Does It Snow In Mexico ? All You Need To Know

Mexico is the 13th largest country in the world, with an area of about 760,000 square miles (1,968,390 square kilometres) in the south of North America. In Mexico, it does snow, but only in substantial amounts on the mountains, volcanoes, and other higher elevations.

Mexico’s climate varies greatly by location, and the country’s enormous size means that it is home to a diverse range of biomes, each with its own set of climatic conditions. Temperate conditions and temperatures as low as 35.6 degrees Fahrenheit can be found in some northern portions of Mexico (2 degrees Celsius).

The temperature rarely drops below 48.2 degrees Fahrenheit in the warmer south (9 degrees Celsius). Snowfall is unheard of here, in Oaxaca and elsewhere, save at the highest elevations.

Does It Snow In Mexico ?

It certainly does! I’m sure most of us associate Mexico with beautiful beaches, delectable cuisine, and historic temples. However, you might be shocked to learn that winter brings an unexpected gift to some sections of the country: snow!

When Does It Snow In Mexico ?

Mexico has a very short winter season, with snowfall most likely occurring between December and January.

Temperatures are expected to drop to an average low of 42.8 degrees Fahrenheit (6 degrees Celsius) over northern locations, including Madera in Chihuahua, where unofficial reports say that thermometers have dropped to -16.6 degrees Fahrenheit (-27 degrees Celsius).

Snow is not assured in most parts of the country every winter, and even when it comes, it may only fall in tiny amounts. It’s exceedingly unusual that more than 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain will fall in any given year in most regions.

Weather In Mexico

Mexico, unlike the majority of Latin American countries, experiences all four seasons. Spring begins in March and ends in May, followed by Summer in June and August, and Fall in September and November. The Mexican winter, most critically for us, lasts from December to February. In some parts of Mexico, it snows at that time.

Where Does It Snow In Mexico ?

Snow is most likely to fall in parts of Mexico that are higher than 10,000 feet (3 kilometres) above sea level. The most snow falls in Mexico’s mountains and volcanoes, with up to 10 inches (250mm) falling in a single year.

As previously said, the sections of the country that encounter snow and cold weather are mostly in the north.

Snowfall can be seen in twelve of Mexico’s thirty-two states. In the winter, some mountain peaks and volcanoes can receive up to 10 inches of snow. The high peaks of Iztaccihuantl, Citlaltepetl, and Popocatepetl, as well as highland areas like Toluca and Durango, are some of the places that get at least some snow.

Snow In Mexico City ?

Despite being bordered by enormous mountain ranges, Mexico City does not receive snowfall and hasn’t for more than 50 years. Temperatures in Mexico City do not drop below 42.8 degrees Fahrenheit (6 degrees Celsius) even in the dead of winter, making snow impossible to come by.

Snow in Mexiquillo ?

Despite the fact that it is not a population centre, Mexiquillo’s Pueblo Nuevo natural park is an excellent site to see snow when visiting Mexico. During the months of December and January, the park is blanketed in snow, and visitors may enjoy frozen waterfalls and icy hiking trails.

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Snow in Sombrerete?

Sombrerete is a picturesque old mining village located at an elevation of about 2,300 metres. During the months of December and January, temperatures can plummet to as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit (-10 degrees Celsius).

These conditions are ideal for heavy snowfall, and Sombrerete’s winter landscape distinguishes it from the rest of Mexico, which is characterised by warmer weather.

Snow in Cancún, Mexico?

Cancun, unfortunately, is a subtropical city. As a result, its warm sandy beaches are unlikely to encounter snow.

Snow in Tijuana, Mexico?

Because to Tijuana’s dry winter climate, snowfall is seldom. While snow may be uncommon in many parts of the country, there are numerous spots to visit in Mexico where it does snow.

Ski Resorts in Mexico

Although Mexico is not recognised for its enthusiasm for winter sports, it is nonetheless possible to go skiing. The Monterreal Ski Resort in the country may not have the most snow, but it does provide a unique location for skiing and snowboarding that you won’t find anyplace else.

Although actual snowfall falls on the Monterreal slopes in December and January, it is heavily enhanced by snow machines. The resort also has a dry ski slope similar to those found in areas of Europe, allowing you to ski even when the winter season is over.

Here are some of the cities, sights, and hotels on my Winter Bucket List:

• Mexiquillo, Durango

In the northern Mexican state of Durango, Mexiquillo is home to the Pueblo Nuevo Natural Park. Durango is best visited between December and January, when the park is blanketed in light snow.

The park is 52 square miles in size and features lovely vistas with towering pine trees. When I read about the unique rock formations in the forest caused by hot magma that covered the area millions of years ago and gave the woods a strange fairytale-like allure, I was particularly intrigued.

The forest as a whole appears to be an ideal spot to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and reconnect with nature. The ice waterfalls and icy hiking routes that cut through the reserve, as well as the deer and wild boar that roam freely, are what I’m most looking forward to seeing.

The train tunnels, which were built more than a century ago but never completed, are a must-see for me. The tunnels were never used by railroads, but they are still standing and lead into the deepest portion of the coniferous forest. We’re still undecided about whether we’ll tour the tunnels on foot, by bike, or by 444, so we’ll keep our choices open for now.

Places To Stay :

Locals say that sleeping under the night is the greatest way to experience this wonderful woodland. Despite the fact that there are dedicated camping spots, you are supposed to carry your own kit, which is regrettably not an option for us. Visitors should bring their own meals because the area is relatively undeveloped and there are no stores nearby.

Because camping was not an option for us, I continued my search and found Cabaa La Mazatleca en Mexiquillo in La Ciudad. When I first came across this gorgeous hotel while browsing for somewhere to stay near the park, it stole my heart. The La Mazatleca is noted for its luxurious accommodations, which ooze warmth and peaceful style, making them ideal for a romantic and relaxing holiday.

• Sombrerete, Zacatecas

The town of Sombrerete, in the northwest corner of the Zacatecas state, which borders Durango, was the second place that struck my eye. It was founded as a mining town in 1555 by Spanish conquistador Juan de Tolosa and is full of a fascinating combination of Mexican and colonial elements, such as broken streets and gardens.

Its profound historical roots entice me to take a stroll through the town and take in its distinct beauty while meeting locals and eating wonderful food. Sombrerete is famous for its birria, pozole, wedding barbeque, and, above all, “brujitas,” which are maize empanadas filled with shredded meat or beans and fried in oil.

Apart from the cuisine, the Luis Miguel Pérez and Manuel Rojero store has a miniature leather trunk with traditional wood-burning and Martha Rojero’s workshop has ceramic sculptures made of clay.

Of course, we haven’t forgotten about the Sierra de rganos National Park, the Los Jales Pyramids, the Fort, and the San Pantaleón Temple on our bucket list. And, while I’m excited to learn more about the “Chapel of Santa Muerte,” my husband is itching to do a night race.

A night race, on the other hand, will be dependent on weather conditions, as temperatures in the area can drop to as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit in December and January, with heavy snowfall.

Place To Stay :

The three-star Hotel San Román in Sombrerete, just 386 metres from the town centre, is the nearest I could find for lodging. While it isn’t the most luxurious hotel, it is of high quality. The hotel features a restaurant, room service, and a front desk that is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The staff is bilingual (Spanish and English).

• Arteaga, Coahuila

Arteaga Pueblos Mágico, in Coahuila, is known as the “Mexican Swiss” and lives up to its name as a magical town. The lovely village is nestled between the Sierra Madre Oriental’s snow-capped peaks.

It’s the ideal location for individuals interested in ecotourism, relaxation, and peaceful mountain hikes. It was the tiniest glimpses of culture that piqued my interest. From the Iglesia de San Isidro Labrador, which commemorates farmers’ patron saint, to the temple downtown, the town has something for everyone.

Foodies like us are looking forward to sampling local bourbon and visiting specialised preserves shops. Arteaga Pueblo Magico is known for its red apples, after all. Most importantly, I’d like to visit the workshops that produce handcrafted sarapes.

I made sure to include a visit to Casa Carranza in my itinerary because I am a history buff. Venustiano Carranza authored his manifestos at this residence. The house is in a great location, right near to City Hall. We’re going to try mountain biking, rappelling, hiking, and ATV rides through the adjacent coal mines for a little adventure.

Place To Stay :

The greatest time to visit Arteaga, according to my study, is between December and January, when the snow is the deepest. The Bosques de Monterreal are at the top of our list for places to stay. It is the only ski slope in Mexico that operates all year. It is surrounded by beautiful forests.

Skiing, snowboarding, horseback riding, ATV rentals, hiking, and rappelling are just a few of the activities available at this beautiful resort. Monterreal is also famous for having Mexico’s highest golf course.

Tennis courts, a zip line, a basketball court, and a heated indoor pool are also available on the property. Walking around the property on your route to the La Casa Club de Ski restaurant, which serves outstanding local foods, is the ideal way to take in the snowy slopes.

• Copper Canyon, Chihuahua

Copper Canyon in the desert of northwest Mexico, Barranca del Cobre, is noted for its beautiful natural splendour in inland Mexico. Six rivers that cut through the area carved out a series of twenty canyons.

Copper Canyon is about four times the size of the Grand Canyon in Arizona. It offers a diverse range of cultural and adventure opportunities.

I knew I had to see the Tarahumara people, who are descendants of the Aztecs, after reading about them. They’ve been living in the canyons for thousands of years. Visitors to the Copper Canyon Train Ride can purchase Tarahumara crafts and cuisine. As a result, it’s on my bucket list.

In addition to the train excursion, we intend to hike or horseback ride into Copper Canyon. Biking, trekking, and four-wheeling are additional possibilities. A helicopter ride over the Canyon is also on the table.

Best Place To Stay:

The lodging options are varied, but Copper Canyon Lodge drew our attention because it stands at an incredible elevation of 10,500 feet above Breckenridge. Stunning views are a given with a wall of windows showcasing the ten-mile mountain range.

My interest was piqued by the promise of hand-carved walnut floors and a massive stone fireplace. When the temperature drops to 32°F overnight in the winter, the fireplace will come in useful.

• Nevado de Toluca, State of Mexico

With a height of 15,390 feet, the Nevado de Toluca is Mexico’s fourth tallest peak. Xinantecatl is the Aztec name for the summit. The name Naked Lord or Lord of the Corn Stalks or Mountain of the Bats translates to “Naked Lord” or “Lord of the Corn Stalks.” I’m intrigued how a mountain peak obtained such an appealing name, regardless of the actual translation.

The peak is located west of Mexico City and faces away from other high volcanoes. Two enormous lakes, Laguna de la Luna and Laguna del Sol, are located within its crater.

In the lakes, several Aztec artefacts were discovered. This piques my interest in visiting the area. Near the lakes, the mountain offers some trekking opportunities, and the crater is a popular picnic place for locals.

Best Place To Stay:

When looking for a place to stay, I wanted a little more comfort and privacy. Rancho Viejo is exactly what I was thinking about. The resort has a private forest on the Pacific-South slope of Nevado de Toluca, which was inspired by its surroundings.

• New Mexico

It is true that it is no longer a part of Mexico. New Mexico, on the other hand, was originally part of Mexico until 1912, when the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo made it a part of the United States. I couldn’t leave it off my list because of its history.

Because the mountains draw Pacific storms, it’s no wonder that it snows frequently in the area. As a result, it’s the ideal, underappreciated spot for a peaceful winter vacation.

It’s the ideal destination for a quick getaway, with magnificent ski resorts and Santa Fe’s rich history. Snowfall in December and January varies by region in New Mexico. The higher you go, the more likely you are to encounter snow.

Best Place To Stay:

I’ve set my sights on Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico’s largest ski resort. The resort, which is located at the base of Kachina Peak, combines old-school charm with modern conveniences. It is, however, on the more expensive side of the scale, and there are more cost-effective options in town.

That’s all there is to it – now you know where it snows in Mexico.

If you visit Mexico in the winter, I hope you enjoy the spectacular snow sights!