Before I came to central Mexico I wondered what the weather was like in the mountains. Obviously at elevation it’s cooler, but I wanted to know more specifics about winter time in the central Mexican mountains.

When we crossed over from the high arid desert area of Tequisquiapan to the central mountains I felt like I had discovered a new wonderland in Mexico. Forests, green mountains, sparkling blue sky. I had been to Mexico many times but always at the beach on one coast or another. To find this new (to me) geography and climate with all its flora and fauna to explore seemed like a real discovery.

I’m a person who craves natural beauty around me. Some other people might look for amenities like shopping or cultural events in a new home, and I like those things too. But I had been longing for big trees around me and green fields. To me Michoacan is lovely and it’s exactly what I needed.

When we got to the area in August it was the rainy season and the weather was dramatic and beautiful. You can see some of my videos from August and September to see crazy thunder and lightning storms!  I had wondered what a winter would be like here in the mountains and now I’ve found out.

We are at about 7000 feet above sea level and that keeps things cool even in the height of summer. In winter the air turns generally cool and dry, nights getting down to the 40s and days up to the mid 70s. What a wonderful climate for winter!

We’ve just gone through a cold snap and there was frost on the ground a couple of mornings. I heard there was a little snow at higher elevations. We also got a storm for about 4 days with a bunch of rain, and now it’s back to sunny days.

The only change since the storm is that now there are millions of mosquitos! I hope it’s just temporary. I spend a lot of time outside and I don’t like it!  The only good thing is that not a single one has tried to bite me, so maybe they are some other kind of bug.

I hate to be a princess about it but it’s really the only thing I’ve found that I don’t like about this area. I don’t begrudge any living being their place in the world, I just don’t want them to live too close.

The landscapes have gotten dry and browner during winter, as this is the off-season for rains. The hills are golden and it reminds me of northern california.  However, the crisp air and clear skies make for stunning mountain views. Most of the wildflowers are gone but there is always something growing and blooming in Michoacan and I’ve been amazed at the diversity of plants and trees here.

Many homes in Mexico lack central heating, so evenings and mornings inside can feel cold. Portable heaters, warm blankets, and thick socks are a must. During our cold snap I finally went for some propane to use this heater in the early mornings.

Winter includes some of the most celebrated holidays in Mexico, making it a lively and culturally rich time to be there.

Central Mexico has a rich calendar of traditional holidays and fiestas during the winter months (roughly November to February). Such as Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe (December 12) and Las Posadas (December 16–24)They blend indigenous customs, Catholic traditions, and local cultural elements. 

The community in Patzcuaro really comes together to decorate, prepare and celebrate! The Plaza Grande was absolutely beautiful with Christmas decorations.

These holidays and fiestas showcase the heart of Mexican culture—vibrant, community-oriented, and deeply spiritual—making winter a wonderful time to experience central Mexico!

The golden hour in winter is magical in the highlands, with soft, diffused light, making up for the shorter days.

The slower pace of life and close-knit communities create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

From exploring the bustling artisan markets full of handmade textiles and pottery to witnessing the breathtaking migration of monarch butterflies, which I hope to do next month, winter in central Mexico offers experiences as diverse as its landscapes.

I spend my days exploring, identifying things growing all around me, taking care of the dogs, cooking and meeting new friends. I’m so grateful to be living in this beautiful place and I can’t believe I’m so lucky.

The bottom line is that the central Mexican mountains are a wonderful place to be, with mild weather, beautiful scenery and a peaceful, relaxed vibe.