Month guide · Cancún · Mexico
Cancún in January
What January is really like in Cancún: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Peter Maas 16:07, 3 December 2006 (UTC), CC BY-SA 2.5
Quick answer
January is one of the best months to visit Cancún. Expect average highs of 28°C (82°F), lows of 20°C (68°F), about 7 rainy days and roughly 11 hours of daylight. Warm, dry and breezy with occasional cool fronts ('nortes'); one of the most pleasant months.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 28°C (82°F) / 20°C (68°F)
- Rainy days
- About 7
- Daylight
- About 11 hours
- Sea temperature
- 26°C (79°F)
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in January
January is the 11th-warmest month in Cancún: days average 28°C (82°F) against a yearly average high of 31°C (88°F), and nights fall to about 20°C (68°F). Rain falls on roughly 7 of its 31 days. Compared with December (28°C (82°F)), January is about as warm; by February highs stay near 29°C (84°F).
- Sunrise (15 January)
- About 07:27
- Sunset (15 January)
- About 18:26
- Daylight
- About 11 hours
- Sea
- 26°C (79°F)
Winter (December–February). The dry high season: warm, sunny days, occasional breezy cool fronts and the highest prices around Christmas and New Year.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, January rates 4 for crowds (the peak is February at 5) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in February). Book accommodation early: January is one of the pricier months.
Events in January
- Día de Reyes with rosca de reyes cake (6 January)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in January
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Beach · Southern Hotel Zone
Playa Delfines (El Mirador)
Check the flag colour before swimming and stay on the sand on red-flag days; bring shade, as there is little natural cover.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Iconic
- Photo spot
- Views
Beach · Northern Hotel Zone
Playa Langosta and Playa Tortugas
On the calm, north-facing stretch of the Hotel Zone, these public beaches have shallow, gentle water ideal for children and weaker swimmers, with snack bars, palapa shade and water-sports rentals.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Kids
- Outdoors
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Island · Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres
Take the ferry from Puerto Juárez for the lower fare, rent a golf cart to circle the island and stay for sunset at Playa Norte.
- Time needed
- Full day
- Cost
- Low cost
- Iconic
- Kids
- Couples
- Outdoors
- Views
Island · Isla Contoy
Isla Contoy
A protected island national park about 30 km north of Isla Mujeres, Isla Contoy is a nesting site for frigatebirds, brown pelicans and cormorants.
- Time needed
- Full day
- Cost
- Expensive
- Nature
- Off the beaten path
- Outdoors
The sea averages 26°C (79°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Cancún.
What to pack
For highs near 28°C, lows near 20°C and 7 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; a packable rain jacket for showers; comfortable walking shoes.
Is January a good time to visit Cancún?
One of the best months to visit Cancún, with a notable event on the calendar. The other best months are February–April and December. Compare every month.
Cancún in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is January a good time to visit Cancún?
It is one of the best months to visit Cancún. Warm, dry and breezy with occasional cool fronts ('nortes'); one of the most pleasant months.
+How warm is Cancún in January?
Average highs are around 28°C (82°F) and lows around 20°C (68°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Cancún in January?
Expect rain on about 7 days of the month.