Month-specific sea-surface temperature · Mexico
Cozumel Sea Temperature in January
27.4°C
81.3°F
In January, sea-surface temperature near Cozumel has a historical monthly average of 27.4°C. This is not the reading for any particular holiday date.
Across 2022–2025, the lowest and highest yearly January monthly means were 27.1–27.7°C. These are not daily extremes.
Previous month
December · 28.1°C
Change into January: -0.7°C
Next month
February · 27.2°C
Change into next month: -0.2°C
Can you swim or snorkel in Cozumel in January?
At 27.4°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.
Cozumel sits on the Mesoamerican Reef. Water stays warm year-round, but winter months are a few degrees cooler than late spring. Use the month sections below for typical averages, then check today's forecast before a drift snorkel.
Check the current waves, wind and snorkeling forecast →
A live forecast does not predict a future January. Check again close to your trip.
Waves and wind: recorded-model conditions for January
These figures come from a separately modelled, date-specific wind/wave backfill, not the NOAA SST series. A single observed season is not a climatological likelihood or a guarantee of safe conditions.
Morning calm hours
45%
Afternoon calm hours
46%
Historical coverage
January 2026
31 valid days
A “calm hour” meets fixed modelled wave/wind thresholds; neither visibility nor local currents, entry conditions or actual beach safety is measured here. Periods may differ by coast.
Data source and limitations
Source: Open-Meteo Marine API, MeteoFrance sea-surface temperature; 2022–2025. Marine model grid near 20.42, -86.92. 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.