Month guide · Playa del Carmen · Mexico
Playa del Carmen in January
What January is really like in Playa del Carmen: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Sharon Hahn Darlin, CC BY 2.0
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Quick answer
January is one of the best months to visit Playa del Carmen. Expect average highs of 28°C (82°F), lows of 19°C (66°F), about 7 rainy days and roughly 11 hours of daylight. Sunny, breezy and comfortable; occasional cold fronts (nortes) bring a cooler, windy day or two.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 28°C (82°F) / 19°C (66°F)
- Rainy days
- About 7
- Daylight
- About 11 hours
- Sea temperature
- 26°C (79°F)
- Crowds
- Very busy
- Hotel prices
- Highest
Weather in January
January is the coolest month in Playa del Carmen: days average 28°C (82°F) against a yearly average high of 31°C (88°F), and nights fall to about 19°C (66°F). Rain falls on roughly 7 of its 31 days. Compared with December (29°C (84°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 18:28
- Daylight
- About 11 hours
- Sea
- 26°C (79°F)
Late autumn (November). Calmer seas, easing rain, the jazz festival and moderate prices before the winter rush.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, January rates 5 for crowds (the peak is January at 5) and 5 for hotel prices (highest in January). Book accommodation early: January is one of the pricier months.
Events in January
January has no major recurring festival in Playa del Carmen, which usually means easier bookings.
What to do in January
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Beach · Mamitas and Calle 28–38
Mamitas Beach
Bring your own towel and stay on the public sand to avoid beach-club minimum spends.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Couples
- Outdoors
- Iconic
Beach · Coco Beach and Punta Esmeralda
Punta Esmeralda
At the northern end of town, a small cenote spring flows into a shallow, clear lagoon beside the sea, creating calm pools where children can paddle.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Kids
- Free
- Nature
- Outdoors
Experience · Centro and Quinta Avenida
Reef snorkelling and diving
Choose an established, certified operator and check equipment carefully before booking.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Expensive
- Active
- Nature
- Outdoors
Street · Centro and Quinta Avenida
Quinta Avenida
Fifth Avenue is Playa's pedestrian main street, running parallel to the beach from near the ferry pier north for several kilometres.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Free
- Shopping
- Food
- After dark
The sea averages 26°C (79°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Playa del Carmen.
What to pack
For highs near 28°C, lows near 19°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 Playa del Carmen?
One of the best months to visit Playa del Carmen. The other best months are February–April and November–December. Compare every month.
Playa del Carmen in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is January a good time to visit Playa del Carmen?
It is one of the best months to visit Playa del Carmen. Sunny, breezy and comfortable; occasional cold fronts (nortes) bring a cooler, windy day or two.
+How warm is Playa del Carmen in January?
Average highs are around 28°C (82°F) and lows around 19°C (66°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Playa del Carmen in January?
Expect rain on about 7 days of the month.