Weather lowdown
When September comes around, the temperatures start cooling off but the rainfall amounts hit the highest of the year for Tulum. Don't let the high chance of rain put you off to visiting, however. The rainstorms that come through may be heavy, but typically don't last all day and come in short bursts. Still, with 220 mm falling over the course of the month and 15 days of rain, you'll want to have the umbrella handy.
The average daily temperature for this part of North America reaches 28°C (around 82°F), a nice temperature for exploring the Mayan ruins in the area or, spending the day at the beach. The average sea temperature for this time of the year is 29°C (about 84°F). Bring along the sunscreen with a high SPF to avoid looking like a lobster for the remainder of your holiday. The area gets around six hours of daylight, plenty of time to get sunburned.
At night, the lows drop down to 24°C (about 75°F), bringing some relief from the heat of the day. Find a bar or restaurant with outdoor seating and enjoy a cold drink in the warm night air. During the day, the highs climb to 31°C (about 88°F), extending the summer heat even into the autumn months. You'll want lightweight summer clothing like shorts, t-shirts, and tank tops to stay cool and comfortable in the heat of the day.
Check the local forecast before you go, but more than likely, you'll get normal highs and lows during your stay. The highest recorded temperature occurred when the high jumped all the way to 38°C (about 100°F), feeling pretty stifling especially when combined with the humidity. The lowest recorded temperature dropped down to 21°C (around 70°F), not far from the normal low.
Where to Stay
Ahau Tulum
The beach cabanas of Ahau Tulum provide guests with a luxurious and elegant stay right on the beach. The cabanas include top or bottom level options, or you can get one of the Bali huts all to yourself. With flowing white curtains and bamboo four-poster beds, the rooms offer a comfortable place to relax and unwind when you're finished enjoying all Tulum has to offer. The property has sun loungers on the beach, as well as daily yoga classes, kitesurfing, and paddleboarding.
Las Palmas Maya
Nestled in palm trees of Tulum, Las Palmas Maya is just steps from the ocean and the warm sand. You can choose from one of three room configurationshe Deluxe Cabanas, Tree Top Suite, and Garden Suite. All of the rooms have private bathrooms, beach towels to use out at the beach, ceiling fans, and separate sitting areas. Away from your room, you'll enjoy a hammock lounge, purified water stations, free coffee and Wi-Fi, and a communal kitchen.
The Beach Tulum
The Beach Tulum has 20 high-end finished rooms for your September stay. Some of the rooms have terraces where you can swim right up to your room, while others have private rooftop patios to enjoy views of the entire area. The hotel offers numerous amenities including a private beach club, beautiful pool and swim-up bar, and activities like tequila tastings and beach bonfires. You can also dine and drink at the on-site restaurant, Ziggy's.
Hit the Beach
The Papaya Playa Project is a collection of amenities including hotel, restaurant, and beach club. The beach club has a double decker bar affording guests panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea. Other amenities include restaurant and bar, hanging beds, loungers, and chairs. Throughout the week, DJs and live bands entertain the crowds and keep the party going all day and night long. You can also try your hand at watersports like kitesurfing and stand-up paddleboarding, especially with September water temperatures hovering at 29°C (about 84°F).
Eating and Drinking Out
Posada Margherita
With a rustic and laid-back atmosphere, Posada Margherita is the place to experience wonderful food with your travel buddies. Start your meal out with a fresh caprese salad or focaccia board with cheese. All the pasta is homemade and cooked-to-order and the wine list pairs perfectly with the entrees. Be prepared with cash as the restaurant does not accept credit cards.
El Camello
Another great choice for Mexican food when in Tulum, El Camello also serves up Spanish and Latin favorites. You'll definitely want to try the seafood and fish dishes, including the popular and delicious ceviche. Start your meal off with the freshly-made guacamole, bean dip, and chips and salsa and move onto the classics like rice and beans, fried fish, and the octopus platter. Your meal won't be complete without a cold margarita to wash everything down.
Things to Do
Ko'ox Diving
Get an up-close-and-personal experience with crocodiles on a tour with Ko'ox Diving. The croc expedition allows you to dive and snorkel with these ancient creatures. You'll go to an open-air cenote to swim with these large animals and also get a chance to see other types of wildlife such as frogs, fish, and birds. The tours are done with small groups of only six people, so you'll get personalised attention from the guide.
Tankah
For a look at Mayan life, head to Tankah, a Mexican natural park where you can walk through a traditional Mayan village. There, you'll see how the Mayan people lived and worked off the land and learn more about the culture. After you've explored the village, you can try the park's zipline that takes you over a beautiful lagoon. The park also has canoes you can use to explore the lagoon and a cool, refreshing cenote to enjoy a swim in the warm September air.
Cenote Yax Kin Camping
If you don't mind roughing it, try a night out camping with Cenote Yax Kin Camping. The campsites are located next to the beautiful Yax Kin cenote. The sites come equipped with a parking lot, bathrooms, and a campfire area to roast marshmallows and tell ghost stories. During the heat of the day, take a dive into the cenote and cool off in the refreshing water, filled with all kinds of fish.
