Weather lowdown
The heat continues to stay steady as the calendar turns over to July in Tulum. This month, the area that's part of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico actually gets a small reprieve from the rain. Compared to June's 187 mm, this month sees only 130 mm of rain fall on average. The rain does come over 12, but fortunately the storms that do come through are light and short-lived. The rain also helps keep the humidity down, as the air feels cool and refreshed after the storms pass.
If you don't mind hot temperatures with some humidity, this month is a good time to visit and avoid the rainy autumn months that follow. The average daily temperature is 28°C (about 82°F), a great temperature for getting outside, sitting on the beach, or walking around the ancient Mayan ruins in the area. At night, you'll get a little break from the heat with lows dropping down to 24°C (around 75°F). During the heat of the day, the highs can get all the way up to 31°C (around 88°F).
With seven hours of sunshine each day on average, you'll want to be sure to bring along a high SPF sunscreen to avoid a nasty sunburn. Packing a pair of sunglasses and wide brimmed hat is a good idea too. The Caribbean Sea stays warm at 28°C (around 82°F), so you'll want to do some swimming or try watersports like surfing, scuba diving, or stand-up paddleboarding.
During your stay, you'll most likely have steady temperatures, but the area has seen some extreme highs and lows. Check the local forecast before you go to know for sure what to expect. The highest recorded temperature for this month peaked at a balmy 36°C (about 97°F). The lowest temperature ever recorded was 15°C (around 59°F).
Where to Stay
La Vita e Bella Hotel
Offering quaint beachfront bungalows, La Vita e Bella Hotel ticks a lot of boxes in terms of amenities, service, and rates. Along with traditional bungalows, you can also choose from beachfront cabins or junior suites. All of the rooms have private bathrooms and amazing views of the Caribbean Sea. You'll also enjoy hammocks offering fab views of the beach to soak in the warm July air and an on-site restaurant and bar with Sky TV and board games.
Hotel Residencia La Mariposa
An ideal choice for long-term stays or short trips, Hotel Residencia La Mariposa meets a wide range of needs and tastes. You can choose from a single bedroom or suite, or opt for the apartment configuration if you have a large group. The affordable rates appeal to budget travelers and the free continental breakfast is a great value. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, safe deposit box, luggage storage, laundry services, airport transportation, and a helpful reception desk.
Don Diego de la Salva
At Don Diego de la Salva, you have your choice of three different types of rooms. The Family Rooms have two queen beds, private bathroom, and large terrace leading to the garden. The Double Room includes a king bed, private bathroom, and private terrace or balcony. If you're looking for a more intimate option, the cozy cabanas sleep two in a queen bed. Guests also enjoy a large outdoor pool, beautiful gardens, and on-site restaurant and bar.
Hit the Beach
Beach Club Zazil Kin
Beach Club Zazil Kin is a 6,000 meter stretch that offers a wide variety of amenities. It's a few minutes from the Tulum ruins, and you can easily reach it on foot. The beach club has several amenities including loungers, umbrellas, snack bar with food and drinks, yoga, and racquet ball.
Eating and Drinking Out
Antojitos La Chiapaneca
More of a food stand than a restaurant, Antojitos La Chiapaneca delivers big flavours in a small space. The Mexican street food is not only delicious, it's also extremely affordable, with deals like sope al pastor for only seven pesos. While the menu is small, it has some of the best authentic tacos you'll get anywhere in Mexico. The menu is also in English and Spanish, so you shouldn't have any trouble understanding what to order.
Kitchen Table
Found just outside the Tulum National Park, the Kitchen Table welcomes you like family to dine on it's amazing dishes. The restaurant is built out of reused and natural materials, so it blends in seamlessly with the jungle surroundings. The simplicity of the restaurant carries into the kitchen, where all the meals are cooked on a wooden grill or simple stove. You can make reservations online to be sure to get a table. Be prepared; the restaurant is also cash only.
Manglar Pizzeria
For a change of pace from Mexican cuisine, visit Manglar Pizzeria, found off the beaten path but near the center of Tulum. Once you finally find the restaurant, you'll enjoy authentic Italian pizza with thin crust, cooked on a wood-fired oven. The restaurant sits in a beautiful garden, so you can dine surrounded by beautiful flora and fauna. Save room after dinner for the homemade cheesecake and other sweet desserts.
Things to Do
Mayan Ruins
A visit to the Mayan ruins near Tulum should be at the top of your to-do list when you visit. The ancient city of Tulum was the only Mayan city built on the shore and was used a port. Much of the ruins are well-preserved and provide a glimpse back at life when the Mayans ruled Mexico. Once you're done exploring the ruins, head down to the nearby beach and enjoy the sun and waves under the sun.
Edventure Tours
Adrenaline junkies looking for some excitement in Tulum can turn to Edventure Tours. The company offers a variety of excursions, including an ATV jungle ride on a six passenger Polaris ride-on. Other tour and activity options include rock climbing and rappelling, zip-lining, and scuba and snorkeling in cenotes. Not offered in many other places, you can also swim and snorkel with turtles at the Turtle Bay coral reef.
Wild Dolphin Tour
The Wild Dolphin Tour with Pesca Maya is a great way to experience the wildlife of Tulum up close and personal. Tour-goers meet at the the Pesca Maya lodge, where they learn about the dolphins and the waters they call home. You'll then head out to sea in search of playful bottlenose dolphins. You may also see sea turtles and lots of other fish during your trip. The three-hour tours include breakfast and lunch, drinks on the boat, and all snorkeling gear.
