Located in the south of North America, Mexico covers an area of over 760,000 square miles (1,968,390 square kilometers) – making it the 13th largest country in the world. It does snow in Mexico but significant amounts are only ever likely to fall on the mountains, volcanoes, and other higher elevations.
Mexico’s climate varies considerably depending on region and its vast size means that it is home to a variety of biomes each with their own distinct climatic conditions. Some northern parts of Mexico are characterized by temperate conditions and temperatures that can drop to lows of 35.6 degrees Fahrenheit (2 degrees Celsius).
The warmer south rarely sees the temperature drop below 48.2 degrees Fahrenheit (9 degrees Celsius). Here, across Oaxaca and elsewhere, snowfall is unheard of except at the very highest of elevations.
When does it snow in Mexico?
Mexico endures a very brief winter season, with snowfall only likely between the months of December and January. Temperatures during this period may fall to an average low of 42.8 degrees Fahrenheit (6 degrees Celsius) and even lower across other northern areas including Madera in Chihuahua, where unofficial reports suggest that thermometers have even fallen to lows of -16.6 degrees Fahrenheit (-27 degrees Celsius).
Snow is not guaranteed for most places every winter, and even when it does fall it may only do so in small quantities. For most areas, it’s highly unlikely that more than 3.9 inches (100 mm) will fall in any given year.
Where is there Snowfall in Mexico?
Snow is most likely in those areas of Mexico located at altitudes higher than 10,000 feet (3 km) above sea level. It’s on Mexico’s mountains and volcanoes that the most snow falls, with up to 10 inches (250mm) falling in any given year.
Snow in Mexico City
Despite its position surrounded by large mountain ranges, Mexico City does not experience snowfall and has not done so for over 50 years. Even in the depths of winter, temperatures do not fall below 42.8 degrees Fahrenheit (6 degrees Celsius) and so it is too warm for snow in Mexico’s capital city.
Snow in Mexiquillo
While not a population center, the Pueblo Nuevo natural park of Mexiquillo is an ideal place to see snow when visiting Mexico. During December and January, the park is coated in a thin dusting of snow while visitors can also enjoy frozen waterfalls and plenty of frosty hiking trails.
Snow in Sombrerete
Sombrerete is a charming old mining town situated over 2,300 meters above sea level. It’s a fairly unique location where temperatures can drop to as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit (-10 degrees Celsius) during December and January. These conditions lend themselves perfectly to heavy snowfall, and Sombrerete’s winter landscape sets it apart from the rest of Mexico which generally experiences warmer weather conditions.
Ski resorts in Mexico
Mexico is not known for its love of winter sports, but it is still possible to hit the slopes. The country’s Monterreal Ski Resort may not be the snowiest piste in the world, but it does offer a unique setting for skiing and snowboarding that you’re unlikely to replicate anywhere else.
Although the slopes of Monterreal do see real snowfall between December and January, this is heavily supplemented by snow machines. The resort also plays host to a dry ski slope akin to those popular in parts of Europe, which means that you can still ski even outside of the winter season.
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