Mexico is a country of diverse geography, resulting in a wide range of climates and weather patterns across its various regions. This makes it crucial for anyone moving to or living in Mexico to understand what kind of weather to expect, depending on where they live. Whether you are on the coast, in the highlands, or in the deserts, seasonal temperature peaks, humidity levels and rainfall can vary dramatically. In this article, we will explore the weather and climate across Mexico’s various regions. This should serve as a good guide as what you can generally expect in a particular city, state or region. 

Overview of Mexico’s Climate 

Mexico’s geography includes everything from tropical rainforests to deserts and high-altitude plateaus, which leads to diverse weather patterns. 

Key influencing factors: 

• Latitude: Northern Mexico lies in the sub-tropical zone, while the southern regions fall within the tropical zone. 
• Altitude: Higher elevations experience cooler temperatures, while lower coastal areas tend to be warmer and more humid. 
• Bodies of water: Mexico’s climate is also affected by the Pacific Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea. 

Northern Mexico 

Northern Mexico, including cities such as Monterrey, Chihuahua, and Ciudad Juárez, experiences a predominantly dry desert climate. Summers are hot, while winters can bring cold fronts, particularly in the desert areas. 

Climate highlights: 

• • Peak heat & humidity: June to August. In desert areas like Mexicali, temperatures can exceed 100°F (38°C), with dry, intense heat. 
  • Peak rainfall: July to September, with short bursts of rain, although rainfall is less relative to other areas of the country. 
  • Peak cold: December and January, with occasional frost or below-freezing temperatures in desert areas, especially during the evenings. 

Central Mexico (Highlands and Plateau) 

Central Mexico, including major cities such as Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Querétaro, enjoys a temperate climate thanks to its higher elevation. The weather is typically mild year-round, but seasonal variations do occur. 

Climate highlights: 

• • Peak heat & humidity: April and May, when temperatures are warmest, with daytime highs reaching up to 80°F (27°C) or more. 
  • Peak rainfall: June to September, with the heaviest rains occurring around August. Rain tends to fall in the late afternoon, often followed by cooler, comfortable evenings. 
  • Peak cold: December and January. Nights and early mornings can drop to near-freezing, especially in higher elevations like Toluca. 

Mexico City, in particular, remains cooler due to its high altitude (7,350 feet / 2,240 meters), with summer temperatures rarely exceeding 85°F (29°C), even in the hottest months of April and May. 

Yucatán Peninsula 

The Yucatán Peninsula, home to cities such as Cancún, Playa del Carmen and Tulum, experiences a tropical climate. While this region is warm year-round, it is particularly hot and humid during certain months and the area is also prone to hurricanes. 

Climate highlights: 

• • Peak heat & humidity: July through September. Highs reach 95°F (35°C) with humidity levels frequently over 70%, creating a tropical, muggy atmosphere. 
  • Peak rainfall: September and October, though rainfall is common from May to October. Tropical storms and hurricanes can also impact the region from June through November. 
  • Peak cold: December and January, when temperatures drop slightly, though the coldest temperatures rarely go below 65°F (18°C), even at night. 

Hurricane season runs from June to November, with the peak risk in September and October for coastal areas along both the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico. 

Pacific Coast (West)

The Pacific Coast, which includes cities like Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, and Acapulco, enjoys a tropical climate year-round. The weather varies by elevation, with the coastal lowlands being much warmer than the inland mountainous areas. 

Climate highlights: 

• • Peak heat & humidity: July to September, with temperatures above 90°F (32°C) and high humidity, particularly in low-lying coastal areas. 
  • Peak rainfall: July to September, with intense afternoon rainstorms during the rainy season from June to October. 
  • Peak cold: December to February, though “cold” here simply means cooler evenings, with temperatures ranging between 65°F and 75°F (18°C to 24°C) in coastal areas. 

The Pacific Coast is less prone to hurricanes than the Yucatán Peninsula, but tropical storms and hurricanes can still occur between June and November. 

Baja California Peninsula 

The Baja California Peninsula experiences a diverse climate. Northern areas, such as Tijuana, have a Mediterranean climate, while southern areas, like Cabo San Lucas, enjoy a more tropical climate. 

Climate highlights: 

• • Peak heat & humidity: July to September, especially in southern Baja, where temperatures can soar to 100°F (38°C). Humidity increases due to proximity to the ocean and sea on both sides. 
  • Peak rainfall: August and September bring occasional rains, though Baja California is mostly dry throughout the year. Tropical storms and hurricanes can also impact the region from June through November. 
  • Peak cold: December to February, particularly in the northern desert areas, where temperatures can dip to 45°F (7°C) at night. 

Southern Baja experiences warmer winters, with temperatures staying around 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 27°C) during the coldest months. 

Southern Mexico (Chiapas and Oaxaca) 

Southern Mexico has varied climates, from tropical lowlands to cooler highlands. This region, including Oaxaca City and San Cristóbal de las Casas in Chiapas, offers a mix of hot, humid conditions in the lowlands and more temperate weather in the highlands. 

Climate highlights: 

• • Peak heat & humidity: April and May in the tropical lowlands, where temperatures can exceed 90°F (32°C) with high humidity. 
  • Peak rainfall: June to September, particularly in the lowlands. Afternoon storms are common, cooling down the day but adding to humidity. 
  • Peak cold: December to February in the highlands, where temperatures in towns like San Cristóbal can drop to 40°F (4°C) at night. 

Lowland regions experience consistently warmer weather year-round, while the highlands enjoy cool evenings even during the summer months. 

Gulf of Mexico 

Cities such as Veracruz and Tampico, located along the Gulf Coast, experience a tropical climate. The weather here is hot and humid for most of the year, with a distinct rainy season and a higher risk for hurricanes. 

Climate highlights: 

• • Peak heat & humidity: June to August, with temperatures frequently reaching 95°F (35°C) and humidity levels remaining high. 
  • Peak rainfall: June to September, with heavy rains and potential for tropical storms during the rainy season from May to October. 
  • Peak Cold: December to February, when temperatures drop to a more comfortable 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 27°C). 

Hurricane season runs from June to November, with the peak risk in September and October for coastal areas along both the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. 

Seasonal Weather Patterns in Mexico 

Mexico’s climate is divided into two main seasons: 

• • Dry season (invierno): From November to April, much of the country experiences dry and sunny conditions. It is the best time to enjoy outdoor activities without the threat of rain or intense humidity, especially so in the coastal regions. 
  • Rainy Season (verano): May to October marks the rainy season, with afternoon thunderstorms, especially in tropical regions. These rains cool the day but can increase humidity significantly. 

Hurricane Season 

For coastal regions along the Pacific Ocean, Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea, hurricane season spans from June to November, with September and October being the peak months for tropical storm activity. Keeping an eye on weather forecasts is crucial if you live in or plan to visit these regions during hurricane season. 

Helpful Online Resources 

Staying updated on the latest weather conditions in Mexico is important, especially in regions prone to hurricanes or tropical storms.  

Here are some recommended resources: 

• • Facebook Groups: Joining Facebook groups dedicated to foreigners living in Mexico can be invaluable for learning about regional climates and seasonal weather patterns. Members frequently share real-time updates on weather conditions, offering insights into what to expect throughout the year in different parts of the country. These groups are especially useful for getting location-specific advice, such as how to prepare for rainy seasons, handle coastal humidity, or enjoy the dry, cooler months in certain areas. By engaging with active communities, you can ask questions and gain firsthand knowledge to help you plan and adapt to Mexico’s diverse climate.
  • Servicio Meteorológico Nacional (SMN): Mexico’s official national weather service, offering real-time updates on storms, hurricanes, and regional weather patterns. SMN provides both a website and mobile app, but the app is not as robust in the information it provides. This is an excellent source for data and forecasts related to tropical storms and hurricanes. 
  • Weather Channel: Provides localized weather forecasts, including long-term weather patterns and severe weather alerts. The Weather Channel provides both a robust website and mobile app. 
  • AccuWeather: Provides comprehensive real-time warnings for hurricanes and tropical storms. Accuweather provides both a full-featured website and mobile app. 
  • Weather Underground (sister company to The Weather Channel): Provides hyperlocal weather forecasts with radar and storm alerts, ideal for tracking real-time weather changes. Weather Underground provides both a detailed website and mobile app. 
  • WeatherBug: Offers hyperlocal weather forecasts with real-time conditions, including lightning alerts, radar maps, and air quality updates. WeatherBug provides both a comprehensive website and mobile app 
  • NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration): Known for providing very detailed weather data, including hurricane tracking and marine forecasts. NOAA covers U.S. and Mexico weather, with both a website and mobile app for real-time updates and long-term climate predictions. This is an excellent source for data and forecasts related to tropical storms and hurricanes. 

Conclusion 

Understanding the weather in Mexico is key for anyone planning to move, live or travel within the country. The diverse landscape means that each region has its own unique climate, from the cool highlands of central Mexico to the humid coasts of the Yucatán peninsula and the dry deserts of the north. 

By staying informed about the local climate and using reliable weather resources, you can better plan your activities and avoid weather-related challenges, whether you’re preparing for the rainy season or keeping an eye on the hurricane forecast. 

Please feel free to leave us a comment below about your experiences with weather in different parts of the country. We would love to hear from you!