10 Best Places to Visit in Mexico in January (2026 Sun & Whales)

Forget the dreary British winter; this is when Mexico really shines, especially if you know where to go.

You get cracking weather, fewer crowds than peak holiday season, and a proper good vibe across the country.

We’re talking warm days, cool evenings, and very little rain, which means you can actually enjoy exploring without melting or getting soaked.

Whether you fancy chilling on a beach or diving into some history, January hits the sweet spot for a Mexican getaway. It's the perfect escape to kick off your new year.

1) Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen offers that lively coastal buzz without being totally overwhelming in January.

The weather is warm and sunny, ideal for getting out and about. You can stroll down Fifth Avenue, check out the shops, or grab a bite at one of the many spots.

For something a bit different, head to a cenote for a swim in crystal-clear waters, a truly unique experience. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, visit the Xcaret Eco-Archaeological Park for a mix of culture and nature.

The beaches are clean, and the water is perfect for swimming or sunbathing. It's a great base for exploring the Riviera Maya. Expect warm temperatures and low humidity, making it comfortable for all activities.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Playa del Carmen

1. What's the weather like in Playa del Carmen in January?

January in Playa del Carmen offers warm and pleasant weather. You can expect plenty of sunshine and minimal rain, making it great for beach activities and exploring.

2. Are there many crowds in Playa del Carmen in January?

January generally sees fewer crowds compared to the absolute peak holiday season, though it's still a popular time. You'll find it busy enough to have a good atmosphere but not completely overrun.

3. What’s a unique activity to do in Playa del Carmen?

Go on a cenote tour; these natural sinkholes with clear water are perfect for swimming, snorkelling, or diving. Each cenote offers its own distinct features.

2) San Miguel de Allende

San Miguel de Allende is an absolute stunner, a colonial city full of colourful buildings and cobblestone streets.

January brings mild days and cool nights, making it lovely for walking around. The main plaza, El Jardín, is where everyone gathers, offering live music and views of La Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel.

You can take a hot air balloon ride for a proper perspective of the city and its surroundings.

Explore the vibrant art scene, perhaps at Fabrica la Aurora, which houses many galleries.

The town celebrates local events in January, so there's always something going on. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site for good reason, offering a truly unique atmosphere.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting San Miguel de Allende

1. Is January a good time to visit San Miguel de Allende?

Absolutely. January offers mild days and cool nights in San Miguel de Allende, perfect for exploring the city's charming streets comfortably. It's a popular time, but still enjoyable.

2. What kind of activities are available in San Miguel de Allende?

You can take a hot air balloon ride, explore art galleries, visit historical landmarks like the Parroquia, or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere in El Jardín. Horseback riding in the countryside is also popular.

3. What’s the vibe like in San Miguel de Allende?

It's a vibrant, artistic, and historically rich city with a welcoming community. You'll find a mix of local culture and international influences, all within a beautiful colonial setting.

3) Oaxaca City

Oaxaca City in January is a calmer affair after the December festivities, with mild days and cool evenings.

It’s a fantastic place for a stroll, taking in the street art and checking out the museums and galleries.

Dive into the local culture with a mezcal tasting tour, learning about this traditional spirit. The markets here are bustling; you can find local products, textiles, and traditional foods.

Don't miss the Ethnobotanical Garden, which really comes alive with blooms in January. The city centre is safe and offers a relaxing yet exciting ambience.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Oaxaca City

1. How is the weather in Oaxaca City in January?

January in Oaxaca City is pleasant with mild, breezy days and cool evenings. It's a great time for walking around and outdoor activities without excessive heat.

2. What unique food experiences can I have in Oaxaca City?

You absolutely must do a mezcal tasting tour to sample different varieties of this iconic spirit. Exploring the vibrant local markets for traditional foods is also a must-do.

3. Is Oaxaca City busy in January?

After the December holidays, January tends to be a more peaceful time to visit Oaxaca City. It's still lively, but generally less crowded than the festive season.

4) Mexico City

Mexico City in January is a cracking choice, offering mild and pleasant weather, quite a relief from colder climates.

Days are comfortable, and while evenings can be chilly, a light jacket does the trick. You can hit up iconic spots like Centro Histórico, a UNESCO site, or the massive Chapultepec Park.

A brilliant activity is taking a hot air balloon ride over the ancient city of Teotihuacan for amazing views.

You might even catch the Monarch butterfly migration just outside the city. It’s shoulder season, meaning fewer crowds at major attractions.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Mexico City

1. What's the best thing to do in Mexico City in January?

Taking a hot air balloon ride over Teotihuacan is a fantastic experience with ideal weather conditions in January. You get incredible views of the pyramids and the surrounding landscape.

2. Is Mexico City cold in January?

January in Mexico City is considered winter, but it's generally mild. Daytime temperatures are pleasant, though nights and mornings can be chilly, so bring layers.

3. Are major attractions in Mexico City crowded in January?

January is often considered shoulder season, which usually translates to fewer tourists and shorter lines at popular sites in Mexico City. It’s a good time to explore at a relaxed pace.

5) Tulum

Tulum in January means perfect beach conditions: plenty of sun, great water temperature, and clean beaches. It’s known for its stunning beaches and a tranquil atmosphere.

Go explore the ancient Tulum ruins right by the sea; visiting at sunset is a good shout. You can also spend time snorkelling in the region's famous cenotes, which are less crowded this time of year.

Many come for the yoga scene, with beachside sessions as the sun rises over the Caribbean Sea.

The Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve is also worth exploring for nature lovers. Expect warm weather and clear skies, ideal for outdoor activities.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Tulum

1. What kind of weather can I expect in Tulum in January?

Tulum in January boasts excellent weather with abundant sunshine, warm temperatures, and ideal water conditions for swimming and beach activities. Rainfall is minimal, making for clear, comfortable days.

2. Is it crowded in Tulum during January?

While popular, January sees slightly fewer crowds than the absolute peak holiday season, offering a more tranquil experience. You might find some cenotes less busy.

3. What’s a must-do activity in Tulum?

Visiting the Tulum ruins, perched overlooking the Caribbean Sea, is essential. Go early or late in the day to beat the heat and crowds, and enjoy the views.

6) Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta hits its stride in January, offering warm, sunny days and cooler evenings. It’s peak whale watching season, with humpback whales migrating to Banderas Bay to breed.

You can take a boat tour to see these incredible creatures up close, it’s a proper spectacle.

Stroll the Malecon, Puerto Vallarta's boardwalk, lined with shops, restaurants, and impressive sculptures. January also brings ideal conditions for outdoor adventures like zip-lining or hiking in the Sierra Madre Mountains.

The city has vibrant cultural events and a buzzing nightlife. Enjoy gourmet dining and stunning sunsets over the Pacific.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Puerto Vallarta

1. What's the main attraction in Puerto Vallarta in January?

Whale watching is the absolute highlight in Puerto Vallarta during January, as humpback whales are in Banderas Bay. Boat tours offer fantastic opportunities to see them.

2. How are the temperatures in Puerto Vallarta in January?

You’ll get warm days, averaging around 26°C, and mild evenings in Puerto Vallarta. The humidity is moderate, and there’s very little rain, making for comfortable conditions.

3. Is Puerto Vallarta suitable for outdoor activities in January?

Yes, the dry season climate in January is perfect for outdoor adventures. Think zip-lining, hiking, or boat excursions to nearby islands.

7) Isla Holbox

Isla Holbox is a seriously laid-back island off the Yucatan, a real escape from the busier spots.

January offers pleasant weather, perfect for chilling on its white sandy beaches. A unique experience is walking along the sandbar that appears at low tide towards Punta Mosquito, it feels like walking on water.

The island is car-free, so expect golf carts and bikes. You can kayak through the mangrove forests and spot birds, or just relax in a hammock by the sea.

Punta Cocos is excellent for sunsets and possibly bioluminescence, though January is near the end of the season for that. It’s a tranquil, unspoiled slice of paradise.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Isla Holbox

1. What's the best way to get around Isla Holbox?

Isla Holbox is car-free, so the best ways to get around are by renting a bike, taking a golf cart taxi, or simply walking. It’s a small island, easy to navigate.

2. Can you swim with whale sharks near Isla Holbox in January?

The main whale shark season is typically from May to September. January is not the primary season for swimming with whale sharks in Holbox.

3. What is a unique natural phenomenon to see on Isla Holbox?

You can walk on a sandbar towards Punta Mosquito at low tide, which is quite an experience. Also, bioluminescence is visible at Punta Cocos, though January is at the tail end of the season.

8) Palenque

Palenque, set in the Chiapas jungle, is home to some seriously impressive Mayan ruins. January brings clear skies and comfortable, dry weather, making it ideal for exploring.

Wander through the ancient temples and structures, imagining the history etched into the stone.

The site is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its setting amidst lush greenery is truly remarkable. Go early in the morning to beat any heat and listen to the jungle come alive.

You'll see pyramids, palaces, and intricate carvings. It’s a deep dive into ancient Mayan civilisation and well worth the journey. Wear good walking shoes, as there's a fair bit of ground to cover.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Palenque

1. What's the best time of day to visit the Palenque ruins?

Go as early as possible in the morning. This lets you avoid the main crowds and experience the ruins in cooler temperatures before the day heats up.

2. What makes Palenque unique compared to other Mayan sites?

Palenque stands out for its intricate carvings and architectural quality, plus its dramatic setting within a dense jungle. The interplay of ruins and nature is particularly striking here.

3. Is the weather good for visiting Palenque in January?

January is part of the dry season, so you can expect comfortable, clear weather, which is perfect for exploring the Palenque archaeological site.

9) San Cristóbal de las Casas

San Cristóbal de las Casas is a cool, highland city, a real gem if you're looking for something different from the beach.

January offers crisp mountain air and comfortable days, though evenings can be chilly. Wander its cobblestone streets, admire the colonial architecture, and soak up the distinct indigenous culture.

The Zócalo and Real de Guadalupe pedestrian street are bustling with markets and cafes.

Take a day trip to Sumidero Canyon for some epic natural scenery. You’ll find a mix of traditional life and a growing bohemian vibe here. It's a great spot for coffee, unique textiles, and soaking in local life.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting San Cristóbal de las Casas

1. What's the typical weather in San Cristóbal de las Casas in January?

January in San Cristóbal de las Casas means cool mountain air during the day and can be quite chilly in the evenings. Pack layers, as temperatures fluctuate.

2. What cultural experiences can I find in San Cristóbal de las Casas?

Explore indigenous markets for unique textiles and crafts, visit the Santo Domingo Church, or take a day trip to nearby Tzotzil and Tzeltal Maya villages.

3. Is San Cristóbal de las Casas a good base for nature excursions?

Absolutely. You can easily arrange trips to Sumidero Canyon, hike to El Arcotete Natural Reserve, or explore orchid gardens from San Cristóbal de las Casas.

10) La Paz, Baja California Sur

La Paz is a brilliant spot on the Baja California Sur peninsula, known for its marine life and chilled-out vibe.

January is prime time for whale shark and grey whale sightings. You can even swim with whale sharks in the bay, which is an absolutely incredible experience.

The weather is pleasant, sunny, and warm, perfect for being out on the water. Head to Balandra Beach, famous for its mushroom-shaped rock and calm, shallow waters.

Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are popular activities here. It offers a less crowded, more authentic Mexican charm than some of its southern neighbours.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting La Paz, Baja California Sur

1. What marine life can I see in La Paz, Baja California Sur in January?

January is excellent for spotting whale sharks and grey whales in La Paz. You can take tours to swim with whale sharks or go whale watching for grey whales.

2. Is La Paz, Baja California Sur good for relaxing on beaches?

Yes, La Paz has stunning beaches like Balandra Beach, known for its calm, clear, and shallow waters. It’s perfect for relaxing, swimming, or kayaking.

3. What’s the weather like in La Paz, Baja California Sur in January?

La Paz experiences pleasant, warm, and sunny weather in January. It's an ideal time for marine activities as the air and water temperatures are comfortable.

Look, if you're fed up with winter and need a proper escape, Mexico in January is your shout. You get top-notch weather across the board, whether you're after beaches or culture.

Don't faff about; pick one of these spots, book your flight, and enjoy Mexico at its best before the crowds really descend. It’s warm, it’s vibrant, and it’s a cracking way to start the year. You won't regret it.

When exploring these hidden gems, always consider hiring a guide or joining a tour group, as some locations may require local expertise for the best experience.

Did you know we have a Hidden Gem Finder on our website? This handy little map shows over 13,000 hidden gems across the entire world with their exact co-ordinates available to view on Google Maps as well as an image/description for each one!