Tulum is one of the hottest tropical destinations in the world. Thus, packing for Tulum is unlike packing for most tropical destination’s that you have visited before. Tulum is one of the most stylish tropical destinations to visit, so throwing in some old t-shirt’s and flip flops in your bag will not cut it!
We are here to help you. After you read this packing guide, I am CONFIDENT that you will feel so prepared for your upcoming trip to Tulum.
Let’s get right into it!
Just a little disclaimer! Please keep in mind that this is how we personally choose to pack. We are not saying this is the only way to dress in Tulum, so please pack what makes sense to you and your comfort! This is merely a guide to assist you in packing for your incredible vacation.
Still in the planning stages of your tulum trip?
Check out these guides out:
The Ultimate Guide to Tulum Mexico
The Instagram Photo Spots in Tulum
The weather in Tulum
The temperature in Tulum is warm and pretty consistent year round. The average daytime temperatures are 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit or 20-27 degrees Celsius.
Dry season is considered December to April. Expect lots of strong sun in these months.
What to wear in Tulum
The crowd in Tulum is fairly diverse, like any destination you will find more casual traveler’s and backpacker’s. However, most commonly you will find a more upscale traveler here, think big city folks escaping for the weekend, or Europeans on holiday.
Pretty much anything goes during the daytime. For women; bathing suits, strappy sandals, and casual beach cover ups are totally fine. For men; swim shorts, leather flip flops and cotton t-shirt’s are the standard.
At night, the crowd tends to be more dressed up. We saw a range of outfits from suits and tight dresses, to flowy maxi dresses and linen shirts. Dress codes apply to some restaurants so make sure to read about proper attire before you head out for the night.
For example, if you plan of visiting Kin Toh at Azulik, there is a dress code. For women, they just ask to look polished. If you are a man they ask that you wear chinos, jeans or smart shorts and a shirt or dressed up t-shirt. However no sandals, sportswear, swimwear or tank tops are permitted.
Your Complete Packing List
Tailor this packing list for the duration of your trip! This list below is for a 5-6 day trip.
Tulum Packing List for Women
- Undergarments
- Socks
- 1-2 Pairs of Pajamas
- 3-4 Swimsuits
- 2-3 Sarongs/ Beach Cover Ups
- 2-3 Tank Tops/ T-Shirts
- 1 Light Cardigan
- Heavier Layer for Hotel Room
- 2 Pairs of Denim Shorts
- 1-2 Skirts
- 1 Pair of Jeans
- 3-4 Casual Day Dresses/ Rompers
- 2-3 Fancier Dresses
- Wide Brimmed Hat
- Beach Tote Bag
- Clutch or Small Purse for Evenings
- Sunglasses
- 1 Pair of Daytime Sandals
- 1 Pair of Evening Sandals/ Heels
- 1 Pair of Closed Toe Shoes for Excursions
Packing List For Men
- Undergarments
- Socks
- 1-2 Pairs of Pajamas
- 3-4 Swimsuits
- 4-5 Tank Tops/ T-Shirts
- 2-4 Button Up Shirts
- 1 Casual Cardigan/ Light Jacket
- 2 Pairs of Casual Shorts
- 2-4 Pairs of Dress Shorts
- 2 Pairs of Dress Pants/ Chinos
- 1 Pair of Jeans
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- 1 Pair of Daytime Sandals
- 1 Pair of Evening Shoes
- 1 Pair of Closed Two Shoes for Excursions
General Items TO Pack
- Passport
- Wallet
- Mexican Pesos and USD in Cash
- Neck Pillow
- Hand Sanitizer
- Toiletries
- Travel Adapter (If you do not live in North America)
- Reef Safe Sunscreen
- After Sun Lotion
- Basic Medicine Kit (Advil, Tylenol, Dramamine/Gravol, Pepto Bismol, Benadryl, etc)
- Mosquito Spray
- After Bite Lotion
- Small Day Pack for Excursions
Extra Things to Pack
These items are by no means essential, but thing’s that you may want to consider depending on the activities that you will be partaking in, in Tulum!
Planning on taking a boat excursion?
- A GroPro
- Bring your own snorkeling gear so you don’t have to rent some
- Reef Safe, Water Proof sunscreen
- Dramamine/ Gravol for motion sickness
- Dry Bag to keep your belongings dry
- Wet Bag to put wet bathing suits and towels in
- Quick Dry Towels
Planning on Taking Yoga Classes?
- Yoga Pants/ Leggings and a Sports Bra
- Yoga Mat (If you do not want to rent one)
Planning On exploring Tulum by Bike?
- Bring shoes that you can comfortably ride a bike in
- Bring a small Backpack or Bag that is easy to carry when biking
- A Headlamp if you plan on biking at night (Not many street lights in Tulum)
Planning on Exploring Cenotes?
- A GoPro
- Bring a small Backpack or Bag
- Quick Dry Towels
- Mexican Pesos (most cenotes only accept cash for admission)
Shop Some of my personal favorites
Final Thoughts
We hope that you found this complete packing guide helpful for your upcoming trip to Tulum! Let us know if you did in the comments below, or if you think we forgot anything that you think is essential.
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