01Weather
Cancún weather in January
Afternoons in January average 27.1 °C (81 °F) and nights cool to 19.8 °C (68 °F). Compared with December it is 0.8 °C cooler; February is 1.0 °C warmer again.
What the averages hide
| In a typical January | Value | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Warm afternoons (90th percentile) | 29 °C / 84 °F | one day in ten is at least this warm |
| Cool afternoons (10th percentile) | 24 °C / 75 °F | one day in ten stays below this |
| Cold nights (10th percentile) | 14 °C / 57 °F | one night in ten is colder than this |
| Days above 30 °C (86 °F) | 2.0 | per month, average 2016–2025 |
| Nights at or below 0 °C (32 °F) | 0.0 | frost mornings per month |
| Hottest / coldest January day 2016–2025 | 33.0 °C / 12.0 °C | extremes in the ten-year record |
02Daylight
Sunrise, sunset and the length of the day
| Date | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 January | 07:24 | 18:17 | 10.9 h |
| 15 January | 07:27 | 18:26 | 11.0 h |
| 31 January | 07:24 | 18:36 | 11.2 h |
Daylight grows by about 18 minutes over the month. Times are local (America/Cancun).
03Crowds
How busy Cancún is in January
very busy The main sights are very busy in January. What drives it:
- dry season
- Christmas holiday tail
- North American winter escape
04Public holidays
Public holidays in January 2027
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| 1 Jan 2027 | New Year's Day |
On public holidays many shops close and museums run on Sunday hours; check opening times for the day before and after as well.
05Events
What's on in Cancún in January
No major recurring events fall in January.
07Packing
What to pack for Cancún in January
- light, breathable clothing
- sun hat and sunscreen
- refillable water bottle
- a compact umbrella for occasional showers
- something for heat: 2 days a month pass 30 °C on average
08Editor's notes
What the numbers don't tell you
January is dry, sunny and comfortable, with afternoons around 28 °C, low humidity and a cool northerly front some days that brings cloud and a breeze. It is peak season for North American winter escapes, with rates near their highest after the first week. The sea is clear and sargassum-free at 26 °C, and the ruins at Tulum and Chichén Itzá are at their most bearable. Rain falls on about five days.
The Three Kings Day on 6 January brings the rosca de reyes cakes. The whale sharks are gone; the sailfish season off Isla Mujeres runs from January to April. The cenotes are at their clearest. Daylight runs from about seven to six. For the driest, coolest beach month with Carnival, see February.
09Compare
Cancún month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Sun h | Crowds | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 27 °C | 20 °C | – | – | very busy | Good |
| February | 28 °C | 21 °C | – | – | very busy | Good |
| March | 29 °C | 22 °C | – | – | very busy | Good |
| April | 30 °C | 23 °C | – | – | busy | Good |
| May | 31 °C | 25 °C | – | – | moderate | Good |
| June | 31 °C | 26 °C | – | – | moderate | Good |
| July | 32 °C | 25 °C | – | – | busy | Good |
| August | 32 °C | 25 °C | – | – | moderate | Good |
| September | 32 °C | 24 °C | – | – | quiet | Good |
| October | 30 °C | 24 °C | – | – | quiet | Good |
| November | 29 °C | 22 °C | – | – | busy | Excellent |
| December | 28 °C | 21 °C | – | – | very busy | Good |
Not sure about January? See the best time to visit Cancún.
10Elsewhere
January in nearby cities
| City | High | Rain days |
|---|---|---|
| Miami in January | 25 °C | 5 |
| Orlando in January | 22 °C | 2 |
| New York City in January | 5 °C | 8 |
| Toronto in January | 0 °C | 10 |
| Las Vegas in January | 14 °C | 1 |
| Los Angeles in January | 19 °C | 1 |
11FAQ
Cancún in January: your questions
Is January a good time to visit Cancún?
January is a good month to visit Cancún. Daytime highs average 27 °C (81 °F), and hotel arrivals run above the yearly average, so the main sights are very busy.
What is the weather like in Cancún in January?
Expect warm days around 27 °C (81 °F) and nights near 20 °C (68 °F). One January in ten brings afternoons above 29 °C, and one in ten stays below 24 °C.
Does it rain a lot in Cancún in January?
January in Cancún, by the 1991–2020 station normals.
What should I wear in Cancún in January?
Pack light, breathable clothing, sun hat and sunscreen, refillable water bottle.
Is Cancún crowded in January?
The main sights are very busy in January. Main drivers: dry season; Christmas holiday tail; North American winter escape.
What time does it get dark in Cancún in January?
Around the middle of January the sun sets at about 18:26 and rises at 07:27, giving 11.0 hours of daylight.