Cancun in January
Are you thinking of visiting Cancun in January?
Situated along the Caribbean coast of Mexico, Cancun is by far one of the liveliest and most popular destination hubs in the country.
Cancun Quick Summary:
- 📍 Where is it: Southern Mexico
- 🗺 Difficulty Getting There: Very Easy
- ⏱ Time needed: 5 days
- ☀️ Best Time to Visit: November/February
You’ve probably already heard of its incredible white-sand beaches, however, Cancun is also home to some amazing nature, activities and buzzing nightlife too.
Cancun in January
In this ultimate guide to Cancun, we’ll explore what it’s like visiting Cancun in January.
We’ll explore different factors such as the weather, tourism, as well as the overall best times for getting deals and for doing different activities.
Quick Answer: Overall, visiting Cancun in January is a very exciting time, and will promise good weather and lot of a fun. Average temperatures will hover around a warm 75°F, with around 2 inches of rainfall which makes it a perfect month for long uninterrupted spells of beach time.
There are also a ton of events on, although it may be pricier due to it being a popular time for the crowds to visit.
Cancun Travel Seasons
Before we dive into this, don’t forget to read this guide in conjunction with our 5 days in Cancun itinerary which covers some of the things you can do during your time here.
☀️ Dry Season in Cancun: November – April
This is by far the most popular time to visit Cancun, as temperatures are warm and skies will be clear and mostly absent of rain. The dry season in Cancun is known for being the best time for consistent dry weather, making it perfect for heading to the beach. However the drawback of visiting during this season is that prices will often be higher (as it often coincides with the more popular tourist seasons).
💧 Wet Season in Cancun: May – October
During this season, rainfall is more pronounced and you’ll likely have a few showers during your visit. However having said this, these aren’t all day events but mostly quick showers that are over and done with within a an hour or two. Temperatures during this time are hotter than the dry season. The rain is also lukewarm, which in our opinion is much needed for a cool-off after the hot daytime rays! This time will also be cheaper in some months compared with the dry season (May and October especially).
🌪 Hurricane Season in Cancun: August – October
Falling within the latter stages of Cancun’s Rainy Season, we have the often dreaded Hurricane Season. Honestly, it’s really not that bad, and George was actually in the area in September and had a very good time. During these months rainfall will be sharper and more spontaneous, with heavy downpours combined with some strong winds.
Actual hurricanes don’t always make landfall in Cancun, but if they do make there’ll be good notice (days) beforehand so you can properly prepare. In fact, the majority of hotels and restaurants already have plans to deal with these occasions in advance, so you’ll be in safe hands regardless.
Where to Stay in Cancun
One of the best places to stay in Cancun is Flamingo by Andini Travel. Located right on the beach in Cancun’s popular hotel zone, here you’ll have an all-inclusive penthouse and pool, as well as your own stunning private beach and coastline.
Cancun Weather in January
Now let’s look at everything you need to know about Cancun in January and its weather.
Temperatures in Cancun
Average daily temperatures range from 73-75°F, with highs of 81°F and lows of down to 67°F. This makes January a pleasant and hot month to visit, without temperatures becoming too overbearing.
Rainfall in Cancun
Around 2 inches of rain will fall throughout January, making it a pretty dry time to visit. Historically, this month has roughly 6 days which will have some rainfall.
Sea Temperatures in Cancun
Temperatures in the water during this month will hover around 79°F, which is great for a cool-off during the hot midday sun.
Chance of Storms in Cancun
Stormy weather is very unlikely during this month, although there may be a day or two (maximum) of rainfall that goes out throughout the day. Overall though, January is the best month to visit for the least chance of storms.
Humidity in Cancun
January is one of the least humid months of the year, and as such is much more comfortable for walking around and not feeling too hot and sticky.
What should I pack when heading to Cancun in January?
When heading to Cancun in January, you’ll mostly want to pack light clothes for heading to the beaches, and also for going out in the evening. We recommend bringing an extra layer or two in the event there are some rains, however during this month it’s still pretty unlikely.
Cancun Tourism in January
Here we’ll explore everything going-on in January, including the best events, and also whether January is an expensive time to visit Cancun.
High or Low Season?
January in Cancun is often considered high season, as it coincides with the late Christmas and New Year’s holiday breaks. As a result hotel and flight prices will be more expensive than normal.
Events in Cancun
Of course, if heading in early January, then you’ll still be able to jump on the waves from New Years (which tend to keep the tempo up in the first week or two of the month).
If heading during the first week of January, then you’ll be able to see the celebrations of Epiphany. Most local restaurants will serve a festive cake called Rosca de Reyes to celebrate this cultural event.
Another great event to experience during this month is the Mayan Village Show, which is held daily throughout January in Xcaret Park. Here you can enjoy jungle walks, as well as see recreations of the most important Mayan festivals and traditions.
Nightlife in Cancun
Cancun is buzzing all year round, so there will plenty of bars and clubs popping off most days of the week regardless of when you visit. January in particular is known for some of its craziest parties of the year, with Mandala and Amma some of the best to visit. Cocobongo is also known for its legendary parties too and is an absolute must-visit.
Best Time to visit Cancun
Now we’ll take a look at the overall best times of the year to visit Cancun for different factors.
For Perfect Weather
Of course, the dry season will be the best time to visit for perfect weather, where rainfall is low and temperatures are nice and toasty. The best months overall are March and April. Definitely the best time for heading on this all-inclusive Catamaran Cruise.
For Cheap Deals
The best deals will always be in the least popular periods. So for Cancun, this will be during the rainy season, and especially within the months of July-October (which is during the Hurricane season).
For Buzzing Nightlife
The two most popular times for nightlife in Cancun are during Spring Break, and also during the Christmas Period. Nightlife is pretty great regardless of when you visit, however these two periods really up the ante and will have crazy antics happenings every night of the week.
For Snorkeling / Diving
Located along the Mexican Caribbean, here you’ll have some pretty stunning waters full of tropical beauties. The best time for visibility is in January and February.
For Spotting Whale Sharks
The Whale Shark season runs from between June and late September, however, the best sighted month for these beasts is often within June. We highly recommend joining this tour, which includes all transport as well as lunch and drinks
For Honeymoons
For those looking to celebrate their Honeymoon in Cancun, the dry season (November until April) will be your best bet. The months of February and March are the most ideal, with the least rainfall as well as lesser crowds during this time.
Weather in Cancun FAQ Guide
Let’s look at the most frequent questions we get asked by our readers about Cancun.
Visiting Cancun in January
That’s all for our guide to visiting Cancun in January. Cancun is a great destination to visit year-round, with its abundance of tropical beaches and things to see and do.
In this guide we’ve looked in-depth at visiting Cancun in January, along with what you can expect during a visit in this month. This includes the weather, tourism and other factors you’ll need to know.
We’ve also covered the different travel seasons, our recommended best times to visit for different activities, as well as our FAQ which answers your most burning questions.
We hope you enjoy your stay in Cancun and get the chance to follow some of the suggestion in our backpacking Yucatan itinerary while you’re here.
👉🏽 P.S. If you’ve found this guide helpful, buy us a coffee here to say thanks! Or, support us by downloading our South America Travel Bible to get our best content.
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