Cancun Weather in January
If you’re considering visiting Cancun, Mexico, in January and want to know what life here is like, then this article is for you! I live close by and will provide all the information about having a perfect vacation in Cancun in January.
From weather conditions to fun activities – everything has been covered right here. Let’s get started with planning the best trip of your life!
Generally speaking, January brings sunny and warm days with slightly decreased humidity levels, thus making it one of the best months to visit Cancun. It’s rare to see temperatures exceed the mid-30 (*C) mark.
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Visiting Cancun during January provides you the ideal climate for a perfect getaway: days that are warm, but not too hot at 71-75°F (22-24°C), and cooler evenings with temperatures averaging 68-72 °F (20-22 °C). Not to mention, humidity is also much lower in comparison to daytime.
Also check our guides on:
– Cancun in January – Cancun in July
– Cancun in February – Cancun in August
– Cancun in March – Cancun in September
– Cancun in April – Cancun in October
– Cancun in May – Cancun in November
– Cancun in June – Cancun in December
Read also our guide on What to Pack for Cancun?
January is the sixth-most rainiest month of Cancun, Mexico. However, don’t let that dissuade you from visiting because it’s rare for rainfall to last more than an hour. So, you would be out and about in no time.
Tropical storms only generally last a few moments, so there’s no need to be concerned. In fact, most people find the brief showers quite enjoyable. After the storm, temperature levels and humidity become more bearable, making rain in Cancun unexpectedly pleasant.
When the Cancun rain starts falling, there are still a variety of indoor activities to choose from. La Isla Shopping Village is an ideal spot for shopping, with its movie theater and restaurants nearby.
If you’re looking for musical fun, visit Forum By The Sea, where you can find the renowned Hard Rock Cafe. Those interested in learning about local culture should venture over to Museo Maya de Cancun – one of the best museums in Cancun!
There’s also the Cancun Wax Museum, Ripleys Believe it Or Not!, and Cancun Vintage Car Museum.
If you are about to embark on a journey to Cancun, you may be wondering if it’s hot or cold in January. The answer is unequivocally hot!
Weather averages show that the climate of Cancun ranges from warm and balmy all year round, with some cooler days between December and March.
Experience the unending sunshine of this Mexican paradise! To beat the heat, take a break indoors during peak hours (11 am – 2 pm) and enjoy some cool air conditioning. Or plan water activities like snorkeling at MUSA or swimming in the Cancun cenotes for an exciting way to stay refreshed.
Are you unsure if Cancun’s sweltering heat in January suits your travel plans? Although it all depends on an individual’s preference and tolerance to warm temperatures, there are certain advantages to visiting Cancun in January.
Even though these months can be hot, they also offer clear skies, plenty of sunshine, and pleasant weather that balances the warmth. That being said, January and February remain some of the best times to visit due to their milder climate than other months throughout the year!
Since it’s located in the Caribbean, humidity is inevitable. That said, since dense forests surround the city, you could expect an ample amount of breeze to bring down the humidity levels.
Instead of asking when is the best time to visit Cancun, you should wonder when it’s least desirable. Thankfully, this isn’t January!
The scorching months in Cancun are May through September, notoriously heating up, with May being the warmest on Yucatan Peninsula. Even those who live in Cancun look to these days with dread.
The Atlantic Hurricane Season ends on November 30, so you can relax during the month of January. Plus, hurricanes are rare in this area – there have been only two over the past thirty years!
These include Hurricane Gilbert (September 5, 1988) and Hurricane Wilma (October 21, 2005). So, while rain storms or cloud cover may occur year-round while visiting Cancun, it’s not likely to be a hurricane.
The Atlantic Hurricane Season occurs between June 1 and November 30. That said, historical data and trends indicate that the August-October months have the highest probability of seeing storms.
From June 1 to November 30, the same forecast holds for all countries and cities—meaning there is no designated Cancun Hurricane Season.
Generally, Cancun is unlikely to experience catastrophic destruction due to a hurricane. Storms of this magnitude are vast and rarely make landfall directly on the city. Typically, only areas close to its core—known as the eye—are subject to serious devastation; given Cancun’s distance from these regions, there’s less need for alarm.
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Ready to dive into the warm waters of Cancun in January? With temperatures consistently ranging from 77°F (25°C) to 84°F (29°C), you can swim, snorkel and go scuba diving with ease.
If those warm water temperatures sound enticing, you’ll want to book some Cancun tours to take advantage of everything this Mexico beach town has to offer.
Make sure to book the below-mentioned tours in Cancun ASAP:
Despite being located 2.5 hours away from Cancun (one way), many travelers gladly trade their day off to witness this timeless landmark in all its glory. And who can blame them – nobody would want to miss out on the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of seeing one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
You can explore Chichen Itza from Cancun by:
Though the ADO bus is by far the most economical option, be aware that it will add another two to three hours round-trip to your travel time.
I highly recommend booking a knowledgeable guide; having one ensures you’ll get the insight and perspective needed in order to truly comprehend what this magnificent place has to offer!
If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience in Cancun, book this incredible guided tour !
Additionally, if you desire luxury or private tours for your journey, there are options available too. Don’t miss out on this rare opportunity!
If you’re looking for a Mayan experience but don’t have the time or energy to devote an entire day, why not visit one of Cancun’s other ancient ruins instead?
While they may not be as awe-inspiring as Chichen Itza, El Rey Ruins, Yamil Lu’um Ruins, El Meco Ruins, and San Miguelito at the Cancun Museum are all located much closer than their more famous counterpart.
Set among some of the most amazing resorts, including the Hard Rock Hotel Cancun, is Playa Delfines Beach – one of Mexico’s best beaches.
Unbeatable by any other beach in Cancun, visitors from all over can’t help but marvel at its beauty while soaking up that bright blue Caribbean Sea.
Don’t miss out on these stunning visitor favorites: Playa Delfines, Playa Mujeres, Playa Chacmool, Playa Langosta, Playa Marlín, and Play Punta Nizuc, which boast incredible views given their proximity to each other!
Escape to paradise with a quick ferry ride from Cancun to Isla Mujeres, Mexico – an oasis in the Mexican Caribbean. Are you passionate about islands? You should also explore Isla Contoy –a world-renowned Mexico National Park!
Whether you want to soar across the jungle canopy at Xcaret Park, witness the renowned nighttime dance show, or partake in water sports, XCARET Water Park has you covered.
Rather than relying on swimming pools as a source of entertainment, this water park uses its exquisite natural environment to provide an unforgettable experience.
If you’re looking for the ultimate vacation experience, Xcaret Waterpark in Cancun is the place to be! Whether it’s splashing around in a river or diving into an ancient sinkhole – known as cenotes – there are plenty of activities available.
With 6,000 cenotes located beneath the Yucatan Peninsula and some of them being outside Cancun itself, visitors can explore what Sac Actun (the longest underground river on Earth) has to offer.
Experience swimming in one-of-a-kind freshwater sceneries that will make your trip unforgettable! Located just a short drive from Puerto Morelos on Highway 307 lies the stunning Route de Cenotes: home to 4 awe-inspiring cenotes; Sol y Luna, Verde Lucero, Zapote, and La Noria.
While the Mexican beach town of Cancun is well-known, there’s more than meets the eye. Across from its beaches lies Nichupte Lagoon, a lush natural area boasting 7,400 acres and seven tranquil lakes. This makes it ideal for aquatic activities such as snorkeling, swimming, and water sports.
Plus, if you’re looking to swim with whale sharks in Cancun – the perfect time for this experience falls between May 17 and September 17!
With a rented car, you’ll have many choices for Cancun day trips. Drive only 60 minutes south and experience the beauty of Playa del Carmen with Riviera Maya as your backdrop. Venture another hour further, and you’ll end up at Tulum.
Don’t forget about Valladolid and Izamal, too—their pueblos magicos are worth seeing too.
On New Year’s Day, Cancun beachfront tends to be especially tranquil in the early morning hours.
After New Year’s Eve celebrations, Cancun is generally tranquil on January 1. While certain places like banks and public offices will be closed for the day, eateries and stores will stay open.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to ring in the New Year with a bang at some of Cancun’s hottest clubs! Get your tickets ahead for Coco Bongo, Mandala Cancún, The City Nightclub Cancun, and La Vaquita Cancun. All these clubs will provide you with unforgettable beachfront fireworks shows followed by all-night dance parties.
Don’t miss the incredible Mayan Village Show held at Xcaret Waterpark in January! This is one of Cancun’s greatest events celebrating and honoring Mayan culture and heritage.
During this remarkable show, you will witness a retelling of the discovery of fire within an authentic jungle village setting – making it perfect for families with kids or adults who are passionate about history.
You won’t find another opportunity like this to be fully immersed in both ancient Mayan civilization as well as Mexican culture. Make sure not to miss out on such an amazing experience!
On January 6, Epiphany – also referred to as Día de Reyes (Three Kings Day) or Día de los Tres Reyes Magos (Day of the Three Wise Men) – is celebrated in Mexico.
This noteworthy Catholic holiday commemorates the journey of the Three Wise Men who traveled from afar and arrived at Bethlehem with precious gifts for Baby Jesus.
To honor this gesture, Mexican children do not open their presents on Christmas day but wait until they receive them, as Jesus did over 2 millennia ago.
Generally speaking, Cancun is a safe place to visit if you are just taking in the sights and sounds. That said, it’s important to remember that, as with any tourist destination, there can be issues related to petty theft or other crimes.
For those traveling alone, we highly recommend checking out our article “Is Cancun Safe Now – Guide?“ which offers additional tips on how best to plan your trip for an enjoyable and safe experience.
If you’re wondering, “What state is Cancun in?” be aware that it lies within the boundaries of Quintana Roo State. This Mexican region, along with Yucatan and Campeche States, comprises the Yucatan Peninsula.
Out of these three states, Quintana Roo sees the most tourism activity. Long and narrow in shape like a strip across Mexico’s Caribbean coastlines, this portion of Yucatan is sometimes called the ‘Mexican Caribbean’ – home to many renowned beach destinations such as Cancun.
I recommend these travel resources for Mexico that I personally use:
🏨 Hotels: I have found that Expedia and Booking.com consistently have the best deals on hotels and resorts in Mexico. If you prefer to stay at a vacation rental, check VRBO that is usually cheaper than AirBnB’s added fees!
✈️ Flights: To find the best flight deals to Mexico, I always use Kayak. Remember to subscribe to their price alerts for the travel dates you want. Another great alternative for flight deals is Expedia.
🚗 Rental Cars: I always use and highly recommend Discover Cars because it allows me to compare several car rental companies and view ratings on various factors such as overall value, pick-up procedure, agent efficiency, car condition, and total time taken.
🚙 Cancun Airport Transportation: For the fastest and easiest way to travel, I suggest arranging a private transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation. Honestly, no better way to travel from the airport to your hotel or resort.
🤿 Tours & Activities: For tours and activities in Mexico, I highly recommend using either Viator or GetYourGuide. These websites offer a full refund if you cancel your booking 24 hours before the start of the tour, and they also provide excellent customer service in case of any issues.
🚨 Travel Insurance: I always suggest purchasing travel insurance as a precaution before traveling, especially after a recent accident in a taxi in Mexico. For short trips, I recommend Travel Insurance Master, whereas for digital nomads, Safety Wing is a better option.
📷 Best Camera for your trip: I always carry with me a GoPro, It’s light, compact, takes great video and pictures, and most importantly, it’s waterproof! You just can’t go wrong with one. If you are interested in higher quality video and photography, I always carry with me on my trips and highly recommend the Sony A7IV which I think is the best travel DSLR Camera out there.
☀️ Biodegradable Sunscreen: Remember to include a good sunscreen to protect yourself from the summer sun. I always use and suggest Sun Bum Sunscreen, which is vegan, reef-friendly, and cruelty-free.
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