7 Coldest Cities in Mexico – 2024 Update (With Pictures)

Mexico is known for having beaches so hot and sunny that you can get a great tan. Although the country is overwhelmingly hot and humid, it does have varied climates, meaning some cities are colder than others.

If you visit northern cities located at high altitudes, you can actually find some pretty cold cities. Let’s take a look at the seven coldest cities in Mexico.

The 7 Coldest Cities in Mexico: Quick List

A Closer Look at the 7 Coldest Cities in Mexico

1. Toluca, State of Mexico

The coldest city in Mexico is Toluca, officially named Toluca de Lerdo. This city is the state capital of the State of Mexico. It is also where the municipality of Toluca is located. It has a population of just over 1,000,000, making it the fifth most populous city in the country.

Toluca has been civilized since ancient times. Today, the city is known for its prolific meat industry. It is especially popular for its chorizo. It also has an industrial area with universities and major historical landmarks. In other words, there is a lot to do here!

2. Apizaco, Tlaxcala

Apizaco is the second major city in the state of Tlaxcala, which is pretty far north. This city is not very popular for tourist attractions, and it only has a population of about 50,000. This city is primarily used as a trade location since it lies between Mexico City and major trade ports.

Even though the city may not be huge, it is important for the state’s economy. In fact, there have been plans to build an International Airport around this city due to its convenient location. At least the weather is pretty temperate and enjoyable!

3. Zacatecas, Zacatecas

Zacatecas is the largest city in the state, and it is located in the central northern part of the country. This city began in the 16th century as a mining camp, though it had been used by Native Americans for years before.

Because of the silver and minerals in the city, Zacatecas quickly became a major city in the country. Today, people love visiting the site because of its numerous historical sites and cathedrals. It is a history lover’s playground!

4. Chihuahua City, Chihuahua

Chihuahua City is the state capital of Chihuahua. It has nearly 1,000,000 inhabitants, and it is considered one of the safest and most progressive cities in the entire country. In fact, it brags some of the highest literacy rates in all of Mexico.

Because of how progressive Chihuahua City is, it’s a favorite for tourists who want to see what living in a Mexican city is like. There are tons to do around the city, and it is fairly safe. Better yet, it’s not far from the American border, which means it doesn’t take long to get there either.

5. Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua

Ciudad Juarez is the most populous city in Chihuahua. It has a total population of about 1.5 million. It is right underneath the United States border, just south of El Paso, TX. This area is the second-largest binational metropolitan area, just behind San Diego and Tijuana.

Because this area is right on the border, it is a favorite place for Americans to visit. Many people speak English, and the climate is much more temperate. The city also has a rich history, meaning there’s a lot to learn on your trip.

6. Madera, Chihuahua

Most of the other cities we have looked at so far are relatively big. Madera is a bit different. It is just a small mountain town with a population of about 15,000. Because this town is up in the mountains, it was once a large lumber community.

Visiting Madera isn’t like visiting other Mexican cities. Because it is so small, there aren’t a lot of touristy things to do. However, the location is absolutely gorgeous. It is surrounded by the Sierra Madre mountains and has a subtropical highland climate. If you love nature, Madera might be a must-see destination.

7. Los Lamentos, Chihuahua

Finally, the seventh coldest city in Mexico is Los Lamentos, Chihuahua. This city is cold because its elevation is so high. In fact, the city is located next to the Sierra Los Lamentos Mountains.

Much like Madera, Los Lamentos is not a major city. Instead, it is more like a mountain town. If you enjoy natural scenery and low-key destinations, you might really enjoy Los Lamentos, Chihuahua.

How Should I Pack When Visiting Mexico in the Winter?

The best time to visit Mexico actually happens to be during the winter. During winter, you will still get to wear T-shirts and be comfortable, but you don’t have to worry about frying underneath the hot sun either.

Still, you need to pack more than just a bikini and T-shirt. Instead, it’s a great idea to pack T-shirts, pants, shorts, lightweight jackets, and a raincoat. It is the rainiest during the winter in Mexico, so don’t forget your raincoat.

Your ultimate goal is to pack so that you can dress in layers. You won’t necessarily be freezing in Mexico during the winter, but it might be a bit chilly in the morning or afternoon. Having layers will ensure that you are comfortable throughout the entire day.

You might also want to pack a warmer jacket, depending on where you are going. For example, packing a fall jacket is a great idea if you are visiting Toluca or one of the other coldest cities on our list. You might not need the jacket during the day, but you will certainly appreciate having it at night.

Just keep a cardigan or jacket in your bag, and you will be ready to face whatever the Mexican winter throws at you!

Final Thoughts

As you can see, Mexico has some cold cities. Even though the country as a whole is very hot, some cities are more temperate than others. Toluca, for example, only has an average temperature of about 54°F.

The good news is that the coldest cities in Mexico are rarely freezing. You will certainly want to check the weather before your visit, but most locations only call for layers so that you can bundle up if you’re chilly or remove layers if you’re hot.

Ciudad Juarez Mexico (Image Credit: Daniel Schwen, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0)