Climate & Weather in Mexico
Mexico's geography creates diverse climates, from tropical beaches to cool highlands. Choosing your location by climate preference is common.
Climate Zones
Tropical Coast (Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Playa del Carmen)
- Hot and humid year-round
- Temperatures: 77-95°F (25-35°C)
- Rainy season: May-October
- Hurricane season: June-November
- Best months: November-April
Highland/Central (Mexico City, Guadalajara, San Miguel de Allende)
- Temperate year-round
- Temperatures: 55-75°F (13-24°C)
- Cool mornings and evenings
- Rainy season: June-September (afternoon showers)
- Pleasant most of the year
Yucatan (Merida, Campeche)
- Hot and humid
- Temperatures: 77-95°F (25-35°C)
- Very hot April-August
- Hurricane risk (Atlantic)
- Colonial fans/high ceilings help
Northern Desert (Monterrey, Chihuahua)
- Hot summers, cool winters
- Extreme temperature swings
- Less rain overall
- Similar to US Southwest
Baja California (Cabo, La Paz, Ensenada)
- Dry, Mediterranean-like
- Temperatures: 60-85°F (15-30°C)
- Little rain
- Pacific breezes moderate heat
Climate by Popular Expat Destination
| City | Climate Type | Temp Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico City | Highland | 50-75°F | Spring-like, occasional cold nights |
| Guadalajara | Highland | 55-85°F | Similar to CDMX, slightly warmer |
| Lake Chapala | Highland | 55-80°F | "Eternal spring" reputation |
| San Miguel de Allende | Highland | 45-80°F | Desert highland, cool nights |
| Merida | Tropical | 70-95°F | Hot, humid, colonial architecture helps |
| Puerto Vallarta | Tropical | 70-90°F | Beach tropical, rainy summers |
| Oaxaca | Highland | 55-85°F | Dry, pleasant most of year |
Rainy Season
Most of Mexico experiences rainy season from May/June to September/October:
- Typically afternoon/evening storms
- Mornings often clear
- Mountains can get heavy rain
- Coast sees more consistent rain
- Flooding possible in some areas
Hurricane Season
June 1 - November 30 for both Pacific and Atlantic coasts:
- Pacific coast (Puerto Vallarta, Cabo): Occasional storms
- Caribbean coast (Cancun, Playa del Carmen): More frequent exposure
- Yucatan: Both Gulf and Caribbean exposure
- Monitor forecasts and have evacuation plan
- Property insurance considerations
Choosing by Climate
If you want:
- Year-round warmth: Coastal areas
- Mild temperatures: Central highlands (CDMX, Lake Chapala)
- Dry climate: Baja, Northern Mexico
- Beach + reasonable weather: Pacific coast
- Avoid humidity: Central highlands
Practical Considerations
Altitude sickness: Mexico City is 7,350 ft (2,240m). Some people need adjustment time.
Air conditioning: Essential on coasts, less needed in highlands (though increasingly used).
Heating: Rarely needed but highlands can get cold at night, especially December-February.
Bugs: Mosquitoes in tropical/coastal areas - dengue and other diseases possible.
Pro Tips
- •Highland cities have the most comfortable year-round climate
- •Rainy season means afternoon storms - mornings usually clear
- •Altitude in Mexico City takes adjustment for some
- •Coastal areas require A/C - factor into living costs
- •Hurricane insurance important for coastal property
Have questions about climate & weather in Mexico?