Weather lowdown
January in Tulum means steady temperatures welcoming visitors to escape the cold and dreary winter weather in the UK. Located on the Yucatan Peninsula, this resort in Mexico is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world and sees thousands of visitors each year. The combination of the warm weather and low rain chances make this month a good time to visit. The average daily temperature sits at a very nice 24°C (about 75°F), a near perfect temperature for being outside, exploring the ruins, or sitting on the beach.
During the day, the high temperature reaches up 27°C (around 81°F), warm but not too hot yet. This is the coldest month all year, with nighttime lows dropping down to 21°C (about 70°F), a welcome respite from the warm, sunny days. As you're packing for your holiday away this month, bring along summer clothing including short-sleeved shirts, shorts, and sandals for the beach. You'll want a good, sturdy pair of walking shoes if you plan on seeing the ruins.
Don't forgot your swim suit either; with sea temperatures sitting at 26°C (about 79°F), you'll definitely want to try some swimming or water sports. Pack the sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat too, as the area gets about six hours of sunshine each day. With a 20 percent chance of rain on any given day, you probably won't need your umbrella. The area sees about 70 mm of rainfall over the course of the month, falling over seven days.
While rare, the area has seen some extreme temperatures in the past. The highest recorded temperature was 32°C (about 90°C), hot for this time of the year. At one point, the temperature dropped down to 14°C (around 57°F), pretty chilly for this part of Riviera Maya. More than likely though, you'll get the steady temperatures that occur through the winter.
Where to Stay
Rosa del Viento
When you stay at Rosa del Viento, you can choose one of 10 beachfront rooms just steps from the sand. Or, you can surround yourself with the beautiful gardens in one of the 16 hotel rooms. All of the rooms have air conditioning, king beds, and private terraces to sit outside and listen to the waves. The on-site restaurant serves some of the best Italian food in the Tulum area, including wood-fired pizzas.
Ginger Hotel
The Ginger Hotel has a central location in Tulum, putting you near numerous restaurants, bars, and stores. Each of the rooms has a different theme and feature works by local artists. Several family rooms are also available with extra beds and space to spread out. Hotel amenities include a swimming pool, taxi stand, laundry services, airport transportation, and secure parking. You can also request picnic lunches to take with you on your explorations.
Hotel Live Tulum
At Hotel Live Tulum, you'll get all the comforts of home with the convenience of hotel amenities during your January stay. The brightly-decorated rooms feature separate seating areas, comfortable furniture, and some have kitchenettes or fully-equipped kitchens. If you're looking for romance, opt for one of the Jacuzzi rooms with private outdoor hot tub. Hotel Live Tulum also has a swimming pool, free bicycle rentals, Wi-Fi, and 24-hour concierge desk.
Eating and Drinking Out
ARCA Tulum
The open-air dining room of ARCA Tulum makes you feel like you're dining right in the jungles of Tulum. Though small, the menu is full of big tastes and includes dishes like baby octopus, braised lamb shank, seared grouper, and whole roasted fish. The cocktail menu is longer than the food menu and includes specialty drinks, as well as classics.
Sale e Pepe
For some fine Italian cooking near the center of Tulum, make a stop at Sale e Pepe. The white exterior with green climbing vines covering the walls makes you think of a traditional Italian villa. Must-eats on the menu include the mushroom ravioli, pasta with Bolognese sauce, and wood-fired pizzas. The restaurant also has a large list of house, local, and international wines to complement the pastas.
Casa Banana
At Casa Banana in Tulum, you'll be treated to Argentinian barbeque and other dishes prepared over a wood-fired oven. Billed as "urban rustic", the menu includes favourites like suckling pig, steak, lamb risotto, and homemade chorizo. You also have to check out the extensive cocktail menu, full of creative drinks made by the in-house mixologist. Sit at the bar and pick your favourite drink while you wait for a table to open up in this popular spot.
Things to Do
Life Source Retreats
Specialising in spiritual and wellness retreats, Life Source Retreats offers travelers a chance to unplug and reconnect spiritually, physically, and mentally during their holiday. Several different types of retreat are offered throughout the year including yoga, meditation, detox, tantric intimacy, and physical wellness. Retreat participants stay at one of Tulum's local resorts including Alaya Tulum, Villa Pescadores Tulum, and Ahau Tulum.
LabnaHa Cenotes and Eco Park
If you're looking for an attraction that offers a little bit for everyone, LabnaHa Cenotes and Eco Park is a must-visit during your holiday to Tulum. It has a wide range of attractions and activities for all ages, interests, and activity levels. See the world from underwater on a scuba diving excursion, soar like a bird on the ziplines, and explore the underground rivers and cenotes on raft or by snorkeling.
Maya Diving
While snorkeling isn't the best along the coast of Tulum, the area does offer some spectacular dive sites and is renowned for its first-class diving. Maya Diving offers a variety of scuba classes for beginners to advanced divers. The company also has tours that take you to some of the best dive wrecks, coral reefs, and underground cenotes. If you're an animal lover, you'll want to check out the Holbox whaleshark tour where you get to swim with these magnificent creatures.
