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Climate - Mexico


Average weather, temperature, rainfall, sunshine

Flag - Mexico

Map - Mexico

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Mexico - The climate in short



Mexico, a vast country in North America crossed by the Tropic of Cancer in the central part, has different types of climate, however, it is generally arid on the west coast and in the central-northern highlands, it is moderately rainy in the mountain ranges and in the southern plateaus, while it's very rainy in some tropical southern areas. Summer is the rainiest season almost everywhere.
Precipitation is scarce in the central-north, where it is generally less than 500 millimeters (20 inches) per year, while it is more abundant in the central-south, where it generally exceeds 1,000 mm (40 in). In the mountains of the south, in Chiapas, it even exceeds 3,000 mm (118 in) per year.
In winter, the temperature increases gradually from north to south, to the point that the south has a purely tropical climate. Altitude plays an important role as well: there are many cities located at high altitude, including the capital, where the climate is cooler. And so, the average January temperature is 9 °C (48 °F) in Ciudad Juárez, 14 °C (57 °F) in Mexico City, 23.5 °C (74 °F) in Cancún and 26 °C (79 °F) in Acapulco.
During winter, the "Norte", a cold wind from the United States, able to cause sudden drops in temperature, can blow, especially in the center-north. Because of this wind, the northern inland areas (and a little less the northern coastal areas), during winter may experience cold waves, especially in hilly and mountainous areas. In summer, it is very hot in the central-northern inland areas, where there are deserts and the temperature can reach 45 °C (113 °F), while in the center and south there is tropical heat, at least at low altitudes.

The climate in detail


  • The mild coast - Rosarito
  • Deserts - Sonoran desert, Mexicali, Hermosillo, Chihuahuan Desert, Ciudad Juárez
  • Eastern Plains - Tampico
  • Tierras frias - Mexico City
  • Tierras templadas - Guadalajara
  • Tierras calientes - Acapulco, Yucatán, Cancún
  • Mountains - Nevado de Toluca
  • Hurricanes
  • When to go
  • What to pack

The mild coast



Baja California, coast
In the peninsula of Baja California, practically a continuation of California, the climate is very mild on the west coast, where daytime temperatures range from 19/20 degrees Celsius (66/68 °F) in winter to 24/25 °C (75/77 °F) in summer in the northern part. The sun shines throughout the year, and the rare rains fall from November to March; rainfall totals around 200/250 millimeters (7.8/10 inches) per year. Here too, as in California, a cold current flows, which makes the sea cool and causes a bit of fog, but in return it provides a lot of sun, little rain and a pleasant climate. However, when the wind blows from the interior, the temperatures can suddenly increase, even surpassing 40 °C (104 °F). A city that is located in this area is Tijuana, just south of the border with the United States and a short distance from the greater San Diego area.

Rosarito

Rosarito, where is located
Rosarito, where is located
Here are the mean temperatures of Playas de Rosarito, on the coast near Tijuana (in summer the city center of Tijuana is slightly warmer because of the distance from the coast).
Rosarito - Average temperatures (1951-2010)
MonthMin (°C)Max (°C)Mean (°C)Min (°F)Max (°F)Mean (°F)
January101914.5506658.1
February101914.5506658.1
March101914.5506658.1
April112015.5526859.9
May132117557062.6
June142218577264.4
July162319.5617367.1
August172521637769.8
September162420617568
October152319597366.2
November122116.5547061.7
December102015506859
Year12.921.317.0555.170.462.5

The rainfall in Rosarito is scarce and amounts to 260 mm (10.2 in) per year. It follows the Mediterranean pattern, in fact it is concentrated in autumn and winter. Here is the average precipitation.
Rosarito - Average precipitation
MonthMillimetersInchesDays
January5026
February5226
March572.27
April170.73
May80.32
June101
July000
August20.11
September60.21
October100.42
November271.14
December301.24
Year26010.235

In this area, the sun shines all year round, although fog can sometimes form in spring and summer, especially in the morning. Here are the average daily sunshine hours in Tijuana.
Tijuana - Sunshine hours
MonthAverageTotal
January7215
February8230
March8250
April8240
May8250
June8240
July10310
August9280
September9270
October8250
November8240
December8250
Year8.33015

The temperature of the sea in this part of the coast is very cool even in summer, as we can see in the following table.
Rosarito - Sea temperature
MonthCelsius (°C)Fahrenheit (°F)
January1559
February1559
March1559
April1559
May1661
June1763
July1966
August2068
September2068
October1966
November1864
December1661
Year17.162.8

South of Rosarito we find Ensenada.
More to the south, the sea becomes progressively warmer. In the southern part of the state of Baja California, the sea temperature reaches 21/22 °C (70/72 °F) between August and October, while in the state of Baja California Sur, the sea is decidedly warmer.
East of the coast, in the mountain ranges of Sierra Juárez and San Pedro Mártir, the winter temperature decreases with altitude, and there are frequent night frosts. On the contrary, owing to the distance from the sea (in which, as mentioned, a cool current flows), the summer is hot, although above 1,000 meters (3,300 feet), nights get cool.

The deserts



In the inland areas of north-central Mexico, but also in Baja California, in the northwest, there are arid areas, semi-desert or desert.

Sonoran desert

Climate of the Sonoran Desert
The Sonoran Desert, the westernmost of the Mexican deserts, is characterized by an increase in rainfall in the latter part of the summer, a kind of "little monsoon" from July to mid-October, which may bring some thunderstorms and an increase in humidity. The central-southern part of Baja California (administratively divided in the states of Baja California and Baja California Sur) can be included in this area, although the climate is milder along the west coast than in interior and along the east coast overlooking the Gulf of California.
In fact, continuing south on the aforementioned west coast, the temperature rises gradually, to the point that highs in Baja California Sur reach 20/22 °C (68/72 °F) in winter and 30 °C (86 °F) in summer in the northern part, and 25 °C (77 °F) in winter and 32 °C (90 °F) in summer in the far south (see Todos Santos).
On the eastern side, the Gulf of California (see San Felipe) is not affected by the cold current, and being that it's a narrow and closed gulf, it becomes very hot in summer. Here, the daytime temperatures in summer are around 35/36 °C (95/97 °F), while in winter they are around 20 °C (68 °F) in the north, 22 °C (72 °F) in the center, and 25 °C (77 °F) in the south.
Baja California is a barren, almost desert peninsula: along the coasts, annual precipitation is around 100/150 mm (4/6 in). But in the hills of Baja California Sur, the little monsoon brings additional rainfall, so much so that rainfall exceeds 400 mm (16 in) per year. This area, known as Sierra de la Laguna, is covered by woods (and therefore should be excluded from the desert area, as indicated by the small circle on the map).
In the little monsoon season, from late June to October, and with a maximum in September, Baja California Sur (more rarely Baja California) can be affected by low pressure areas and tropical cyclones which form in the Pacific Ocean off the southern coast of Mexico. These disturbances, usually less intense than those that form in the Gulf of Mexico, can also penetrate the continent, affecting the northern part of the state of Sinaloa and the whole of the state of Sonora.

Mexicali

Mexicali, where is located
Mexicali, where is located
In the north-east of the state of Baja California, we find the Yuma Desert, where the city of Mexicali is located: it is an area of reclaimed lands and recent settlements, where the temperatures in summer reach extremely high values: the records are above 50 °C (122 °F)! This is the hottest place in Mexico as well as one of the hottest places in the world. Here are the average temperatures in Mexicali.
Mexicali - Average temperatures (1991-2020)
MonthMin (°C)Max (°C)Mean (°C)Min (°F)Max (°F)Mean (°F)
January7.421.114.2457057.6
February8.923.116487460.8
March11.626.919.3538066.7
April14.230.422.3588772.2
May18.134.926.5659579.6
June2239.530.87210387.4
July26.341.533.97910793
August26.841.334.18010693.3
September23.638.831.27410288.2
October16.732.624.6629176.3
November1125.818.4527865
December6.820.213.5446856.3
Year16.231.423.761.188.574.5

Rainfall is very low, below 100 mm (4 in) per year, and the increase between mid-summer and autumn is barely perceptible. Here is the average precipitation.
Mexicali - Average precipitation
MonthMillimetersInchesDays
January110.42
February80.32
March80.32
April20.11
May100
June000
July50.21
August120.52
September100.41
October90.41
November40.21
December130.52
Year853.315

The sun in Mexicali reigns supreme all year round.
Mexicali - Sunshine hours
MonthAverageTotal
January9280
February10275
March10.5330
April12355
May12380
June13385
July12.5390
August12375
September11335
October10315
November9.5280
December8.5270
Year10.93975

Southeast of this desert, we find the Altar Desert, a sand desert whose appearance resembles the vast Saharan areas covered with dunes.

Sonoran Desert

The western area of the state of Sonora is part of the Sonoran Desert itself, and as we said with regard to Baja California Sur, it experiences an increase in precipitation from July to October. From July to October, the wet winds lower a bit the temperature, to the point that the hottest month is often June, but they also raise relative humidity in the following months.

Hermosillo

Hermosillo, where is located
Hermosillo, where is located
In this area, we find the important city of Hermosillo, which has a dry winter, pleasantly warm during the day (even though nights can be cold), and a very hot summer, with average highs around 40 °C (104 °F) in June.
Hermosillo - Average temperatures (1991-2020)
MonthMin (°C)Max (°C)Mean (°C)Min (°F)Max (°F)Mean (°F)
January8.425.717477862.7
February9.72718.4498165.1
March12.230.621.4548770.5
April1533.524.2599275.6
May18.637.127.9669982.2
June24.14132.57510690.5
July26.940.333.68010492.5
August26.639.4338010391.4
September24.938.131.57710188.7
October18.93526.9669580.5
November12.829.821.3558670.3
December8.524.816.6477761.9
Year17.333.525.3563.192.477.5

From July to October, the little monsoon brings some rains and thunderstorms, sometimes strong, which, however, do not last long, so that the sun will return after not long. The rainiest month is August, with 100 mm (4 in) on average. Relative humidity increases as well, going from 33% in June, to 55% in July, and to 51% in August and September, thus making the heat sweltering. Here is the average precipitation.
Hermosillo - Average precipitation
MonthMillimetersInchesDays
January150.63
February150.62
March50.21
April50.21
May50.20
June100.41
July1003.910
August1003.99
September702.86
October200.82
November150.62
December301.23
Year38515.238

In Hermosillo the sun shines all year round, however, there is a slight decrease in the hours of sunshine from July to September.
Hermosillo - Sunshine hours
MonthAverageTotal
January6180
February6.5180
March7.5230
April7.5230
May9.5300
June9.5285
July8.5270
August9280
September8240
October8.5255
November7.5220
December6.5195
Year7.82865

Chihuahuan Desert

The mountain range called Sierra Madre Occidental, which separates the states of Sonora and Chihuahua, and continues south to the states of Sinaloa, Durango and Nayarit, experiences a period of monsoon rains quite long (mid-June to early October) and intense, so much so that precipitation exceeds 400 mm (16 in) per year (July is usually the rainiest month), so the climate of these mountains is semi-arid rather than desert. Above 1,000 meters (3,300 feet), rainfall is even higher, and it exceeds 700/800 mm (27/31 in), so the landscape is green. In the southern part of the Sierra Madre Occidental, even winter is quite rainy, and rainfall exceeds 1,000 mm (40 in) per year.

Chihuahuan Desert

To the east of the Sierra Madre Occidental and to the west of the Sierra Madre Oriental, ie between the two ranges, we find the Chihuahuan Desert, an area dominated by highlands, and located in the states of Chihuahua and Coahuila and in north-eastern Durango. Here the climate is characterized by a wide daily temperature range, and also by a humid period from mid-June to mid-October, when the sun frequently shines, but it alternates with rains and thunderstorms. Winter is sunny and dry, with possible night frosts. Summer is hot, but because of the altitude, the summer heat is less intense than in the lower areas of the Sonoran Desert. However, sometimes the temperature can reach or exceed 40 °C (104 °F).

Ciudad Juárez

Ciudad Juárez, where is located
Ciudad Juárez, where is located
An important city of this region is Ciudad Juárez, located in the far north, at 1,100 meters (3,600 feet) above sea level, on the border with Texas. Here, the daily average temperature ranges from 9 °C (48 °F) in January to 29 °C (84 °F) in July. During winter, cold spells can be intense especially in the north: in Ciudad Juárez, the temperature can drop below -15 °C (5 °F) in the worst moments. Here are the average temperatures.
Ciudad Juárez - Average temperatures (1981-2010)
MonthMin (°C)Max (°C)Mean (°C)Min (°F)Max (°F)Mean (°F)
January1.216.38.8346147.8
February4.119.311.7396753.1
March6.923.415.2447459.3
April10.626.918.8518065.8
May16.732.424.5629076.2
June20.736.628.6699883.6
July21.836.329719784.3
August20.93528709582.3
September17.632.124.8649076.7
October10.826.818.8518065.8
November4.220.912.5407054.6
December1.916.59.2356248.6
Year11.526.919.1552.780.466.5

Average annual precipitation in Juárez is 245 mm (9.7 in), with August as the rainiest month. Here is the average precipitation.
Ciudad Juárez - Average precipitation
MonthMillimetersInchesDays
January100.44
February100.43
March50.22
April50.22
May100.43
June2514
July401.68
August5029
September401.66
October150.65
November100.43
December200.84
Year2459.653

The sun shines all year round, but here too, as in the Sonoran desert, the sunniest month is June.
Ciudad Juárez - Sunshine hours
MonthAverageTotal
January8255
February9.5265
March10.5325
April11.5350
May12.5385
June13385
July11.5360
August11335
September10305
October9.5300
November8.5260
December8245
Year10.33760

Other cities of the area are:
Chihuahua, 1,400 meters (4,600 feet) above sea level, where the average temperature ranges from 10 °C (50 °F) in January to 27 °C (80.5 °F) in June, 385 mm (15 in) of rain fall per year, and August is the rainiest month;
Torréon, 1,100 meters (3,600 feet) above sea level, with an average temperature ranging from 14.5 °C (58 °F) in January to 28 °C (82 °F) in June, 205 mm (9 in) of rain per year, and June as the rainiest month;
and Saltillo, 1,600 meters (5,200 ft), with an average temperature ranging from 12 °C (53.5 °F) in January to 23 °C (73 °F) in June, 370 mm (14.5 in) of rain per year, and September as the rainiest month.
Torreon, where is located
Torreon, where is located
Here are the average temperatures of Torreon.
Torreon - Average temperatures (1951-2010)
MonthMin (°C)Max (°C)Mean (°C)Min (°F)Max (°F)Mean (°F)
January6.822.314.6447258.2
February8.625.317477862.5
March11.92619537966.1
April15.632.524609075.3
May1935.327.2669680.9
June20.835.428.1699682.6
July20.534.327.4699481.3
August20.333.727699380.6
September18.631.825.2658977.4
October15.229.522.4598572.2
November10.326.118.2517964.8
December7.422.815.1457359.2
Year14.629.622.0558.385.371.5

Eastern plains



Eastern plains
In the eastern area, overlooking the Gulf of Mexico (including the state of Tamaulipas, the east of Nuevo León, the south-east of San Luis Potosi, the north-east of Hidalgo, and the north of Puebla and Veracruz), along the coast, and in plains and hills below 500 meters (1,600 feet) of altitude, winter is very mild, sometimes pleasantly warm, but we can not exclude some short cold spells, while summer is hot and humid. Annual rainfall generally ranges from 500 to 1,000 mm (20 to 40 in) and increases gradually from north to south and near the highlands, where it even exceeds 1,000 mm (40 in) per year. The rainy period goes from June to October.
Along the border with the United States, we find cities like Nuevo Laredo, Reynosa and Matamoros. To the west, we find Monterrey, 500 meters (1,600 feet) above sea level and 280 km (175 mi) away from the coast.

Tampico

Tampico, where is located
Tampico, where is located
Another city is Tampico, located on the coast, which has an average of 19.5 °C (67 °F) in January and of 29 °C (84.3 °F) in August. Here are the average temperatures.
Tampico - Average temperatures (1991-2020)
MonthMin (°C)Max (°C)Mean (°C)Min (°F)Max (°F)Mean (°F)
January1622.819.4617367
February17.424.420.9637669.7
March19.826.723.2688073.8
April22.329.125.7728478.2
May24.731.127.9778882.2
June25.632.128.9789084
July25.531.928.7788983.7
August25.732.429789084.3
September24.831.228778882.4
October22.829.626.2738579.2
November19.726.523.1678073.6
December172420.5637568.9
Year21.828.525.171.383.377

Tampico receives 1,150 mm (45 in) of rain per year, including more than 100 mm (4 in) per month from June to October. Here is the average precipitation.
Tampico - Average precipitation
MonthMillimetersInchesDays
January2516
February200.85
March150.64
April2514
May552.25
June1807.110
July1455.712
August1606.312
September2801115
October1455.710
November451.87
December451.87
Year113544.794

In Tampico, the sun does not shine very often in winter, despite the fact that it is the least rainy season, while in summer, apart from the tropical showers, the sun shines for a few hours a day.
Tampico - Sunshine hours
MonthAverageTotal
January4125
February5145
March6180
April6.5195
May7.5225
June8235
July7225
August7.5235
September6.5190
October6.5200
November5.5165
December4120
Year6.12240

Near Tampico, the sea in the Gulf of Mexico is warm enough to swim in all year round, although in winter the water temperature drops to 22.5 °C (72.5 °F).
Tampico - Sea temperature
MonthCelsius (°C)Fahrenheit (°F)
January2373
February22.572
March2374
April24.576
May26.580
June28.583
July2984
August29.585
September29.585
October2883
November2679
December2475
Year26.279.1

Let us now talk about central and southern Mexico, where the difference between winter and summer decreases because of the low latitude, and the temperature varies mainly with altitude; in this area, we can distinguish among the tierras calientes from sea level to 1,000 meters (3,300 feet), the tierras templadas between 1,000 and 2,000 meters (3,300 and 6,600 feet), and the tierras frìas above 2,000 meters (6,600 feet).

Tierras frías



Tierras frìas

In the plateau of the the center-south above 1,800 meters (5,900 feet), there is a considerable difference in temperature between day and night, especially in the dry season. The tropical sun's rays are very strong, even if the temperature is not so high. As for the rains, there is a dry season from November to April and a rainy season from May to October.

Mexico City

Mexico City, where is located
Mexico City, where is located
The huge federal capital, Mexico City, is located in the southern part of the plateau, at an altitude of 2,200 meters (7,200 ft). The city is polluted, and it's wrapped in an almost constant haze.
Winter is dry and sunny, with cold nights. In January and February, lows are around 7/8 °C (45/46 °F), but sometimes they can drop a few degrees below freezing (0 °C or 32 °F), while days are pleasant, with highs around 22/24 °C (72/75 °F).
In spring, the temperature rises gradually until April and May, which are the months with the highest daytime temperatures, around 27 °C (81 °F), while night-time temperatures are still pretty cool, around 11/12 °C (52/54 °F).
In June, owing to the summer monsoon, which brings clouds and rains from June to September, the daytime temperature does not increase any further, in fact it drops by a few degrees, to around 24/25 °C (75/77 °F).
Here are the average temperatures.
Mexico City - Average temperatures (1991-2020)
MonthMin (°C)Max (°C)Mean (°C)Min (°F)Max (°F)Mean (°F)
January6.521.614.1447157.4
February8.123.715.9477560.6
March9.825.517.6507863.7
April12.326.719.5548067.1
May13.226.719.9568067.9
June13.825.119.5577767
July13.423.818.6567565.5
August13.523.818.6567565.5
September13.32318.2567364.7
October11.32317.1527362.9
November8.622.515.5477259.9
December721.914.4457158
Year10.923.917.451.675.163.5

In a typical year, 710 millimeters (28 inches) of rain fall, with a maximum of 160 mm (6.3 in) in July.
Mexico City - Average precipitation
MonthMillimetersInchesDays
January100.41
February50.22
March100.43
April2514
May552.211
June1104.313
July1606.317
August1505.917
September1204.715
October451.87
November150.62
December50.22
Year7102894

Mexico City has around 2,500 hours of sunshine per year. The sunniest seasons are winter and spring, before the rains, while in the rainy summer period, cloudiness is frequent and widespread.
Mexico City - Sunshine hours
MonthAverageTotal
January7.5240
February8.5235
March8.5270
April7.5230
May7.5225
June6185
July5.5175
August5.5175
September5155
October6.5195
November7.5230
December7.5235
Year72555

To the southeast of Mexico City we find Puebla, which has a similar climate.

Tierras templadas



Climate of the Tierras Templadas

In the areas of south-central Mexico that are located at intermediate altitudes, the average temperatures are mild, although sometimes it can get cold on winter nights, while sometimes during the day it can get hot.

Guadalajara

Guadalajara, where is located
Guadalajara, where is located
In this area, we can mention a city like Guadalajara, at 1,500 meters (5,000 feet) above sea level, in the state of Jalisco. Here are the average temperatures.
Guadalajara - Average temperatures (1991-2020)
MonthMin (°C)Max (°C)Mean (°C)Min (°F)Max (°F)Mean (°F)
January6.324.815.6437760
February7.527.317.4468163.3
March9.229.919.5498667.2
April11.132.121.6529070.9
May13.933.323.6579274.5
June16.431.223.8628874.8
July15.928.422.2618371.9
August16.128.522.3618372.1
September15.827.821.8608271.2
October13.627.720.6568269.2
November9.426.417.9498064.2
December7.125.216.2457761.1
Year11.928.620.1553.483.468.5

Rainfall amounts to 970 mm (38 in) per year, with a long dry period, and a rainy season from June to early October. Here is the average precipitation.
Guadalajara - Average precipitation
MonthMillimetersInchesDays
January200.82
February50.21
March40.21
April70.31
May200.83
June1857.314
July27510.821
August2208.719
September1656.515
October5026
November150.62
December80.32
Year97038.287

The sunniest season in Guadalajara is spring, before the summer rains.
Guadalajara - Sunshine hours
MonthAverageTotal
January6.5205
February8230
March8.5265
April8.5260
May9280
June7215
July6.5195
August7210
September6185
October7220
November7.5225
December6190
Year7.32675

In the southern highlands (see Oaxaca), the temperature in winter is slightly higher and the rainy season is a bit longer.

Tierras calientes



Climate of the Tierras Calientes

In the plains and hills of the south, in the so-called Tierras calientes, the climate is hot all year round, with a dry season (December to April or November to May, depending on area) and a rainy season (May to November or June to October). The warmest period is the one that precedes the rainy season, usually the months of April and May.
But later, with the arrival of the rains, the humidity increases, and so does the feeling of sultriness. Usually, the rains occur in the form of thunderstorms, sometimes strong, in the afternoon.
The rains tend to become more abundant as you move south. In the interior of the southern states, precipitation exceeds 2,000 mm (80 in) per year, but in some cases it even exceeds 3,000 mm (120 in). The south of the state of Veracruz, the south-east of Oaxaca, the state of Tabasco and the northern part of Chiapas (see Palenque, Yaxchilan) are very rainy areas: here there are moderate rains even in winter, and therefore there is no real dry season.

The hottest part in winter is the southern coast, exposed to the Pacific ocean, where we find cities such as Manzanillo, Acapulco, Puerto Escondido and Salina Cruz.

Acapulco

Acapulco, where is located
Acapulco, where is located
In Acapulco, along the coast of the state of Guerrero, the climate is hot all year round, but the dry season, from November to May, is sunny and it almost never rains. Here are the average temperatures.
Acapulco - Average temperatures (1991-2020)
MonthMin (°C)Max (°C)Mean (°C)Min (°F)Max (°F)Mean (°F)
January22.130.326.2728779.1
February21.830.126718678.7
March21.830.126718678.7
April22.430.326.4728779.4
May24.531.427.9768882.2
June25.431.628.5788983.4
July25.431.628.5788983.3
August25.331.628.4788983.2
September2530.927.9778882.3
October24.93127.9778882.3
November2431.127.6758881.6
December22.830.626.7738780
Year23.830.927.374.887.681

The mountains located north of the city protect this coast from cold winds (while this does not happen on the coast on the Gulf of Mexico, see below). However, in the rainy season, from June to October, the rains are abundant and sometimes torrential. Here is the average precipitation.
Acapulco - Average precipitation
MonthMillimetersInchesDays
January150.61
February50.20
March000
April50.20
May2513
June26510.412
July2459.612
August29511.614
September31012.214
October1405.58
November200.82
December100.41
Year133552.668

As mentioned, in Acapulco the sun shines more often in the dry season, from November to May.
Acapulco - Sunshine hours
MonthAverageTotal
January9270
February9250
March9.5285
April9275
May8250
June7205
July7225
August7.5230
September6.5195
October8245
November8.5255
December8255
Year8.12945

The sea is always warm, not going below 28 °C (82 °F) in winter.
Acapulco - Sea temperature
MonthCelsius (°C)Fahrenheit (°F)
January28.583
February28.583
March2883
April28.583
May2985
June29.585
July3086
August3086
September29.585
October29.585
November29.585
December2984
Year29.284.6

Here, and in general along the southern coast of Mexico, during the rainy season, tropical cyclones can form, called cordonazos, which are able to cause gale force winds and heavy rains. Traditionally, El cordonazo de San Francisco is a storm that occurs on October 4, i.e. the day of St. Francis.
Further north, in Puerto Vallarta, in the state of Jalisco, the climate is similar to that of Acapulco, but winter nights are cooler, and they can occasionally get pretty cool, around 10 °C (50 °F); this can still happen, though more rarely, in March and April.

Yucatán

In the east, in the Yucatán Peninsula (in the states of Campeche, Yucatán and Quintana Roo), the climate is generally warm to hot all year round, but winter is not as dry and sunny as on the south coast: the months of December and January, when highs are around 28/30 °C (82/86 °F), are quite rainy.
In addition, from December to March, sometimes the cold wind from the United States, the Norte, can blow, and in these cases, the minimum temperature can drop to 10 °C (50 °F) or even below.

Cancún

Cancun, where is located
Cancun, where is located
In Cancún, the least rainy period runs from February to April, and the driest month is April, so it is an advisable destination for the Easter holidays, when the Norte is less likely to blow. Here are the average temperatures.
Cancun - Average temperatures (2012-2018)
MonthMin (°C)Max (°C)Mean (°C)Min (°F)Max (°F)Mean (°F)
January19.227.623.4678274.2
February19.428.423.9678375
March20.429.124.7698476.5
April22.230.426.3728779.4
May23.931.627.7758981.9
June2531.828.4778983.1
July24.532.528.5769183.3
August24.132.828.4759183.1
September23.83227.9759082.3
October23.230.927748880.6
November20.929.125708477
December19.728.123.9678375
Year22.230.426.257286.779

The rainy season runs from May to November and is a hot and sultry period. The rains are abundant especially in June, and between September and mid-November. However, the sun still shines quite often, in fact the rains generally occur in the form of downpours or thunderstorms, so they don't last long.
Cancun - Average precipitation
MonthMillimetersInchesDays
January652.66
February552.25
March351.43
April401.63
May1104.37
June1857.312
July1305.112
August1505.913
September2258.914
October1857.313
November853.37
December803.17
Year134553102

The Gulf of Mexico in Cancun and the Riviera Maya is warm enough to swim in all year round.
Cancun - Sea temperature
MonthCelsius (°C)Fahrenheit (°F)
January2679
February2679
March2679
April26.580
May27.582
June2883
July2984
August2985
September2984
October28.583
November27.582
December2780
Year27.681.6

A similar situation is found in Isla Mujeres and the Mayan Riviera south of Cancun (see Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Tulum, Chetumal etc..): here, March and April are the driest and sunniest months, and April is the best month.
During the rainy season, the Yucatán and the coastal area bordering the Gulf of Mexico can be affected by hurricanes, especially in the period from August to October; however, the hurricane season runs from June to November. Hurricanes come from the south or east, and sometimes can be destructive.

Mountains



In the high mountains and volcanoes of south-central Mexico, the climate is Alpine, although, given the low latitude, this happens at very high altitudes.

Nevado de Toluca

Nevado de Toluca, where is located
Nevado de Toluca, where is located
For example, on the Nevado de Toluca volcano, southwest of Mexico City, at 4,300 meters (14,100 ft) above sea level, the monthly average temperature ranges from 2 °C (35.5 °F) in January to 5 °C (41 °F) in April and May, which are the warmest months. Here are the average temperatures.
Nevado de Toluca - Average temperatures
MonthMin (°C)Max (°C)Mean (°C)Min (°F)Max (°F)Mean (°F)
January-372274535.6
February-283284637.4
March-194304839.2
April0105325041
May0105325041
June195344841
July184.5344640.1
August084324639.2
September184.5344640.1
October084324639.2
November-173304537.4
December-272.5284536.5
Year-0.58.23.8531.146.839

The rainy season runs from May to October, and July and August are the rainiest months, but with these temperatures it can snow even in summer. Here is the average precipitation.
Nevado de Toluca - Average precipitation
MonthMillimetersInchesDays
January150.63
February150.63
March150.63
April602.47
May1154.514
June2058.120
July2409.425
August2309.123
September2108.321
October903.513
November2515
December150.63
Year123048.4137

The three highest volcanoes of Mexico, Citlaltépetl, Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl, exceed 5,000 meters (16,400 ft), and at the highest elevations, perennial glaciers are found.

Hurricanes



As mentioned, Mexico may be affected by tropical cyclones, either by those coming from the east, i.e. from the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, which affect the east coast and the Yucatán, and by those that are formed on the Pacific and affect the western and southern coasts. The hurricane season runs from June to November, although they are more likely from August to October.
Cyclones can penetrate inland for many kilometers (or miles), even though they tend to weaken as they move away from the sea.

Cyclone paths in Mexico

In this image, we can see the trajectories followed by the tropical cyclones that have affected Mexico from 1980 to 2005 (the dots refer to the eye of the cyclone, so the affected area is larger).

When to go



The best periods to explore the northern regions of Mexico (coasts and deserts) are spring and autumn, in March-April and September-October, and in particular, you can choose October.
In the tierras frìas too, spring and autumn are the best periods, even though the main purpose in this area is to avoid the summer rains; therefore, you can also avoid the month September, which is still a rainy month. You can go to the tierras frìas in winter as well, bearing in mind that it can get cold at night.
You can go to the tierras calientes from December to February, to avoid both the heat and the rains of summer, and because in some areas the months of October and November are still very rainy. In spring, in April and May, the rains have not arrived yet, but the weather is usually hot.

As regards to the sea, the southern coast (see Acapulco) is warm and sunny in winter (eg Christmas and New Year), with a warm sea, around 28 °C (82 °F), so it's recommended for a beach holiday. The good season in Acapulco is long, from November to April.
The coasts of the Gulf of Mexico and Yucatán (see Veracruz, Cancun), do not have an ideal climate in winter, at least for a beach holiday: the sky is often cloudy, sometimes it can rain, and the Norte can bring a bit of cool weather. Spring is a better season, from March to May, with a preference for April: in March, sometimes a bit of cool air can still arrive, especially in the first half of the month, while in May it begins to get hot, with the first thunderstorms.
Spring is fine also in Cabo San Lucas and the southern part of Baja California. On the northern coast of Baja California, where the air is mild even in summer, you can sunbathe, even though the water is quite cold.

What to pack



In winter: for the Chihuahuan desert and the mountains, bring warm clothes, a jacket, a hat, gloves. For Baja California, the eastern plains and the tierras templadas, bring clothes for spring and autumn. For Mexico City and the tierras frìas, bring clothes for spring and autumn during the day, but also a warm jacket and a hat for the evening. For the highest mountains, bring warm clothes, such as a down jacket, gloves, a beanie.
For the tierras calientes, light clothing, a sweatshirt for the evening in Yucatan and Riviera Maya. When going to the reef, you can bring snorkeling equipment, including water shoes or rubber-soled shoes.

In summer: bring light clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, a light raincoat. For the Chihuahuan Desert, add a sweatshirt for the evening. For Mexico City and the tierras frìas, add a sweatshirt or sweater for the evening, a jacket and an umbrella. For the highest mountains, warm clothes, a warm jacket, a wind jacket, gloves, a hat, hiking shoes.

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