Everything You Need to Know About Tulum Travel Safety (So You Stay Safe)
Wondering, Is Tulum safe for travelers?
You’re in the right place — as I have lived in Mexico since 2018. I’ve also been to Tulum MANY times, so I know the town well.
In this article, I’m going to share everything I know with you about Tulum travel safety so you feel confident and comfortable on your trip.
While Tulum is generally considered a safe travel destination in Mexico, you’ll need to remain aware of yourself and your surroundings because Tulum is a tourist town.
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As with any destination on Earth that welcomes a lot of tourists, you need to exercise increased caution in Tulum.
It’s no secret that in recent years, there’s been a rise in crime in Tulum. However, the VAST majority of visitors are perfectly safe, and simply have a nice time on their trip.
In this article, we’ll get into the specifics of staying safe in Tulum Mexico. From Tulum crime rates to natural disasters in Tulum, beach safety and beyond — let’s dive in!
Current Travel Advisories for Tulum Mexico
Tulum is located in Quintana Roo state in the Yucatan Peninsula. There are three states in this region: Yucatan state, Campeche state and Quintana Roo.
While the Yucatan is considered one of the safest areas in Mexico, the U.S. State Department does offer a travel advisory for Quintana Roo.
While Yucatan and Campeche states both have a Level 1 warning (the lowest level), Quintana Roo state has a Level 2 (the second-lowest level).
Level 2 means visitors must “Exercise Increased Caution,” which is far from the ominous Level 4 “Do Not Travel” warning.
The U.S. State Department’s travel warning system goes from Level 1-4, so Level 2 indicates tourists are not discouraged from visiting.
In fact, other Level 2 destinations include places like France, Italy, Germany and the Bahamas. (Are you scared of those? Probably not 😁)
Level 2 simply means you may be exposed to a higher risk of danger and crime than in Level 1 destinations. Here, you should only “Exercise Normal Precautions.”
Understanding the Tulum Crime Rates
According to Numbeo, Tulum has a crime rating of 37.98%. (⚠️ Note: The exact percentage fluctuates, and we do our best to keep this article updated.)
While not the lowest crime rate in Mexico (that’s in places like Merida, Ajijic and Puerto Vallarta), it’s relatively low compared to many of Mexico’s top tourist hotspots.
For example, the area known as Los Cabos (including Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo), has a crime rate of 42.48%. The crime rate in Mexico City is 67.66%.
While crime in Quintana Roo state, specifically petty crime, has increased in the past three years, the U.S. State Department still ranks as a Level 2 destination.
As Quintana Roo is NOT the most dangerous state in Mexico, visitors have the green light to go.
However, you should always remain mindful of Tulum crime ratings and reports.
In short: Enjoy your vacation, but practice vigilance by staying aware of yourself, your surroundings and your belongings. Doing that, you should be safe in Tulum Mexico.
Police Presence in Tulum
In recent years, the Mexican government has really upped the police presence in Tulum as a proactive measure against crime.
This means you will likely see police and military personnel in many places, including all the top sites, like the Tulum Ruins, as well as simply patrolling the beaches.
As tourists, this can be jarring at first, but know you should feel more secure when police officers are present.
They are there for YOUR safety, and act as a deterrent to crimes. Of course, police personnel can’t be in every place at every moment.
It’s still in your best interest to keep your personal safety a top priority by being responsible and cautious.
Another measure is the addition of cameras in Tulum and other destinations like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Isla Mujeres and Cozumel Island.
This so-called Mexican Caribbean Camera Network has video monitoring cameras that document crime in real time. The footage is stored at the Quintana Roo control center.
Natural Disasters in Tulum Mexico
You can never really prepare for natural disasters, as they’re unforeseen events.
While sometimes catastrophic, they can take lives and cause serious harm to local communities and their environment. As a traveler, you don’t want to be caught in one.
The most common natural disasters include earthquakes, flash floods, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, wildfires, tornadoes, and hurricanes.
According to Statista, floods are the most common natural disaster worldwide.
Luckily, flash floods aren’t an issue in Tulum — however, hurricanes and tropical storms are, so let’s talk about those below.
Tulum Hurricanes
If you’re wondering, Are there hurricanes in Tulum? The answer is yes. Hurricanes and intense storms are common in tropical places, like Tulum.
Hurricanes can cause significant harm with high winds, torrential rainfall, lightning, thunder, and storm surges that bring large waves to the usually-calm Caribbean Sea.
The Tulum Hurricane Season is the same as the Atlantic Hurricane Season. It officially begins June 1, and ends on November 30.
Statistically speaking, the Tulum peak hurricane season is from (approx.) August through October. This is when the biggest and worst storms have hit the area.
The thing you must know is that direct hit hurricanes are rare.
According to the National Weather Service, hurricanes average an astounding 300 miles in diameter (482 km). Within that, only a very small area receives the direct hit.
While there might be several hurricanes in Tulum each year, the probability of massive destruction and devastation is low because only the outer bands might touch Tulum.
⛈️ Hurricane Grace in Tulum
The most-recent hurricane to hit Tulum was Hurricane Grace on August 19, 2021.
It was a Category 1 storm on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. This is the weakest of all, and causes the least damage. Category 4 hurricanes are the strongest.
During Hurricane Grace, Tulum experienced heavy rainfall (torrential rainfall in a few areas) and high wind gusts that caused physical damage to some structures.
While this hurricane caused some power lines and palm trees to fall and even ripped the roofs off some homes, no one was injured and no one died (thankfully).
⛈️ How to Plan for Hurricanes in Tulum
Since Hurricane Grace in 2021, Tulum hasn’t seen any hurricanes.
While that’s great news for visitors, nature is unpredictable and there will no doubt be another one — But when?
If you want to avoid hurricanes, the best advice when planning to book a trip to the area is to avoid Tulum’s Hurricane Season. This runs June 1-November 30 each year.
Also, you’ll want to monitor potential storms in Tulum through the National Hurricane Service official site.
However, know that weather in the tropics can’t be predicted too far in advance.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Awareness
You may have seen articles about carbon monoxide poisoning in Mexico, and because gas stoves are the norm, this is something to be aware of.
CO, or carbon monoxide, is dangerous because it’s an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas.
This essentially means you won’t even know it’s present until you have symptoms of CO poisoning — or until it’s too late.
It’s produced when carbon-based fuels, like kerosene, gasoline, propane and charcoal, are burned without enough oxygen. This causes carbon monoxide combustion.
CO gas will continue to escape if you accidentally leave a stove burner’s gas on, or if there’s a slow leak in defective appliances, like water heaters and portable generators.
There are also other ways CO gas leaks, but when it does, CO collects inside enclosed spaces because it doesn’t have a means of escape — and can become deadly.
🤢 Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
The thing that makes CO poisoning so dangerous is that it’s odorless, colorless, and tasteless, so we don’t detect this gas in the air until we start suffering symptoms.
According to WebMD, some common CO poisoning symptoms include headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion.
Long term exposure can cause brain damage and paralysis, and yes, you can die from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Fatal CO Poisoning in Tulum
- Small design is ideal for travel
- Operates on 2 AA batteries (included)
- Detects CO gas using electrochemical sensor technology
- 85-decibel alarm and flashing red LED light indicate unsafe levels of carbon monoxide
- 10-Year Manufacturers Warranty
- Easy to use; no wiring necessary
These days, more and more accommodations in Tulum are using carbon monoxide detectors. Similar to a fire alarm, they alert us to dangerous levels of CO in the air.
They’re common in hotels, but Tulum Airbnbs may not have a carbon monoxide detector in that residence 🚨 so I recommend a portable carbon monoxide detector.
The good news is that more and more places have one, but this came after tragedy when the entire Sharp family died from CO poisoning in their Airbnb back in 2018.
While this prompted some to install detectors, not all homes have one. For this reason, it’s wise to travel with your own portable carbon monoxide detector.
A Tulum packing list essential, this handy gadget detects CO gas in the air and sounds a loud alarm if it finds dangerous quantities present.
Safety on Tulum Beaches
As one of the top Mexico beach towns, you’ll absolutely want to enjoy Tulum’s pristine white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters in the Caribbean Sea.
As you picture yourself sipping a Mexican cocktail beneath a canopy of palm trees swaying in the breeze, know that Tulum’s beaches are cleaner than ever!
With Platinum Accreditation from the Mexican Institute of Normalisation and Certification (IMNC), Tulum beaches meet stringent cleanliness criteria and rigorous environmental standards.
Check the Warning Flags
Besides cleanliness on beautiful Tulum beaches, you need to be aware of water safety. While the waves in the Caribbean Sea aren’t usually big, they can be.
On the beach, make sure to look for the colored flags designed to alert beachgoers about the swimming conditions there. Besides waves, there are also currents to be aware of.
The flag system is listed below. Make sure to take a moment to look for posted flags, and take heed to their warnings for a safer beach experience.
- ⚫️ Black Flag: Do not swim; deadly currents including rip currents and undertows
- 🔴 Red Flag: Avoid swimming; dangerous strong currents
- ⚪️ White Flag: Swim with caution; dangerous marine life like sea lice may be present
- 🟡 Yellow Flag: Swim with some caution; semi-safe conditions
- 🟢 Green Flag: Safe to swim; no warnings
Don’t Forget Your Sunscreen
The sun is VERY strong in Mexico, as the country sits quite close to the Equator.
In Tulum, you will need a good sunscreen like Sun Bum. It’s an Amazon best seller, and my top pick for a reef safe sunscreen.
While the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends at least an SPF 30, I go for an SPF 50 because I know how bad a sunburn ruins your Tulum vacation.
Beyond sunscreen, make sure to stay hydrated with a reusable water bottle, like this Water-To-Go Bottle. It also has a built-in filter that will filter your drinking water.
Tulum Drinking Water Safety
You can not, I repeat, you can not drink the water in Tulum.
Tulum and Mexico tap water aren’t considered safe for human consumption — not by locals from Mexico, not by Mexico expats like me, and not by visitors like you.
As I just mentioned above, this Water-To-Go Bottle will help keep you hydrated but will also filter your drinking water so you don’t get sick in Tulum.
You can also boil your tap water before drinking it, or keep buying bottled water. However, single-use plastics are HORRIBLE for the planet, so I use my reusable bottle.
Tulum Weather by Season
Tulum is considered a year-round travel destination because this pueblo mágico (Mexico magic town) basically only has two seasons: Dry Season and Wet Season.
As you might imagine, the dry season is ideal for outdoor adventures and beach days.
However, even in the wet season, rain storms tend to pass quickly in tropical places like Tulum and the rest of the Mexican Caribbean.
While I think the dry season is the best time to go, there’s info below on both seasons to help you decide when to plan a Tulum trip.
Tulum Dry Season
The dry season lasts from (approx.) November to April.
As you might imagine, this is typically the busiest travel time in Tulum Mexico because travelers want to avoid the rain.
Besides very few rainy days, the temperatures during this part of the year are pleasant.
They range from the mid-80s during the day, to the mid-70s at night (23-29°C).
You can expect beautiful sunny days, but not overly hot weather. The dry season also means low humidity and less mosquitoes, which I know tourists love to hear.
Tulum Rainy Season
The wet season lasts from (approx.) May to October. In these months, you’ll get lower price tags and fewer tourists, which leads to a more laid-back atmosphere.
For budget travelers, this is a great time to go because of the lower prices — but also because it rarely rains for more than 1-2 hours per day, so you can enjoy yourself for less money.
While nature does what it wants, it usually only rains for a bit in the afternoon. After these showers or thunderstorms pass, the rest of the day is often sunny and pleasant.
For those who aren’t used to thunderstorms, it can be a cool experience to see one. Also, after the storms pass, temperatures can come down a bit, so it’s not all bad.
Within Tulum’s rainy season, May and June tend to have the least rain, though they’re very hot. September and October often have the most rain, but lower temperatures.
Winter in Tulum
In Tulum (and the rest of the Northern Hemisphere), the winter months are December through February.
For a truly magical time in Tulum Mexico, this is the time to visit.
Visitors can expect temperatures that range from 71°F to 82°F (21-27°C) during the day.
A bit chilly but quite comfortable, the average nighttime temperature is 68°F (20°C).
This is the only time of year you may want to add a cardigan or light jacket to your packing list for Tulum.
Spring in Tulum
The spring season months go from March through May, and spring means warm weather and beautiful colors in the local flora.
This is one of my favorite times to swim in the Tulum cenotes because they’re incredibly lush and verdant with so many flowers in bloom.
Visitors can expect temperatures that range from 79°F to 89°F (26-31°C) during the day.
The average nighttime temperatures don’t drop much, and hover around 75°F (23°C).
Summer in Tulum
Though you might be thinking of sunshine and splashing in the ocean, summertime in Tulum is the rainy season so there will be some rain in the summer months of June to August.
Visitors can expect temperatures that range from 87°F to 97°F (30-36°C) during the day.
Sadly, nighttime temperatures are about the same, so expect nights at 87°F (30°C).
Keep in mind that summers in Tulum are VERY humid — so you need to be aware of the “real feel temperature.” This is the temperature with the humidity factored in.
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the Tulum real feel is usually 5-7°F hotter (2-3°C) than the thermometer reading says.
On the hottest days of the year, Tulum can feel 100°F (37°C), or more, thanks to the humidity. 🥵 See why I only visit Tulum in the winter?!
Fall in Tulum
September through November bring the fall months in Tulum. Temperature-wise, these months are still hot, but the humidity subsides a bit compared to the summers.
Visitors can expect temperatures that range from 81°F to 90°F (27-32°C) during the day.
The average nighttime temperature doesn’t drop much, and hovers around 78°F (25°C).
What’s the best time to visit Tulum?
The best time to visit Tulum depends on your preferences, budget, and what you want to do when you visit.
In short: The answer to this question is 100% subjective, but in my opinion, the best time to visit is in winter.
When I go, I love the shoulder season months of February and March (but only early-March so I can avoid the Spring Break crowds).
While winter is the Tulum busy season, the weather is perfect. Do note this is the high season, so Tulum accommodation and tour prices are higher, and crowds are larger.
For those with the budget, I still recommend winter — because trust me, you’ll enjoy Tulum A LOT more without the summer rain storms and suffocating humidity.
If you’re visiting Tulum on a budget, the summers are MUCH less expensive because it’s the off-season. Usually these months are also far less crowded.
However, keep in mind those traveling to Tulum with kids often visit in summer during the summer break from school.
Seasonal Activities in Tulum
Your “best time to visit Tulum Mexico” might revolve around activities. For example, if you want to swim with the whale sharks, that’s in summer.
For underwater activities like snorkeling and diving, the winter months offer clearer water for the best visibility. This is also the best time to avoid the Tulum seaweed.
For travelers seeking a sense of exciting adventures, visit during the Equinox at Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins to see the snake descend down the side of the pyramid.
My best advice is to plan for what you want to experience on your trip to Tulum.
This beautiful city has A LOT to offer all year, so here are my month by month guides to help you plan a trip you’ll never forget:
10 Essential Tips for Staying Safe in Tulum
As someone who has SAFELY visited nearly all the states in Mexico, I will say that keeping my own safety top of mind is one of the reasons I have always been safe.
To help you do the same, I have compiled this list of my Top 10 Tulum safety tips.
1. Learn Basic Spanish
Before you visit Tulum, I’d recommend you brush up on your Spanish, particularly those basic Spanish words and phrases you’ll use a lot — like, Where’s the bathroom?
While some people assume Mexico is a country where most people know English, that isn’t true in my experience.
I’d say it’s more like 50-50, so it’s in your best interest to be prepared by doing the free Spanish lessons on the Duolingo App.
Now, if you’re a digital nomad in Mexico or doing long term travel, invest in Rocket Spanish to get confident and conversational fast.
2. Get a Mexico SIM Card
- 2GB Cellular Data (at full 4G/LTE speeds) valid for 26 days starting at your arrival in Mexico
- Unlimited Calls and SMS (only text) in Mexico, USA or Canada
- Can also be used in USA and Canada for Data, Calls and SMS
- Unlimited Social networks (Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Snapshat)
- LTE capable (LTE Coverage is available in most cities and touristic areas)
Before you even get to Tulum, you can purchase a Mexican SIM card. This way, you’ll have data, cell service and internet starting the moment you arrive in Tulum.
You can also buy a Mexico eSIM card from Airalo. This is the company I use for my eSIM cards, because they have excellent cell service, and offer flexible data plans.
After you get your SIM, you’re likely going to have a new phone number. Remember to share it with your relatives, close friends and anyone you may need to reach.
You can also turn your location sharing on, so someone always knows where you are. This does eat up data, so if you want to do this, just buy extra data.
⚠️ Tulum Travel Tips: You will use 911 to call police, 066 for an ambulance, and 080 for fire services. When in doubt, you can just dial 9-1-1 for anything.
3. Using Tulum ATM Machines
In Tulum, cash is king. Since many places don’t take credit cards, you’re going to need cash (preferably pesos) and for that, you’ll need to use the Tulum ATMs.
In order to minimize the risk of theft, I suggest you avoid public ATMs on the street.
Rather, opt for ATMs located inside places like the Tulum Airport or Cancun Airport, banks, supermarkets, shops, hotels and resorts.
4. Don’t Drink the Water in Tulum
While it’s not totally accurate to say all Mexico water is contaminated, Tulum tap water isn’t safe for human consumption, and might get you sick.
I use this Water-To-Go reusable bottle which has a three-stage filter in it, and makes any water safe to drink.
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5. Stay in a Safe Area
Tulum is a small town, and most of its areas are considered safe.
However, not all hotels labeled “Tulum hotels” on booking sites are actually in Tulum itself. Some are just labeled that way to get more bookings.
Make sure you book well-rated and trustworthy hotels in Tulum that are in the best parts of town — Tulum Beach, Downtown Tulum (AKA Tulum Pueblo) and Aldea Zama.
When I get a hotel, I make sure to read reviews and ratings, check the location on a map, and use a reputable service like Booking.com → Find your Tulum hotel now!
6. Leave Valuables at Home
If you want to stay safe as a tourist in Tulum, one of the easiest ways is by not drawing attention to yourself.
One way of doing this is to leave your designer clothing and sunglasses at home.
Displaying expensive items, like your diamond wedding ring and high-end watch, make you an obvious target.
Also, leave big wads of cash in your hotel safe, and carry only what you need.
7. Mexico Driving Laws
If you’re planning on renting a car in Tulum, make sure you have some understanding of Mexico’s driving laws so you don’t get pulled over.
While not too dissimilar from the U.S. and Canada, take a moment to familiarize yourself with these 10 Mexico Driving Tips so you’re prepared.
While I don’t recommend a car if you’re just staying in Tulum, if you plan to visit nearby places on some Tulum day trips, then renting a car is your cheapest, safest and best option.
Finally, NEVER drive while intoxicated and under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Tulum and the surrounding areas of the Yucatan Peninsula have random checkpoints, so don’t risk ending up in jail when you can just take a taxi.
8. Be mindful of your alcohol consumption
Safety tends to go way down when there’s a lot of alcohol involved. While I’m not saying don’t drink, I am saying be mindful.
If you are planning to party hardy, this Liquid IV Hydration Power is about to be your new BFF.
It has more than 100,000 reviews on Amazon and is a best selling product that will help prevent a hangover, so you can enjoy every second of your Tulum vacation.
This one should go without saying, but don’t let a stranger buy you a drink — even if they’re a really cute stranger.
Instead, stick to sealed cans of beer that are opened in front of you, and cocktails made in front of you. This way, you avoid someone putting drugs in your drink.
9. Say NO to Drugs
Speaking of narcotics, Tulum is a party town and drugs are available. You might be approached by someone selling, but they’ll go away with a simple “no gracias.”
Unfortunately, this has become one of the major problems in Tulum, as there are so many tourists who want to buy controlled substances.
However, you really don’t want to risk getting caught doing it in a foreign country.
Also, you directly support the cartels in Mexico when you buy. Since you’re reading an article about Mexico safety, you probably already know how terrible they are.
10. Keep Private Info Private
The vast majority of strangers who chat you up in casual conversation have good intentions. However, scammers are experts at making you feel like they’re your friend.
These people are great at persuading tourists to divulge info like your travel plans, hotel and room number. Please, never share this info with someone you just met.
Bonus Tip: Enroll in the STEP Program
If you’re from the U.S., enroll in the FREE STEP Program before your trip. (🇨🇦 Canadians will use the similar Registration of Canadians Abroad here).
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, or STEP, allows U.S. citizens traveling to Mexico to document your trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
After registering, the U.S. Embassy or Consulate nearest you will know where to find you in the event of an emergency, like natural disasters, civil unrest, etc.
For Tulum travelers, the closest Consular Agency is in Playa del Carmen, about an hour from Tulum. There’s also one in Cancun.
STEP can also put you in touch with your family and friends back home, and shed light on general Mexico travel safety tips if you’re still in doubt.
Tulum Solo Travel vs Group Travel vs Family Travel
I have been to Tulum solo, with friends, and as a couple — and they’re all great options. As a Mexico blogger, I also know plenty of families who have visited Tulum.
Staying safe means being aware and cautious, and if you do both, there’s no reason you won’t enjoy a solo trip, couple’s trip, friend’s trip or family trip to this gorgeous destination.
Tips for Traveling to Tulum Alone
If you’re planning a solo trip to Tulum, two critical pieces of safety advice are: 1) walk only on well-lit main streets, and 2) don’t go out at night alone.
While there are many things to do in Tulum at night, there’s also safety in numbers. If you can link up with other travelers, that’s the best course of action.
Another thing you can do is share your itinerary and maintain regular contact with someone back home. This way, they’ll know right away if something unfortunate happens.
If you’re a female solo traveler like me, make sure you read my blog post on Solo Female Travel in Mexico. It’s full of even more tips so you know what to expect.
Tips for Traveling to Tulum With Family
You might think Tulum isn’t the place for families, but you’d be wrong.
There are A LOT of things to do in Tulum with kids, including kid-friendly cenotes and family-friendly beach clubs.
If you have adventurous kiddos, they’ll love seeing the Mayan Ruins and even climbing some of them. For this, don’t forget to pack this First Aid medical kit.
One of the most popular places in Mexico, Tulum gets VERY crowded, especially in peak seasons like Semana Santa.
Make sure you always keep an eye on your family members, especially the little ones during night activities. If you can, stay together and don’t separate as a group.
Final Thoughts on Tulum Travel Safety
We’ve reached the end of this article on safe Tulum travel! I hope you’re feeling more calm and confident than when you began reading.
As someone who lives in Mexico and has been to Tulum many times, I do feel it’s a safe place.
Does that mean bad things don’t happen in Tulum — no, they absolutely do.
As I’m sure you know, bad things can happen anywhere on Earth. This includes Paris, New York City, Tulum, your hometown, and even your own home (sadly).
The reality is that for the vast majority of travelers, Tulum is a safe place to visit if you’re cautious.
Aside from hurricanes, hangovers and sunburns, you’ll likely be safe in Tulum Mexico.
I hope my Tulum travel advice assists you in planning a fun-yet-safe trip to Tulum. I think all that’s left is for you to book a hotel, book your flights to Tulum, and enjoy!