Does it snow in Mexico? This is one of the questions that I have been asking myself regarding Mexico, which is a popular family holiday destination.
The answer to this question is YES, Mexico does get snow, but only in a few places.
While the country’s average temperature remains fairly warm, some high-altitude areas receive snowfall during the winter season.
Snowfall occurs most frequently in Mexico’s large mountain ranges, where higher altitude and cooler temperatures produce perfect circumstances for natural snow accumulation.
Most people identify Mexico with sandy beaches, palm trees, and hot temperatures.
In reality, these are some of the reasons I originally wanted to visit Mexico!
Most people are unaware that Mexico is a large nation with various kinds of climatic conditions.
While almost all of Mexico experiences tropical weather, there are some places that experience colder temperatures.
However, does it snow in Mexico?
In this blog post, I’ll be answering this question in detail.
Hang on and let’s find out more about snow in Mexico.
So, Does it Snow in Mexico?
It certainly does! Most of us associate Mexico with beautiful beaches, delectable cuisine, and old temples.
However, you may be surprised to learn that winter delivers an unexpected gift to some parts of the nation. This gift is snow!
When Does it Snow in Mexico
Mexico, unlike the majority of Latin American nations, experiences all four seasons of the year.
Spring lasts from March to May, followed by Summer (June to August) and Fall (September to November).
The Mexican winter, most significantly for us, lasts from December to February. In some parts of Mexico, this is when it snows.
Facts About Mexico
Before we begin, it is critical to fully understand Mexico’s geography and how large the country truly is!
To put things into context, Mexico is nearly three times the size of Texas and consists of 32 different states.
Furthermore, Mexico has a varied landscape that ranges from deserts and beaches to mountains and jungles.
This means that the climate and weather in Mexico can differ greatly from region to region, city to city, and state to state.
So, when it comes to weather in Mexico, bear in mind that there isn’t always a one-size-fits-all solution.
You may need to look more carefully at a specific town or area you want to visit for more specific information.
Now that we’ve gotten a better sense of Mexico’s size and landscapes, let’s look at the question of “Does it snow in Mexico?”
Does Mexico Get Snow? The Mexican Climate
I couldn’t help but ponder why Mexico’s weather was so different from that of other Latin countries. What distinguishes Mexico?
The climate of Mexico is distinct due to its vast size and the Tropic of Cancer, which divides the nation.
This creates an environment that supports both temperate and tropical climates.
So, snow falls in northern Mexico throughout the winter while the rest of the country stays slightly warmer.
Where Does it Snow in Mexico?
As previously stated, the areas of the nation that experience snow and cold temperatures are primarily in the north.
Snowfall occurs in twelve of Mexico’s thirty-two provinces.
In the winter, some mountain summits and volcanoes can receive up to 10 inches of snow.
High peaks such as Iztaccihuantl, Citlaltepetl, and Popocatepetl, as well as highland regions such as Toluca and Durango, frequently receive at least some snow.
With that in mind, I couldn’t help but ponder if it snows in some of Mexico’s most popular tourist destinations; here’s what I discovered:
Does it Snow in Mexico City?
NO, it does not snow in Mexico City.
However, snow may fall in the mountains encircling Mexico City.
Snow has only fallen twice in the city, on March 5, 1940 and January 12, 1967.
It hasn’t snowed in Mexico City in over fifty years.
Does it Snow in Cancún, Mexico?
NO, it does not snow in Cancún. Cancún, unfortunately, is subtropical. As a result, its warm sandy shores will almost certainly never see snow.
Does it Snow in Tijuana, Mexico?
NO, Tijuana does not experience snow. Tijuana’s dry winter weather implies that snowfall is unlikely.
While snow may be uncommon in these parts of the country, there are numerous areas to explore in Mexico where it does snow.
Where Does it Snow in Mexico?
Mexiquillo, Durango
The Pueblo Nuevo Natural Park is located in the northern Mexican state of Durango.
Durango is best visited between December and January, when the area is covered in light snow.
The park is 52 square miles in size and features dreamy vistas with skyscraping pine trees.
Many are amazed by the unique rock formations in the forest, which were formed by hot magma that covered the area millions of years ago and gave the woods a peculiar fairytale-like allure.
The forest as a whole appears to be the ideal location to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with nature.
The frozen waterfalls and icy hiking paths that cut through the reserve, as well as the deer and wild boar that wander freely, pique the interest of visitors.
The railway tunnels, which were built more than a century ago but never completed, are a must-see.
While the trains never used the tunnels, the structures remain and now head into the heart of the coniferous forest.
You can choose to tour the tunnels by foot, bike, or 4×4.
Amazing Places to Stay While Here
Locals think that camping under the stars is the best way to appreciate this magical forest.
However, even though there are designated camping areas, you are expected to bring your own gear, which sadly is not an option for us.
Visitors should carry their own food because there are no stores close because the area is relatively untouched.
Because camping was not an option for many, you can remain at Cabaa La Mazatleca en Mexiquillo in La Ciudad.
The La Mazatleca is well-known for its luxury cabins that emanate warmth and quiet elegance, ideal for a romantic and cozy getaway.
Sombrerete, Zacatecas
The town of Sombrerete in the northwest of the Zacatecas state, which neighbors Durango, sparked my interest.
It was founded as a mining village in 1555 by Spanish conquistador Juan de Tolosa and is filled with an intriguing blend of Mexican and colonial touches such as broken streets and gardens.
Its deep historical roots entice visitors to stroll through town, soaking in its unique attractiveness while encountering locals and indulging in tasty meals.
Sombrerete is famous for its birria, pozole, bridal barbecue, and, most notably, its “brujitas,” which are fried corn empanadas filled with shredded meat or beans.
Aside from food, there’s the opportunity to purchase a tiny leather trunk with traditional wood-burning at the Luis Miguel Pérez and Manuel Rojero store, as well as see clay pottery pieces at Martha Rojero’s studio.
Of course, I haven’t overlooked the Sierra de Órganos National Park, the Los Jales Pyramids, the Fort, and the San Pantaleón Temple.
You may explore the unsolved mysteries of the “Chapel of Santa Muerte” or take part in a night race.
A night race, however, will be dependent on weather conditions, as temperatures in the region may fall to as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit during December and January, and are typically accompanied by heavy snow.
Amazing Places to Stay While Here
The three-star Hotel San Román in Sombrerete, just 386 meters from the town center, is the nearest option for accommodation.
While it is not the most luxurious motel, it is of high quality.
The hotel has a restaurant, room service, and a front counter that is open 24 hours a day.
The personnel are also bilingual (Spanish and English).
Arteaga, Coahuila
Arteaga Pueblos Mágico in Coahuila is known as the “Mexican Swiss” and lives up to its magical town moniker.
The charming village is nestled between the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Madre Oriental Mountain range.
It is ideal for those interested in ecotourism, relaxation, and peaceful mountain hiking.
The tiniest clues of culture piqued my interest.
The town has something for everyone, from the Iglesia de San Isidro Labrador, which celebrates the patron saint of farmers, to the temple downtown.
Foodies like us are often excited to try local liquor and visit specialized preserved fruit stores.
Arteaga Pueblo Magico, after all, is famous for its scarlet apples.
Visitors are most interested in visiting the workshops that create handcrafted sarapes.
History buffs, make sure to include a stop at Casa Carranza on your schedule.
Venustiano Carranza penned his manifestos in this house.
The house is ideally located near City Hall.
Ensure you try mountain biking, rappelling, hiking, and ATV rides around the nearby coal mines for some adventure.
Amazing Places to Stay While Here
My research indicates that the best time to explore Arteaga is between December and January, when the snow is at its thickest.
The Bosques de Monterreal are at the top of our selection of places to stay. It is Mexico’s only year-round ski slope, surrounded by breathtaking woods.
The breathtaking resort provides a variety of activities such as skiing, snowboarding, horseback riding, ATV rentals, hiking, and rappelling. Monterreal is also known for possessing Mexico’s highest golf course.
On-site amenities include tennis facilities, a zip line, a basketball court, and a heated indoor pool.
It is the ideal location for taking in the snowy mountains as you stroll through the grounds on your way to the La Casa Club de Ski restaurant, which offers excellent regional cuisine.
Copper Canyon, Chihuahua
Barranca del Cobre, Copper Canyon in northwest Mexico’s desert, is famous for its stunning natural beauty in inland Mexico.
Six rivers that cut through the region carved out the twenty canyons.
Copper Canyon is nearly four times the size of Arizona’s Grand Canyon. It is full of cultural and outdoor opportunities.
When I learned about the Tarahumara people, who are Aztec descendants, I knew this was one of the finest places to visit.
They are still present in the valleys after thousands of years.
Visitors to the Copper Canyon Train Ride can purchase Tarahumara crafts, food and beverages.
Aside from the train journey, consider hiking or horseback riding through Copper Canyon.
Biking, hiking, and four-wheeling are also options. A helicopter flight over the Canyon is another option.
Amazing Places to Stay While Here
The lodging options are varied, but Copper Canyon Lodge is the beast because it lies at an incredible 10,500 feet above the town of Breckenridge.
With a wall of windows displaying the ten-mile mountain range, breathtaking views are unavoidable.
The prospect of hand-carved walnut floors and a massive stone fireplace draw often attracts visitors.
When the temperature drops to 32°F overnight in the winter, the fireplace will come in useful.
Nevado de Toluca, State of Mexico
The fourth highest peak in Mexico, Nevado de Toluca, stands at approximately 15,390 feet.
Xinantecatl is the Aztec word for the peak.
The appellation means “Naked Lord,” “Lord of the Corn Stalks,” or “Mountain of the Bats.”
Visitors are often curious how a mountain peak acquired such a fascinating name, regardless of the accurate translation.
The mountain is located west of Mexico City and faces other high volcanoes in the opposing direction.
It has two big lakes in its crater: Laguna de la Luna and Laguna del Sol.
Several Aztec relics have been discovered in the lakes.
This piques my interest in exploring the region.
The mountain offers some hiking opportunities near the lakes, and the crater is a popular picnic location.
Amazing Places to Stay While Here
Rancho Viejo is exactly what you need for accommodation while exploring this destination.
The resort is inspired by its surroundings, with a private woodland on the Pacific-South slope of Nevado de Toluca.
Does it Snow in New Mexico
YES, it does snow in New Mexico.
It should be noted that New Mexico is not a component of Mexico.
However, New Mexico was once a part of Mexico until the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848, when it became a part of the United States.
I couldn’t leave it off my selection based on its history.
Because the mountains tend to attract Pacific storms, it’s no surprise that it snows frequently in the region.
This makes it the ideal, underappreciated location for a peaceful winter vacation.
It’s the ideal location for a quick vacation, with stunning ski resorts and the rich history of Santa Fe.
Snowfall in December and January differs by region in New Mexico.
The higher you go, the more snow there is going to be.
Amazing Places to Stay While Here
Taos Ski Valley is without a doubt the best choice.
The resort is located at the foot of Kachina Peak and combines old-world charm with modern-day luxuries.
However, it is on the more expensive end of the spectrum, and there are more affordable choices in town.
Final Thoughts on the Question: Does it Snow in Mexico?
Does it snow in Mexico? YES, it does snow in some parts of Mexico.
Mexico is a big country with diverse environmental conditions.
So, while the overwhelming majority of the country experiences tropical weather, there are also high-altitude areas of the country that experience chilly temperatures.
However, while it does snow in Mexico, it is rarely as heavy as you might expect if you reside in the United States, Canada, or other cooler parts of the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Snowfall is more prevalent in Mexico’s mountainous regions during the winter months, such as the northern states of Baja California, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, Nuevo Leon, San Luis Potosi, and Zacatecas. Snowfall may fall in Mexico’s central states, but only on the highest peaks of mountain ranges.
Copper Canyon National Park in Chihuahua, Mexiquillo Natural Park in Durango, and the pueblo magic (magic town) of Arteaga in Coahuila are among the most famous places to see snow in Mexico. While there is no guarantee of snow, the best time to explore these locations is during the winter months when the chances of snowfall are higher.
This differs by location, but snow is a relatively uncommon occurrence in Mexico. Some parts of the nation, such as the Sierra Madre Mountain range, experience more frequent snowfall. Snow, even in more mountainous regions, is not a common occurrence.
While skiing is not a popular sport in Mexico, the nation does have ski resorts. Skiing is available in Mexico at Bosques de Monterreal, a tiny ski resort on the outskirts of Monterrey. The Bosques de Monterreal is the country’s highest ski resort, with two slopes, including one for beginners and stunning views of the Sierra Madre Oriental mountains.
NO, it does not snow in Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur. While Cabo has more seasonal changes than the Riviera Maya, it is still a warm location with little snowfall.
The coldest temperature ever recorded in Mexico was -19.3 degrees Fahrenheit in Valerio, Chihuahua.
