What are the best things to do in Mexico during January?

Mexico in January presents ideal conditions for both cultural exploration and beach activities. The ancient pyramids of Teotihuacan stand ready for discovery without the intense heat of summer while colonial San Miguel de Allende's streets welcome comfortable walking tours. Water sports remain popular in Playa del Carmen where temperatures stay mild. Visitors can base themselves at practical options like the Hotel Fiesta Inn in Los Mochis or the Divisadero Hotel near Copper Canyon. As one TourRadar traveler shared: "The January timing was perfect for experiencing everything from Mexico City's museums to the beaches of the Riviera Maya."

Are there any special festivals or events in Mexico during January?

The first month brings key cultural celebrations across Mexico starting with Día de los Reyes Magos (Three Kings Day) on January 6th. Mexico City's Zocalo plaza and Metropolitan Cathedral host special events while Merida fills with music dance and cultural performances during its month-long founding celebration Merida Fest. The Hotel Santa Elena in El Fuerte places visitors in an ideal spot to experience local January festivities.

What are the best Mayan ruins to visit in Mexico during January?

The mild January climate creates excellent conditions for exploring Mexico's Mayan sites. Chichen Itza sees shorter lines and comfortable exploring temperatures. The clifftop ruins of Tulum stand against crystal-clear winter skies while Uxmal near Merida offers a more peaceful experience with fewer visitors. A TourRadar traveler shares, "Visiting Chichen Itza in January was perfect - we had clear skies for photos and it wasn't too hot for exploring. We stayed at the Mayaland Hotel right by the ruins which gave us early morning access before the crowds."

What are the best swimming spots to visit in Mexico during January?

Natural swimming spots reach their prime in January. The cenotes near Merida and Tulum including Cenote Yokdzonot and Dos Ojos maintain steady 75°F temperatures throughout the year. Beach conditions excel in Tulum and Playa del Carmen with water reaching 77°F and minimal rain. A TourRadar review mentions, "Swimming in the Bacalar Lagoon and cenotes in January was refreshing but not cold - we stayed at Hotel Rancho Encantado which had perfect access to the lagoon."

Is January high season in Mexico, and how does this affect pricing?

Peak tourist season hits Mexico in January especially in coastal destinations like Tulum and Playa del Carmen where prices rise 20-30% above low season rates. Inland cities such as Mexico City and Merida keep more consistent pricing. Daily tour costs average between 100-300 USD including stays at properties like Casa Blanca in Mexico City or Hotel Plaza Palenque Inn. A TourRadar traveler notes, "While January had higher prices the perfect weather and festive atmosphere made it worthwhile. Just book accommodations well in advance."

What unique food experiences are available in Mexico during January?

January brings out special seasonal dishes across Mexico's culinary landscape. Merida's evening markets serve traditional Yucatecan pibil while Mexico City's Garibaldi Square offers New Year's tamales and atole. Special experiences include lunch with Mayan families in Piste and tequila sampling at Mundo Cuervo distillery. As mentioned by a TourRadar traveler, "The January food festivals in Merida were incredible - we tried seasonal specialties at Mercado 60 and had amazing street food tours."

Mexico Tours in January 2027

10 best Mexico trips in January 2027

View Map
Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
In-depth Cultural
Mexico Unplugged
4.6 (125 traveler reviews)
"Well organised by Intrepid, my favourite travel company. It was already my sixth trip with Intrepid."
Olga, traveled in May
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Mexico City, Puebla, San Andres Cholula, Oaxaca,Santa Maria del Tule,Teotitlan del Valle,Tehuantepec,San Cristóbal de las Casas,San Juan Chamula,Canon del Sumidero,Palenque,Misol-Ha Waterfalls,Campeche,Merida,Uxmal,Celestun,Chichen Itza,Playa del Carmen,Cozumel+15 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
20% Off
From $2,715
US$2,172per person
Price based on Private Double Room
2 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
6 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
In-depth Cultural
Riviera Maya Discovery - 5 Days
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Very well organised. Highly recommend."
Valentina, traveled in June
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Cancun, Tulum, Chichen Itza
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Chichen Itza
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
SAT Mexico Tour and Travel
20% Off
From
US$975per person
Price based on Private Double Room
5 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
6 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Premium Mexico City to Oaxaca
5.0 (7 traveler reviews)
"Mexico was a fantastic destination full of history, colour and vibrancy. The trip was well balanced between activities, free time and indulgent food destinations."
Elwynne, traveled in June
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Mexico City, San Juan Teotihuacán, Puebla,San Andres Cholula,Oaxaca,San Pablo Villa de Mitla,Monte Alban+4 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Country Region
Central Mexico
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Premium
10% Off
From $3,880
US$3,492per person
Price based on Private Double Room
2 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
16 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
From Mexico City to Cancun
4.0 (8 traveler reviews)
"We visited many places and we have the opportunity of Mexican culture and food."
MARIA, traveled in October
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Mexico City, Puebla, Oaxaca, San Pablo Villa de Mitla,Tuxtla Gutierrez,Canon del Sumidero,Chiapa de Corzo,Zinacantan,San Juan Chamula,San Cristóbal de las Casas,Agua Azul Waterfalls,Misol-Ha Waterfalls,Palenque,Campeche,Merida,Izamal,Chichen Itza,Rio Lagartos,Cancun+15 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Europamundo
10% Off
From
US$2,158per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
15 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Mexican Heritage and Adventure
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Great variety of places to visit and amazing knowledgeable guides."
Margarita, traveled in August
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Mexico City, San Cristóbal de las Casas,San Juan Teotihuacán,Palenque,Ocosingo,Campeche,Izamal,Rio Lagartos,Cancun+7 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Europamundo
10% Off
From
US$2,371per person
Price based on Private Double Room
2 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
16 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
In-depth Cultural
Aztecs & Mayas
4.3 (16 traveler reviews)
"Mexico was amazing, Tour Radar was very easy to deal with. Would totally use Tour Radar again for booking holidays."
Nichole, traveled in September
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Mexico City, San Juan Teotihuacán, Canon del Sumidero,San Cristóbal de las Casas,San Juan Chamula,Palenque,Campeche,Uxmal,Merida,Cuzama,Chichen Itza,Cancun+9 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Destination Services Mexico
10% Off
From $2,850
US$2,565per person
Price based on Private Double Room
11 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
18 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
View tour
View Map
In-depth Cultural
Paths of History
4.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Mexico City, Puebla, Oaxaca, San Pablo Villa de Mitla,Tuxtla Gutierrez,Canon del Sumidero,Chiapa de Corzo,Zinacantan,San Juan Chamula,San Cristóbal de las Casas,Agua Azul Waterfalls,Misol-Ha Waterfalls,Palenque,Campeche,Merida,Izamal,Chichen Itza,Rio Lagartos,Cancun+15 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Europamundo
10% Off
From
US$2,444per person
Price based on Private Double Room
13 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
27 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
In-depth Cultural
Mexican stroll
4.8 (6 traveler reviews)
"Excellent guide and motor coach."
Sanders, traveled in February
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Mexico City, San Andres Cholula, Puebla, Oaxaca,San Pablo Villa de Mitla,Tuxtla Gutierrez,Canon del Sumidero,Chiapa de Corzo,San Juan Chamula,San Cristóbal de las Casas+6 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Pacific Coast Mexico
Operated in
English
Operator
Europamundo
10% Off
From
US$1,360per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
15 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
In-depth Cultural
Mexico City and the Heart of Michoacán
4.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Mexico City, Tlalpujahua de Rayón, Patzcuaro, Morelia,Cuitzeo+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Europamundo
10% Off
From
US$669per person
Price based on Private Double Room
10 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
24 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
In-depth Cultural
Mexican Roots and Routes
5.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Mexico City, Queretaro, Tula de Allende, Puebla, Oaxaca,San Pablo Villa de Mitla,Tuxtla Gutierrez,Canon del Sumidero,Chiapa de Corzo,Zinacantan,San Juan Chamula,San Cristóbal de las Casas,Agua Azul Waterfalls,Misol-Ha Waterfalls,Palenque,Campeche,Merida,Izamal,Chichen Itza,Rio Lagartos,Cancun+16 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Europamundo
10% Off
From
US$2,670per person
Price based on Private Double Room
12 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
26 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
In-depth Cultural
A Taste of Mexico City, City Break
4.3 (30 traveler reviews)
"Wonderful experience all the guides were amazing. He really made the trip a special experience."
Robin, traveled in September
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Mexico City, San Juan Teotihuacán
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
Central Mexico
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Destination Services Mexico
10% Off
From $973
US$876per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
2 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
In-depth Cultural
Colonial Mexico
4.1 (25 traveler reviews)
"We adore it! As we speak spanish.. the tour was in spanish. Circuit is really good, food people... Amazing."
Vanessa, traveled in June
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Mexico City, Tlalpujahua de Rayón, Patzcuaro, Morelia,Tlaquepaque,Guadalajara,Tequila,Guanajuato,Dolores Hidalgo,San Miguel De Allende,Queretaro,Puebla+8 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Europamundo
10% Off
From
US$1,171per person
Price based on Private Double Room
10 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
24 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
In-depth Cultural
Three Cultures
4.5 (4 traveler reviews)
"A perfectly organized individual trip! Thank you for the promptness and responsiveness in adjusting the program to the client's needs!"
Arno, traveled in March
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Los Mochis, El Fuerte, Bahuichivo, Cerocahui,El Divisadero,Creel,Chihuahua+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Copper CanyonNorthern Mexico+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Destination Services Mexico
10% Off
From $2,388
US$2,150per person
Price based on Private Double Room
2 Jan, 2027
4 spaces left
7 Jan, 2027
4 spaces left
View tour
View Map
In-depth Cultural
Beautiful Mexico
4.7 (3 traveler reviews)
"Itinerary was wonderful, we saw a lot of incredible beautiful places in Mexico. All hotels were great, and had nice, clean rooms and delicious breakfasts."
Nataliia, traveled in March
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Mexico City, Puebla, Oaxaca, San Pablo Villa de Mitla,Chiapa de Corzo,San Juan Teotihuacán,San Juan Chamula,San Cristóbal de las Casas,Palenque,Ocosingo,Campeche+7 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Europamundo
10% Off
From
US$2,064per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
15 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Mexico City to Oaxaca: Pottery & Aztec Pyramids
4.9 (43 traveler reviews)
"It was a good mix of adventure, fun, history and food. Highly recommend to anyone looking to explore Mehico!!"
Rachael, traveled in April
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Mexico City, San Juan Teotihuacán, Puebla,San Andres Cholula,Oaxaca,San Pablo Villa de Mitla+3 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
Central Mexico
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
25% Off
From $1,249
US$937per person
Price based on Private Double Room
2 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
9 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
View tour