Month-specific sea-surface temperature · Mexico

Cancun Sea Temperature in January

26.8°C

80.2°F

In January, sea-surface temperature near Cancun has a historical monthly average of 26.8°C. This is not the reading for any particular holiday date.

Across 2023–2025, the lowest and highest yearly January monthly means were 26.5–27.2°C. These are not daily extremes.

Previous month

December · 27.7°C

Change into January: -0.9°C

Next month

February · 26.7°C

Change into next month: -0.1°C

Can you swim or snorkel in Cancun in January?

At 26.8°C our temperature-only guide describes the water as warm water. Comfort depends on your cold tolerance, immersion time and wind. A historical average cannot determine whether conditions are safe on any given day.

Do you need a wetsuit?

Most people are comfortable in swimwear or a light rash guard.

Which beach should you choose?

Look for a beach sheltered from the actual forecast waves and wind on your visit. Exposure, currents and entry conditions vary even where water temperatures are similar. Follow local warnings.

Cancun's hotel zone sits on the same warm Caribbean as Isla Mujeres and Puerto Morelos, but lagoon and beach water can run murkier. Use this page for temperature, then open the reef forecasts for wind, waves and a snorkel score. Temperature is not a safety rating.

Check the current waves, wind and snorkeling forecast →

A live forecast does not predict a future January. Check again close to your trip.

Nearby places in January

Comparable historical averages from independent marine grid cells. Warmer water does not imply safe snorkeling.

Data source and limitations

Source: Open-Meteo Marine API, MeteoFrance sea-surface temperature; 2023–2025. Marine model grid near 21.16, -86.85. Based on 3 yearly monthly means and 2166 recorded samples. Source methodology.

Modelled sea-surface temperatures do not establish underwater visibility, wildlife, calm currents or safe entry.