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Mexico City vs Tulum: which is better, and when to go
Mexico City is at its best in February and Tulum in February. Below, the two cities side by side: weather, crowds and prices in every month, and what each does better across the year.
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
Mexico City and Tulum
At a glance
| Mexico City | Tulum | |
|---|---|---|
| Best month | February (8/10) | February (6.8/10) |
| Warmest month | April, 28°C | May, 32°C |
| Coolest month | January, 22°C | January, 29°C |
| Quietest month | July (Low) | September (Low) |
| Busiest month | April (High) | January (High) |
| Cheapest month | January ($) | September ($$) |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Mexico City for
- a gentler warmest month (April highs around 28°C, against 32°C)
- quieter months across the year on average
- lower prices across the year on average
Choose Tulum for
- a milder coolest month (January highs around 29°C, against 22°C)
- more going on through the year (events and festivals)
Little difference between them in: how busy the peak month gets.
Month by month
Average high, crowds and prices for each month, and which city comes out ahead overall. Open a month for the full comparison.
| Month | Mexico City | Tulum | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 22°C · Medium · $ | 29°C · High · $$$$ | Mexico City |
| February | 24°C · Medium · $ | 30°C · Moderate-High · $$$$ | Mexico City |
| March | 26°C · Medium · $$ | 31°C · High · $$$$ | Mexico City |
| April | 28°C · High · $$$ | 31°C · Moderate-High · $$$$ | Mexico City |
| May | 27°C · Medium · $$ | 32°C · Moderate · $$$ | Mexico City |
| June | 26°C · Low · $ | 32°C · Moderate · $$$ | Close |
| July | 25°C · Low · $ | 32°C · Moderate · $$$ | Close |
| August | 25°C · Low · $ | 32°C · Moderate · $$$ | Mexico City |
| September | 24°C · Medium · $$ | 32°C · Low · $$ | Mexico City |
| October | 24°C · Medium · $$ | 31°C · Low · $$ | Mexico City |
| November | 23°C · High · $$$ | 30°C · Moderate · $$$ | Mexico City |
| December | 22°C · Medium · $$ | 29°C · High · $$$$ | Close |
FAQ
Mexico City or Tulum?
Is Mexico City or Tulum better?
Both are at their best in February, so the choice comes down to what you want from the trip. See which city suits you in the table below.
When is the best time to visit Mexico City and Tulum?
Mexico City: February & May. Tulum: February.
Which is cheaper, Mexico City or Tulum?
Mexico City is cheaper on average across the year.