Explore Mexico

Visiting Tulum in August: Weather, Pros & Cons, and Tips

Discover the pros and cons of visiting Tulum in August to help you decide if it’s the right time for your trip.

Visiting Tulum in August can be a tropical adventure—if you're prepared for the heat and occasional rain. August falls in Tulum’s low season, meaning fewer crowds and lower prices, but it's also one of the hottest and wettest months of the year.

Many wonder, “Is Tulum too hot in August?” I’ll answer that, compare August to other months, and share tips for planning during hurricane season.

Let’s dive into what you can expect when visiting Tulum in August, and decide if it's right for you.

Tulum Weather in August

August in Tulum is hot, humid, and a bit unpredictable. It’s the peak of summer, so expect sultry days and warm nights. Here are the key weather highlights for Tulum in August:

Temperatures: Daytime highs often reach the low to mid-90s °F (32–34°C). Average daily temps hover around 83°F (28°C), with steamy afternoons and slightly cooler mornings/evenings. Nighttime lows still stay around 75°F (24°C), so it never truly gets “chilly.”
Humidity: It’s very humid in August – around 80% on average. That means the heat can feel even more intense (think “tropical sauna” vibes). Pack breathable clothing and hydrate often.
Sunshine: Despite the rains, August still sees plenty of sun – about 12-13 hours of daylight and ~10 hours of sunshine per day. Remember the UV index is extreme (often 11+ at midday) – slather on that SPF and wear a hat!
Sea Temperature: The Caribbean Sea is like bathwater in August, with sea temps in the mid-80s °F (around 29°C), perfect for swimming.

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Is Tulum too hot in August?

It’s definitely hot – August is Tulum’s hottest month of the year. With afternoons in the 90s °F and high humidity, the heat can feel intense. Midday outdoor activities will leave you drenched in sweat. However, whether it’s “too hot” really depends on your comfort level:

If you’re coming from a cooler climate, Tulum’s August heat may feel overwhelming. You’ll want a pool or ocean nearby at all times to cool off and air conditioning (or at least a strong fan) in your accommodations at night.
Travelers from already-hot places sometimes find it manageable. As one visitor from Texas noted, “we always go to Tulum in August. It is HOT, but... less severe hot-wise than Dallas. In other words, if you’re used to Southern U.S. summers or similar, Tulum’s heat might be on par or even a bit easier with the ocean breeze.
Timing is everything: Plan to do your sightseeing or activities in the early morning or late afternoon/evening when temperatures are a tad lower. For example, visit the Mayan ruins right when they open, or stroll the beach at sunset instead of mid-afternoon.
Take frequent breaks in the shade or indoors during the peak heat of 12–3 pm. This is a great time for a long lunch, a nap, or a dip in a cenote (cool sinkhole pools) to refresh.
Stay hydrated and prepared: Always have water with you, and use electrolyte packets or coconut water to replenish what you sweat out. Wear light, breathable fabrics (linen, cotton) and a hat. You can even carry a small portable fan or mist spray – it sounds extra, but you’ll thank yourself when you’re melting under the Yucatán sun.

Tulum is very hot in August, but with some planning and coping strategies, you can still make visiting Tulum in August a great trip.

Many travelers do visit in August despite the heat—just don’t underestimate the sun and humidity. If you absolutely hate heat, you might find it uncomfortable; but if you love warm weather or don’t mind moving at a slower pace, August in Tulum is doable.

Does it rain a lot in Tulum in August?

Overall, yes it rains quite a bit in August, but not enough to ruin your trip if you plan around it. Many travelers actually enjoy the dramatic thunderstorms and the fact that the rain keeps the jungle green and lush. Just don’t forget that umbrella and maybe pack a pair of sandals/flip-flops for wading through puddles in town!

How much rain: On average, Tulum gets around 120–130 mm of rain in August, which is roughly 4.8–5 inches. In practical terms, that’s significant, but it usually comes in spurts.
Rainy days: It might rain on about half the days of the month (around 15–21 days have some rain. That sounds like a lot of days, but often it’s just a quick shower in the afternoon or overnight thunderstorm.
Rain pattern: A typical August day might be sunny or partly cloudy in the morning, then a brief downpour in late afternoon to cool things off, and then clear up again. Those tropical showers can be intense but short-lived. It’s not like it drizzles non-stop. In fact, locals will tell you even in rainy season it’s rare to get an entire day of rain without any sun.
Be prepared: Carry a compact umbrella or a light rain jacket in your day bag so a surprise shower doesn’t catch you off guard. If it does start pouring, just duck into a bar or café for a bit – chances are it will pass within an hour. After the rain, the sun often pops back out and the jungle smells amazing.
Forecasts look worse than reality: Don’t be alarmed if your weather app shows thunderstorm icons every day of your trip. That usually just means a high chance of a brief storm at some point. It might rain hard for 30 minutes where you are and then be gorgeous the rest of the day.
Flooding: One thing to note – Tulum’s roads can flood quickly during heavy rain (the drainage isn’t great). This is more of an issue if you’re driving; just use caution if you hit deep puddles. On the upside, the rain brings slightly cooler temps and can be refreshing after the intense heat.

Tip: August is also part of the hurricane season in the Caribbean (more on that later). While full-blown hurricanes are rare, there’s a higher chance of tropical storms or depressions in late summer. Keep an eye on the forecast as your trip approaches, but don’t stress too much – big storms are usually well-predicted in advance.

Pros of Visiting Tulum in August

Fewer crowds and laid-back atmosphere
Lower hotel and travel prices
Warm sea perfect for swimming/snorkeling
Wildlife encounters (turtles, whale sharks)
More local experiences, fewer tourists

Cons of Visiting Tulum In August

Intense heat and high humidity
Frequent rain showers
Risk of hurricanes or tropical storms
Sargassum seaweed on beaches
Increased mosquitoes and bugs
Reduced nightlife and party scene

Like any time of year, August in Tulum comes with upsides and downsides. Here’s a quick overview of the pros and cons to help you weigh your decision:

Hurricane Season Risks and Precautions

August falls in peak hurricane season (June–Nov, highest risk Aug–Oct). While most years pass with just rain or a weak tropical storm, hurricanes can happen—like Hurricane Grace in Aug 2021.

Staying Informed
Check the National Hurricane Center and weather apps like Windy starting a week before your trip. Hurricanes rarely arrive without days of warning, and hotels will alert guests if a storm is coming.

If a Storm Hits
For major hurricanes, expect possible evacuations and flexible airline/hotel policies. Smaller tropical storms usually mean a day or two indoors—most hotels are prepared with generators and safety protocols.

Safety Tips
Stay off beaches during storms, keep essentials (flashlight, power bank, water, snacks, documents) handy, and follow hotel or local instructions.

Travel Smart
Get hurricane coverage in your travel insurance and book flexible stays. Most trips in August are unaffected, but being prepared makes all the difference.

Real Traveler Experiences: Tulum in August

Hearing from others who’ve visited in August offers valuable perspective. Here’s what some travelers had to say:

“It was hot, but we loved the peace and quiet.”
“I visited Tulum last August with my partner. Yes, the humidity hit hard, but the lack of crowds made up for it. Some afternoons we had cenotes all to ourselves—it was surreal. We planned around the heat (beach early, siesta midday, dinner late) and it worked perfectly. Honestly, I enjoyed August more than my February trip because it felt more relaxed and authentic.”

“Bring bug spray and be flexible with the weather.”
“My top packing item wasn’t a bikini—it was insect repellent. After a big rain, the mosquitoes came out in force, but spraying up in the evenings solved it. We also learned to roll with the weather. When rain canceled our beach day, we went to a spa and a tequila tasting in town—turned out to be one of our favorite days.”

“Seaweed was an issue, but we still found gorgeous beaches.”
“I’d heard the summer seaweed warnings, and yes, some days it piled up. But it varied—one morning the water was crystal clear, two days later a different beach was covered. Our hotel tipped us off to Xpu-Ha Beach north of Tulum, which had far less seaweed.”

Final Takeaway:
August in Tulum isn’t for everyone but can be fantastic if you’re ready for a bit of heat, some rain, and fewer crowds. Enjoy your August adventure in Tulum – just don’t forget the sunscreen! 😎

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