Mexico is a vast country where climate is dictated more by elevation and topography than by simple latitude. Its weather follows two primary rhythms: a dry season (November to April) and a rainy season (May to October). Rather than four distinct temperate seasons, most of Mexico experiences a transition between these two, with local variations creating vastly different experiences across its regions.
Regional Climate Patterns and Microclimates
Mexico’s varied terrain creates distinct "land types" that determine the daily feel of the weather:
- The Tierra Caliente (Hot Lands): Comprising the coastal plains and the Yucatán Peninsula, these areas stay warm to hot year-round. Humidity is constant, often exceeding 80% during the rainy season, which can make a 32°C (90°F) day feel significantly more intense.
- The Central Highlands (Temperate Lands): Cities like Mexico City, Guadalajara, and San Miguel de Allende sit at elevations between 1,500 and 2,300 meters. These regions enjoy an "eternal spring" climate where daytime temperatures stay in the low 20s°C (70s°F). However, the altitude means a significant temperature drop at night—it is common for temperatures to plunge 15°C (27°F) as soon as the sun sets.
- The Northern Deserts: This region experiences the most extreme fluctuations. Summer highs in the Sonoran Desert can surge past 40°C (104°F), while winter nights can drop below freezing, especially in the mountains of Chihuahua.
Seasonal Trends
- Winter (November to February): This is the peak of the dry season. The skies are generally clear and blue. In the north and the highlands, mornings are crisp and cold, but the sun is strong during the day. This is the only time of year when the "Norte" winds—cold air masses from the U.S.—can cause sudden, sharp temperature drops along the Gulf Coast.
- Spring (March to May): These are the hottest months for inland and southern Mexico. Heat builds as the dry season reaches its peak, often resulting in hazy skies before the first rains arrive. Many locals in the highlands look forward to May, as the first thunderstorms clear the dust and refresh the air.
- Rainy Season (June to October): Most rain falls in late afternoon or evening bursts. These storms are typically intense but brief, often accompanied by dramatic thunder and lightning. Once the clouds pass, the evenings are cool and fresh. In the south, the landscape turns a vibrant emerald green during these months.
Specific Weather Phenomena
- Hurricane Season: From June to November, both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts are subject to tropical storms and hurricanes. September and October are historically the most active months. While modern infrastructure in tourist hubs like Cancún is built for these events, they can bring several days of heavy, sustained rain even if the storm center is offshore.
- El Norte / The Norths: From December through February, the Gulf states (Veracruz, Tamaulipas) encounter strong, cool gusts known as Nortes. These can blow at over 60 km/h, disrupting maritime activities and bringing an unusual chill to tropical areas.
Local Experience and Adaptation
Locals rely heavily on the solar cycle to manage their day. In high-altitude cities, residents often layer clothing because they know the sun's intensity during the day is deceptive; the moment you step into the shade or the sun sets, the chill of the altitude returns. In coastal regions, the siesta tradition historically aligned with the hottest part of the day, when the humidity and heat peak before the late afternoon rains provide relief.
In the highlands, homes are rarely built with central heating or air conditioning. Instead, locals use "architectural climate control," like thick stone walls to keep heat out in the day and fireplaces or electric heaters to take the edge off winter nights.