Weather lowdown
As the year ends in Tulum, the heat drops down to a more moderate average daily temperature of 24°C (about 75°F). This is a great time of the year to get away and enjoy the sunshine and warm temperatures of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. And, there's no better way to spend the holiday season than with your toes in the sand.
The lows drop down to 21°C (around 70°F), but generally you'll only see those temperatures at night and in the early morning hours. Bring along a light jacket or sweater if you plan on being out and about in the evening hours. During the day, the highs get up to 27°C (about 81°F), great weather for checking out the Mayan ruins, wandering around town, or heading down to the beach. Thanks to the ocean breezes blowing in off the Caribbean, the humidity stays at a comfortable level too.
With six hours of sunshine each day, you'll want to have sunglasses and a hat to protect your eyes and skin from the UV rays. You probably won't need to have an umbrella, as the chance of rain on any given day is 20 percent. The resort sees 92 mm of rain over the course of the month, falling over eight days. Even in the dead of winter, the sea temperature is still plenty warm to swim, averaging 27°C (around 81°F).
While this part of the Riviera Maya doesn't get a lot of intense weather, it has seen some extreme highs and lows. The highest recorded temperature topped out at a very balmy 31°C (around 88°F). The lowest recorded temperature went all the way down to 13°C (about 55°F).
Where to Stay
Hotel CalaLuna Tulum
A small intimate hotel right on the beach, Hotel CalaLuna Tulum has several different room choices for families, couples, and single travelers. From the Standard Room to the King Room to the Family Room, you're sure to find what you need in accommodations. All of the rooms come with free Wi-Fi, breakfast each morning, beach towels, and safe deposit boxes. You can also get private balconies in some to enjoy the amazing weather.
Mestizo Gallery Boutique Hotel
If you're looking for clean and comfortable rooms at an affordable price, look no further than the Mestizo Gallery Boutique Hotel. The hotel is conveniently located just minutes from the beach, as well as steps from central Tulum with all its restaurants, bars, and shops. You can choose from three types of rooms with one, two, or three beds. Each room comes with garden views, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, satellite television, and private bathroom.
Hotel Diamante K
Hotel Diamante K sits just south of Tulum, right on the Caribbean Sea. The resort uses solar panels to provide electricity during the day, and at night, the electricity is turned off altogether. When staying here, you're sure to disconnect with the outside world and find the peace and relaxation that you need to recharge. The 30 different bungalows and cabins fit a variety of needs and budgets and include mosquito netting and fans.
Eating and Drinking Out
La Gloria de Don Pepe
An unassuming establishment near the center of Tulum, La Gloria de Don Pepe offers guests Mexican and Mediterranean cuisine. You definitely can't miss the paella, large enough to share with the table. Other menu favourites include the patatas bravas, ensalada, and eggplant. The menu also has numerous vegetarian options for those looking for a meatless option. Sit on the outside patio and enjoy some great people-watching.
Mateo's Mexican Grill
Offering a menu with a little bit of everything, Mateo's Mexican Grill also provides guests with some of the best views in Tulum. The restaurant has a multi-level deck that gives you panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea. From the hamburgers to the tacos, the dishes are guaranteed to fill your belly. The restaurant also has the self-proclaimed best fish tacos in all the world.
La Famiglia Tulum
Serving up Italian favorites like pasta and pizza, La Famiglia Tulum has a romantic atmosphere with soft lighting and neutral décor. The kitchen is open late, so you can grab a bite to eat after a night on the town. Be sure to try the pizzas and homemade ravioli and leave room for dessert of tiramisu. To complement your meal, the restaurant has a large list of wines, beers, and cocktails to wash everything down.
Things to Do
Scooter Rental
See the Tulum area in style on a scooter, rented from iBike Tulum. The company rents the two-person electric scooters by the day or you can get it for an entire week. For the cost of the rental, you get the use of two helmets, as well as roadside assistance anywhere within a 15 kilometer radius of Tulum. Along with scooters, the shop rents mountain bikes, beach cruisers, and tandem bikes and has a bike shop for repairs and sales.
Wildlife Jungle Expedition
Adventure seekers will love the Wildlife Jungle Expedition with Yucatan Outdoors that takes you on a wilderness hike through the Mayan jungles around Tulum. On your hike, you'll catch glimpses of spider and howler monkeys, an abundance of local birds, and native flora and fauna. As part of the expedition, you'll get to canoe across a lagoon and soar down a zipline through the tops of the trees. The tours are open to people of all ages and activity levels and can be customised based on your needs.
Muyil River Float
Take it easy and take part in the Muyil River Float sponsored by Adventure Tour Center. You'll start out on a Mayan canal and work your way downstream, floating peacefully on a river raft as you take in the beauty of the passing lush jungles and ancient ruins. The tour takes three to four hours and includes lunch, bottled water, life vests, and hotel drop off when you're done floating. You can do the float all year round.
