Weather lowdown
The high temperatures peak for the year in Tulum, in August, inviting guests to enjoy the hot days on the beaches of the Riviera Maya. The highs get all the way up to 32°C (around 90°F), making for some steamy days. Fortunately, most of the hotels and resorts offer rooms with air conditioning. The lows only drop down to 24°C (about 75°F), giving you just a little relief at night.
The average daily temperature sits around 28°C (about 82°F), which doesn't feel too bad when you're splashing in the waves or sitting out beside the pool. The humidity can get pretty high this time of the year, but the rainstorms help cool the air once they go through the area. This month sees around 146 mm of rainfall on average. During your stay, you'll most likely have several rainy days, with an average of 13 rain days in the month. The chance of rain on any given day is 20 percent.
Be sure to pack the lightweight and airy summer clothing for your holiday this month, and also bring along your swimsuit and sandals for the beach. If you plan on exploring the ruins, you'll want a good pair of walking shoes. With seven hours of sunshine each day on average, you'll also want to bring along sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen to protect yourself from sunburn. August is also the month with the warmest water temperatures, topping out at 29°C (around 84°F), feeling more like bath water than sea water.
At one time, the high reached all the way to a record-breaking 37°C (about 99°F), hot even for this time of the year. The lowest recorded temperature dropped down to a chilly 14°C (around 57°F). Luckily, these extreme highs and lows are rare in this part of North America; steady, consistent temperatures are more the norm.
Where to Stay
Posada Yum Kin
With just 12 suites, you're guaranteed personalised attention and service at Posada Yum Kin. The hotel prides itself on being eco-friendly and boasts a sparkling swimming pool with Jacuzzi and sundeck, perfect for the August heat. Each morning, you can enjoy a light Mexican breakfast next to the pool. All of the suites come with air conditioning and ceiling fans, kitchens or kitchenettes, private porches or balconies, and some have separate dining areas.
Teetotum Hotel
A cool and modern hotel, Teetotum Hotel offers guests a laid-back and relaxing holiday away in Tulum. The hotel sits only minutes from the beach and is close to the central town area. Each of the four rooms comes with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, iPod dock, minibar, and safe. You also get access to your own plunge pool and private patio, as well as continental breakfast each morning and free bicycle rentals.
Cabanas La Luna
The Cabanas La Luna is a collection of colourful wooden houses that sit right on the beach in Tulum. Guests have access to the central kitchen, where a world-class chef cooks up amazing breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. Each of the houses has its own personality and comes equipped with private bathrooms, air conditioning, and drinking water reservoirs. On the property, you'll find natural rock dining tables, hammocks, and free Wi-Fi.
Hit the Beach
La Vita E Bella Cabanas
Part of the La Vita E Bella Cabanas, the stretch of beach in front of the cabanas and restaurant is wide with beautiful, white sand. The umbrellas, loungers, and chairs on the beach are available for rent, and some are set aside for hotel guests only. The wait staff serves all guests and the restaurants has drinks, snacks, and meals you can eat on the beach.
Eating and Drinking Out
Zine Food and Films
A one-of-a-kind dining experience in Tulum, Zine Food and Films gives diners their own private theater with a choice of movies to enjoy while dining. It's located just off the main drag in Tulum and it's highly recommended you make reservations at this popular joint. Choose your meal from a full menu that includes sandwiches, entrees, and appetizers. You can also get popcorn, drinks, and dessert to complete the evening.
Tulum Trattoria Romana
Something different from the typical Mexican food found throughout the town, Tulum Trattoria Romana has a menu full of traditional Italian dishes. The quaint restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating to enjoy the amazing Riviera Maya weather. Here, you'll dine on mushroom and bacon ravioli, seafood fettuccine, and seafood risotto. The portions are huge and the prices are affordable, making this a great place for budget-minded travelers.
La Zebra Beach Restaurant and Tequila Bar
If you need a food break after spending the day on the beach, check out La Zebra Beach Restaurant and Tequila Bar. The restaurant is part of the La Zebra Hotel and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You'll enjoy dishes made with local produce while you take in the amazing views of the Caribbean Sea. The resident bartender mixes up specialty cocktails like sugar cane mojitos and cucumber margaritas.
Things to Do
Jeep Safari Sian Ka'an
With Jeep Safari Sian Ka'an, you'll enjoy an off-road adventure in a 4x4 Jeep. The tour starts with free pick up from your hotel and continues with stops at Punta Allen, Boca Paila, and the Black Lagoon. You'll get extras like snacks and a lunch buffet and have the opportunity to swim, snorkel, and look for dolphin and sea turtles. After your full day of fun and touring, the guides return you to your hotel.
Gran Cenote
One of the biggest cenotes in Riviera Maya, Gran Cenote has a huge system of underground rivers that are perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving to escape the August heat. Underground, you'll see stalagmites, stalactites, and columns. Bring along a picnic lunch and enjoy a meal just outside the entrance. The cenote has bathrooms close to the entrance and just down the road is a roadside stand for food.
SUP Yoga Tulum
Do your mind and body good by taking a stand-up paddleboard yoga class with SUP Yoga Tulum. For the classes, which are offered every day, you'll be whisked away to a private lagoon. While there, you'll take part in a 1.5-hour yoga class right on your stand-up paddleboard. Afterwards, enjoy some leisurely time to float around or practice more meditation. You'll also get to enjoy a cleansing detox juice and raw vegan energy ball after your session.
