Tulum · Month comparison

May vs November

November ranks #1 overall vs May at #5. The sweet spot transition: dry season returning, low crowds, good value — the locals' favourite.

Tulum May — green jungle trees meeting the rocky Caribbean shoreline as the dry season gives way to wet

May

#5 of 12 months

Strong option

Shoulder month: humidity rising but prices drop significantly and beaches thin out.

  • ↑Prices fall 25–35% from peak season; best-value window for beach-road boutique hotels
  • ↑Tourist numbers drop sharply — cenotes less crowded than any point since December
Tulum November — green palm trees on white sand beside the turquoise Caribbean as the dry season returns

November

#1 of 12 months

Best match

The sweet spot transition: dry season returning, low crowds, good value — the locals' favourite.

  • ↑Día de Muertos (Nov 1–2) in Tulum Pueblo: stunning altars, marigold decorations, and genuine community celebration
  • ↑Dry season increasingly establishing itself: sun-to-rain ratio swinging back in the traveller's favour
FactorMayNovember
Weather score
6
7
Value score
7
7
Crowd score
7
7
Events score
4
7
Atmosphere
6
7
Avg high temp32°C29°C
Monthly rain85mm71mm
Daily sunshine8.5hrs8hrs

May trade-offs

  • ↓Humidity climbing noticeably (76%): outdoor activity becomes more uncomfortable, especially midday
  • ↓Wet season is beginning — occasional thunderstorms disrupt beach afternoons
  • ↓Some beach clubs and wellness retreats on reduced staffing before June

November trade-offs

  • ↓Early November still sees meaningful rain (71mm) — not yet fully dry season reliability
  • ↓Some beach clubs still on reduced wet-season schedules in early November
  • ↓Water temperature at its lowest (still 27°C, but noticeable to those accustomed to August warmth)
See all 12 months for Tulum →May in detail →November in detail →
Scores compare months within Tulum. Climate data: Open Meteo ERA5 30-year normals (1991–2020). Methodology →