Travel time: Year-round
Guadalajara, known as the "City of Eternal Spring," features a subtropical highland climate (Cwa in the Köppen classification) that is largely defined by its altitude of 1,550 meters (5,100 feet). This elevation prevents the oppressive heat found on the coast while maintaining a frost-free environment for most of the year.
In Guadalajara, the weather is governed by a significant diurnal temperature range. Even during the hottest months, mornings are typically crisp and clear. As the sun climbs, the temperature rises rapidly, peaking mid-afternoon. In the dry season, the air remains light and crisp, leading to a quick drop in temperature after sunset. During the rainy season, the cycle shifts: mornings are sunny and humid, followed by a buildup of clouds that culminates in sudden, intense afternoon or evening thunderstorms.
This is the true "summer" for locals. Temperatures peak in May, often reaching 33°C to 35°C (91°F–95°F). This period is characterized by intense solar radiation and very low humidity (dropping to around 40%). The landscape goes dormant, and the air can feel dusty before the arrival of the rains.
Around mid-June, the moisture arrives from the Pacific. This season is marked by lush greenery and daily rainfall. While it is the "rainy season," it rarely rains all day. Instead, the heat of the day triggers massive cumulonimbus clouds, leading to dramatic electrical storms and heavy downpours in the late afternoon. This is the wettest period, with July and August receiving the bulk of the annual 900mm (35 inches) of rain.
The rains taper off in early October, leaving the city vibrant and green with cooler, comfortable temperatures. Days are mild (25°C/77°F) and nights begin to feel "fresco" (cool), marking one of the most pleasant times for outdoor activity.
Winters are dry and sunny. While daytime temperatures reach a pleasant 24°C (75°F), nights can be surprisingly chilly, occasionally dipping toward 5°C (41°F). Frost is rare but possible in the city’s outskirts. This season is known for its deep blue, cloudless skies.
Historically, Guadalajara has only recorded one significant snowfall in the last century: December 1997. Generally, the city remains temperate year-round, which has influenced its famous open-air architecture and the local "terraced" lifestyle.
Locals, or Tapatíos, adapt their day to the shade. During the spring heat, you will notice pedestrian traffic favoring the shaded side of the street. During the rainy season, the city has a "rain rhythm": business slows down and traffic halts for the hour-long deluge in the evening, with life resuming immediately once the storm passes and the air cools down. Locals often refer to the first rains of June as the cordonazo de San Francisco, signaling the end of the heat and the refreshment of the valley.