The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Tulum: Best Tips & Advice

If you’re looking for a unique beach spot with boho vibes you’ve come to the right place!

Over the last few years we have been to Tulum a few times, and it’s always a blast! Tulum is full of rich culture, beautiful views, welcoming people, and amazing food. Here is your complete guide on: when to go, what to do, where to stay, and what to wear.

The best time to visit Tulum

November to April (Best Overall)

This is Tulum at its best. Expect drier weather, clearer beaches, and that classic turquoise Caribbean water. It’s peak season, so yes, it’s busier — but in my experience, the energy actually makes the trip more fun. Both times we visited during this window, we met amazing people we still keep in touch with. If you want great beach conditions and a lively atmosphere, this is the time to go.

May to June (The Sweet Spot)

May marks the start of seaweed season, which can impact the beach experience. The sargassum washes up frequently, and while hotels work hard to clear it, the water isn’t always that postcard-perfect blue. If swimming in the ocean is a priority for you, keep that in mind.

That said, this is still one of my favorite times to go. The weather is hot and beautiful, the crowds thin out, and hotel prices drop significantly. We stayed at a stunning five-star boutique hotel for a fraction of peak-season rates and had an incredible trip. If you’re happy lounging by the pool with occasional beach time, this is a great value window.

July to October (High Risk Season)

This period brings heavier rain, peak seaweed, extreme humidity, and hurricane risk. Because so much of what makes Tulum special happens outdoors — beach clubs, cenotes, ruins, jungle dinners — the weather can really limit your experience. Personally, I don’t think it’s worth planning a trip during these months unless you’re flexible and comfortable with unpredictable conditions.

Quick Tips:

Currency: Mexican Peso

Transportation: Bikes, Mopeds, Taxi

Budget range: $$$

Ideal Trip Length: 3-5 Days


Where to Stay

My honest hotel reviews

Where Jungle meets Luxury – Be Tulum

What I liked:

  • Insane design, it’s like being in an enchanted jungle
  • Romantic + Private
  • 24 hour room service
  • Great food
  • Good place to “detach” from the outside world

What I didn’t like:

  • Further down the beach – There are some good restaurants and clubs in walking distance, but not as much access as other areas
  • No bikes available to rent from the hotel
  • More expensive than other options

Be Tulum is perfect for couples and small friend groups who want an intimate, calm stay. It’s social but definitely not a party hotel. The vibe feels elevated and relaxed. Our room had a private rooftop pool, which was easily the highlight of our stay there (besides the excellent room service). We spent hours up there, even staying up until 4am one night just talking under the sky. The rooms are dark, but in a calming, moody way that feels serene rather than claustrophobic.


The Romantic Getaway – Mi Amor Hotel

What I liked:

  • The best service!
  • Good food, Great room service
  • Clean (and I mean CLEAN)
  • Bikes available for rent at very reasonable prices
  • Private, quiet, romantic

What I didn’t like:

  • No beach access – just daybeds on the rocks
  • The pool is a very odd layout, so its difficult to enjoy

I know I’ve said it before (twice!), but I can’t rave enough about the service here. Every time we stepped out, our room was cleaned! Almost too much (we joked we couldn’t even leave for five minutes without coming back to perfectly fluffed pillows).

The staff is so friendly and helpful! They even handled calls for us in Spanish when we needed to make reservations and cancel one of our excursions. It felt like they actually enjoyed helping which made it a lot easier for us to ask.

After this stay, I’m never booking a hotel without bikes again. We rented them every morning to get around, and it saved us so much money. We only used taxis at night since there are few to no street lights, we felt biking was not safe.

The pool layout is a bit odd (you can only layout on one side and you literally have to walk over people to do so), so if you’re all about pool lounging or laying out on the beach, this might not be the spot. But for amazing service, helpful staff, and getting around town easily, this place is a winner.


Things to do in Tulum

Nature:

  • Take a day tour to Chichen Itza – one of the seven wonders of the world! (Booked through Viator)
  • Tour the cenotes (this was our favorite excursion, we booked through AirBnb). If you take this tour find one that leaves early, I’m talking 6am early. It’s worth it to beat the crowds and fully enjoy the experience.
  • Bike through the hotel zone

Beach Clubs:

  • Make sure to book in advance, especially if going during peak season
  • Get there early (around 10am) if you want to get a prime spot
  • Be aware of a “minimum spend”
  • There wasn’t any particular beach club we liked more than the other, but we spent the most time at RosaNegra

Food and Nightlife:

  • Beach dinners – our favorite was a private beach dinner at La Zebra. It was a multi course meal served privately on the beach where you get to watch the sunset. So romantic and equally delicious
  • Dining experiences – Bagatelle was such a fun experience, especially if going with a group. Get ready to get on your chair and dance because dinner there is a party.
  • DJ’s and Clubs – We enjoyed pretty much every club we went to, but always find ourselves back at Gitano. The vibes and food are immaculate.

What to Wear

Style: Boho, Linen, Crochet, Sandals or Block Heels

What I regret bringing: Bringing my Dyson was honestly pointless. The humidity in Tulum is no joke! I’d curl my hair and within minutes it was gone. If your hair has any natural wave or frizz, just lean into it. Skip the flat iron or curler and pack hair ties for cute slicked-back buns, braids, or effortless updos. It’ll save you time and frustration.

During the Day:

  • Denim or Linen shorts, especially if you’re biking
  • Tennies or sandals
  • Straw hat, Baseball cap
  • Straw bag or Fanny pack
  • Sunglasses
  • Swim Coverups – crochet is always a cute look!

For Night:

  • Linen Rompers
  • Maxi Dresses
  • Mini Dresses
  • Block heels or Sandals (you may have to walk in sand)
  • Gold Jewelry
  • Natural Glam Makeup

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I’m Ann

I’m a dentist, business owner in the making, and someone who believes you can reinvent yourself as many times as it takes. Desert Blonde is my space to talk about entrepreneurship, money, mindset, travel, wellness, DIY’s and everything I’m learning along the way.

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