Thinking About Visiting Tulum in September? Don’t Book Until You Read This
Traveling to Tulum in September? So you have landed in the right place. This guide on weather events and things to do in Tulum in September will help you plan your trip and make the most of your time.
Tulum is one of the best destinations to visit for a dream beach vacation in Mexico.
But will your trip be worth it in September? You need to know that September is the rainiest month of the year which makes it a bit challenging when you are looking for a beach vacation, right?
But let’s dive deeper into what it’s like to travel to Tulum in September. Read on.
Tulum in September
Located on the Caribbean coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, the boho town of Tulum is famous for its hipster community, scenic yoga spots, fashion and art shops, and definitely world-class beaches with white sand and turquoise waters.
The well-preserved Maya ruins found here are another thing that makes Tulum one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico.
Thousands of people visit Tulum every year and although you are most likely to find the perfect weather in the winter months, Tulum is a year-round destination, and September can be a good month to visit if you’re on a budget or want to avoid crowds.
Let’s take a look at the Tulum weather in September below before I tell you more about the things you can do in Tulum and the pros and cons of visiting here during this month as well.
Cancun – Tulum Private Transportation – Round trip – 10$ OFF
👉 Book your round-trip private transport from Cancun to Tulum in advance and save 10$ with this trustworthy company
Tulum Weather In September – At a Glance
Tulum is a year-round destination, and September can be an excellent time to travel here depending on what you are looking for.
The weather is still warm, and the average temperature ranges between 70s and 80s with the average maximum temperature below 90s.
Traveling to Tulum in September also means avoiding the crowds that arrive in Tulum before and after the new year.
Overall, if you are looking for a relaxed and quiet vacation while also on a budget, September is the perfect time to visit Tulum.
The temperature in Tulum in September
The average high temperature in Tulum in September is 87 degrees Fahrenheit (31 degrees Celsius). The average minimum temperature is 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius).
The humidity levels are also relatively high, averaging at about 79%.
Considering these numbers, you can expect hot and humid weather conditions during your stay in Tulum.
I highly recommend that you drink plenty of fluids, wear light and loose-fitting clothing, and apply sunscreen often.
You can also take a dip in the Caribbean Sea or the crystal clear waters of a cenote to cool off.
Precipitation in Tulum in September
If you’re planning a trip to Tulum in September, pack your rain gear. The month is one of the rainiest of the year, with an average of 7 inches of rain.
There is a high chance of rain on at least half the days of the month. That said, rainfall can be unpredictable, but showers are usually brief, so you can check the weather forecast before planning your day and have a wonderful vacation nevertheless.
Sunshine in Tulum in September
Tulum is sunny most of the year, but September is the wettest month of the year, so cloud cover is expected on most days but there are still plenty of clear days to enjoy activities.
Also, at least 15 rainy days are expected this month.
However, the showers are usually brief and there are an average of 11 hours of daylight. This is more than enough time to enjoy pretty much anything the town has to offer.
With an average wind speed of around 4.3 miles, September is definitely not one of the windiest months, so you can also grab your beach towels and spend an evening by the sea just chilling.
Sea water temperature in Tulum in September
The sea water temperature is typically the same all year round, with an increase of just a degree or two during the summer months.
September is also one of the hottest months, so the average sea temperature is usually around 84 degrees Fahrenheit (29 degrees Celsius).
This makes the stunning blue waters of Tulum beaches a very comfortable place to swim in if there is no sargassum.
In that case, worry not, because there are so many amazing cenotes around Tulum and many things to do in Tulum that you can really find so many great alternative options to the beach.
➢ Do I need travel insurance in Mexico? Yes, you do! I can never stress enough what a lifesaver it can be in unexpected situations. Although I hope I never need it, it gives me peace of mind to know that whatever happens, I am covered. I have been using Safety Wing, and I find it quite fair, covering a lot for its pricing level. Depending on your needs or you can compare different insurance companies on this useful site, TRAVEL INSURANCE MASTER. Make sure you read carefully what’s included before making the purchase. If you are undecided yet, you can read my post on the best travel insurance for Mexico for more clarity.
Sargassum Seaweed In Tulum in September
Sargassum seaweed is a problem on many Riviera Maya beaches, including the ones in Tulum.
The seaweed usually starts showing up on Tulum beaches from March/April, but August through early September is expected to have the largest quantities of sargassum.
This can definitely be a deal breaker if you’re visiting Tulum in September for its beautiful beaches.
However, the government has made efforts to clear up the seaweed and put barriers on the beaches, so you can still enjoy a great beach vacation in the later half of the month.
Also, if you are traveling to Cancun , the weather is pretty much the same in September, and you will find similar perks like fewer crowds and great deals there as well.
But the beaches there are less affected by sargassum.
Alternatively, you can try one of the Pacific Ocean beaches in Mexico, like the ones in Cabo San Lucas, and avoid sargassum altogether.
Hurricane Season in Tulum: What September Travelers Should Know
Here’s the part most guides gloss over: September falls right in the middle of the Atlantic hurricane season (officially June through November), and it’s statistically one of the more active months of the year.
That sounds scarier than it usually is in practice. Most of what you’ll actually experience is heavy rain and gusty wind from a passing tropical system, not a direct hurricane hit. Direct hits on Tulum are rare in any given year, but they’re not impossible, and a storm doesn’t need to make landfall nearby to disrupt your trip with days of rain and rough seas.
How to plan around it:
✅ Track the forecast in the week before you fly. The National Hurricane Center publishes 5-day outlooks that will show you if anything is brewing in the Caribbean or Gulf before you leave.
✅ Get travel insurance that covers named storms. I already recommend Safety Wing for general trip coverage, but if you’re booking during hurricane season specifically, double-check that named-storm cancellation is included, not just standard trip interruption.
✅ Book accommodations with flexible cancellation. Low-season hotel rates in September usually come with much more generous cancellation policies than high season, so it’s worth prioritizing that over squeezing out the absolute lowest rate.
✅ Build in a buffer day if you can. If a storm is approaching your travel dates, having an extra day of flexibility on either end can be the difference between a rebooked flight and a ruined trip.
The bottom line: hurricane season is a real factor in September, not just a technicality, but it’s manageable with a flexible booking strategy and a bit of forecast-watching in the days before you go.
Events in Tulum in September
Independence Day
Mexican Independence Day is a big event in Tulum just like the rest of the country. The main square of the town comes alive with mariachi music and dancing as well as street vendors on the afternoon of September 15.
These festivities go on until an hour before midnight when it’s time for Grito (the cry for independence marked with fireworks and bells).
The main party starts after the Grito and goes on until the wee hours of the night.
Fall Equinox
The Autumn Equinox is a unique event of September, and one of the best places to witness it is Chichen Itza if you’re vacationing in Tulum.
El Castillo of Chichen Itza is designed in a way that the shadows create an image of Kukulkan descending the temple steps on the first day of Fall (September 22).
Just keep in mind that the cloud cover sometimes can spoil the event, so you’re better off planning it in advance by checking the weather forecast and reading the official hours announcement from the management.
Also, be sure to bring your insect repellent and try to arrive before 5 PM to see this mystical phenomenon from start to end!
👉 Book your tour to Chichen Itza with this dedicated company
Pros of Visiting Tulum in September
✅ September is one of the low season months in Tulum, so you can definitely expect the lowest prices on everything. What’s more, there are plenty of great deals on flights as well as the best hotels during the month.
✅ The month of September comes with low tourist activity in town, so you won’t have to worry about crowds at all. This is the perfect time to enjoy a relaxed and peaceful vacation in Tulum.
✅ The warm temperatures of September mean the ocean temperatures are also their warmest during it, so the month is a great time to visit for a beach holiday with lots of water activities.
✅ You can watch baby sea turtles hatching and taking their first steps into the ocean during September. What’s more, you can also volunteer and help release them into the sea!
Cons of Visiting Tulum in September
👎 The September temperatures and average relative humidity are quite high. This means outdoor activities can be exhausting, especially in the daytime.
👎Being its wettest month of the year, Tulum sees the highest amount of rainfall in September, so your plans might get interrupted by a tropical storm.
So make sure you always keep an eye on the weather forecast although they are not always that accurate.
On the bright side, the showers are usually very brief and the sun starts shining shortly after them, so it won’t be that much of a problem.
👎The whale sharks start leaving in September, so it’s not the best time to visit Tulum if you want to swim with them. The previous month, as well as July, are great for it.
Things to Do in Tulum in September
🛶 Visit the Sian Kaan natural reserve 🐬
One of the top-visited natural wonders of Tulum is the Sian Kaan biosphere, the 3rd largest natural protected area in Mexico.
Located on the eastern shore of the Yucatan Peninsula, 20 minutes away from Tulum, Quintana Roo, Sian Ka’an is a biosphere reserve declared as such on January 20th, 1986.
In 1987 it was then proclaimed by UNESCO as a world heritage. Its extension is of more than 600 thousand protected hectares of land, ocean, sinkholes, lagoons, mangroves, and wetlands.
There are many tours that you can join to visit the Natural Reserve or you can rent a car in Tulum and drive on your own all the way to Punta Allen.
BEST SIAN KA’AN TOUR: EDITOR PICK!
👉 Kayaking and Snorkeling Experience through Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve – 5⭐ 230 Reviews
👇🏽 More top-rated tours to Sian Kaan 👇🏽
🏛 Explore the Mayan Ruins
The famous Tulum Mayan ruins perched on a cliff and overlooking the blue waters of the Caribbean Sea are breathtaking sights. You absolutely have to visit the site at least once if you’re vacationing in Tulum—you won’t regret it!
👉 Book your tour to the Tulum Mayan Ruins on VIATOR
🏝 Take a refreshing dip in one of the cenotes
The high temperatures of September can be quite a nuisance, especially when you are exploring the town and its surroundings during the daytime.
Luckily, you will have plenty of opportunities to take a dip in the magical cenotes of Tulum.
The experience is both fun and unforgettable, in addition to being a great relief from the heat.
My favorite ones are Cenote Corazon, and Laguna Kaan Luum, but also further north towards Playa Akumal you will find Caleta Yal-Ku and Casa Cenote.
🐋 Catch the tail end of whale shark season
Whale sharks start migrating away from the area in September, so it’s not a guaranteed sighting like it is in June, July, or August. That said, early September can still work, especially in the first week or two, so if swimming with them is a bucket-list item, book a tour as early in the month as you can and treat it as a bonus rather than a sure thing.
👉 Book an early-September whale shark tour on VIATOR
🐠 Snorkel Yal-Ku Lagoon
A bit further north near Playa Akumal, Yal-Ku Lagoon is where a freshwater cenote system meets the sea, creating a unique brackish-water lagoon full of fish. It’s calm enough to be a great alternative on a day when the ocean itself is too choppy from a passing storm. Bring your own snorkel gear if you have it, or rent it at the entrance.
🎉 Experience Independence Day beyond the main square
If you’re around on September 15-16, don’t just watch the Grito from wherever you’re staying. Head into town for the street food stalls that pop up for the occasion, and if you want a more polished take on the celebration, Xcaret’s Mexico Espectacular show (a short drive north near Playa del Carmen) puts on an elaborate Independence Day performance that’s worth the trip if you want the celebration without the crowds of the main square.
Tips For Visiting Tulum in September
✅ Pack lots of sunscreen: The UV index of Tulum in September is around 7, which is considered dangerous for your skin if exposed unprotected to it. Such being the case, a broad spectrum SPF sunblock (ideally an environment-friendly one) will come in really handy.
✅ Bring a hat, sunglasses, and full-sleeve shirts: Exposing as little of your skin to the UV rays as possible is another good idea.
A hat, sunglasses, full-sleeve shirts, and light long trousers or shorts will do the trick.
Here below are some packing ideas
Click on the image to shop!
✅ Stay hydrated: The heat and high humidity definitely make it really important to drink lots of water, especially when you’re outside during the daytime. Bring an insulated bottle of water with you everywhere you go to make that easier.
I purchased the first one and I have to tell you with all honesty that although on one side it was great to keep the water cool, the bottle was too bulky and heavy for me.
So I switched to this one which is much lighter. And since it doesn’t keep the water cool it motivated me to drink more. 😜
✅ Enjoy the beaches and water sports: September might be hot and humid, but it’s far from the hottest month of the year in Tulum.
Plus, the brief rainy season showers provide some relief. This means the perfect opportunity to enjoy the warm waters and chill sea breeze of the Tulum beaches! You can even book some surf lessons.
Yes, although not many people know Tulum is one of the many surfing spots in Mexico!
Is Tulum Safe to Visit in September?
Yes, generally. September doesn’t change the safety picture in Tulum much beyond what the rainy season and lower crowds naturally bring.
A few rainy-season-specific things worth knowing, especially if you’re traveling solo:
✅ Fewer people around at night. Low season means quieter streets and beach paths after dark, especially in Tulum Pueblo away from the main hotel strip. Stick to well-lit, populated areas at night the same way you would anywhere, and use official taxis or your hotel’s shuttle after dark rather than walking long stretches alone.
✅ Rougher water during storms. When a tropical system is passing through, ocean conditions can turn rough with strong currents even if the sky looks fine. Check with lifeguards or your hotel about swim conditions before getting in, especially in the days right after a storm.
✅ The tourist zones are well-trodden. The Hotel Zone, Aldea Zama, and downtown Tulum Pueblo all see steady traffic year-round, even in low season, and are generally considered safe relative to typical solo-travel safety concerns elsewhere in Mexico. Standard precautions (not flashing valuables, sharing your location with someone back home, keeping copies of your documents) apply here the same as anywhere.
Where to stay in Tulum
Tulum breaks down into three main areas, and where you stay changes the whole feel of your trip. The Hotel Zone (the beach road) has the boho-chic beachfront properties and the highest prices — best for anyone whose trip is centered on the beach itself. Aldea Zama is the walkable, mid-range neighborhood between the beach and downtown, with a growing restaurant and cafe scene — a good middle ground if you want easy access to both. Tulum Pueblo (downtown) is the most budget-friendly option, with local food and lower prices, though you’ll need a bike, taxi, or rental car to reach the beach.
Here are a few of my favorite hotels.
► Best Tulum Hotel on the Beach: Habitas
Book it on Booking.com | Expedia
► Best Tulum Hotel for healthy-conscious travelers: Sanara
Book it on Booking.com | Expedia
► Best Tulum Co-living for Digital Nomads: Selinas Tulum
Book it on Hotels.com | Expedia
► Best Tulum Hotel in Downtown: Zenses Wellness and Spa
Book it on Booking.com | Expedia
► Best Tulum Hotel for a romantic escape: La Valise
Book it on Booking.com | Expedia
► Best All-inclusive Hotel in Tulum: Kore Tulum Retreat & Spa Resort (adult only)
Book it on Booking.com | Expedia
► Best Tulum Hotel for Families: La Zebra Tulum
Book it on Booking.com | Expedia
► Best cheap hotel in Tulum: Hotel Santiago
Book it on Booking.com | Expedia
You can also check the top All-inclusive resorts in Tulum and the best boutique hotels in Tulum for every budget !
Getting To and Around Tulum in September
Tulum’s own international airport (TQO) has been open since December 2023, so flying in no longer automatically means a transfer from Cancun. Depending on where you’re coming from, a direct flight into Tulum can save you a couple of hours versus flying into Cancun and driving down.
If you are flying into Cancun, the drive to Tulum takes around 1.5-2 hours by car or private shuttle, or 2-3 hours by ADO bus. My Cancun to Tulum private transfer partner is the option I’d recommend if you don’t want to deal with rental car logistics during a month when a rain shower could hit at any point in the day.
Getting around once you’re there:
Uber does not operate within Tulum town, so your options are taxis (agree on the fare before you get in, since they’re not metered), renting a car, or sticking to areas walkable from your hotel. If you’re staying in the Hotel Zone or Aldea Zama, a lot of restaurants and beach clubs are bike-friendly, and several hotels rent out bikes or provide them free for guests, which is a nice way to get around without worrying about a sudden downpour ruining a long walk.
Tulum in September Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tulum worth visiting?
Most definitely. Tulum offers visitors beautiful beaches, turquoise waters, and plenty of good times. Whether you’re looking to relax and soak up the sun or explore ancient Mayan ruins, Tulum has something for everyone.
The boho-chic atmosphere of this town and the gorgeous hotels attracts thousands of visitors every year from all around the world.
The hipster health-conscious and the digital nomad communities propelled the growth of amazing healthy shops and vegan restaurants, co-working spaces and yoga spots in town as well.
What is the best time of year to go to Tulum?
Tulum Mexico is a year-round destination because of its tropical climate.
But the best time to visit Tulum for your ideal type of vacation definitely does vary.
If you want to enjoy the best weather, the coldest months are best for it. The dry weather, sunny days, and pleasant temperatures make them very appealing for a vacation.
You can go between late December and early April.
The weather is perfect at this time of year, with average temperatures in the low 80s and very little rain.
The water is also warm and clear, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
Just keep in mind that the winter months are the high season months, so the crowds and prices are both high during them.
When going on a Tulum trip with your family, you can’t go wrong between the months of April and May. This is when the winter months’ pleasant weather is still around and the spring break crowds are gone.
Apart from the low humidity and pleasant temperatures, you won’t have to worry about unexpected rain showers as it’s still the dry season and the rainy season is a couple of months away.
The low season (May-October) has the best month to avoid crowds and plan a budget trip. These are also the hottest and humid months.
Apart from the higher temperatures, the total rainfall in the hurricane season months (July-October) is also higher.
The shoulder season months (April-May and November through early December) are great for a little bit of everything.
The prices aren’t at their lowest, but they’re also not the highest during this time. The crowds are also fewer compared to the peak season.
November to early December are also one of the driest months, so unexpected rain showers won’t spoil your plans.
All in all, you will find plenty of activities, dry weather, clear skies, and little rain during these months.
Does it rain in Tulum in September?
Yes. Not only is September part of the rainy season, but also the rainiest month in Tulum, so at least 15 rainy days are expected in the month.
Fortunately, it’s just a brief shower most of the time. This means that you can enjoy a good vacation in September despite the rainy season.
Is Tulum safe to visit in September?
Yes. September doesn’t introduce new safety concerns beyond what low season and rainy weather naturally bring — see the safety section above for specifics on nighttime precautions and water conditions during storms.
Is there Uber in Tulum?
No, Uber doesn’t operate within Tulum town. Taxis, rental cars, and hotel shuttles are your main options for getting around.
Can you drink the water in Tulum?
Stick to bottled or filtered water, the same as anywhere else in Mexico. Most hotels provide purified water for drinking and brushing your teeth, and it’s cheap and easy to buy bottled water anywhere in town.
Are there hurricanes in Tulum in September?
September sits within the Atlantic hurricane season, and it’s one of the more active months. A direct hit is rare in any given year, but tropical storms bringing heavy rain and rough seas are a real possibility — see the hurricane season section above for how to plan around it.
What’s the best time to visit Tulum for families?
April tends to work best for families, thanks to Children’s Day (April 30) and calmer crowds right after spring break clears out. September’s low prices are appealing for budget-conscious families, but the hurricane risk and daily rain make it a harder sell with kids in tow.
What’s the best time to visit Tulum to avoid crowds?
September is genuinely one of the quietest months of the year in Tulum, alongside June and October, so if avoiding crowds is your top priority, it delivers on that even with the weather tradeoffs.
How is Tulum in September? Final thoughts
September is an excellent time to visit Tulum for warm weather and great deals. But it can rain a lot, so this is something you must keep in mind.
This is also when there are fewer crowds than in peak season or shoulder season.
Average daytime temperatures in September hover around mid 80°Fs (26°C), with around eight hours of sunshine per day. The month also doesn’t have windy days.
This makes it ideal for spending lazy days in the Caribbean with great beach weather or exploring the archaeological site.
However, hurricane season officially runs from June to November, so be sure to check the weather forecast before booking your trip.
But also keep in mind that the weather can change unexpectedly.
