What to Wear in Tulum: The Perfect Packing List

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Planning a trip to Tulum, Mexico is extremely exciting — cenotes, beaches, and Mayan ruins await! There’s only one problem: What should you wear to Tulum?

Knowing what to pack for a destination you’ve never been to can be challenging.

That’s why I wanted to share my complete Tulum packing list that I created when we moved to Tulum as digital nomads.

The reality of Tulum is that it’s quite different than what you see in photos on social media. While there is certainly a luxurious boho-chic aesthetic, that’s only half the story. 

There’s much more to Tulum than meets the eye, which is important to know beforehand so you can pack accordingly.

In this guide, I’ll share my top packing tips for Tulum, including what you should consider packing depending on the weather, the month you visit, and the activities you want to do.

This is the ultimate packing guide for Tulum, Mexico!

The Complete Guide: What to Wear & Pack for Tulum

An Easy Tulum Packing Checklist

Below are my suggestions on what to pack for a trip to Tulum! 

Please note that this packing list is based on a 7 to 10-day Tulum itinerary. If you’re visiting Tulum for fewer days, you should consider packing more minimally (about half).

Consider packing 3-4 outfits (depending on how long you stay) to keep things manageable.

• Town outfit
• Beach outfit
• Adventure outfit (biking, cenotes, water, ruins)
• Night outfit

Keep reading for extra packing tips based on the changing weather, the month you visit, and different activities.

Scroll below this list for suggestions on outfits based on popular Tulum activities!

CLOTHING

• 2x jumpsuits/rompers
• 5x undies
• 1-2x bras
• water shoes
• 1-2x flowy dresses
• 1x beach coverup
• 1x shawl
• 2x flowy pants
• 1x sandals
• 2-3x bathing suits/bikinis
• 1x pajama set
• 1x skirt sets
• 1x leggings
• 1x light sweater
• 1x rain jacket
• 1x linen pants or long sleeves
• 2-3x neutral tees
• 2x socks
• 1x walking shoes
• 1x sunhat, sunglasses
• 1x microfiber beach towel

TOILETRIES

• bamboo toothbrush + toothpaste, floss
• prescription glasses or contacts, eyedrops
• eco solid shampoo & conditioner bars
• soap bar
• biodegradable mosquito balm
• reef-friendly sunscreen (super important!)
• eco bug spray
• vitamins or medications if needed
• makeup + makeup bag
• nail clippers, tweezers
• deo for the BO
• face wipes for sweaty days out
• period cup
• eco-friendly straw
• organic lip balm with spf
• face moisturizer with spf

GEAR & ESSENTIALS

• camera (here’s all my camera gear)
• laptop (if needed to work online)
• dji mavic mini 2 drone
• underwater action camera
• sd cards
• chargers
• adapter (if needed, but Mexico has US outlets)
• scuba/snorkel mask for diving
• day bag
• waterproof dry bag
• usb charger port
• wallet + credit cards
• passport
• driver’s license
• emergency contact #’s
• hotel or Airbnb address
• medications
• phone plan or Mexican SIM card
• safety/emergency cash

What’s the Weather Like in Tulum?

Before throwing clothes in your suitcase and calling it a day, check Tulum’s weather before your trip.

Like many other coastal towns in the Yucatan Peninsula, Tulum has two seasons: wet and dry.

The weather in Tulum is fairly pleasant and sunny year-round, but if you travel there during the wet summer months (rainy season), you’ll be met with many downpours. 

You might also contend with the possibility of hurricanes from August to October. That’s why Tulum and Mexico’s beaches are most popular during the dry winter months from November to April.

A quick Google search for the best time to visit Tulum will yield results that state it will be sometime between November and December. However, this doesn’t really explain what it’s like to be there during that time.

From our experience, cool winds bring a slight chill in the mornings and evenings, and then it gets fairly hot and dry from noon to dusk.

If you’re planning to go during this time, your packing checklist for Tulum might need to include a few warmer staples than you originally expected.

Tulum Outfit Ideas by Activity

In this section, you’ll find tips and outfit ideas for Tulum by activity.

These are both outfits I’ve worn and ones I thought were cute, and I’ve seen others wear them while I was living there.

OUTFIT 1: CENOTES & SIAN KAAN

There are so many incredible cenotes in and around Tulum that you can’t miss out on.

For those who want to go floating down the lagoon inside the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, you’ll want to bring all your water sports gear!

I’ve found that changing into my bathing suit is easiest when wearing a comfy romper or shorts and shirt combo. 

If you’re biking to Cenote Calavera or Cenotes Escondido and Cristal, you should cover up appropriately because you’ll be pedaling on the side of a busy road.

• Bikini or board shorts
• Water shoes or walking sandals
• Comfortable dress or romper
• Change of clothes (shorts + shirt)
• Beach sarong
• Quick-dry towel
• Snorkel mask
• Underwater action camera (or waterproof phone pouch)
• Water bottle
• Day bag

⚠️ Sunscreen is forbidden in the cenotes and the lagoon inside the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve to protect their fragile ecosystems. If you are wearing lotions, makeup, sunscreen, etc., please use the outdoor showers to rinse off before entering.

OUTFIT 2: TULUM BEACH/HOTEL ZONE

In the Tulum Hotel Zone, where the public and private club beaches are, you can expect people to be more boho-chic and ready for a night out.

Think long, flowy dresses, linen pants, cute rompers, 2-piece sets with a bandeau and skirt, large sunhats, etc!

Men are typically dressed in nice shirts and shorts. Avoid wearing pants in Tulum unless they are lightweight and breathable (for both men and women).

• Crop top shorts set
• 2-piece bandeau with skirt
• sunhat
• bikini coverup
• comfy but cute sandals
• linen pants
• round crossbody purse/bag
• beach towel

OUTFIT 3: TULUM TOWN

Tulum Town, also known as Tulum Pueblo, is much more casual! You should aim to cover up in town more. 

No need to wear a bikini, for example—the beach is 20 minutes away (unless you’re wearing it underneath your clothes on your way to a cenote).

The town can feel hotter without that sea breeze, so plan to wear light clothes: ankle to knee-length linen pants, dresses, skirts, or cute denim shorts will do.

• long skirts
• denim shorts
• linen capris
• off-shoulder jumpsuit
• walking sandals
• day bag or backpack

OUTFIT 4: TULUM RUINS & COBA RUINS

To visit the Tulum Ruins by the sea, or the Coba Ruins in the forest, you’ll need good walking shoes or sandals as both areas are quite large.

The Tulum Ruins have little to no shade — wear sunscreen or avoid tank tops to cover your shoulders.

The Coba Ruins lie hidden under a forest canopy, so it’s a good idea to cover up your legs and arms — it can be buggy!

• comfy walking shoes
• lightweight linens or shorts (Tulum ruins)
• longer sleeves or capris (Coba ruins)
• eco mosquito repellent
• reef safe sunscreen
• hat, sunglasses
• optional: bathing suit + towel for the Coba Cenotes

OUTFIT 5: TULUM DAY TRIPS

Finally, if you’re planning a day trip from Tulum, consider bringing a mix of everything depending on your destination!

You’ll need swimming gear for any coastal destination such as Akumal, Bacalar, or Cancun, or city-friendly outfits for Valladolid. If you plan a one-day trip to Chichen Itza (a FULL day of adventuring), pack and wear something comfy and cute!

• maxi dresses
• jumpsuits
• long skirts
• beach cover-ups
• airy cardigan
• light sneakers or walking sandals
• hat, sunglasses
• light jacket (depending on the season)

What to Wear in Tulum by Month

What to Wear in Tulum by Month

Here’s a handy overview of what to wear and pack for Tulum by month.

January to February:

Pack a couple extra layers on top of your usual beachwear, including sweatpants and a light sweater, as January is the coldest month of the year in Tulum (with lows around 70°F). Low rain chances make January a popular month to visit Tulum.

February in Tulum has slightly warmer sea temperatures and daily temperatures above 75°F. It is also the month when rainfall drops from 70mm to 50mm, so you won’t need to pack a rain jacket or dry bag.

March to April: 

March to April in Tulum brings sunnier yet slightly muggier temperatures. Expect longer and warmer days (8 hours of sunshine compared to 6 in January), even lower rainfall, and the perfect weather for swimming in the warm Caribbean Sea (average water temperature is 81°F).

It’s also a great time to rent a scooter in Tulum and go on a day trip, as you won’t have to deal with many rain storms.

May to June: 

With a Tulum itinerary that falls in May or June, one can expect sweltering hot days of full sunshine. While some people may love this, I know some who loathe it!

Bring light and airy clothing from May onward, as this month is the debut of the rainy season in Tulum (sometimes the rain arrives late, sometimes early).

July to August: 

These months mark whale shark season — swimming with them is a popular thing to do in the Riviera Maya, including Tulum.

In July and August, daily temps soar and become hot and extremely humid. Rainfall doubles or triples in spring, so you should expect to bring a rain jacket, dry bag, and long pants/shirts for hiking or exploring in the jungle, such as for visiting the ancient Coba Ruins.

September to October: 

Fall brings fewer crowds but a high chance of rain and possibly hurricanes. We moved to Tulum in September, and it was one of the best months in terms of empty roads, uncrowded cenotes, and pleasant sunsets at the beach.

Then, in October, a hurricane arrived and took out our electricity for days, dirtied the beaches, and flooded the streets. Plan and pack for unexpected weather. A dry bag or plastic cover for your backpack or day bag is a must, as well as a quick-dry towel, spare shoes, and a poncho or light rain jacket.

November to December: 

Expect beautiful (yet shorter) days of sunshine in November and December. Cool air will refresh you in the mornings and evenings, while the sun heats up in the afternoon.

The only downside of spending these months in Tulum is the crowds that increase by the hundreds or thousands each week leading up to Christmas and the New Year’s holidays.

What Not to Wear in Tulum

While Tulum is a destination where anything goes in terms of fashion, there are a few things you’ll probably want to leave at home. High heels and expensive, flashy jewelry are the biggest “no-nos.”

Depending on which part of Tulum you’re staying in and what property, hair dryers may or may not work. Leave it at home at home in favor of beachy waves due to Tulum’s often finicky power grid, especially if you’re staying near the beach.

In the end, it’s up to you what you want to bring! 

What Kind of Luggage Should I Bring to Tulum?

The best luggage to bring to Tulum is a carry-on backpack or a small, hardside suitcase! Overall, the less luggage you have, the more easy it will be to get around. This is especially true if you’ll be traveling between towns or using public transportation with your bags in tow.

If you’re planning to rent a car or have private transportation arranged, how much luggage you’re bringing and its size won’t matter as much.

FAQ’s About What to Pack for a Trip to Tulum

What shoes should I bring to Tulum?

What shoes you bring to Tulum will depend on the activities you’re planning to do. Sandals and tennis shoes are a good place to start. If you plan to do a lot of hiking or want to explore Mayan ruins, hiking boots might also be a good idea, although a sturdy pair of hiking sandals will also do!

Do you need bug spray in Tulum?

It can get buggy in Tulum, especially in the areas that are deeper in the jungle. If you’re planning to visit the Coba Ruins, any of the cenotes, and other locations surrounded by forest in Tulum, you’ll want to bring along biodegradable bug spray. However, keep in mind that you won’t be able to wear it until after you’ve finished swimming in the cenotes! 

Should I bring pesos or USD to Tulum?

While some places in Tulum do accept USD, pesos are preferred. Many restaurants and businesses also accept credit cards, although it’s always a good idea to have pesos on hand, just in case. 

Many people recommend exchanging your money before you arrive, which you can do at your local bank. However, withdrawing cash from an ATM is also okay. Keep in mind that some of the ATMs in central Tulum might run out of money by the afternoon! 

What do you need to travel to Tulum, Mexico?

Most travelers will need a valid passport to travel to Tulum, Mexico. Unless you’re visiting on a closed-loop cruise, make sure to bring this important piece of identification and double-check that you have plenty of wiggle room in terms of its expiration date.

Is there a dress code for the Tulum Ruins?

While there’s technically no dress code while visiting the Tulum Ruins, it’s expected that guests dress respectfully. This means refraining from wearing nothing but bathing suits or swim trunks. Instead, you’ll want to wear breathable clothing and comfy walking shoes.

Did I Forget Something?

Let me know your thoughts about this Tulum packing list!

I have been there for most of the year but skipped out during the hot summer months from May-August. So if you have recommendations or suggestions, I’d be happy to hear them!

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