Climate

The Climate of Mexico ranges from tropical to cool temperate.  The seacoasts and the lower altitudes of the interior, with their tropical jungles and swamps, are hot. The mean annual temperature in these areas ranges from 77° to 82° F (25° to 28° C), with maximums rising to 100° (38°C) and in some coastal areas to 105° (41°C). The temperate zone is found at altitudes ranging from 3,000 to 6,000 feet (900 to 1,800 m) with mean temperatures of 63° to 70° F (17° to 21° C). From about the 7,000-foot (2,100 m) elevation upwards is the cool zone, with a mean temperature of 59° to 61° F (15° to 16°C). In the lower cool region are the largest population centers.

Rainfall occurs between the months of May and October throughout most of the country. Cloudbursts or prolonged downpours are rare. These summer rains cause little inconvenience and tend to refresh the atmosphere. It seldom rains during the rest of the year, and Mexico has more hours of annual sunshine than many other countries. Major urban centers-particularly Mexico City-can, however, be plagued with smog during the dry winter.