Beaches & Islands · Best Dec–Apr
Tulum packing list for families
Tulum mixes beach days with cenotes, jungle, and Maya ruins, which means a packing list that goes well beyond swimsuits. Sunscreen rules, bugs, and heat are the three things to plan around.
Photo by Kaan Kosemen on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Tulum
- Go to the Tulum ruins right at opening. There's very little shade, and by late morning the heat and crowds wear kids out fast. The ruins sit inside a national park with its own entry fee, so I check current rules before we go.
- Cenotes are the highlight for most kids, but many ask you to shower and skip sunscreen and bug spray before swimming to protect the water. I plan them first thing and bring a kids' life vest, since some are deep.
- Tulum is spread out between town, the beach road, and the jungle, and evenings bring mosquitoes. I pack light long sleeves and pants for dinners and a good repellent for the hours before and after.
Best timeDec–Apr
PlugsUS plugs, no adapter needed
MoneyMexican peso (US dollars accepted in some places)
PassportYes
Your packing edit
Tulum
This time of year
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Carry-on17
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Travel neck pillow for the grown-ups
Kids' travel pillow
Light blanket or large scarf for the plane
Change of shirt for the grown-upsSpills on a kid mean spills on you.
Baby wipes, even for big kids
Kids' backpack for their own things
Coloring book, sticker book, or activity pad
A new book or two
Gum or mints
Clothing14
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Light sweater or sweatshirt per personPlanes, restaurants, and evenings run cool.
Light rain jacket per person
Leggings or comfy travel pants for the flight
Shorts and skirts
Swim cover-ups
Belt
Sports bra or workout clothes
Socks for closed shoes, plus a spare pair
Pajamas for the first night in the carry-onIf a bag is late, bedtime still happens.
Lightweight long-sleeve linen shirtsCool cover for jungle evenings and mosquito hours.
Shoes5
Broken-in walking sneakersKristina's pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
Sandals
Flip-flops or slides for the pool and shower
Dress shoes or nicer sandals
Kids' water shoesCenote ladders and limestone edges are slippery and rough.
Beach & pool13
Swimsuits2 per person
UPF rash guardsKristina's pick
Mineral sunscreen
Wide-brim sun hats
Swim diapers
Hyperlite life jacket for boat and ocean daysKristina's pickA properly fitted life jacket for boats and open water.
Lightweight beach tote
Goggles
Sand toys that nest flat
Pool float or swim vest for little swimmers
After-sun aloe
Sand-free beach towel
Biodegradable mineral sunscreenKristina's pickCenotes and eco-parks often require it.
Adventure1
Bug spray
Little ones12
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Sippy cup or straw cup
Bibs and a few spoons
Portable changing pad
Diaper cream
Baby monitor
Fitted crib sheet from homeA familiar smell helps babies sleep in a new crib.
Outlet covers
Potty seat or folding potty
Little things22
AirTag in each checked bagKristina's pickYou'll know your bag made the connection before you do.
Stain remover penGelato happens. Photos still look great.
Laundry detergent sheetsOne sink wash halfway through means packing half the clothes.
Gallon zip bags, a handfulWet swimsuits, sandy shoes, and the occasional car-sick emergency.
Pen in your carry-onFor arrival forms, so you're not borrowing one in the immigration line.
Hair ties and a small detangling brush
Hand sanitizer wipes and pocket tissues
Lollipops or gum for takeoff and landingSwallowing helps little ears pop.
A few wrapped surprise toys for the flightUnwrapping buys you twenty minutes. Unwrapping slowly buys thirty.
Stick-on battery night lightHotel rooms are pitch dark, and the bathroom is never where they expect.
Kids' nail clippers and tweezersSplinters from boardwalks and docks are a vacation classic.
Kids' sunglasses
Wet bag for swimsuits
Electrolyte packetsHot days and long walks catch up with kids before they say they're thirsty.
Earplugs and an eye mask for the grown-ups
Waterproof phone pouchFor cenote photos and boat days.
Small foldable tote for souvenirs and laundry
Sewing kit and safety pins
Luggage tags
Collapsible water bottle for the grown-ups
Sunglasses for the grown-ups
Small bills in pesosTaxis, cenote entries, and tips are often cash only.
Health & toiletries18
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Hanging toiletry bag
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
Deodorant
Hairbrush, comb, and hair ties
Face wash and moisturizer
Makeup and makeup remover
Razor
Contact lenses, solution, and glasses
Prescription medicines in original bottlesKeep them in your carry-on, never in checked bags.
Bandages and blister pads
Kids' thermometer
Anti-itch cream
Hand lotion and SPF lip balm
Feminine products
Clear quart bag for liquids
Documents & tech16
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Driver's licenses and kids' IDs
Health insurance cards
Travel insurance details
Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
Some cash in small billsFor tips, taxis, and markets.
Photos of passports and IDs on your phone
Booking confirmations saved offline
Phone chargers and cables for everyone
Multi-port wall chargerOne outlet, every device charged by morning.
Tablet chargers and kids' headphones adapter
Wireless earbuds for the grown-ups
Airplane Bluetooth adapter for seatback screens
Camera and memory card
E-reader
Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip
The outfit edit
Island whites
White, sand, sea glass, coral
For photos
- Everyone in white and one pop of coral
- Shoot at golden hour on the sand
Tap any piece to shop the look.
Month by month
Tulum weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 84°F 29°C | Dry season, warm and sunny with lower humidity | Clear, calm dry season and the best cenote and ruins weather |
| February | 85°F 29°C | Dry season, warm and sunny with lower humidity | Clear, calm dry season and the best cenote and ruins weather |
| March | 87°F 31°C | Dry season, warm and sunny with lower humidity | Clear, calm dry season and the best cenote and ruins weather |
| April | 89°F 32°C | Dry season, warm and sunny with lower humidity | |
| May | 91°F 33°C | Hotter and more humid, with rains starting in June | Sargassum seaweed tends to peak; some beaches stay clearer than others Sea turtle nesting season along the coast, including nearby Akumal |
| June | 92°F 33°C | Hotter and more humid, with rains starting in June | Sargassum seaweed tends to peak; some beaches stay clearer than others Sea turtle nesting season along the coast, including nearby Akumal Whale shark tours from nearby islands |
| July | 92°F 33°C | Hot, humid, and rainy, with the peak of hurricane season in Aug–Oct | Sargassum seaweed tends to peak; some beaches stay clearer than others Sea turtle nesting season along the coast, including nearby Akumal Whale shark tours from nearby islands |
| August | 92°F 33°C | Hot, humid, and rainy, with the peak of hurricane season in Aug–Oct | Sargassum seaweed tends to peak; some beaches stay clearer than others Sea turtle nesting season along the coast, including nearby Akumal Whale shark tours from nearby islands |
| September | 91°F 33°C | Hot, humid, and rainy, with the peak of hurricane season in Aug–Oct | Sea turtle nesting season along the coast, including nearby Akumal Whale shark tours from nearby islands |
| October | 88°F 31°C | Hot, humid, and rainy, with the peak of hurricane season in Aug–Oct | Sea turtle nesting season along the coast, including nearby Akumal |
| November | 86°F 30°C | Rains easing and temperatures softening | Day of the Dead on Nov 1–2, with altars and marigolds in town |
| December | 84°F 29°C | Dry season, warm and sunny with lower humidity | Clear, calm dry season and the best cenote and ruins weather |
Questions families ask
Tulum with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Tulum with kids?
The best time is Dec–Apr. Dry season, warm and sunny with lower humidity
What's the weather like in Tulum?
Typical daytime highs range from about 84°F (29°C) in January to about 92°F (33°C) in June. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Tulum?
Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Tulum?
None. Tulum uses the same plugs as the US.
What's your top tip for Tulum with kids?
Go to the Tulum ruins right at opening. There's very little shade, and by late morning the heat and crowds wear kids out fast. The ruins sit inside a national park with its own entry fee, so I check current rules before we go.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.