Cancun in January: After a busy holiday season filled with parties, family and lots of food, by the time January rolls around, most of us feel like we need a second vacation just to recover! If you live somewhere it snows over December, you might feel like you desperately need to escape somewhere warmer to defrost and relax. If that sounds like you, you’re on the right track! There’s no better place to visit in January if warm weather and relaxing beaches are what you’re looking for!
Cancun has those long stretches of perfectly white sand and crystal clear azure waters that beckon all who visit closer. The beaches are peppered with palm trees for shade and lined with sun loungers, with beach bars and restaurants a stone’s throw away. There is also so much to do in Cancun in January, from visiting the cosmopolitan shopping malls to the ancient Mayan ruins and cenotes. There’s a great mix of history with modern 21st century living, which visitors young and old will appreciate.
The Weather in Cancun in January
Visiting Cancun in January is a great idea as it’s right in the middle of their dry season. There is little to no rainfall in January and no threat of any hurricanes, so it’s a particularly good time of the year to visit.
The average daytime temperature hovers around 73F and 79F which makes for very comfortable weather conditions to spend time outdoors. Humidity is around 80% which often makes tourists feel like it’s hotter than it really is. It’s not at a point where it’s uncomfortable, however. Cancun enjoys around 8 hours of sunshine during the month of January which leaves plenty of time during the day to soak up the sun. The sun tends to rise at around 7:11am and sets between 6:09pm and 6:30pm in January.
The sea temperature is around 79F in January, a very comfortable temperature for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving because there’s nothing worse than water so cold it takes your breath away!
What to pack for Cancun in January
You’ll find the locals joking that when temperatures drop to 73F that it’s time to crank out the jackets and thick blankets! However, when the temperature dips in the evening it remains moderate for most people used to much lower temperatures in January!
When visiting Cancun in January, it’s important to still pack a light jacket or shawl for the evenings when the air is a little cooler. Other than that, pack your favorite beachwear for the day because you’ll find the weather nice and warm!
Activities in Cancun in January
As mentioned above, there is plenty to do in Cancun. Sipping cocktails on the beach, taking sunset strolls, exploring the local reefs and discovering the fascinating Mayan ruins are just some of the wonderful things you can expect to do during your stay. From the second week of January, popular attractions tend to quieten down, making it a perfect time to visit.
El Día de los Reyes (Kings’ Day)
January 6th is a day of celebration in Mexico. Families and friends get together to break sweet bread called Rosca de Reyes. Traditionally, a small baby Jesus figure is baked into the bread and whoever ends up with the figurine in their slice of bread must make everyone tamales on the upcoming El Día de Candelaria.
Romantic Dinner Cruise
With crowds dying down a bit in Cancun in January, it’s the perfect time to take a romantic cruise with your beloved. Take an enchanting 2.5 hour cruise around the Cancun lagoons as you enjoy delicious food and wine with your partner. The vessel is a large, multi-level Spanish galleon with an onboard saxophonist, adding to the charm and romance of the evening. Grab an all-inclusive Go City pass and this memorable cruise is included.
Bioluminescence Snorkeling Tour
There is a very special snorkeling tour you can book for evenings where a variety of fish and jellies appear to be neon in the moonlight. Explore the shallow waters of the Mayan Reef and discover the splendor of Cancun’s magnificent sea life. Your tour guide will lead you through 3 different spots where you can expect to spot colorful fish, jellyfish and sea turtles.
Book a tour of Valladolid and Chichen Itza
Valladolid is a historical city near Cancun with incredible architecture you’ll want to explore. Chichen Itza, a collection of ancient Mayan ruins, is near Valladolid and is usually included in tours to the area. You’ll often end your day swimming in the bright blue cenotes nearby for a very memorable day trip.
Take a day trip to Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres is an idyllic island off the coast of Cancun, a short 20 – 30 minute ferry ride away. There is much to see and do on Isla Mujeres from its national parks to picture-perfect infamous beach, Playa Norte.
Is Cancun in January busy?
Many Americans, Canadians and Brits seeking to ditch the winter blues in favor of warmer weather flock to Cancun in January. While it’s not nearly as crowded as it is in December, January is still a busy month in Cancun with very few deals on hotels, tours and airfare for travelers. From the second week of January, the crowds start to thin out as people head home to get back to work after the holidays.
If a toasty warm beach vacation is just what the doctor ordered after a busy festive season, then visiting Cancun in January is the way to go. The weather is mild and warm, the sea is at the perfect temperature for swimming and snorkeling and crowded attractions start to quieten down from mid-month. January really is a great time to indulge in a vacation to Cancun!
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