Essential Tulum Packing List: What to Wear in 2024

Wondering what to pack for Tulum, Mexico? This ultimate packing list breaks down what to wear for a comfortable trip to one of Mexico’s popular beach destinations. 

Are you stumped on what to pack for Tulum?

I get it.

Packing for a new destination is challenging, especially when you’re not familiar with the climate and local street style.

Fortunately for you, I have over two decades of Mexico travel experience, and I even lived in Playa del Carmen for a year (it’s one hour from Tulum!) Needless to say, I’m familiar with the Tulum climate and have some good insights into how to pack for the area. 

Trust me, it took time to figure it all out. Tulum’s tropical climate is a far cry from the Canadian winters that I was accustomed to. After much trial and error, I’ve finally honed in a Tulum packing style that is practical, cute, and comfortable.

If you’re also an easy-going, nature-oriented girly who favors practicality and comfort, this will be the ultimate Tulum packing list for you. 

Let’s get into it!

Where is Tulum?

Tulum is located in the state of Quintana Roo on Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula. The town sits on a stretch of coast known as the Riviera Maya, which extends north to Cancun. 

Tulum also sits on the shores of the Mexican Caribbean, which is known for its vibrant turquoise waters.

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Tulum Climate

Generally speaking, the climate in Tulum is exactly what sun-seekers dream of: hot and humid. But not too humid. There’s enough of a breeze to rustle the palm fronds and provide a little relief from the heat.

Tulum is the quintessential tropical destination, with temperatures averaging around 91-95°F (33-35°C) year-round. You’re pretty much guaranteed warm weather at any time of year. 

May through October is the rainy season, and the rainiest months are September and October. The hottest months are April and May, with average daily highs of 91-95°F (33-35°C) If you want to beat the crowds, this is the time to visit. 

The heat and humidity are at their peak, but most of the time, the rain is isolated to heavy showers in the afternoons. If you can tolerate the high temperatures, you’ll be able to take advantage of all of Tulum’s attractions with smaller crowds. 

The dry season runs from November through April. The winter months of December and January are the coolest months, with average daily temperatures of 73°F (23°C).

During the dry season, humidity levels are a little lower, and precipitation is less regular. Of course, these idyllic temperatures coincide with Tulum’s high season, which kicks off in late November. The crowds start to thin out again in April, after Mexico’s Easter holiday (Semana Santa). If you want the best weather, the dry season is definitely the time to visit. 

Tulum’s hurricane season lasts from June 1st through November 30th, so be mindful of the potential for storms if you plan to visit during this time. Purchase travel insurance in case a storm throws a wrench in your travel plans! 

Breathable clothing, sun protection, and quick-drying fabrics are the best ways to stay comfortable in Tulum year-round.

What to Pack for Tulum

As you start to prepare your Tulum packing list, spend some time thinking about what types of things you’ll do on your trip. What types of places will you be eating and drinking at? Will you be attending any parties or raves?

With that in mind, think about what you feel most comfortable in. Then pack the items that will be most practical based on all of the above.

Here’s what I recommend bringing to Tulum. But this is just a starting point based on my own travel style. Use this list as a reference and adapt it to suit your needs and preferences. 

Clothing & Shoes

Tulum’s beautiful beaches, intriguing Mayan ruins, and abundance of compelling outdoor adventures mean you’ll probably spend a ton of time in and out of the water during your Tulum trip. 

Prioritize packing lightweight clothing made from quick-drying, breathable fabrics is key. Supportive sandals are likely your best bet for functional beach and jungle footwear.

In the evenings, you’ll likely want to hit up some nice restaurants, chill at a beach bar, or catch some live music at a bar in Tulum pueblo. Make sure you pack some cute outfits for these occasions– sun dresses are an easy way to go. 

Here’s a detailed look at what I would take for one week in the Riviera Maya. 

Shorts

Packing a few different pairs of shorts will ensure you always have a dry pair when you need one. It’s also handy to take a few different styles so you can mix and match your outfits a little. I suggest taking:

• One pair of biker shorts – There are tons of yoga classes to join in Tulum, so you’ll be glad to have a pair of biker shorts on hand. And they’re comfortable for everyday wear, too! I’m a fan of Lululemon’s Align shorts, but this dupe from Amazon is a great alternative.  

• One pair of linen shorts – These linen shorts are lightweight and breathable, making them a great option for Tulum. They’re perfect for wearing as a swimsuit coverup at the beach or lounging around in the evening. 

• One pair of athletic shorts – Breathable, quick-dry athletic shorts are perfect for outdoor adventures in Tulum. You’ll be comfortable in these as you tour archaeological sites or poke around town on a bike or scooter.  

If you’re a cutoffs girly, don’t hesitate to pack your favorite jean shorts for Tulum! My Levis 501 shorts are my go-to, even at the beach. 

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Swimsuits

Is there any feeling worse than having to slip into a wet swimsuit? Nothing comes to mind! Take at least two bathing suits on your Tulum trip.

I like to pack a couple of different swimsuit styles to mix things up. 

It’s nice to have one swimsuit that offers enough coverage and support for activities like snorkeling or swimming in cenotes and another that’s more minimal for sunbathing. 

I’m obsessed with Left on Friday (LOF) swimwear. Their swimsuits are both comfortable and functional, and the high waist options are great for those of us who prefer a little more coverage. They’re a little spendy, but they’re an investment piece. They come in tons of fun colors and styles, so you can mix and match. 

I bought the Hi Hi Bottoms and the Pool Days Top. I was thrilled to discover that their D+ line of tops actually fit me. If you have a large chest, I’m sure you’re familiar with the struggle of trying on a DD top that’s actually more of a C. Not with LOF– they’re the real deal! 

Read Next: The Best Swimsuits for a Mexico Vacation

Swimsuit Coverup

A swimsuit coverup is essential for beach days in Tulum. This button-down dress is a great option. Or maybe you prefer a tunic-style coverup?

A colorful sarong is another good option! 

Assorted Tops

Tank tops and T-shirts are going to be most comfortable on hot days in Tulum. You can count on the weather being hot and humid year-round, so favor light, breathable fabrics. Cotton and athletic clothing are great. 

Take at least three tops for a week-long trip to Tulum. I’m a fan of these basic tees from CRZ Yoga. Or, if you prefer a cropped fit, go with this one. 

These basic tank tops are great, too. 

It’s also nice to have a long-sleeve shirt to protect your shoulders from the sun during the day and mosquitos in the evening. 

Dresses

Dresses are super convenient in Tulum. I usually wear shorts and tank tops when I’m out and about doing active things during the day and then slip into a comfortable dress in the evening for dinner. Pack at least two dresses for one week in Tulum.

A classic sundress is a versatile choice for day and night. A maxi dress offers more sun and mosquito protection. 

If you’re planning to visit any high-end restaurants that might have a dress code (or invite nicer attire), be strategic about the dresses you pack. Dark colors make it easy to trick people into thinking your comfortable cotton sundress is a lot more expensive and classy than it might feel.

Pants & Leggings

You probably won’t want to wear pants or leggings in Tulum, but you’ll be glad to have them on the plane or on the bus from Cancun. I always pack a pair of Lululemon Align leggings (or this CRZ yoga dupe) just for this purpose.

Bugs can be a problem in Tulum, too, so having a pair of loose cotton or linen pants is a convenient way to limit itchy bites.

A light sweater, sweatshirt, or jacket

A warm outer layer is another essential for days when you’re in transit to and from Tulum. If it’s too hot to wear, you can always use it as a pillow on the bus or plane!

I tend to dress very casually, so I’d pack this sweatshirt. A cardigan or a light jacket would be a good alternative. Go with whatever works with your style!

Sandals

You’ll definitely live in sandals during your Tulum vacation. 

For active days, a pair of Chacos is super practical. If you’re planning to spend most of your trip rotating from beach lounger to pool lounger, take a comfy pair of slides or flip flops that you can slip on and off easily. I’m loyal to my Rainbow flip-flops, but this Sanuk pair is a great option, too. 

For evenings out, consider tossing in a pair of strappy sandals to level up your outfit a little (if that matters to you!). 

Pro tip: I don’t recommend high heels in Tulum because many of the streets are uneven or unpaved. I think it would be a bit of a liability to wear them– especially after a little bit of tequila. So, yes to dressy sandals, but I recommend you keep them flat! 

Shoes

If you’re the type of person who needs really solid arch or ankle support, I’d pack a pair of sneakers for days when you expect to do a lot of walking. If you’re a seasoned sandal veteran, you’ll be able to get by with just a pair of chacos (or even flips, depending on how hardcore you want to be!).

Toiletries

Carry-on travelers know that toiletries will quickly eat up all the extra space in your bag and add a ton of weight. 

I’m often tempted to skip packing most of them and buy everything when I arrive in Mexico. But… I tested this theory on a recent trip to Puerto Vallarta and learned that it doesn’t save me any money to do so. 

So, here’s what I would bring to Tulum. 

• Reef-safe sunscreen: You can buy it there, but your selection and prices will be better back home. Many places in Tulum and the Riviera Maya insist that you wear biodegradable sunscreen to protect the local ecosystems. I’m loyal to Sunbum products! They also have a face stick, which is great if you’re planning to spend lots of time on the water.  

• Moisturizer – Sun, salt, and chlorinated water can be tough on your skin, so a good moisturizer is crucial. Pack your favorite one from home. 

• Facial cleanser – It’s such a relief to wash off sunscreen, salt, and sand at the end of the day. This is my go-to face wash. It’s really gentle but effective.

• Lip balm with SPF – Chapped lips are the worst, so don’t overlook this! I use this one, but any lip balm with sunscreen will do!

• Shampoo & conditioner – Solid shampoo and conditioner bars are awesome because they don’t count against your liquid allowance, and they won’t leak all over your bag!

• Toothpaste & toothbrush – Bring whatever you normally use. If you don’t already have one, pick up a travel toothbrush holder. I use this one! 

• Deodorant – You’ll need reliable deodorant in Tulum’s hot weather. Solid deodorant is the easiest for travel. But, if you forget to pack it, you can buy deodorant at any convenience store in Tulum. Dove and Nivea are two of the most common brands.

• Tweezers – If you don’t already have Tweezerman tweezers, get some! They’re awesome. 

• Prescription medications – If you take any prescriptions, bring them in their original bottles just in case you get stopped by customs. 

• Mosquito Repellent – The bugs come out in full force as soon as the sun goes down. I swear by this brand because it works really well (yes, it has DEET). I wore it on a jungle hiking trip in Costa Rica and got very few bites. I know DEET is bad, but using it sparingly won’t be too detrimental. And it’s better than getting dengue. 

• A mini first aid kit: Having a little homemade first-aid kit will save you a million trips to Farmacia de Ahorro to pick up basic supplies. It’s now one of my travel essentials. Here’s what I put in mine:
  • Tylenol or ibuprofen for headaches
  • Bandaids for small cuts
  • Hand sanitizer because public restrooms aren’t always well-stocked
  • Chewable Pepto-Bismol tablets in case of an upset stomach
  • Disinfectant wipes to clean cuts
  • Polysporin for treating cuts or bug bites

It’s so handy to have this stuff if you need it. Plus, bringing things from home means you can choose your favorite brands and pick whatever you’re most familiar with and confident in. 

Accessories

Here are a few Tulum essentials that you should bring. 

• Sunglasses – When you’re next to the ocean, the glare of the sun is only amplified. Make sure you protect your eyes with a pair of stylish shades!

• Purse – A crossbody purse is ideal for Tulum, so your valuables are closer to your body and harder for pickpockets to access (though this is more of a concern in big cities and less of a problem in Tulum). But, as a solo traveler, I like to be extra cautious. For ultimate protection, consider an anti-theft purse!

• Belt bag – An alternative to a crossbody purse (and ideal for minimalist travelers) is a belt bag. These are awesome on public transportation, the airport, and other crowded spaces. I like that they don’t dangle or get in the way during active adventures. 

• Sun hat – Protect your face from sunburn with a hat. This one rolls up, making it easy to pack in your suitcase. If you’re more of a bucket hat girlie, this one is cute!

• Travel towel – Travel towels are great for beach days because they’re lightweight and quick to dry. I have this one! 

• Beach bag – A beach bag is an essential item to bring to Tulum. I have this one, and it’s the perfect size. A wet bag is also a good idea to toss your wet bathing suit in so it doesn’t soak everything else you’re carrying. 

• Earplugs – Mexico can be really loud, especially during holidays or if you’re staying anywhere near the nightlife. Pack a pair of earplugs, and you’ll sleep peacefully! 

Electronics

You probably won’t be inclined to spend a ton of time staring at a screen while you’re on a Tulum beach vacation, but there are a few handy electronic items that you should remember to pack. 

Cell phone

Staying connected is key, even when you’re on vacation. You’ll be glad to have your phone for calling taxis with WhatsApp or communicating through Google Translate. 

Buy an Airalo eSIM online, and you’ll be connected to local data as soon as you land in Mexico.

With an eSIM, you don’t have to change your physical SIM card, so there’s no need to stash it in a “safe place” you’ll immediately forget about.  

If your phone isn’t eSIM compatible, head to the nearest convenience store once you reach Tulum. Oxxo and X24 are two of the most popular ones in the area. You can buy a TelCel SIM card for about $150 MXN. You can add data in any increment over $20 MXN. I’d start with $200 MXN and top up as needed. 

Waterproof phone pouch

If you’re heading to the beach on your own, having one of these waterproof pouches to stash your phone and money will give you peace of mind while you swim. They may be a little dorky, but it’s a lot better than having your valuables swiped! 

Kindle (or eReader)

Reading at the beach is easier with a Kindle because the brightness adjusts to accommodate the sunlight. It’s much more comfortable than staring at the pages of a book. Plus, you can fit hundreds of books on your eReader, so you never run out of options! 

I love my Kindle because it’s connected to my library account, and I can borrow ebooks for free! 

Having one will save you from spending tons of money on beach reads at Hudson News. 

GoPro

If you want to capture all the fun adventures you take in Tulum, a GoPro camera is the perfect way to do it. A waterproof camera will enable you to film clips of snorkeling excursions, cenote dives, and so much more! 

Charging Cables

You’ll need chargers for all the electronics you bring. Most accommodations in Tulum are modern enough to have three-prong outlets, but there’s a small chance they won’t. 

Some places still have two-prong outlets. Something to keep in mind. Check photos of your hotel room or Airbnb if you’re not certain of the outlet types.

Carbon Monoxide Detector

There have been a few really depressing news stories over the past few years of families on vacation in Tulum and Mexico City who passed away due to carbon monoxide leaks in their accommodation.

Since many buildings in Mexico don’t have carbon monoxide detectors, consider bringing your own for peace of mind.

I don’t know much about these devices, so I highly recommend doing additional research before putting all of your faith in one. 

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Luggage

My standard advice for Mexico is to take a travel pack. But, if you’re on a resort-style vacation where you’re not moving places frequently and don’t plan to spend much time on public transportation, a roller bag will be just fine. 

My favorite roller bag is the Monos Carry-on Pro. I’ve had it for about a year, and it’s the perfect size for a week-long carry-on trip. It fits in the overhead bins of most airlines. It’s well-made, stylish, and comes in tons of fun colors. I picked Terracotta, obviously! 

I’ve had an Osprey Farpoint 40 travel pack for eight years. I’ve carted it all over Costa Rica, Mexico, Canada, and the US, and it’s still going strong. The frame is light and flexible, and the body expands and contracts nicely, making it manageable in transit. I love it. 

💡 Packing Tip: If you struggle to cram all your things into your carry-on suitcase, packing cubes can be a great way to condense items further. Plus, they make it so much easier to find things in your luggage!

Additional Items to Bring to Riviera Maya

I wanted to include a few more useful things you might want to pack for the Riviera Maya. These items are easy to overlook but will undoubtedly come in handy during your vacation.

• A safety pin or paper clip – If you buy a physical SIM card, you’ll need a pointy object to open up the SIM card tray in your phone.

• A water bottle – You can’t drink tap water in Mexico. Reduce single-use plastics! Most accommodations have garrafones (large bottles of filtered water) available for guests to refill their bottles. Pack your favorite reusable bottle for your trip. I suggest Nalgene because they’re nice and light. 

• A tote bag – I take my Baggu shopping bag everywhere. It’s perfect for getting groceries, trips to the lavandería, and stashing extra items that won’t fit in my suitcase at the end of the trip! They fold up into a tiny pouch so you can pop it in your purse or daypack in case you need it.

What do People Wear in Tulum?

Tulum is Mexico’s boho beach paradise. Locals may dress relatively conservatively to go to work, but you’ll see lots of people wearing beachwear everywhere you go. 

If you’re the type of traveler who lives in a swimsuit and cutoffs, you’ll fit right in in Tulum. Flowy dresses, and bohemian-inspired looks are very popular. Many travelers spend their whole trip in swimsuits and beach cover-ups. 

High-end restaurants in Tulum may enforce a dress code. Be aware of this in case you’re planning to eat somewhere especially nice. You can probably dress up a sundress with strappy sandals and some jewelry to conform. 

Ultimately, it doesn’t matter what anyone else is wearing. Just pack whatever you feel most comfortable and confident in for your Riviera Maya vacation. 

More Tips on Packing for Tulum

Packing for Tulum activities

As you develop your Tulum packing list, make a quick list of all the types of activities and day trips you’re hoping to do. Do you have appropriate clothing for each of them? Ask yourself what would be most comfortable for each excursion and pack accordingly.

Looking for activity inspo? Check out my guide to the best things to do in the Riviera Maya!

Packing for water activities in Tulum

Tulum is home to some of the best beaches in Mexico and all kinds of aquatic adventures. From snorkeling and cenote diving to swimming, boating, and more. 

Sun protection is super important in Tulum. Pack biodegradable sunscreen and a face stick. And don’t forget to reapply!

If you’re prone to burning or want to be extra cautious, a rashguard offers excellent sun protection. 

Tulum Packing FAQs