Last updated: January 18, 2025
Mexico City, uniquely classified under the Köppen-Geiger climate classification as Cwb, experiences a temperate highland climate characterized by mild temperatures throughout the year. With a minimum temperature dipping to -4°C (26°F) in January, the city enjoys an average annual temperature of approximately 15°C (58°F), reaching a maximum of 33°C (91°F) during the peak of summer in June. This distinct climate contributes to the vibrant biodiversity and rich cultural tapestry that define this historic metropolis, making it a fascinating subject for climate studies.
Mexico City's temperature exhibits distinct seasonal patterns, characterized by a chilly winter and a warm to moderately hot spring and summer. In January, the temperatures drop to their lowest, with minimums reaching -4°C (26°F) and averages around 11°C (53°F), gradually warming in February and March as daytimes heat up to 31°C (89°F). April and May herald a transition into warmer months, with average temperatures consistently rising to 17°C (63°F), peaking at 33°C (91°F). The summer months of June through August maintain this warmth, though temperatures can cool slightly in July and August, with highs averaging around 28°C (82°F). As autumn approaches, October and November see a gradual dip in temperatures, particularly at night, with minimums creeping down toward -1°C (30°F) by November, culminating in the cooler winter months of December, where the cycle completes itself. This interplay of seasonal shifts underscores the city’s unique temperate highland climate, promoting a diverse range of flora and fauna.
Coyoacan experiences a minimum temperature of -3°C (27°F) in December and reaches a maximum of 29°C (85°F) in May, making it a place of considerable seasonal variation. Similarly, Xochimilco sees its coldest in January at -4°C (26°F) and warms up to 31°C (87°F) in May. In Mexico City, the temperatures dip to a low of -2°C (28°F) in January and peak at 31°C (88°F) in the same month as May. For more details, you can explore the monthly temperatures in Coyoacan, Xochimilco, and Mexico City through the provided links: Coyoacan, Xochimilco, Mexico City.
Precipitation in Mexico City follows a pronounced seasonal pattern, heavily influenced by summer rains. The lean months of January and February each receive approximately 18 mm (0.7 inches) of rainfall, with only a few rainy days indicating a relatively dry start to the year. March and April see a slight increase, with March recording 30 mm (1.2 inches) and April rising to 44 mm (1.7 inches), signaling the onset of the rainy season. By May, precipitation climbs to 63 mm (2.5 inches), as the city transitions into the wetter months of June through September.
The peak of the rainy season occurs in July and August, where precipitation soars to 306 mm (12.1 inches) each month, contributing to the city's lush vegetation. September still retains significant rainfall at 273 mm (10.7 inches), although this marks the beginning of a gradual decline. October experiences a notable drop, with 117 mm (4.6 inches), followed by diminishing precipitation in November and December, registering 37 mm (1.4 inches) and 10 mm (0.4 inches), respectively. Overall, these patterns underscore the city's reliance on summer rainfall, which is critical for replenishing water resources and sustaining its diverse ecosystem.
In Mexico City, sunshine duration showcases a captivating seasonal trend, with hours of sunlight steadily increasing as the year progresses. The year kicks off with 240 hours in January, gradually climbing through the winter months. February sees a slight uptick to 276 hours, while March marks a more noticeable shift towards sunnier days with 318 hours. April continues this trend, peaking at 319 hours, followed by May, which offers the highest sunshine duration of the year at 333 hours. This buildup of sunlight creates a vibrant atmosphere, making the late spring months particularly inviting for both locals and visitors alike.
As summer approaches, there is a slight fluctuation in sunshine hours, with June experiencing a decrease to 294 hours, and July and August maintaining a relatively consistent range of 308 and 295 hours, respectively. The city transitions back to cooler temperatures and less sunlight during the autumn months, with September recording 275 hours and October at 286 hours. November and December maintain fairly stable sunshine durations of 283 and 294 hours, respectively, highlighting that even in the cooler months, Mexico City is bathed in a generous amount of sunshine. Overall, the pattern illustrates a clear relationship between the seasonal cycles and the availability of sunlight, reinforcing the city's appeal as a sunny destination year-round.
Mexico City experiences a notably high UV Index, reflecting its geographical location and altitude, which contribute to increased solar radiation exposure throughout the year. Starting in January with a UV Index of 10, the risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure is categorized as "very high," necessitating caution when spending time outdoors, with a burn time of just 15 minutes. As the year progresses, the UV Index rises sharply, peaking between March and May, where it reaches an extreme level of 15. During these months, the risk of skin damage is significantly heightened, and individuals are advised to limit their sun exposure to just 10 minutes without adequate protection.
Following the peak summer months, the UV Index remains elevated but slightly declines, with values around 14 in June through September, indicating persistent extreme risk. October sees a reduction to 12, while November returns to 10, and December further dips to 8, categorizing the risk back to "very high." Despite the variations, the consistently high UV Index throughout much of the year underscores the importance of sun safety practices, including the use of sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours. This vigilance is crucial not only for general outdoor activities but also for the health of residents and visitors alike.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration in Mexico City exhibits a clear seasonal pattern, reflective of its subtropical highland climate. During the winter months of January and February, residents can expect approximately 11 hours of daylight, providing a stable but limited amount of natural light. As the spring approaches, daylight begins to lengthen, reaching 12 hours in March and April, before peaking during the longer days of late spring and early summer in May and June, where it extends to 13 hours. This increase not only enhances the city’s vibrant atmosphere but also promotes outdoor activities and social interactions as the warmer months arrive.
As summer transitions into autumn, daylight duration begins to taper off, with July maintaining the 13-hour daylight mark before reverting to 12 hours in August and September. The decline continues into the fall, with October and November experiencing 11 hours once more. By December, daylight hours shrink further to 10 hours, marking the return to shorter days typical of winter. This cyclical variation in daylight duration influences daily life in Mexico City, with longer days encouraging outdoor pursuits and community gatherings, while shorter days usher in the cozy comforts of winter evenings.
Coyoacán, Mexico, experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasonal variations. Winter months exhibit cooler temperatures, ranging from a minimum of -3°C (27°F) in January to a maximum of 23°C (74°F) in December. The wet season peaks from June to September, with rainfall reaching over 200 mm (7.9 in) in June and July. Sunshine is abundant, especially from May to September, with May receiving the most hours of sunlight at 333 hours. For more detailed information, visit Coyoacan climate.
Iztapalapa, Mexico, experiences a temperate climate with average temperatures ranging from 12°C (53°F) in January to 18°C (64°F) in May. The warmest months are typically March through May, while the colder months can see minimum temperatures drop below 0°C (32°F). This region receives the majority of its rainfall during the summer months, particularly in July, which averages 382 mm (15.0 in) of precipitation. With abundant sunshine throughout the year, averaging up to 333 hours in May, Iztapalapa enjoys a pleasant climate ideal for outdoor activities. For more detailed information, visit Iztapalapa climate.
Mexico City experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasons, featuring mild temperatures year-round. January sees average temperatures around 12°C (54°F), while the warmest months, May and June, reach averages of 18°C (65°F) and 17°C (64°F), respectively. Rainfall is most pronounced from June to September, with July being particularly wet at 161 mm (6.3 in). The city enjoys ample sunshine, peaking in May with 332 hours, making it a vibrant time for outdoor activities. For more details, visit Mexico City climate.
The climate in Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico, features mild winters and warm summers, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -2°C (28°F) in January to a maximum of 31°C (88°F) in May and June. The area experiences its wettest months from June to September, accumulating significant rainfall, with September receiving up to 204 mm (8.0 in). Sunshine hours peak in May, averaging 332 hours, while December to February sees fewer sunny days. For further details, visit Miguel Hidalgo climate.
San Andres Mixquic, Mexico experiences a temperate climate with temperature variations throughout the year, ranging from a minimum of -4°C (26°F) in January to a maximum of 31°C (87°F) in May. Rainfall peaks during the summer months, particularly in July, which receives an average of 382 mm (15.0 in), while January and February are relatively dry. The area enjoys substantial sunshine, with May offering the most hours at 333. For more detailed climate information, visit San Andres Mixquic climate.
Tlalpan, Mexico experiences a varied climate throughout the year, characterized by mild temperatures and significant precipitation, particularly during the summer months. Average temperatures range from a winter low of -3°C (27°F) in January to a summer high of 29°C (85°F) in May and June. Rainfall peaks in July and August, with over 260 mm (10.2 in) per month, while the region enjoys abundant sunshine, especially in May, when it averages 333 hours. For more detailed information, visit Tlalpan climate.
Xochimilco, Mexico, experiences a diverse climate characterized by mild temperatures and seasonal rainfall. Winter months like January and February see cooler averages around 12-13°C (53-57°F) and minimal precipitation, whereas summer, particularly from June to August, brings significant rainfall, peaking in July with 382 mm (15.0 in). Temperatures in summer can reach up to 31°C (87°F), providing warm days alongside the rain. The region enjoys ample sunshine, with May boasting the highest hours at 333. For more detailed information, visit Xochimilco climate.
In conclusion, the climate of Mexico City, characterized by its temperate highland conditions, presents a unique interplay of temperature patterns, precipitation, UV exposure, sunshine duration, and daylight hours. With mild temperatures and a pronounced rainy season peaking in the summer months, the city enjoys an abundance of sunshine, particularly from late spring to mid-summer. However, the consistently high UV Index signals the need for sun safety even amidst ample daylight, which varies across the seasons. As daylight hours fluctuate, reflecting the annual rhythm of nature, residents and visitors alike can appreciate the rich cultural and ecological tapestry that thrives in this vibrant metropolis, making it a remarkable place to explore year-round.