Weather lowdown
As the year winds down, so does the heat in Tulum, part of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. The resort is a popular spot with tourists thanks to its year-round warm weather and beautiful beaches. The nearby ancient Mayan ruins are also a big draw. In November, the heat starts to taper, with an average daily temperature of 26°C (about 79°F), dropping one degree from October's average daily temperature.
The heat of the day can still get up to 28°C (around 82°F), making for some fantastic beach weather. Even at night, the lows only get down to 23°C (about 73°F), a great temperature for sitting outside with a drink and enjoying time with your traveling buddies. Some people might even think that's a little chilly, so bring along a light sweater or jacket if you get cold easily.
Like the nearby resort of Playa del Carmen, the area gets about six hours of sunshine each day. That's more than ample time to get outside to see the ruins or just spend the afternoon on the beach soaking up the sun. This area sees around 102 mm of rain, signaling the end of the rainy season. That amount falls over eight days in the month, so you more than likely will get more sunny days than rainy days during your stay. The chance of rain on any given day is 20 percent. The sea temperature is still nice and warm at 28°C (about 82°F).
Though rare, the area has seen some extreme highs and lows over the years. The highest recoded temperature was 36°C (about 97°F), which is very hot, even for this part of Mexico. The lowest recorded temperature dropped down to a chilly 15°C (around 59°F).
Where to Stay
Dreams Tulum Resort and Spa
Featured on the "Bachelor in Paradise" television show, Dreams Tulum Resort and Spa sits on 44 acres and welcomes couples and families to enjoy its amazing amenities. The all-inclusive package includes all meals, drinks, room service, Wi-Fi, and day and nighttime activities. If mum and dad need a little break, the Explorer's Club offers babysitting and kids-only activities to keep them entertained and happy.
Posada Lamar
When you stay at Posada Lamar, you'll wake up right on the beach listening to the sounds of the ocean waves washing ashore in the warm November air. The eight cabanas sit on the Caribbean Sea and include local handmade art and décor, hammocks outside for enjoying the weather, and mosquito netting beds. The hotel is powered by solar panels and wind turbines, cutting down the hotel's carbon footprint.
Posada Ecologica Dos Ceibas
With 13 unique villas scattered just steps from the beach and surrounded by lush jungle, Posada Ecologica Dos Ceibas is the ideal place for couples, families, and single travelers to get away from it all. Depending on your needs, the villas each come with different amenities like multiple beds, private balconies, and kitchenettes. Guests will enjoy yoga each morning, a traditional Mexican steam house, live music, and plenty of fun and relaxation.
Eating and Drinking Out
Mivida Tapas Bar and Restaurant
For an extensive menu of small plates perfect for sharing, Mivida Tapas Bar and Restaurant is a fun place to dine with a group of friends. Work your way through the menu, starting with appetizers like tartare de salmon and then trying main dishes like salmon, steak, and paella. The large open-air dining room has a laid-back and casual atmosphere and you can also choose to dine outside on the patio.
Pollo Bronco
One of the only places in Tulum serving up good old fashioned barbeque chicken, Pollo Bronco is a fun, casual joint. Chicken may be the only thing on the menu, but it's some of the best chicken you'll find in all of Mexico. Along with the chicken, you'll get rice and salsa on the side. The restaurant has carry-out and delivery as well, so you can take your meals back to your hotel or to the beach for a picnic.
Hartwood
For a true taste of the Caribbean, try Hartwood, located on the jungle side of Tulum's beach road. It's a bit of a challenge to get a table, as you have to queue up before the dinner hour just to make a reservation. Most people agree the wait is worth it though, for the incredible dishes made with fresh and local ingredients. Everything is cooked on an open-flame fire and the menu includes dishes like empanadas and grilled octopus.
Things to Do
Boca Paila
For the fisherman, Boca Paila offers one of the best saltwater flat fishing experiences in the area. You won't find anywhere better in the Atlantic or Caribbean to catch bonefish, tarpon, snook, barracuda, jack crevalle, and cubera snapper. The flats consist of shallow-water reefs made of a combination of freshwater and brackish water. If you're hardcore, you can even stay at the Boca Paila accommodations and make a whole vacation out of fishing.
Yaan Wellness Energy Healing Spa
Take your body and mind to a place of ultimate relaxation with a yoga session or day of pampering at Yaan Wellness Energy Healing Spa. From the minute you walk into the facility, you'll feel relaxed and at ease. The beautiful buildings are made from bamboo and teak and the facility offers a rooftop garden, private treatment cabins, and a healing waters area with sauna, steam room, and hot and cold massage pools. It also offers a temazcal, or Mexican sweat lodge.
Tulum Bazaar
Shop till you drop at the Tulum Bazaar, a collection of shops and stands along Avenida Tulum, the town's main street. You'll find a wide variety of goods, from clothing to jewelry to household goods. This is a great place to find a one-of-kind souvenir to take home to remember your holiday in the Riviera Maya. Like many other traditional Mexican markets, bargain and barter with the shop owners to get the best prices.
