Weather lowdown
The month of May in Tulum signals the last month of the dry season and brings continuing steady temperatures and moderate rainfall. This month, the visitors continue to pour in to soak up the sun, the waves, and the fun. Like nearby Playa del Carmen, the average sea temperature is a balmy 28°C (about 82°F) so you can definitely count on plenty of time on the beach.
At this point of the year, the average daily temperature, which hits 28°C (around 82°F), matches the average sea temperature, so you might feel a little chilly when you get out of the water. Don't worry though; you'll warm up quickly in the sunshine, which shines over eight hours a day. May has the longest days out of the year. Bring along the sunscreen and sunglasses to protect yourself from a vacation-ruining sunburn. As you're packing, you'll also want to bring along light and airy clothing and a good pair of walking shoes.
At night, the lows drop down to 24°C (about 75°F), a great temperature for sitting outside with a cool drink and your travel buddies. During the day, expect temperatures to jump up to a steamy 31°C (around 88°F). Humidity levels can get high this time of the year, but luckily the breezes blowing in from the Caribbean can keep it feeling pleasant. Rainfall amounts jump up this time of the year, with 108 mm falling across the month. With seven days of rain each month, it's a good idea to have the umbrella handy.
While it's rare, this part of North America has seen some extreme highs and lows. The highest recorded temperature hit an uncomfortable 39°C (about 102°F). The lowest temperature ever recorded went down to 20°C (around 68°F). Check the local forecast to be sure, but more than likely you'll have more normal temperatures during your stay.
Where to Stay
Encantada Beachfront Boutique Hotel
Consistently ranking as one of the top hotels in Tulum, Encantada Beachfront Boutique Hotel delivers with beautiful rooms and incredible amenities. Choose from a beachfront room, ocean view room, or garden view room, all equipped with king beds, private bathrooms, and covered decks or balconies. When you're not in your room, hang out on the beach in the comfy sun loungers or wander through the beautiful luscious garden in the beautiful weather.
Luv Tulum
Each of the 12 guests rooms at Luv Tulum is located right on the beach with incredible views of the sand and the water. The rooms have private terraces, ensuite bathrooms, and mosquito netting around the beds, creating an intimate and romantic setting. Enjoy the private beach with thatched umbrellas, sun loungers, and hammocks or head into town to explore Tulum. The on-site restaurant serves homemade and simple dishes made with locally-source products.
Villas Geminis Boutique Condo Hotel
The Villas Geminis Boutique Condo Hotel has 10 spacious and beautiful condos that offer privacy and space. Room configurations include penthouse studios, one-bedroom condos, and two-bedroom villas. In each room, you'll find cable television, Wi-Fi, organic bath products, and rain head showers. Hotel amenities include breakfast each morning, 24-hour concierge, daily housekeeping, and access to bicycles to explore the town of Tulum.
Hit the Beach
Playa Paraiso
Playa Paraiso is one of the most popular stretches of beach in Tulum, especially with May sea temperatures of 28°C (about 82°F). The El Paraiso Beach Club is part of this northern stretch of Tulum Beach and offers a variety of amenities for beach-goers. The club is part of the El Paraiso Hotel and offers visitors the opportunity to rent beach chairs, sunbeds, and umbrellas. You can even rent Wi-Fi for the day if you need to stay connected to the outside world. You cannot bring your own food, but the beach club restaurant does serve food and drinks on the beach.
Eating and Drinking Out
La Malquerida
A quintessential Mexican restaurant, La Malquerida also serves up seafood, barbeque, and delicious drinks. The restaurant sits on the main drag in Tulum, so it's easy to find and a great place to sit and people-watch. You can sit on the outside patio or head inside to the friendly bar.
Restaurare
When you dine at Restaurare, you'll be treated to an intimate atmosphere in a lush garden setting. With outdoor seating, you can enjoy your meal in the warm May weather. The restaurant is a popular choice with vegans and vegetarians, with its large selection of dishes to suite those tastes. Stop in for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and enjoy fresh-pressed cold juices, local wines, and dishes made with fresh local produce.
El Asadero
For a taste of authentic Argentinian meats, try El Asadero, serving up a wide variety of beef, pork, and chicken. You'll find some of the best steak in all of Tulum, including rib-eye, T-bone, New York strip, and sirloin. The menu also includes fresh seafood dishes. The restaurant is located just off the main drag in Tulum and has both indoor and outdoor seating to enjoy your meal.
Things to Do
Aktun Chen Cave and Underground River
Delve deep into Tulum's natural wonders and pay a visit to the Aktun Chen Cave and Underground River. The park offers a little something for everyone, with an extensive list of activities. Go on a forest tour and catch a glimpse of some of the animals that call the Mexican forests home. If you want to see the forest from a different view, Aktun Chen has several ziplines to zoom down through the tops of the trees. You can also take cave tours and do some snorkeling.
Wet 'N Wild Park
The Wet 'N Wild Park in Cancun is a blast for kids of all ages and a guaranteed fun-filled day out in the hot May weather. Share a ride on a giant inflatable tube in the Bubba Tub, float down the lazy river, or test your bravery on the Kamikaze waterslide. The park has a smaller park for younger kids to splash around and enjoy the sun. Along with a variety of pools, slides, tubes, and inflatables, the park offers snorkeling, go-kart racing, and swimming with dolphins.
Riviera Maya Golf Club
For golf lovers, a few rounds of golf under the Mexican sun is a must. Head to Riviera Maya Golf Club at the Dream Tulum Resort and try your hand on the 9 or 18-hole golf course with great greens and fab views. Before you tee off, you can work on your game at the driving range and putting greens. Afterwards, head to the clubhouse with pro shop, dressing rooms with lockers and showers, and restaurants.
