Does It Snow in Mexico? A Guide to All the Amazing Places Where it Snows in Mexico

Does it snow in Mexico? Yes, and it might surprise you just how beautiful and accessible Mexico’s snowy landscapes are.

While most of the country enjoys a warm tropical climate, the country’s high mountain ranges and northern states see genuine snowfall every winter, with some peaks carrying glaciers and snow year-round. In this guide, I’ll show you exactly where, when, and how to experience snow in Mexico.

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Where does it snow in Mexico?

Snow in Mexico is concentrated in two main zones: the high-altitude mountain ranges and volcanoes of central Mexico, and the northern states along and near the Sierra Madre Occidental and Sierra Madre Oriental mountain ranges. The central volcanic belt — which includes Popocatépetl, Iztaccíhuatl, Pico de Orizaba,

La Malinche, and Nevado de Toluca — sees snow regularly every winter and some carry permanent snow or glaciers year-round.

In the north, states like Chihuahua, Durango, Coahuila, and Zacatecas experience the most consistent seasonal snowfall at lower elevations.

When Does it Snow in Mexico?

The official snow season in Mexico runs from December through February, though the exact timing and intensity vary significantly by location and altitude. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• November: First snowfall of the season begins at the highest volcano peaks (above 4,000m). Nights get cold in northern states.
• December: Snow arrives in northern states — Chihuahua, Durango, Coahuila, Zacatecas. Ski season opens in Arteaga. Volcanoes accumulate snow rapidly.
• January: Peak snow month across all snowy regions. Best month for skiing and snowboarding. Copper Canyon at its most dramatic.
• February: Still excellent for snow in most locations. Cold fronts can push unusually cold weather toward central Mexico.
• March: Snow possible above 3,500m. Often considered the best month for volcano climbing due to more stable weather conditions.
• Year-round: Pico de Orizaba has permanent glaciers. Iztaccíhuatl and Popocatépetl retain snow at their summits for most of the year.

Beautiful Places where it snows in Mexico

1. Mexiquillo, Durango

Spanning over 52 square miles of land, the Mexiquillo is a beautiful forest northeast of Mexico City. Mexiquillo is probably one of the best places to experience the Mexican snowfall.

With gorgeous waterfalls and forests in it, the place is simply stunning when it comes to the landscape.

The best time to visit Mexiquillo to see snow is between December and February when the temperatures drop to their lowest.

You can easily take a bus from La Cuidad to get here, but make sure to bring your own food as there is only one restaurant in the whole area.

Bringing a raincoat along with your winter gear is also a good idea.

Mexiquillo is a great destination for hikers, adventurers, and families alike. There are plenty of cabanas that you can lodge in.

You will find lots to see and explore here, and safety isn’t a concern as long as you follow the common-sense rules that apply everywhere else.

However, if you love hiking and biking the best way is to go with an organized tour that will take you to the best spots safely without getting lost.

2. Sombrerete, Zacatecas

Sombrerete is a small town in Northwestern Zacatecas. Back in the 16th Century, this town was one of the most important in New Spain because of its mines.

But nowadays, it’s famous for its Colonial architecture and monuments, along with being a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You can visit here anytime between December and February to enjoy beautiful snowfall in Mexico. There is a lot to do and see in this historic town, including the many colonial buildings in the old town’s snow-covered streets. The protected rock formations of Sierra de Organos National Park are also worth checking out.

The town is quite safe for tourists, and you will find plenty of rooms and lodging options to make your stay here as well.

3. Arteaga, Coahuila

The Mexican Pueblo Magico (magic town) of Arteaga is another striking place where you will find snowfall in Mexico during the winter months.

This is when the lowest temperature drops to around 46.6°F and December through January is when heavy snowfall takes place here, with an average of 0.3 inches of snow.

Arteaga is a very scenic town, and definitely worth visiting during the snowfall months. What’s more, it’s also called the Switzerland of Mexico because of its location between the snowy peaks of Sierra Madre Oriental and wooded landscapes.

Skiing and snow tubing are definitely the top activities here during the winter season, which you can try at one of its ski centers.

Since Arteaga is a touristy enough town, you will find great hotel options to choose from.

There are also good restaurants that you can try out here. Also, it’s quite safe for a memorable trip during the winter!

4. Copper Canyon, Chihuahua

Copper Canyon is a group of huge canyons in the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains, and altogether they even outsize the majestic Grand Canyon in the US.

These stunning canyons are located in northern Mexico, in the Mexican state of Chihuahua, and during the last months of the year, they get covered in snow, creating a surreal landscape

You can explore the cities and towns, enjoy activities like horseback riding, biking, and hiking.

Interestingly, the Copper Canyon is also home to the Rarámuri people, who are known as one of the fastest long-distance runners in the world.

You can best explore the Copper Canyon through a railway journey on the famous train El Chepe.

The entire journey takes around 13 hours, but I recommend getting off at the halfway point and staying in the heart of the canyon for a night or two or even a couple of weeks.

I did it and explored the entire area for a total of 3 weeks.

The lodging options here are amazing. In fact, you will find hotels perched on the rim of Copper Canyon close to the railroad.

One of my favorites is Hotel barrancas del Cobre (which is Copper Canyon in Spanish), offering truly breathtaking views of the Canyons.

Then you should spend a week in Creel, one of Chihuahua’s Pueblos Mágicos, and explore the nearby area, its beautiful waterfalls, rock formations, lakes, and inhabited caves, among others.

5. Nevado de Toluca, State of Mexico

Nevado de Toluca is a volcano located near the city of Toluca, the fourth highest mountain peak in Mexico, and part of a national park.

The extinct stratovolcano consists of 9 peaks and two lagoons, The lagoon of the Sun ad the Moon, where you can go hiking and mountaineering.

Visiting Nevado de Toluca is surely a unique experience, and there are plenty of adventurous activities on offer besides hiking and mountaineering.

These include mountain biking, rappelling, and climbing. But you will need to acclimate to the high altitude and hire a tour operator to accompany you if you want to try these out.

Also, you can also see a rare breed of volcano rabbits here while hiking, which is a pleasant surprise for nature lovers.

All in all, this hidden treasure is definitely worth a day trip if you’re in Mexico’s capital.

I did it, and I can’t wait to go back. However, keep in mind that the base for the hiking tours is 4000 mt which means that you will be subject to altitude sickness.

In fact, I couldn’t take more than two steps without feeling a lack of air in my lungs, not to mention the inflated stomach.

Not everybody has the same reaction, though. In fact, my travel companions seemed fine. But it’s something to keep in mind.

If the symptoms are too strong, it’s best to go down to lower altitudes and give your body time to adjust.

Altitude sickness can be lethal, and it’s not something to take lightly.

6. Iztaccihuatl

The third-tallest mountain in Mexico, Iztaccihuatl, is another dormant volcano that you can visit during the winter months.

Located in the Izta-Popo Zoquiapan National Park, it’s called the “White Woman” in Nahuatl because of its four snow-covered mountain peaks resembling the head, chest, knees, and feet of a sleeping woman. It’s a popular spot for mountaineers looking for a climb slightly harder than beginner level.

The volcano is less than 50 miles from Mexico City, so you can definitely take a guided hiking tour from there.

Besides, being in Mexico City at 2500 Mt, you should spend a few days before going on a hike so that your body can acclimatize to the altitude.

The best time to visit here is between December and February because there is less risk of rain, but it’s much colder.

👉 Book your guided hike to the Iztaccihuatl Volcano from Mexico City on VIATOR

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7. Pico de Orizaba

While we’re on the topic of the tallest mountains in Mexico, Pico de Orizaba is the highest of them all and a true gem of a summit with its 5,636 mt height (17K ft)

This striking volcano is known as the Star Mountain because of its beautiful snow-covered cone. It’s also famous among extreme adventure lovers.

The winter season is a popular time to visit here for various activities. You can hike its trails, try your hand at mountaineering, or climb the highest volcanic summit in North America.

Just keep in mind that it’s also the world’s most pronounced volcanic summit after Mount Kilimanjaro, so much so that you can spot it from 68 miles away if you’re on a ship coming into Veracruz or on the highway from Mexico City to Puebla.

Make sure you book your tour with a professional company that prioritizes safety.

👉 Here is a tour suggestion to the Pico de Orizaba from Mexico City on VIATOR

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8. La Malinche (Malintzin)

The Malintzin volcano is a summit that reaches around 14,500 feet above sea level.

Located between the Tlaxcala and Puebla states of Mexico, it’s the sixth highest peak of Mexico, with its lower slopes consisting of forests and farmland, while the higher slopes feature grasslands and rocky summits.

You can visit here during the cool winters. Many people climb La Malinche to prepare for higher peaks because the climb is less than 7 kilometers from the starting point to the summit.

Just remember that you may need crampons and axes if you’re going for a climb after a recent snowfall.

Back in the day, La Malinche was an unsafe place to hike because of many cases of assaults. However, it seems that the situation has been resolved and more tour operators are taking groups there.

Definitely, one of the best places to train if you are not an experienced hiker.

👉 Book your tour to La Malinche from Mexico City on VIATOR

9. Popocatépetl

Popocatepetl is another one of Mexico’s natural wonders and highest mountains, but what’s unique about it is that it’s also an active volcano. Within it is a 400 x 600 meters wide crater.

It’s located around 43 miles away from Mexico City, so you can take a day trip to it. But make sure to monitor the volcanic activity and check the weather forecast before doing that.

The best time to visit it is during the winter for the snowfall. Popocatepetl and Itza belong to the same park, and some tours take you to visit both, depending on the kind of tour you choose and your level of experience.

If you do plan on visiting both of these mountains, don’t forget to bring enough food to last you the day. You won’t find any places to buy food or drinks apart from the entrance to the national park.

And it goes without saying that proper winter gear is important as well.

However, no matter how adventurous you are I would go to the Popocatépetl with a respectable tour company that can provide professional guides.

👉 Book your tour to Popocatépetl – Itzachihuatl National Park from Mexico City on VIATOR

10. Nevado de Colima, Jalisco

Nevado de Colima is the only snowy mountain destination in the state of Jalisco and one of Mexico’s most underrated winter landscapes. Standing at 4,339 meters, it’s the fifth-highest peak in the country and sits right next to its active neighbor, Volcán de Colima.

During winter, its higher slopes receive a beautiful blanket of snow that draws increasing numbers of visitors each year — so much so that park authorities have implemented access controls and safety protocols to manage the crowds during peak snowfall periods.

The best time to visit is December through February. Come prepared with warm layers, good hiking boots, and check access conditions before your trip as they can change quickly depending on volcanic activity in the area.

What to Pack for a Snow Trip in Mexico

If you’re heading to one of Mexico’s snowy destinations, don’t assume the gear you’d use at a beach resort will cut it. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Warm, waterproof jacket — temperatures at altitude can drop well below freezing
• Layering base layers — thermal tops and leggings are essential for volcano hikes
• Waterproof hiking boots — snow and slush on trails make regular sneakers a bad idea
• Crampons and trekking poles — essential for Pico de Orizaba, recommended for Iztaccíhuatl and La Malinche after fresh snowfall
• Sunscreen — UV exposure is intense at high altitude even in winter, and snow reflection makes it worse
• Altitude sickness medication (Diamox) — consult your doctor before visiting peaks above 3,500m
• Snacks and water — most high-altitude locations have no food vendors on the trail

Does it snow in Mexico? Frequently Asked Questions

What is the coldest place in Mexico?

With an average annual temperature of 62.76ºF, Apizaco in the Tlaxcala state is considered to be the coldest place in Mexico.

Located in the cool Apizaco valley, the city lies approximately 7,900 feet above sea level. Although it’s warm during summer, Apizaco gets very cold during the winter months.

Does it snow in Mexico at Christmas?

Yes and no. It’s true that it can snow in Mexico at Christmas, but not everywhere. Only some parts of Mexico see snow during the winter months.

However, it generally doesn’t snow in the more southern and coastal areas of Mexico.

So if you’re hoping to have a white Christmas, you’ll want to head to the northern states where some of the country’s coldest places are.

If you don’t know where to go, the places I have listed above should be a good start.

Does Mexico have winter?

Yes. Mexico has a winter season that runs between December and February. But that’s not it, Mexico has all four distinct seasons of the year, so you will find spring and fall seasons here as well along with summer and winter.

What is the coldest state in Mexico?

The coldest state in Mexico is Tlaxcala State, which is located east of Mexico City in Central Mexico. The state is landlocked and situated about 7,000 feet above sea level.

The average annual temperature here has been recorded as 40ºF (4.44ºC) for the past 30 years.

Does it freeze in Mexico?

Yes, but only rarely. The temperature is mostly warm and humid in the southern parts of Mexico, but the average temperature does drop below freezing point in some of its coldest places in the northern states. So yes, it does freeze in Mexico, but only in some areas of the country.

Does it snow in Mexico City?

No, it almost never snows in Mexico City. Despite sitting at 2,250 meters (7,400 feet) above sea level and being surrounded by even taller snowy mountains, snowfall in the city itself is extremely rare. It has only happened three times in recorded history: on March 5, 1940, on January 12, 1967, and most recently in February 2021, when a light dusting was reported in some of the city’s higher-elevation neighborhoods, a moment that went viral on social media. So while winters in Mexico City can be genuinely cold, actual snow in the streets is a once-in-a-generation event.

If you want to see snow near the capital, head to the surrounding volcanoes instead. Nevado de Toluca, Iztaccíhuatl, and Popocatépetl are all within a few hours and offer stunning winter landscapes that are very accessible as day trips from the city.

Does Mexico get cold at night?

The answer to this mostly depends on the time of year and the part of Mexico you’re in. If you’re in the southern parts, the daytime temperatures are pleasantly warm, while the nights do get chilly during the fall, winter, and spring seasons, but they’re usually just cool and not cold during the summer months.

Is it safe to visit Mexico?

Yes, it’s most definitely safe to visit Mexico. But Mexico is huge and not all parts of the country are equally safe.

Not to worry though; while there are certainly some areas of Mexico that are unsafe to visit, such us the majority of the northern region bordering the US, there are also many safe and beautiful places to explore in Mexico.

Use your best judgment when planning your trip and research the areas you’ll be visiting. When in doubt, always err on the side of caution.

Also, petty theft isn’t unheard of, so keep an eye on your belongings.

Other than that, you won’t have to worry about your safety as long as you choose a safe destination and take the usual safety measures that apply everywhere else in the world as well.

If you drive in Mexico make sure you follow my tips on renting a car and ask around about the safest road and make sure you avoid driving at night.