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Averages for Cancun in January

Cancun is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Central America for British families and couples alike. Located on the eastern coast of Mexico, the resort enjoys a tropical climate, with pleasantly warm weather throughout the year, alongside very distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season falls between May and October, when the resort experiences an average of 167mm of rainfall every month. November to April is the dry season, when the rainfall is much lower, although the average daily hours of sunshine is also lower at nine, in comparison to ten in the wet season.

Cancun attracts all sorts of holidaymakers who want to explore the heady nightlife hotspots packed with bars, restaurants and nightclubs on an evening and re-energise by relaxing on white sandy beaches during the day. On top of all this, the resort also offers a wide variety of tourist accommodation, a wealth of family-friendly attractions and a fantastic number of excursions which make a resort that appeals to everyone.

Weather lowdown

January is the coldest time of the year to visit Cancun, Mexico when the resort experiences an average temperature of 23°C, created by highs of up to 27°C and lows of 19°C. During this month, the average sea temperature is 27°C, which – alongside an average eight hours of sunshine each day – makes it a popular time to spend an afternoon at the beach. The average humidity is very high throughout January, at 81% and with around ten rainy days, it’s likely that you’ll experience a shower or two during your holiday. 

Dates for the diary

El Día de los Reyes takes place at the beginning of the month, when locals celebrate the feast of the epiphany. During this event, there are various street parades and parties held throughout the resort and it’s common for friends and family to exchange gifts.

Toward the end of the month, Cancun celebrates the Annual Handline Barracuda Tournament. In this charity fishing event, local and visiting fishermen head to a specific location just off Isla Mujeres and compete to catch the largest fish of the day.

Things to do

If the weather takes a turn for the worst, seek shelter at the Interactive Aquarium. The ideal place for families to spend the day, this attraction features a number of large tanks and enclosures full of interesting species such as moray eels, jellyfish, piranhas and seahorses, some of which you can touch. In addition to the animal displays, the aquarium also gives you the chance to swim with sharks, dolphins and sea lions.

Car enthusiasts and thrill seekers won’t want to miss the chance to drive a luxury car with Exotic Rides Mexico. This group owns a number of Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Mercedes Benz, Audis, Camaro, Corvettes and Lotus Elises, which you can drive as part of a track day programme, road tour, hot lap or drifting trip. Not just an attraction for car lovers, Exotic Rides Mexico also organises go kart races and speedboat jungle tours.

Hit the beach

Even though it’s the coldest month of the year, January is still a fantastic time to hit the beach. Forum Beach is located in the centre of Cancun, close to a world of restaurants, cafes, bars, hotels and shops, providing plenty of options when it comes to lunch. There are plenty of facilities and services available for visitors, including parasols, sun beds, restaurants, bars, showers, lifeguards and children’s play area.

Playa Ballenas is found on the eastern coast of the resort close to several bus stops, making it easily accessible. Here you’ll find soft white sands alongside clean blue waters with small waves which are fun to splash about in. Although the amenities are very limited, the beach is a fantastic place to try out water sports such as jet skiing and parasailing.

Where to eat & drink

When it comes to traditional Mexican food, Blue Gecko Cantina is the place to go. One of the many open-air casual restaurants in the resort, this small eatery serves a wide variety of fajitas, tacos, salads, enchiladas and burritos available in fish, meat and vegetarian options. In addition to the food, Blue Gecko Cantina also serves a selection of cocktails made onsite with fresh fruit.

If you find yourself craving a curry whilst on holiday in Cancun, Mexico, stop by Elefanta. Here diners can choose from a number of authentic Indian starters, followed by a selection of traditional curry-based main courses served alongside rice, naan bread and vegetables. If you’ve left room for dessert, there are several options available, such as ice cream, gulab jamun, carrot halva and kulfi.

Hard Rock Café Cancun is the perfect place for families to spend a night out together. Decorated with interesting rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia, this bar is open from 11am until 2am and serves a vast array of food and drinks throughout the day. Children are well catered for at this establishment with a large play zone watched over by qualified and experienced child minders.

Sports fans who want to keep track of their team should head to Sidelines, where you’ll find two giant flat screen TVs and plenty of other TVs capable of showing a number of different matches at any one time. Sidelines is only open to guests aged 18+ and also offers karaoke nights, pool tables and a wealth of sports memorabilia to admire.

Where to stay

Couples and families searching for budget accommodation in Cancun, Mexico should consider staying at Suites Costa Blanca. Found in the centre of the hotel zone, this complex is made up of 21 air-conditioned rooms. There are plenty of onsite amenities for guests to enjoy, including currency exchange, maid service, parking, gift shop and sun deck, with a variety of shops, bars, cafes and restaurants in the immediate area.

If you’re looking for a little bit of luxury during your holiday, take a look at Casa Magna Marriott Cancun Resort. Also located in the heart of the hotel zone, this complex offers a selection of rooms and suites, many of which come with fantastic views. The list of onsite facilities is comprehensive and covers spa, sports facilities, fitness centre, swimming pool, WiFi access, bars, restaurants and kids’ club.

Only a short distance away from Pok Ta Pok Golf Course and Cancun International Airport, Courtyard Cancun is perfect for golfers who don’t want to venture far from the course during their holiday. This hotel features a wide variety of rooms and suites, as well as a wealth of facilities, such as free WiFi access, restaurant, gym, babysitting services, swimming pool and whirlpool.

Nizuc Resort & Spa is ideal for couples who want to enjoy a romantic spa break in Cancun, Mexico. This complex offers a selection of spacious suites and villas, each of which is equipped with everything you’ll need to enjoy your holiday. Onsite facilities are numerous and include spa, swimming pools, restaurants, 24-hour concierge and kids’ club, with a golf course and several boutiques in the area.

When it comes to all-inclusive accommodation, it doesn’t get much better than Live Aqua Cancun. This four-star beachfront complex features accommodation in the form of rooms and suites, each of which comes with mini bar, air conditioning and free WiFi access. There are plenty of facilities for guests to enjoy, such as numerous bars and restaurants, swimming pools, spa, fitness centre, gift shop and beauty salon.