Middle of the drier season · Weather & things to do
Playa del Carmen in January
This is the coldest month in Playa del Carmen: highs average 79°F (26°C) and lows 74°F (23°C), with about 2.4 in (61 mm) of rain.
It scores 84/100 for comfort, 4th of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 79°F (26°C)
- Avg low
- 74°F (23°C)
- Rain
- 2.4 in (61 mm)
- Humidity
- 76%
- Cloud cover
- 57%
- Daylight
- ~10 h 53 min
- Comfort score
- 84/100 · Great
What January feels like
Days are warm, averaging 79°F (26°C).
Even at night it stays warm, around 74°F (23°C).
Humidity averages 76%, so the air feels sticky and the heat feels stronger than the thermometer says.
Some rain is likely, about 2.4 in (61 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Plan around January
January is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (February – April).
- Comfort holds steady from December (82 → 84/100).
- January sits inside the Dec – Apr window our Tulum & Riviera Maya route recommends.
What to pack for January
- Light, breathable clothes79°F afternoons
- Quick-dry fabrics76% average humidity
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 2.4 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Playa del Carmen in January
January is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Akumal Bay
Bay known for snorkeling with green sea turtles.
Why now January scores 84/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Quinta Avenida
Pedestrian street with shops, restaurants and bars running parallel to the beach.
Why now Highs near 79°F and 2.4 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Ultramar Ferry to Cozumel
45-minute ferry to Cozumel for reef snorkeling and dive trips.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Playa Mamitas
Lively beach with beach clubs north of the center.
La Cueva del Chango
Garden restaurant serving Mexican breakfasts since 1997.
Nearby in January
- Tulum in January~38 mi · highs 81°F, 2.0 in rain · 1°C (2°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Bacalar in January~160 mi · highs 80°F, 2.7 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Playa del Carmen in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Playa del Carmen?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 84/100 against a best of 94 in February – April. Expect highs of 79°F (26°C) and 2.4 in (61 mm) of rain. January is inside the Dec – Apr window our Tulum & Riviera Maya route recommends.
How hot is Playa del Carmen in January?
Average highs are 79°F (26°C) and average lows 74°F (23°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Playa del Carmen in January?
Some: about 2.4 in (61 mm) of rain falls across January on average, the 4th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 50.5 in (1282 mm).
What should I pack for Playa del Carmen in January?
Bring light, breathable clothes (79°F afternoons), quick-dry fabrics (76% average humidity), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 2.4 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Playa del Carmen
Routes in season in January
- Tulum & Riviera Maya Dec – Apr
Planning Playa del Carmen in January?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.