, explore historic ruins, dive into magical cenotes, enjoy the vibrant nightlife, or sample delicious food, Tulum has all of these on offer as well.

Whether you are looking for adventure or relaxation, Tulum has something to offer everyone. And with that said, we should get down to the topic of this post. Let’s start with an overview of the Tulum weather in October.

Weather in Tulum In October – At a Glance

Tulum weather in October is not at all bad for beach-goers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The average temperature ranges between 75-76 degrees Fahrenheit (24.5 degrees Celsius), with highs of 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29.5 degrees Celsius) and lows of 67 degrees Fahrenheit (19.5 degrees Celsius).

There is definitely more rainfall in October, so the chances of short bursts are higher, but the showers are brief so your vacation won’t be interrupted and this is also when the ruins and jungles are great to explore.

For this reason, October is also the time to go if you’re looking for great deals on a Tulum vacation. Many hotels and resorts offer significant discounts during this off-peak season.

And since the weather is still pleasant, you’ll be able to enjoy all that Tulum has to offer without dealing with the crowds.

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Temperatures in Tulum in October

The average temperature in Tulum in October is about 76 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius). The average high is 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29.5 degrees Celsius) and the average minimum temperature is 67 degrees Fahrenheit (19.5 degrees Celsius).

Though not as muggy compared to the previous month, the hot air temperature still comes with high humidity this time of year, so it’s better to avoid being out in the sunlight for longer periods of time.

And whenever you’re out and about, drink plenty of water and try to stay under the shade.

Precipitation in Tulum in October

Precipitation decreases in Tulum during October, with the chances of a wet day dropping from 58% to 37%. But, with an average rainfall of more than 6.5 inches (170mm of rain), October is still the second wettest month in Tulum.

This means there will be more chances of rainfall during your visit this month, but the rainy days decrease as the month goes on.

Sunshine in Tulum in October

Although October is the second rainiest month in Tulum, the rain showers are usually brief, so there are still plenty of sunshine hours to enjoy the activities and attractions here.

The length of days decreases as the month goes by, starting from almost 12 hours of sunshine to 11 hours and 24 minutes of daylight, but most of the rainy days occur in the first half of the month, so you will have plenty of sunshine throughout October.

Sea water temperature

Since Tulum has some of Mexico’s best beaches, the water temperature is another important thing to know about, especially if you have lots of water sports on your bucket list.

Well, at a constant temperature of 84°F (29°C) throughout the month of October (with an average variation of 1°F), the average sea water temperature is its warmest this time of year.

Sargassum Seaweed In Tulum in October

The leading concern for Mexico’s Riviera Maya beaches, such as those in Tulum, is the presence of sargassum seaweed.

It will often start to show up on its beaches from the spring of April to early October, but the seaweed has the most noticeable presence from August through mid-September.

Fortunately, the Mexican government has tried to eliminate the sargassum seaweed and put barriers on the coasts so you can still take an enjoyable beach vacation.

Additionally, the resorts and hotels near the beaches also make efforts to keep the nearby beach areas clean for the guests. So, all in all, the seaweed won’t be a big issue in October and you will still be able to enjoy a great beach trip.

Events in Tulum in October

🐢 Turtle Festival

Sea turtles are one of the most precious marine creatures in Mexico. Not only are sea turtles preserved with various hatching programs, but there are also many volunteer programs as well as awareness campaigns for them.

Festival de la Tortuga Marina is one of the biggest such events in Tulum. This three-day festival includes releasing baby sea turtles into the sea, and spreading awareness about sea turtle preservation.

🎃 Halloween

Although Halloween isn’t officially a Mexican holiday, it’s celebrated pretty much just like one. The celebration isn’t huge in Tulum, but you will still find plenty of parties on the last day of October in Tulum. These parties may be small, but they are intimate and fun for sure.

Pros of Visiting Tulum in October

✅ The month of October is part of the low season in Tulum. This is when you can find the lowest hotel prices, great discounts on flights, and little to no crowds everywhere you go.

What this means is that if you want a peaceful and relaxing vacation while also on a tight budget, October is the month for it.

✅ The October weather in Tulum is definitely hot and muggy, but it’s also pleasant enough for a wonderful beach vacation on a budget.

The rain showers only last for a little bit and most of them occur in the earlier part of the month, which means you can enjoy your days on the beach with fewer people around and lots of cool breezes.

✅ October is the last month of the adult sea turtles’ nesting season in Mexico, but you can still find a chance to watch baby sea turtles hatch and take their first steps into the sea! Also, you can volunteer to help release them for an even more memorable experience.

Cons of Visiting Tulum in October

👎 October is the second rainiest month of the year in Tulum, which means you can be sure of some days of rain during your trip. That can lead to tropical storms or hurricanes.

👎 The whale shark season ends in the previous month in Tulum, so you won’t be seeing these gentle giants if you’re visiting in October.

👎 October comes after two of the most humid months of the year in Tulum, so humidity is still high despite being on a declining scale. This humid weather will feel hot and muggy, especially on daytime excursions.

Things to Do in Tulum in October

► Explore the ruins

The hot temperatures may not be great for a trip to Chichen Itza, but you can still explore the nearby ruins. Perched on a cliff and backdropped by the endless ocean, the Maya ruins in Tulum are stunning.

These well-preserved ruins offer a glimpse into the ancient civilization that once inhabited this area. Though it’s a bit hot and muggy, October is still a good time to visit these Mayan ruins because there will be fewer crowds.

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► Cool off in the mystical cenotes

The higher temperatures of October make it the perfect time for some refreshing water activities, and a cenote is definitely one of the best places to do it!

Take a dip in one of the many natural freshwater cenotes that dot the landscape. These refreshing swimming holes are perfect for cooling off on a hot day.

My favorite ones among the Cenotes near Tulum are Cenote Corazon, and Laguna Kaan Luum, but also further north towards Playa Akumal you will find Caleta Yal-Ku and Casa Cenote.

Alternatively, you can spend a day lounging on one of Tulum’s world-famous beaches.

With their clear turquoise waters, soft white sand, abundant marine life, and wide range of water sports, it’s no wonder these spots are a beachgoer’s paradise.

The cool breeze here is also quite refreshing on a hot day.

Also read: The best snorkeling tours from Tulum

► Try out the food and nightlife

The Tulum Pueblo is brimming with lots of great restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy delicious cuisines.

This is also where you will find the best of Tulum nightlife as there are plenty of clubs in “the Pueblo”. Enjoying the food and nightlife here is a great way to vamp up your October trip.

Also read: The best restaurants in Tulum

Tips For Visiting Tulum in October

The rainiest months in Tulum are September and October, so you should be prepared for wet weather. However, the rain doesn’t always stop people from enjoying all that Tulum has to offer. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy, even on a rainy day.

Here are some tips for visiting Tulum in October:

✔️ Bring an umbrella or poncho to stay dry.

✔️ Check the weather forecast before you go, and pack accordingly.

✔️ Don’t forget to bring your sunscreen and sunglasses.

✔️ Plan your activities around the rain; there’s no need to let a little wet weather ruin your vacation.

✔️ Embrace the rain; after all, it’s one of the reasons why Tulum is so lush and green.

✔️ Drink plenty of water, especially when you’re outdoors.

Tulum packing list for the beach

Where to Stay in Tulum

Here below my top hotel list in Tulum. If you want to learn more you can check out my post on the best Tulum All-inclusive resorts and the coolest Tulum Mexico Resorts for every budget.

► Best Tulum Hotel on the Beach: Habitas
Book it on Booking.com | Expedia
► Best Tulum Hotel for healthy-conscious travelers: Sanara
Book it on  Booking.com | Expedia
► Best Tulum Co-living for Digital Nomads: Selinas Tulum
Book it on Hotels.com | Expedia
► Best Tulum Hotel in Downtown: Zenses Wellness and Spa
Book it on Booking.com | Expedia
► Best Tulum Hotel for a romantic escape: La Valise
Book it on Booking.com | Expedia
► Best All-inclusive Hotel in Tulum: Kore Tulum Retreat & Spa Resort (adult only)
Book it on Booking.com | Expedia
► Best Tulum Hotel for Families: La Zebra Tulum
Book it on Booking.com | Expedia
► Best cheap hotel in Tulum: Hotel Santiago
Book it on Booking.com | Expedia

Tulum in October FAQs

Is Tulum worth visiting?

Yes, Tulum is worth visiting! This gorgeous beach destination is perfect for a romantic getaway or a family vacation.

The weather is warm and the beaches are beautiful. There are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained, from swimming and sunbathing to exploring the ancient ruins.

And, of course, the food is delicious! Whether you’re looking for a relaxing trip or an action-packed adventure, Tulum has something for everyone.

What is the best time of year to go to Tulum?

Tulum is a tropical destination, so it’s worth visiting any time of the year, but there definitely are some pros and cons to each month.

That being said, the best time to visit here depends on what you’re looking for. Most people want the best weather to spend the winter months in, so let’s start with that.

The winter months are considered the best months for good weather. So, the best time to visit Tulum for excellent weather conditions is the high season (late December through April), especially from mid-January to early April, when the weather is warm and dry.

This is when there are lots of sunny days and pleasant weather to make Tulum the perfect winter escape.

But you should also keep in mind that the peak season is when the majority of tourists visit Tulum, so there will be lots of crowds and higher prices.

The hottest months and rainy season, on the other hand, are considered to have the best prices. Hurricane Season runs from June to November, so travelers avoid visiting during this time, which means fewer crowds and great discounts on rooms.

This is when you can visit Tulum on a budget and for an intimate vacation.

The town of Tulum sees a high volume of tourists during the winter months, and the low season months don’t have great weather, so if you’re looking to avoid the crowds and also find pleasant weather, you should plan your trip for the shoulder season (April-May or November-early December).

You can also read: The best time to go to Tulum

Is October a good time to visit Tulum?

The month of October is a great time to visit the beautiful Mayan Riviera town of Tulum. The daily highs are still in the mid-80s, with the nighttime temperatures only dropping into the high 60s.

You can expect about 12 hours of sunshine each day, with only a handful of cloudy days.

The water temperature is also very pleasant in October, averaging around 84 degrees Fahrenheit.

How Tulum Compares to other popular Mexican destinations

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Traveling to Tulum in October – Final thoughts

Tulum generally has warm weather year-round, but there definitely are some variations throughout the year.

The summer months see a rise in temperatures, and that’s also when the hurricane season falls, so you will see more rainy days during the time.

The October weather in Tulum is not so bad, with the average maximum temperature at 85 degrees Fahrenheit and the average minimum temperature at 67 degrees Fahrenheit.

The average relative humidity also decreases from 99% to 89% over the course of the month.

Overall, it is a great time to visit Tulum and enjoy the many activities and attractions that the city has to offer if you’re on a budget or want to avoid crowds, keep an eye o the weather forecast!