Nightlife · Tulum · Mexico
Tulum nightlife
Where the evenings happen in Tulum, from early drinks to late nights.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Popo le Chien, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
Tulum is known for jungle and beach parties with international DJs, especially in the winter season, plus mezcal bars in town. Events change often, and the scene is quieter outside the December–April peak. The main areas are Zona Hotelera, Tulum Centro and Aldea Zamá and La Veleta.
Key facts
- Nightlife areas
- 3
- Stay near the action
- Tulum Centro
- Local drink
- Agua fresca and chaya juice
Where to go out
Zona Hotelera
Beach clubs and jungle venues hosting DJ nights and full-moon parties in high season.
Tulum Centro
Mezcal bars, salsa nights and casual bars along and just off Avenida Tulum.
Aldea Zamá and La Veleta
Wine bars, cocktail bars and restaurants that stay open later.
Nightlife tips
- Watch your drink and belongings at large parties, and buy tickets only from official sellers.
- Agree taxi fares before leaving late-night venues; the beach road can have long waits for taxis.
- Many events require advance tickets and charge high cover fees in peak season.
Evening sights
Street · Zona Hotelera Sur
Beach road and Zona Hotelera
Cycle rather than drive; traffic often stands still on the narrow road, and parking is scarce.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Shopping
- Food
- Couples
- After dark
Neighbourhood · Tulum Centro
Tulum Pueblo and Avenida Tulum
Eat cochinita pibil tacos for breakfast in town; many stands sell out by mid-morning.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Food
- Free
- After dark
What to drink
- Agua fresca and chaya juice — Cold drinks of fruit or flowers blended with water, such as hibiscus (jamaica) and horchata, and juices made with chaya, a leafy Maya green, often blended with pineapple.
- Xtabentún — A sweet Yucatecan liqueur made from anise and honey from the flower of the same name, served as a digestif, neat or over ice.
Evenings through the year
Sunset and the overnight low decide how long the outdoor part of a night lasts. August has the warmest evenings, with lows around 24°C (75°F).
| Month | Sunset (15th) | Overnight low | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | About 18:30 | 19°C (66°F) | 6 |
| April | About 19:08 | 22°C (72°F) | 3 |
| July | About 19:33 | 24°C (75°F) | 9 |
| October | About 18:26 | 23°C (73°F) | 13 |
Getting home late
- Taxi — Agree the fare before getting in.
- Bus — Colectivo vans run frequently along the highway to Akumal, Playa del Carmen and Cancún, and ADO coaches leave from the town's bus station.
Late-night bites
- Tacos al pastor — Taquerías along Avenida Tulum in town, busiest in the evening.
- Panuchos and salbutes — Loncherías and evening stands in Tulum Centro.
Staying safe at night
Petty theft from beach bags and rentals is the most common issue; use hotel safes and agree taxi fares in advance. Heat, strong sun and sea currents on windy days call for care, and swimmers should follow beach flags.
- Emergency number
- 911
Where to stay for nightlife
$$ · Best for budget, solo travellers, food lovers and nightlife
Tulum Centro
Tulum Pueblo grew along Avenida Tulum, the main highway through town, where you find supermarkets, pharmacies, taco stands, the ADO bus station and most budget hotels and hostels. It is about 4–5 km from the beach, a 15-minute bike ride or a short taxi, and has much lower prices than the coast.
- Good
- Lowest-priced rooms and food; Bus station and services; Local taquerías
- Watch out
- Not on the beach; Traffic and noise along the highway
- Nearby
- Avenida Tulum, ADO bus station, Gran Cenote road
Questions travellers ask
+Where is the best nightlife in Tulum?
Zona Hotelera, Tulum Centro and Aldea Zamá and La Veleta. Beach clubs and jungle venues hosting DJ nights and full-moon parties in high season.
+Which area of Tulum is best for nightlife?
Tulum Centro: The town on the highway, with taquerías, shops and budget hotels.