Cancún or Tulum in January?
On climate data, Cancún comes out ahead overall in January. See the per-criterion details below.
CancúnPhoto: Luka Peternel · CC BY-SA 4.0
TulumPhoto: ironypoisoning · CC BY-SA 2.0Key figures in January
| Criterion | Cancún | Tulum |
|---|---|---|
| Average daily high | 26 °C | 27 °C |
| Average daily low | 22 °C | 22 °C |
| Sea | 27 °C | 27 °C |
| Rainy days | 11 rainy days (est.) | 11 rainy days (est.) |
| Sun | 5 h/day | 5 h/day |
| Humidity | 77 % | 77 % |
Winner by travel type
Cancún or Tulum in January: the short answer
In January, Cancún comes out ahead on the overall climate score (Cancún 79/100 vs Tulum 78/100). That is a snapshot of one month, though — which one truly fits depends on what you want from the trip, so the breakdown below goes criterion by criterion.
This comparison focuses on January as a representative month for the pair; for any other month, use each destination's month-by-month pages. Across the whole year Cancún averages a climate score of 69/100, Tulum 68/100. Both profiles below are historical monthly averages, not a forecast.
Weather in January, side by side
The average daily high is about 26 °C in Cancún and 27 °C in Tulum — warmer in Tulum. Average daily lows are around 22 °C versus 22 °C.
On rain, Cancún sees about 11 rainy days in January and Tulum about 11. Sunshine is comparable (5 vs 5 hours a day).
Sea temperature and swimming
In January the water is about 27 °C at Cancún and 27 °C at Tulum. Over the year, Cancún is comfortable for swimming (from ~21 °C) in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December, Tulum in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December. Peak sea warmth is September for Cancún and September for Tulum.
Rain and sun across the year
Over a full year Cancún records roughly 170 rainy days and Tulum about 169 — the drier of the two overall is Tulum. At their sunniest, Cancún reaches about 8 hours of sun a day (July) and Tulum about 8 (April). If dependable dry, sunny weather is your top priority, weigh these annual totals alongside the single month above.
Best time to visit each
Climatically, Cancún is at its best in January, February, March and April, while Tulum peaks in January, February, March and April. If your dates are fixed, pick the destination whose strong season overlaps them; if you are flexible, plan around these windows.
Which suits which kind of trip
Based on the January scores for each travel style:
Beach & swimming: both are close (Cancún 85 vs Tulum 85).
City breaks: Cancún scores higher in January (Cancún 79 vs Tulum 76).
Active & hiking: Cancún scores higher in January (Cancún 61 vs Tulum 58).
Family: Cancún scores higher in January (Cancún 86 vs Tulum 85).
Verdict: which should you pick?
In January, Cancún leads overall and for city breaks, active trips and family trips, while the beach score is effectively tied. Over the year, Cancún carries the higher overall climate score. Your own priority still matters, and the month-by-month pages give you the full picture before you book.