Does it ever snow in Mexico?
The climate of Mexico is quite diverse due to the huge size of the country. In general, the climate in Mexico is considered pleasant all year round. Climate and weather conditions vary depending on location and altitude.
Mexico is located in temperate and tropical climate zones. North of the 23rd parallel, temperatures in winter months are lower than in summer. South of the 23rd parallel, temperatures are constant all year round.
From December to February, temperatures can drop below zero in the north.
During these cold months, snowfall often occurs in the higher elevations of the northern regions, creating picturesque winter landscapes that contrast with the warmer climate and lush greenery of the southern states.
The northern parts of Mexico receive less rainfall than the southern parts.
Where is it possible to see snow in Mexico?
In Mexico, the snow is often associated with mountainous areas.
Mexico generally has a temperate climate and snowfall is relatively rare. However, some northern regions of Mexico experience low temperatures and even snow, especially at higher elevations during the winter season.
12 of the 32 states experience snow almost every year. Mainly in the northern states and highlands, especially in the highlands and volcanic areas above 3000 m above sea level, where the snow height can reach 25 cm.
States such as Chihuahua, Durango, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, and Zacatecas, located in the northern part of Mexico, have higher altitudes and, as a result, experience lower temperatures more often than the southern states.
Snow can also be seen on the tops of mountains and volcanoes in the Valley of Mexico, in the Pico de Orizaba region (the states of Puebla, Oaxaca, and Veracruz), as well as in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt in Michoacán.
When does it snow in Mexico?
However, snow in Mexico is not guaranteed every winter. Some areas receive only occasional snowfall, while other regions receive less than 10 cm of snow. In some places in the northern states, snow falls relatively often.
Snow in Mexico usually falls during the winter months, especially from December to February. Snowfalls are more common in the northern regions of the country, especially in mountainous areas with higher elevations.
The northern states experience snow every winter. During this time, snowfall occurs in the regions of the Sierra Madre Occidental and Sierra Madre Oriental, as well as in the northern states such as Chihuahua and Durango.
Snow showers may occur in Sonora, Sinaloa, Chihuahua, and Nuevo Leon.
In central and southern Mexico, snow falls much less frequently and is usually limited to the highest mountain peaks, such as Pico de Orizaba and Iztaccihuatl, where snow can remain year-round due to their high altitudes.
If you want to predict snow days well in advance for your vacations, you should try an online snow day predictor.
Where does it snow in Mexico?
These are possibly the snowiest places you can visit in Mexico. These destinations offer a unique combination of winter wonder and Mexican charm, making them ideal for those looking for a snowy vacation in Mexico.
All these destinations offer a unique winter experience and enchanting natural beauty.
Monterreal, Coahuila
Monterreal, located in the Coahuila highlands near Arteaga, is Mexico’s premier ski resort.
In winter, especially from December to January, this area turns into a snowy paradise. Enjoy skiing or snowboarding on the slopes of Monterreal while taking in breathtaking views of the Sierra Madre Oriental Mountains surrounding you.
Arteaga, Coahuila
Arteaga is a small cozy town on the outskirts of Saltillo. Known as the “Switzerland of Mexico,” Arteaga exudes a charming winter vibe. Stay here for a winter weekend and explore quaint streets and snow-covered landscapes.
Copper Canyon, Chihuahua
Copper Canyon becomes a winter wonderland, best seen from the Chepe passenger train passing through the Sierra Tarahumara. Snow-covered pine trees, frozen lakes, and periodic snowfalls create a magical scene.
Creel, Chihuahua
Creel is a charming town on the Chepe Route, to see snow-covered views, frozen waterfalls, and the serene beauty of winter in the Sierra Tarahumara. Visit Creel in winter to see snowy pines, waterfalls, and frozen lakes.
Mexiquillo, Durango
Mexillo National Park, located in the Sierra Madre, attracts adventurers and nature lovers.
Frost-covered landscapes, abandoned tunnels, and icy waterfalls await exploration. Adventurers and nature lovers will enjoy rock climbing and hiking along the many trails of Mexico National Park in their winter gear.
Sombrerete, Zacatecas
Sombrereteis an old mining town is full of charm and colonial architecture. Sombrerete turns into a snow-covered paradise in winter. Stroll along the cobbled streets and admire the picturesque churches set against a white backdrop.
The city’s colonial buildings offer visitors a winter landscape rarely seen in Mexico.
Nevado de Toluca, State of Mexico
For extreme adventure seekers, the stratovolcano Nevado de Toluca offers an exciting winter playground. Stroll along snow-covered trails of the volcano slopes and enjoy panoramic views from this towering stratovolcano.
La Malinche (Malintzin), Tlaxcala
La Malinche National Park, located next to the Puebla-Tlaxcala Valley, is ideal for year-round outdoor activities. The park’s natural beauty is especially noticeable when it is covered with white snow during the cold winter months.
Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl
These two majestic volcanoes are a challenging adventure for experienced climbers and hikers, especially Popocatepetl. Both volcanoes are not for beginners – it is best to explore them only if you already have some experience.
Pico de Orizaba
Pico de Orizaba is the highest peak in Mexico to climb and admire the unparalleled snowy landscapes. Due to the dizzying heights and challenging terrain, this adventure is designed for those who do not suffer from vertigo.
Does it snow in Mexico City?
Mexico City is located in a valley surrounded by large mountain ranges.
These mountain ranges act as a barrier to the cold air needed to form snow. The city’s low altitude and a subtropical high-altitude climate zone also contribute to milder temperatures, making it less favorable to snowfall.
Snow has occurred only a few times in Mexico City’s entire history. These snowfalls are usually very significant events and are often accompanied by excitement and amazement from the residents and tourists.
One of the recorded snowfalls in Mexico City occurred on March 5, 1940. The next time it snowed was 27 years later, on January 12, 1967, when 5 cm of snow fell in the center of Mexico City and the historic center.
Since these rare climate events, Mexico City has experienced several more notable snowfalls in 2007, 2016, and 2020. All of these events resulted in light to moderate snowfall only in various parts of Mexico City.
Although snowfall is a rare occurrence in Mexico City, it is more common in the surrounding mountainous areas, where higher elevations and cooler temperatures create more favorable conditions for snow formation.
On mountain peaks and volcanoes of the Valley of Mexico, the thickness of snow ranges from 12 to 25 cm. These areas experience annual snowfall on the high elevations, but such events are usually isolated from Mexico City.
Mexico City typically experiences moderate to warm temperatures throughout the year. The city’s climate was relatively stable in terms of temperature and precipitation, with snowfall occurring on only a few occasions.
Usually, snow requires certain temperature conditions to form, usually around or below freezing. Average temperatures in Mexico City rarely drop low enough to support snow formation, especially in the city center.
The urban heat island effect, caused by the concentration of buildings and human activity, can further increase temperatures. This effect can prevent the formation and accumulation of snow even during cold weather.
Let us know if this article was useful for you