Tulum Safety 2024: How Safe is Tulum for Travel?

Is Tulum Safe?

Although Tulum is a safe travel destination in 2023, tourists are advised to exercise increased caution due to the rise in crime.

In this article, we explain just how cautious you need to be. We’ll discuss everything — from crime rates to natural disasters, COVID-19, and beach safety. Let’s begin.

Travel Advisory for Tulum, Mexico

Tulum sits in the state of Quintana Roo, where, according to the U.S. State Department’s travel advisory, tourists need to “Exercise Increased Caution.”

This means that tourists are not discouraged from visiting — but they’re exposed to a higher risk of danger than at other destinations.

A Comprehensive Look at Tulum Crime Rates

Tulum has a crime rating of 38.11, which is the lowest crime rate in Mexico compared to other tourist hotspots. Cabo, for example, has a crime rate of 44.50% while Mexico City has a rating of 67.95%.

Still, Quintana Roo, the state where Tulum is located, is the 10th most dangerous state in Mexico. Plus, crime in Tulum has increased in the past three years, especially in 2021.

So, although the authorities give the green light for visiting, tourists shouldn’t ignore the crime ratings—enjoy your vacation here, but practice heightened vigilance at all times.

Police Presence in Tulum

Tourists feel more secure when police officers are present. However, as we all know, police personnel are not superheroes and cannot solve every crime. So, as tourists, you can do your part by being responsible and cautious.

Nevertheless, the Mexican government has strengthened its police presence in the Tulum, including undercover personnel. In addition, there’s a network of cameras throughout Tulum to document crime in real time. All footage is routed to a control center in Quintana Roo, which alerts local cops whenever a crime happens.

COVID-19 Safety in Tulum

Great news — Mexico no longer has any entrance restrictions regarding COVID-19.

This means that visitors can enter the country without a COVID-19 test or a certificate of immunization. Moreover, there’s no curfew or mandatory masks in public areas.

However, since COVID-19 is still among us, Tulum provides private COVID-19 testing to tourists who suspect they may be infected. The testing can be done at any hospital, clinic, or laboratory, and the results arrive by email or text message.

Take care of your and everyone’s well-being by maintaining social distancing, washing and sanitizing your hands, and, most importantly — canceling all upcoming trips if you carry the virus. 

Perils of Nature: The Risk of Natural Disasters in Tulum

Natural disasters are unforeseen and catastrophic, taking many lives and causing serious harm to communities and the environment. They range from earthquakes and hurricanes to floods, volcanic eruptions, and wildfires.

Tulum, luckily, is threatened by only one force of nature — hurricanes. Let’s learn more about them.

Hurricane Information and Precautions

Hurricanes are intense tropical storms with high winds, torrential rainfall, and storm surges that can cause significant harm to coastal locations such as the lovely town of Tulum.

The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins on June 1 and ends on November 30, whereas the peak hurricane season in Tulum typically lasts from August through October.

Hurricane Grace was the most recent hurricane to hit Tulum in August 2021. The torrential rain and high gusts were said to have ripped the roofs off numerous homes, but no one was injured. Hurricane Grace was a category 1 storm, which according to the wind hurricane scale, is the weakest and causes the least damage.

Since then, Tulum hasn’t seen any hurricanes, which is something we all want to hear when we’re planning to book a trip to the area. However, hurricanes are unexpected and can ruin a holiday. To prevent that, keep an eye on potential storms in Tulum— you can do that by visiting the official site of the National Hurricane Service.

Breathing Safely in Tulum: Carbon Monoxide Awareness and Prevention

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas produced when carbon-based fuels burn inefficiently. This gas can escape through defective appliances like stoves and furnaces and collect gradually inside the enclosed space.

The trick with this gas is that our senses can’t detect it until our body starts suffering its symptoms. Early exposure to CO may cause side effects like headache, pain in the chest, nausea, and vomiting, whereas prolonged exposure can cause brain damage, paralysis, or, worst — loss of life.

Tulum hasn’t had any reports of fatal CO poisoning.

However, many residences may have carbon monoxide without being aware of it. Research in Juarez revealed that dangerous carbon monoxide levels were present in more than 60% of the city’s households using gas and wood heaters.

The solution? Installing a carbon monoxide detector inside your home and packing one to take with you on your vacation. This is a handy gadget that detects the presence of carbon monoxide gas in a confined space and sounds an alarm if dangerous quantities are found.

Serenity by the Shore: The Safety of Tulum Beaches

Tulum’s pristine beaches provide a serene haven with breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea. Tucked away among a canopy of swaying palm trees and luxuriant flora, these beaches are not only beautiful but also cleaner than ever.

Tulum’s beaches have received platinum accreditation, which is a mark awarded by the Mexican Institute of Normalisation and Certification for beaches that meet exceedingly high environmental and cleanliness criteria.

Aside from cleanliness, Tulum prioritizes beach safety, so the city has placed multicolored flags on each beach to educate beachgoers about the swimming conditions there.

The flag system is as follows:

• Black — Do not swim; deadly currents
• Red — Avoid swimming; dangerous currents
• Yellow — Semi-safe; swim with caution
• White — Dangerous marine life; swim with caution
• Green — Safe to swim

Take heed of these flags, which will lead you to a safer beach experience. And don’t forget your sunscreen!

Tulum Weather Patterns: What to Expect?

In general, the city enjoys two seasons: dry and wet.

The dry season lasts from November to April and is typically regarded as the busiest travel time in Tulum. The temperatures range from the mid-70s to the mid-80s°F (24-30°C). The dry season has very few rainy days, which tourists love to hear, and provides beautiful but not overly hot weather perfect for outdoor adventures.

The wet season spans from May to October, with fewer tourists and a more laid-back atmosphere. During Tulum’s wet season, rain usually falls in brief but powerful afternoon showers or thunderstorms, with the remainder of the day being sunny and pleasant. May and June have the least rain, while September and October have the most. Temperatures range from the high 70s to the low 90s Fahrenheit (25-33°C).

Weather Overview in Playa Del Carmen

Summer

Summertime in Tulum is all about sunshine, sandy toes, and aquamarine splashes. Summer here lasts from June to August, with an average temperature of 83°F (28°C). On the hottest days, Tulum can reach up to 91°F (32°C), while in the evenings, the temperature may drop as low as 75°F (24°C).

Fall

The fall months of Tulum are September through November, bringing an average temperature of 82°F (27°C) and a maximum of 90°F (32°C). At night, you might need to get a lighter jacket, as temperatures may drop to 70°F (20°C).

Winter

Cozy warmth and sparkling starry skies make winter a magical time in Tulum. The city’s winter months are December through February. Throughout the day, tourists can expect temperatures from 74°F (23°C) to 83°F (28°C). The average nighttime temperature is 67°F (19°C), which is chilly yet comfortable for the time of year.

Spring

Spring brings beautiful colors, warm weather, and a sense of exciting adventures. March through May is Tulum’s springtime season, and the daytime temperatures range between 79°F (26°C) to 89°F (31°C). Spring nights are also pleasant, with lows of 69°F (20°C).

When Is the Best Time to Visit Tulum?

The best time to visit Tulum depends on your preferences and what adventures you want to experience.

For instance, if you like the hustle and bustle of the peak of the season, the busiest travel times are in the winter and spring when the weather is mild and the rainy days are rare. This is a great time to enjoy beach activities and leisurely explore outdoor sites. However, the peak tourist season is also the most expensive, so expect to pay more for accommodation and activities.

If you are an adventure fanatic, think about the activities you want to do beforehand and arrange your trip appropriately. For example, if you want to visit the cenotes, do it in the spring, as then the greenery in these beautiful natural pits is lush and the flowers are in bloom. However, if you prefer maritime sports such as snorkeling or diving, summertime offers clearer water visibility.

Think about what you want to experience from this trip to Tulum, and research the activities and events each season offers. This beautiful city has so much to offer year-round!

Exploring Tulum Solo or With a Family: Is It a Good Idea?

Yes! If you’re cautious in Tulum, there’s no reason you shouldn’t schedule a single or family trip to this gorgeous destination — and here are some pointers!

Essential tips for staying safe

Before you visit Tulum, learn basic Spanish. Mexico is a country where most people know English. However, it would be in your best interest to understand basic Spanish words and phrases so you can fit in more easily.

Once you get to Tulum, purchase a Mexican SIM card. This way, you’ll always have excellent cell service and internet. Another tip is to share your contact number with your close friends and relatives back home. While at it, write down the emergency numbers: 911 for police, 066 for ambulance, and 080 for fire services.

If you want to withdraw money in Tulum, avoid public ATMs to minimize the risk of thievery. Instead, opt for banks, hotels, malls, and supermarkets. Also, make sure you have some pesos with you because some establishments in Tulum may not accept dollars or other currencies.

Roaming around as a tourist in Tulum means keeping it “down low.” It would not be in your best interest to display expensive items or accessories on you, like pricey watches, jewelry, or big sums of cash. Thieves typically target wealthy tourists, so don’t make yourself an easy mark.

This one is common knowledge, but super important: book only at trustworthy, well-known hotels. Research well before you pick your hotel, including the area where the hotel is located, turn to ratings and reviews, read the comments, and make a wise decision! Booking and Airbnb are excellent reliable booking services.

Last but not least — don’t drink tap water in Mexico. It’s contaminated and may harm your health.

Tips for traveling alone

For those planning a solo trip to Tulum, one critical piece of advice when it comes to safety is not to go out at night alone.

Another tip is to avoid drinking alcohol in large quantities because you’re at your most vulnerable when your senses are compromised. When you do drink, stick to sealed cans of alcohol, or a cocktail made in front of you. This way, you’ll avoid the risk of someone putting narcotics in it.

Speaking of which, you may be offered illegal substances. In that situation, kindly refuse them and leave the establishment. The people dealing are excellent at persuading tourists, making you feel you are their friend. While they are chatting you up, strangers may ask you for a number or the address of your hotel, which you absolutely should never share.

You should maintain constant contact with a friend or relative back home during your solo trip. Share your location and planned activities with them. If something unfortunate happens, they’ll know right away!

If you’re a female solo traveller, then you should read our article on Solo female travel in Mexico for more guidance.

Tips for traveling with your family

When going on a family trip to Tulum, packing a medical kit is necessary!

While out and about on your little excursions, never separate as a group. Tulum can get really crowded, especially in the peak season, so keep an eye on your family at all times. Also, don’t plan night activities. Instead, experience the city throughout the day when it’s the safest.

If you plan to visit different tourist spots in Tulum, renting a car is the cheapest, safest, and most reliable means of transportation.  If you plan to drive, never do it under the influence of alcohol!

For more transportation options, refer to our article on how to get around in Tulum.

Conclusion

The best news is that Tulum is a safe place to visit if you’re cautious, and it’s comforting to know that the only potential natural calamity is a hurricane, which hasn’t struck since 2021.

We sincerely hope that our advice has assisted you in planning a secure trip to Tulum — now, all that’s left is for you to put it into practice.

Have a great trip to Mexico & may caution be your second nature there!

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