The Mexico Guides

Mexico in January: Weather, Crowds, and What to Do

· 2 min read Practical
Cancún beach in January dry season

Contents

  1. Weather by region
  2. Crowds and prices
  3. Highlights
  4. What to pack
  5. Events

January is one of the best months to visit Mexico. Dry season is in full effect across most of the country, temperatures are comfortable, and — outside of the school holiday period in the first week — the peak Christmas crowds have thinned out.

Weather by region

Yucatán Peninsula (Cancún, Tulum, Mérida): Dry season. Highs 27–30°C, low humidity, little to no rain. The Caribbean coast is at its most pleasant.

Pacific coast (Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, Mazatlán): Dry and warm, 25–28°C. The Pacific dry season is generally similar to the Caribbean.

Central Mexico (Mexico City, Oaxaca, Guadalajara): Dry season. Mexico City is mild (15–22°C); Oaxaca is similar. Nights can be cool in highland areas.

Chiapas (San Cristóbal, Palenque): San Cristóbal is cool (12–18°C daytime). Palenque is warm and dry.

Crowds and prices

The first week of January — around Three Kings’ Day (Día de Reyes, 6 January) — sees domestic tourism activity. After that, the Riviera Maya quietens slightly before the February uptick. Accommodation prices are at their highest in the first two weeks, then moderate.

Booking ahead essential: Cancún, Tulum, Puerto Vallarta hotels in January.

Highlights

Whale watching (Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, Baja California): Humpbacks are in Banderas Bay from December–March. Blue whales are visible off Loreto and La Paz in Baja from January.

Monarch butterflies (Michoacán): The Monarch butterfly sanctuaries in the mountains between Morelia and Mexico City are at peak occupancy January–February. The butterfly forests are extraordinary.

Carnaval preparation: Carnaval cities (Mazatlán, Veracruz, Mérida) are preparing for February/March celebrations — not yet in effect but the planning and decorating are underway.

What to pack

  • Light layers for daytime, a light jacket for evenings in highland areas
  • Sunscreen (the sun is strong even in January)
  • Rain gear only if visiting Chiapas or the Pacific coast south of Puerto Vallarta

Events

  • Three Kings’ Day (Día de Reyes) — 6 January: the traditional Mexican Christmas gift-giving day (not 25 December). Family gatherings nationwide. The rosca de reyes cake is central to the celebration.