Mexico (Cancún) · January
Low seasonMexico · North America
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 27° (81°)23– (73–)30 (86) | 28° (82°)23– (73–)31 (88) | 29° (84°)25– (77–)31 (88) | 30° (86°)26– (79–)32 (90) | 32° (90°)27– (81–)34 (93) | 32° (90°)27– (81–)34 (93) | 32° (90°)28– (82–)34 (93) | 32° (90°)28– (82–)34 (93) | 32° (90°)28– (82–)33 (91) | 30° (86°)26– (79–)32 (90) | 29° (84°)25– (77–)31 (88) | 28° (82°)24– (75–)30 (86) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | 20° (68°)13– (55–)24 (75) | 21° (70°)13– (55–)25 (77) | 21° (70°)15– (59–)26 (79) | 23° (73°)16– (61–)26 (79) | 24° (75°)19– (66–)27 (81) | 25° (77°)22– (72–)27 (81) | 25° (77°)21– (70–)28 (82) | 25° (77°)22– (72–)28 (82) | 25° (77°)21– (70–)27 (81) | 24° (75°)19– (66–)27 (81) | 22° (72°)15– (59–)25 (77) | 21° (70°)14– (57–)25 (77) |
☀️Sunshine | 6h | 8h | 8h | 9h | 9h | 8h | 10h | 9h | 8h | 7h | 7h | 7h |
🌊Water Temp | 27° (81°) | 26° (79°) | 27° (81°) | 27° (81°) | 28° (82°) | 28° (82°) | 29° (84°) | 29° (84°) | 29° (84°) | 29° (84°) | 28° (82°) | 27° (81°) |
🌧Rain Days | 9d78mm (3.1") | 5d41mm (1.6") | 4d30mm (1.2") | 4d36mm (1.4") | 8d88mm (3.5") | 14d194mm (7.6") | 9d76mm (3.0") | 13d113mm (4.5") | 17d156mm (6.1") | 16d187mm (7.4") | 12d124mm (4.9") | 9d84mm (3.3") |
Best travel time current monthØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Still off-season — flights and hotels significantly cheaper than in February.
January in Mexico (Cancún) is generally manageable, but with 9 rain days it's not a reliably sunny month. Better conditions can be found in February, March, April, and May.
Daytime highs average 27°C (81°F), cooling to 20°C (68°F) at night (daily average: 24°C (75°F)). Peaks reach around 30°C (86°F), the coldest nights around 13°C (55°F). With 6 sunshine hours per day and 9 rain days (78 mm (3.1 in)), this is one of the cloudier months. The water is a warm 27°C (81°F) — perfect for snorkelling and swimming.
A jacket for cool evenings should not be left behind. Sightseeing and excursions can be enjoyed comfortably at this time of year.
The best time for Cancún and the Riviera Maya: mostly dry (driest from February to April), 25–30°C (77–86°F), Caribbean turquoise without rain clouds. Chichén Itzá and Tulum without extreme heat. Día de los Muertos in November is culturally special — ofrendas in the Maya communities.
Packing list for Mexico (Cancún) in January
- T-shirts and shorts
- Swimwear and beach towel
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Light umbrella or rain poncho
- Insect repellent
- Travel first-aid kit
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is January a good time to visit Mexico (Cancún)?
- January is not an optimal month for Mexico (Cancún) (Score: 68/100), but it is manageable. For better conditions, consider February, March, April, and May.
- How warm is it in Mexico (Cancún) in January?
- In January, Mexico (Cancún) sees daily highs of 27°C (81°F). Nights cool to 20°C (68°F), with a daily average of 24°C (75°F). Peaks reach around 30°C (86°F), the coldest nights around 13°C (55°F).
- How much rain falls in Mexico (Cancún) in January?
- In January, Mexico (Cancún) receives an average of 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain over 9 rain days. An umbrella may occasionally be needed.
- How many sunshine hours does Mexico (Cancún) get in January?
- Mexico (Cancún) averages 6 sunshine hours per day in January — below the annual average.
- How warm is the water in Mexico (Cancún) in January?
- Water temperature in Mexico (Cancún) in January averages 27°C (81°F) — ideal for swimming and snorkelling.
