Mexico weather in January
| Avg. temperature: 22.7°C / 72.9°F | Sun: 6 hrs per day (sunshine) / 11 hrs per day (daylight) |
| Rain: 76 mm per month | Avg. Humidity: 80% |
Thinking about visiting Mexico in January?
With warm weather and sunny beaches along the Caribbean and Pacific Coasts – and in the heart of the dry season – it can be the ideal place to beat the winter blues.
If you’re seeking city life, you can also soak up the sun in Yucatan, Ixtapa or Acapulco while indulging in some Mexican culture.
For a more typical winter retreat, head to the Copper Canyon in northern Mexico for cooler temperatures perfect for popular hiking trails and ski trips.
Whether you’re travelling with family, eager for adventure or just looking to relax, there are plenty of things to do in Mexico in January and there is something for everyone. We’ve outlined the best places to visit in Mexico in January below.
Things to do in Mexico in January
Go whale watching in Baja, California
One of the best things to do in Mexico in January is whale watching in Baja California, which sits on an 800 mile-long peninsula on Mexico’s wild Pacific Coast. Known by many as the best place for whale watching on earth, you can expect to see a huge variety of whales and dolphins than anywhere else in the world as they migrate to the region’s shallow waters to mate and give birth between January and March.
Be sure to do some research and book on a reputable tour for the best experience. Forget big boats with large crowds and opt for a smaller vessel with a maximum of 10-15 people for the ultimate authentic experience led by local fishermen and whale experts. They’ll allow you to get up close and personal – so close you might even be able to touch a whale with your bare hands!
Marvel at Monarch’s near Mexico City
January is one of the best times to observe the migration of Monarch butterflies at the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, 100 km north-west of Mexico City. Millions of butterflies head to this UNESCO World Heritage Site every year to escape the harsh winter frost of North America, fluttering in their thousands to settle in the branches of oyamel fir trees, the beating of their wings in such volume mimicking the sound of gently falling rain. This is a must-see for wildlife lovers during your visit to Mexico in January.
Swim in the sea on the stunning Pacific Coast
Mexico’s Pacific Coast is a picture-perfect holiday destination. Puerto Vallarta is one of the most popular destinations along the coast, with Mazatlan and Acapulco coming in a close second and third.
The Pacific ocean of the coast of Mexico is a popular spot for swimming, snorkelling and whale watching during January. You can bask on the beaches of the famous resort regions in Puerto Vallarta, or go off the beaten track for a more natural experience in the jungle of Yelapa or the Marieta Islands.
Bask on the beaches on the Yucatan Peninsula
When you think of beaches in Mexico, you probably picture the white sands of Cancun leading to the warm Caribbean sea. Cancun is the most popular place to stay along the coast as it has the most resorts, restaurants and waterparks, not to mention the obvious; miles upon miles of endless sandy beaches. Other popular locations include Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Merida and Puerto Morelos.
There are plenty of beautiful beaches with bright turquoise waters to while away the hours if you’re looking to relax during your Mexican vacation in January.
For some culture during your beach stay, visit the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza where the most famous monument is the 30 meter high pyramid, with its serpent-headed staircase. The ancient city is a must-see, particularly if you’re travelling from Cancun to Tulum or vice versa.
There’s a three week festival in Merida
The Merida International Arts Festival is held every January and is worth a visit during your Yucatan vacation. Merida is a cultural city year-round, but especially during January it’s a great place to attend events such as art exhibitions, orchestral concerts and more held in major cultural venues across the city such as Museums, Universities and Theaters.
Travel and accommodation in Mexico in January
For many, January can be considered the best time to visit Mexico. Most travellers begin to head home after the festive season and one of the busiest months for tourists, December, with other visitors typically not arriving until February. While January is considered part of the high season, it is considerably less crowded than its neighboring months meaning there are good deals to be found on travel and accommodation, particularly around the capital, Mexico City.
Best time to visit Mexico • Jan • Feb • Mar • Apr • May • Jun • Jul • Aug • Sep • Oct • Nov • Dec