Does it Snow in Mexico? Exploring Mexico’s Snowy Side
Many folks have asked me the same question: Does it snow in Mexico? And the short answer is YES!
There are a few places where it is possible to enjoy the wintertime in this country, and today, I will share them with you.
In these 6 destinations in Mexico, it is possible to find snowy landscapes, although there is no guarantee to see snow.
As you may already know, Mexico has a great diversity of ecosystems.
Due to its geographical location, the Mexican territory has mangroves, beaches, islands, reefs, jungles, and even winter destinations where you can see snow falling.
Although winter in Mexico officially starts on December 21, low temperatures can be felt as early as October.
Now let’s see which destinations you can visit to enjoy the snow.
6 top places to see the snow in Mexico
1. Enjoy the Snow in Mexico at the Nevado de Toluca
The Nevado de Toluca is a protected area of flora and fauna where people who don’t practice climbing or extreme activities can enjoy a hike with incredible views.
From the highest points of the place, Pico Fraile and Pico Aguila, you can contemplate the lagoons of the Sun and the Moon, two semi-craters flooded with turquoise waters.
The place is perfect for adventure activities such as mountain biking, hiking, and mountaineering.
Located 22 kilometers southwest of Toluca, in the State of Mexico, and three hours away from Mexico City, the Nevado de Toluca or Xinantécatl is one of the destinations where it is possible to see snow during the coldest months of the year.
It is one of the oldest protected natural areas in Mexico. It was declared National Park in 1935 to preserve the mountains that make up the Sierra Nevada.
This site was also declared a Biosphere Reserve in 2010 by UNESCO.
The 40 thousand-hectare parks, spread between the states of Mexico, Puebla, and Morelos, offer its visitors hiking trails, which are signposted and can be hiked on your own.
One of them is the Alpine Trail, a 7-kilometer route that ends at the La Joya viewpoint.
In the park, you can practice mountain biking and mountaineering; there are horseback riding and safe areas for camping.
The park is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm and Saturday through Sunday from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm with a maximum of 30% of the park’s capacity, according to CONANP.
2. Orizaba Peak in Veracruz
Another place to enjoy the snow in Mexico is Pico de Orizaba Park.
Between the territorial limits of the states of Puebla and Veracruz is one of Mexico’s most famous snow-capped mountains.
Read more about Orizaba Magical Town
Pico de Orizaba National Park also offers the same activities: hiking, biking, and camping.
As part of the sanitary measures, information from Pico de Orizaba National Park indicates that its capacity is reduced to 50%.
In addition, the park’s website does not recommend visits by vulnerable groups.
3. Sombrerete, Zacatecas
Surrounded by hills, Sombrerete is one of the famous magical towns where it has snowed.
The old buildings give it a special touch, as they contrast with the sun that illuminates the area and the snow that can suddenly appear.
30 kilometers away is the Sierra de Órganos National Park, a fantastic site of volcanic origin whose great attraction is its large rock formations in shades ranging from terracotta to reddish, which rise like gigantic pillars.
Sombrerete can be visited during the winter season. The Government of Zacatecas stresses that visitors should keep a safe distance and wear masks every time they engage in outdoor activities.
4. Enjoy the Snow in Creel, Mexico
Creel is a Magical Town that is part of the beautiful Copper Canyon in the heart of the Sierra Tarahumara. This region has also shown snowy landscapes during the winter months.
In Creel, nature and adventure activities prevail: mountain climbing, rappelling, biking, and horseback riding.
In addition, visitors can appreciate the surrounding crags, caves, ravines, deep canyons, rock formations, lakes, and waterfalls.
A good number of cabin-type hotels are concentrated here. Creel is actually one of the stops of the Chepe train.
To see snow in the magical town, it is recommended to travel between January and February.
5. Mexiquillo Natural Park
The municipality of Pueblo Nuevo, in the mountains of Durango, is another place where it is common to see snow in Mexico.
It is the Mexiquillo Natural Park, a mountainous region in the Sierra Madre Occidental.
This park has cabins, rare formations, old tunnels where the train used to pass through, and a lot of adventure activities such as rappelling and zip lines, among others I have mentioned.
Because of the pandemic, the park was closed for a few months. Now it can be visited while maintaining the use of masks and the corresponding sanitary measures.
6. Snow in Monterreal Forests, Arteaga Mexico
In the middle of majestic forests, just 45 minutes from Saltillo, is the tourist development Bosques de Monterreal.
In this place, it is possible to see snow in the winter and practice skiing and snowboarding at any time of the year because the site has a ski slope with artificial snow.
The tourist site offers its visitors, 365 days a year, horseback riding, ATV rentals, hiking, and rappelling.
It also has comfortable cabins, from where guests can contemplate snowy landscapes similar to those seen in the Swiss Alps, according to Bosques de Monterreal’s website.
The cabins have one and up to 4 bedrooms. Some of them can accommodate up to 16 people. Their style is rustic, with wood and stone walls. They are equipped with a microwave and refrigerator.
As part of the sanitary measures, Bosques de Monterreal asks for reservations in advance.
When checking in, you must also reserve the schedules of its activities and the table in the restaurant to guarantee a healthy distance.
Does it Snow in Mexico? Final thoughts
Exploring Mexico’s snowy side reveals a fascinating and lesser-known aspect of this diverse country.
From the towering Sierra Madre to the enchanting magic of Orizaba’s Peak, Mexico surprises with its winter wonderland.
While the beaches and vibrant cities often steal the spotlight, the snowy landscapes offer a unique and unforgettable experience for those willing to venture off the beaten path.
Whether it’s skiing down slopes in Monterreal or witnessing the awe-inspiring monarch butterfly migration, Mexico’s snow-covered regions hold a special charm.
These areas not only showcase the country’s natural diversity but also its rich history and cultural heritage.
So, does it snow in Mexico? The answer is a resounding yes, and the snow brings a world of adventure, beauty, and discovery.
Next time you plan a trip to Mexico, consider trading the sun and sand for the snow-capped peaks and immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of this multi-faceted country.
