This article shares practical tips and insights about how to live well and enjoy the rain season in Mexico, helping you to make the most of what is an extraordinary season that brings dramatic rainstorms and renewed life and vibrancy to the entire natural environment that surrounds you here.

Eagerly awaiting the return of Tlāloc

Tlāloc, the Aztec god of the rain, water, and fertility (from the Náhuatl, ‘He who makes things sprout’) was worshipped as guardian of the divine gift of rainfall that refreshes and brings life and continuity to the land and all depending on it.

Most people who live in Mexico eagerly await Tlāloc’s return after the long dry season that begins around October and can be seen and felt in earnest by January. By late April or early May, when the dearth of moisture makes the air feel brittle, and the occasional storms that roll in —albethey welcome— fail to bring substantial relief, the anticipation levels heighten, especially in the years when the rains may arrive ‘later’ than expected.

The seasonal tipping point

You might notice subtle shifts in the atmosphere in weeks and days leading-up the return of the rains: an elusive smell of moisture, a slight dip in temperatures, a sweeter fragrance in the early morning air before the sun’s heat takes hold.

The reappearance of the rains may also be preceded by a series of ad-hoc windstorms. And then a day arrives when the rains return in earnest. When they do, another transition period begins from dry to wet, although the flora respond much more quickly to the return of the rains than they do to their departure.

Typically, seasonal rainstorms are introduced by claps of loud thunder rolling-in over the mountain tops as heavily laden storm clouds gather overhead.  The wind picks up and drops abruptly, yielding to dramatic torrential downpours that gift immediate respite to the land.  In the early part of the rainy season, these storms help to return corn-yellow grass to emerald green and saturate the air with moisture that comprehensively settles the dust and dander, causing the flora to flourish with a joyful energy in a way that all the gardeners’ hoses, watering cans, and sprinklers can never accomplish.

For those who have lived in Mexico for a while, experiencing this tipping point between the dry season and the return of the drenching rains helps to bring into focus the natural cycles which greatly influence these lands far beyond the dust and flora, and serves as a reminder to all that we must pass through the challenges and irritations of a long dry spell to better appreciate the divine gift of refreshing rain.

The feel of a remarkable change in the air

The dust and dander, which are virtually unavoidable during the dry season, become almost immediately settled after the first two or three major rainstorms of the season.

The landscape changes color from yellow and brown to varying bright hues of green, orange, red, blue, violet, pink and white as trees redress their branches, shrubs blossom, and their flowers burst open to reveal the full splendor of their being.

The unmistakable scent of moistened soil is a sure sign that the dry season is passing; the early morning air —that felt mostly dry for months— now smells refreshed and carries sweet and subtle scents of the flora in its light breeze, especially after the drenching night rains, which tend to arrive midseason, sometime in July in most places, and pass leaving most mornings to break bright, sun-filled and distinctively refreshed.

When an afternoon rainstorm passes, the evening or night air is typically left fresh and cooled. It’s unusual for a heavy daytime rainstorm to last more than two or three hours —prolonged rains are usually caused by a tropical depression temporarily passing through the region— and most evenings unfold feeling fresh and accompanied by lingering subtle fragrances of flora in the air.

An ideal season to enjoy the great outdoors

Mexico offers visitors and residents a unique opportunity to enjoy different perspectives during the rainy season, especially when you’re visiting areas of outstanding natural beauty, for example, the Copper Canyon. the southern state of Chiapas, and the Yucatán region.

The rains bring color and vibrance to landscape, cause the flora bloom, and the to rivers to swell abundantly with rainwater that also feed some spectacular waterfalls.

Learn more about nature and adventure experiences in Mexico.

Gardeners rejoice in the rain season

As we mentioned in the article about living well in the dry season, gardeners spend a lot of time between January and May watering their plants in an effort to keep them from wilting and dying; some also attempt to keep their grass from turning corn-yellow, perhaps by means of a sprinkler system.

When the rains return, you’ll notice that the flora respond quickly.  Corn-yellow grass, thinned and made sparse by months without water, turns emerald green within a couple of weeks; and by summer the grass recuperates its full form and volume.

For those who have homes in Mexico situated on larger properties with tended gardens, or condo units with extensive landscaped areas surrounding them, the rains alleviate the constant call for manual watering, and replenish water cisterns that for months were being constantly drained, and requiring replenishment with additional water delivered by truck using local ‘pipas.’

Within a month of the first major rainstorm of the season, gardens become transformed in ways that hosepipes, watering cans, and even the most sophisticated sprinkler systems can never match. Gardeners’ attentions then turn to pruning, cutting, and trimming what appears to be unbridled growth; accompanied with a regular mowing schedule for those with grass lawns.

Water supply in the rain season

The ways in which water is supplied to your home in Mexico will depend on where the property is situated.  Many regions across Mexico experience some form of water scarcity during the dry season, although the scarcity is relieved almost entirely when the rains return.

Water deliveries

The dry season is the high trading period for the “Pipas”—tank trucks selling potable water.  When the rain season returns, these trucks are usually parked-up and left largely unused between June and September.

Properties that are not supplied by some type of mains water system and rely heavily on water delivery from the pipas, are especially grateful for the return of the rainy season, that dispenses with their need to buy copious amounts of water brought by trucks, and the rains also quickly refill water storage cisterns situated on the property.

Refilling water cisterns

Regardless of whether your Mexican property is served by a mains water system, a local communal water network, or by a combination of water truck deliveries and rain collection, it’s likely to have a cistern onsite that stores water on the property.  This water is either pumped up to a roof tank (to create a ‘gravity pressure’ system) or properties might have a hydro-pneumatic pump installed that pressurizes the water in the pipes without the need for it to be pumped to the rooftop.

Properties that are fed by mains or communal water systems don’t tend to collect rainwater (some might); however, all properties that rely on water from truck deliveries ought also to have a rain collection system in place.  When the rains return, they are so are so abundant that two or three heavy storms will easily refill 100,000-liter (c.26,000 US gallon) cistern with the help of a suitable rain collection scheme installed on the property.

Practical issues related to the rain season

Some tourists choose to avoid Mexico during the rain season, and ‘snowbirds’ —part-time residents who overwinter in Mexico— tend to miss the rainy season, which is lamentable in our view as the rain season brings life and abundance to the local environment that you’ll never experience in the dry months.

The rains also bring with them some challenges, especially for residents.  These are readily mitigated and, while they can cause some inconvenience, the challenges are easily outweighed by the benefits the rain season brings.

Proliferation of mosquitoes

Although mosquitoes don’t vanish entirely during the dry season, they do proliferate, and noticeably so, during the rainy season—as the females need a combination of moisture and iron from animal blood to breed.

A key matter to be mindful of during the rainy season is to ensure that you don’t allow stagnant pools of water to accumulate on your property, as these provide perfect breeding places for mosquitoes. Our article about dealing with mosquitoes in Mexico offers additional detailed and practical advice.

Managing your swimming pool

If your property (or condo complex) has a swimming pool, the rain season and summer high-temperatures can be the cause of additional algae and other living organisms to form and grow inside the pool.

Well-tended natural pools (those that use salts and flora instead of chlorine and other chemicals) ought not to be affected when they are properly managed.  Most people however use chlorine and other chemicals to regulate the pool’s water and keep it clean, clear, and free of algae—and algae spores which filtering alone cannot eradicate.

The period between the dry and wet seasons (April and May) can be especially challenging to maintain swimming pools. Pool owners tend to see the proliferation of algae build-up at this time and usually need to use a combination of chemicals and vacuuming to keep the pool crystalline clear.

If you hire someone to tend your pool, they may have the knowledge and experience to manage this; if you are maintaining your own pool, you may refer to resources online for advice if the algae build-up overtakes your pool—or hire someone locally to assist you.

Our article about enjoying and managing your swimming pool in Mexico contains further detailed insights and advice.

Electricity power cuts

The onset of a rainstorm is often preceded (or accompanied) by wind, and some of these windstorms, which might also be accompanied by lightning storms, can cause issues at local electricity sub-stations, or hit transformers and cables—which are most usually strapped to poles, not buried underground.  Thus the rainy season can bring an increase in the frequency of power cuts, which can also affect communications, especially internet services.  Our article about dealing with electricity power cuts in Mexico offers additional insights, and practical tips.

Drying laundry in the rainy season

Although some people use a tumble dryer (that requires a combination of electricity and natural gas to operate) Mexico’s exceptionally good weather makes it ideal for air-drying clothes and laundry.  During the dry season, it’s easy to become complacent with laundry routines as most days are warm and bright, and clothes dry in a short time, especially if there’s a light breeze, anytime of day you hang them.

When the rainy season returns, you’ll need to alter your laundry routines and hang laundry to dry early in the day as afternoon rain storms can be heavy enough to drench your clothes.

There’s more moisture in the air during the rainy season too, so clothes will take longer to dry, and if a tropical storm passes through your region, you might have to hang clothes under shelter, or indoors. Some people keep a tumble dryer for use during the rainy season, although with a little bit of forward planning (wash and hang your clothes to dry early in the day), air drying clothes is perfectly feasible even during the rainy season.

Beware of flooding and structural damage

Some rainstorms during the rainy season can be very intense—enough to cause flash-floods in localized areas.  This can cause flooding in your home, or on roads and local lanes, making driving conditions difficult or treacherous. In exceptional cases, colossal volumes of rainwater falling in a brief period can drench a locality and cause landslides.

An adequate home insurance policy will help you to mitigate the financial costs of dealing with storm damage during the rainy season, including any damage that might be caused to third parties—for example, if a flood undermines a wall on your property, causing it collapse.

Driving conditions in the rainy season

Heavy rainstorms can give rise to a range of risks and difficulties for drivers in Mexico, whether you’re driving through your local village, a city, or on an open highway.

Check your vehicle’s tires

A most common risk for drivers during the rainy season is bald (or balding tires) on vehicles.  During the dry season, when the road surface can remain completely dry for weeks or months on end, a slightly balding tire might not be a big risk; but as soon as the rains start, the absence of tread on a tire can create a potentially lethal risk —for you and others— as the surface water that cannot be displaced in the absence of tire tread creates a skid risk, and prevents you from braking effectively.  Always check your tire tread, especially before the rain season starts.

Flooding risks for drivers

In Mexico’s rural areas, rivers that swell during heavy rainstorms can cause local roads and lanes near those rivers to flood; if you’re caught out driving in a flash flood, your car may be become flooded and stranded or, in extremis, taken by the surge of a temporary river current.

In cities, flooding can be common when a rainstorm overwhelms the drainage systems available locally; power cuts can cause traffic light systems to fail and contribute to traffic jams; powerlines can fall and create blocks on roadways for a time until the emergency services can attend to repair them.

When you’re driving on open highways, in the wilderness, and other remote areas, heavy rainstorms (and hailstorms) can leave you especially exposed; on remote mountainous highways, mudslides and landslides can bring down trees, rocks and soil that cause the road running through a ravine to become completely blocked until road crews can attend and clear it: on tolled highways, this clearing work can happen quite quickly; on less-traveled remote highways it may take days or weeks.

Detailed advice about driving in Mexico

Our free eBook guide to driving in Mexico offers practical advice for driving safely, and we recommend that your vehicle is properly insured when you’re driving in Mexico.

Hurricane season

Some regions of Mexico are prone to hurricanes, a season that more or less coincides with the rainy season—although the most powerful hurricanes that make landfall tend to happen during the hottest weeks of the year: between July and September.

Although hurricanes mostly affect coastal areas, the storms can cause tropical depressions inland, too—in the form of an extended period of rain or unusually overcast conditions.  You can learn more about Mexico’s hurricane season here on Mexperience.

The end of the rainy season in Mexico

Sometime between late September and early November, depending on the region and how the rains manifest in any given year, the rainstorms that began in late spring begin to thin out, and one day, cease altogether—akin to someone switching off a faucet. Tlāloc, having discharged his natural duty to make things sprout, departs, and yields to the onset of the dry season.

The end of the rain season brings a marked change to the landscapes as well as life patterns across Mexico, although the effects of an ending rainy season are far more graduated than those which happen when the rains return.

During October through December, the bountiful amount of moisture that has accumulated in the ground keeps the flora active and the air feeling still fresh for a while.  However, by mid-December, the onset of winter heralds a change that can be sensed and felt; and by mid-January, the landscape and all who dwell upon it begin to enter, once again, into the ‘long dry’ season of the winter and early spring.

The change of season between the rains and the dry, and back again, is all part of a wonderful and divine cycle that contributes to making Mexico one of the most fascinating and enjoyable environments to enjoy being in.

Discover Mexico’s seasons

Mexperience helps you to discover Mexico’s diverse topography and climates as you make your lifestyle and leisure plans:

• The rain season begins in May or June.
• The dry season begins around October or November.
• Browse the latest articles about climate and weather in Mexico
• Discover Mexico’s climate through the seasons
• Learn about how Mexico is a land of three lands
• Check individual location guides here on Mexperience for climate by location.
• You can get full details about the weather by region and season on our guide to climate in Mexico.

How mosquitoes feed and breed

Mosquitoes feed primarily on nectar, although females also need the nutrients from animal or human blood to produce eggs and, unlike male mosquitoes, their mouth parts can penetrate skin and draw blood from hosts.

Female mosquitoes find hosts by using their antennae which detect carbon dioxide and other organic compounds expelled when humans and animals breathe out and sweat.  Studies have revealed that mosquitoes prefer some hosts over others: blood type, the bacteria on your skin, and even genetics can influence your attractiveness to female mosquitoes.

While the quantity of blood mosquitoes extract is inconsequential to the host, the saliva in mosquitoes’ mouths can carry diseases which may be passed-on, including Malaria, Yellow Fever, Chikungunya, Dengue fever, and the Zika virus.  According to the US Center for Disease Control, the chances of contracting Malaria from mosquitoes in Mexico is very low, although it advises pregnant women and their partners to take special precautions due to the risk of Zika virus.

Mosquitoes by season and region in Mexico

Mosquitoes are most prevalent in Mexico between April and November, and their numbers swell during the rainy season (June to October).  Sub-tropical regions in the south including the states of Chiapas, Tabasco, and Yucatán experience a higher proliferation of mosquitoes than areas further north.  Mexico’s fertile coastal plains provide the ideal environment for mosquitoes to thrive, but you’ll find plenty of them in places situated at elevation too, albeit fewer the further north you are in the central highlands. Mosquito numbers decline significantly —but don’t vanish entirely— from late autumn and through the winter months and will begin to return around the middle to late half of the dry season.

Practical matters concerning mosquitoes in Mexico

Most mosquito bites in Mexico are an annoyance more than a threat: your risk of contracting a disease is very low.  However, mosquito bites are not pleasant so it’s good practice to defend against them—whether you’re just here on a visit and especially if you live in Mexico or spend an extended period of time here.

Active hours

Although mosquitoes tend to be more active after dusk, female mosquitoes will bite anytime of day, especially in warmer and more humid climates.

Mosquito nets on windows and doors

An excellent way to guard your home in Mexico against mosquitoes is to install mosquito net-screens on your windows and install swinging mosquito net-screens in front of outside doors.  These allow you to enjoy an air flow, keeping your indoor spaces cool and naturally refreshed, while preventing mosquitoes from entering; this is especially helpful overnight during the hotter months when a cool night breeze can help you to rest. If your windows and doors don’t have mosquito nets, close them just before sundown to prevent lots of mosquitoes from entering your home and disturbing you at night.

Bed nets

Even using window and door net-screens, some female mosquitoes will always sneak-in, hide and become active overnight in their search for blood hosts—especially during the peak summer breeding season.  Whether you have mosquito nets on your windows or not, a bed net is one of the best and most effective ways to prevent your night’s sleep from being interrupted.  They are especially useful over children’s beds and cots.  They’re inexpensive, easy to install (simply hang from a hook in the ceiling), and the net can be folded back during the day.  Bed nets are a superior solution to burning incense or using some other artificial repellents in the room while you sleep.

Prevent mosquitoes breeding around your home

Mosquitoes need water to breed and checking your home spaces for possible mosquito breeding habitats will prevent you from having to deal with a swarm in your immediate vicinity.

The most common mosquito-breeding habitats in homes are laundry and utility areas, garden ponds, unused fountains and swimming pools, and any other places on the property where water can accumulate in stagnant pools.

Make it a regular habit to overturn water buckets and bins after use (even small pools of water in the base of a bucket create a breeding opportunity); if you have an unused fountain or swimming pool, keep it clear of stagnant water; if you have a garden pond you can use certain natural plants, fish, and/or essential oils to dissuade or prevent mosquitoes from breeding there; check near drainage areas, and on any flat roofs as well as other nooks and crannies which may accumulate pools of water after it rains: mosquitoes can breed quickly, and preventing them from using your home to multiply is a good first line of defense.

Body lotion mosquito repellents

Wearing insect repellent on your skin is the most common way to prevent mosquitoes from biting you while you’re enjoying the outdoors.  There are two types: the traditional synthetic repellents (usually based on DEET as the active ingredient) and repellents made using natural oils.

Repelente de insectos is readily available from local pharmacies and supermarkets across Mexico: the most common synthetic big-brand repellent on sale here is called “Off” and the alternative natural formulas made using citrus and other oils are sold under various brand names but most often include the word “Citronella” on the label.  You can buy them in liquid form with a spray top, or as a lotion or cream.

Dressing against mosquitoes

It’s worth wearing long sleeve shirts, trousers and socks after dusk if you plan to spend time outside during an evening.  Biting mosquitoes tend to go for places on your body with the least amount of hair, e.g. feet, ankles, legs/knees, ears, and neck.

If you are visiting or traveling through densely-foraged areas in humid regions (which includes many archaeology sites) it’s worth dressing using long sleeves and trousers as well as using a generous helping of insect repellent on exposed skin, regardless of the time of day.  If you’re traversing through rural areas which are densely-wooded, or through jungle, a hat with a sewn-in mosquito net is also recommended.

Candles, incense and coils, and bug sprays

‘Citronela’ candles are available for purchase locally although their efficacy seems doubtful.  Incense and coils which you light to emit smoke are also available; some claim they are suitable for indoor use, although these are probably best kept outside and used for evening garden parties, and other outdoor gatherings.

Big-brand mosquito insecticide sprays are readily available in stores and supermarkets across Mexico—they are effective, but the active ingredients are toxic to humans and other plant and wild life as well, so use them sparingly—or better, choose alternatives.

Electronic devices to deal with mosquitoes

There are three electric devices commonly used for deterring and eliminating mosquitoes.

Chemical diffuser and sound waves

Some people purchase devices which plug into an electricity socket on the wall: one type requires the continual purchase of an accompanying oil which is diffused into the room by the device; the other type emits a high-pitched frequency sound, inaudible to humans and supposedly unfriendly to mosquitoes and other insects. If you have pets, they might not appreciate these devices.

Ultra-violet light lamps

The other popular electric device is a ‘bug zapping’ lamp, that attracts flying insects using a UV lamp and electrocutes them.  The debris fall onto a tray that must be cleaned out.  A key issue with these is that they attract all flying insects, not just mosquitoes—and some flying insects are helpful to have around.

Simple alternative to electric devices

A hanging bed net —see above— is more effective and does not fill the room with artificial chemicals, high-frequency sound pitches which might affect sleep or hearing, and does not require you to continually clean out a tray of dead bugs (including ones that can be helpful and not just biting/stinging ones).

Marquees with mosquito screen-nets

Mexico’s agreeable climates provide ample opportunity for outdoor activities and events and if you often spend time in the garden or entertaining guests outside during the evening hours, you might consider buying a marquee and adding a mosquito netting to the sides; some marquees are sold with the mosquito netting already sewn-in; it can be rolled-up when it’s not needed.

Natural repellents and remedies

If you want to defend against mosquitoes without using a lot of synthetic/toxic chemicals, there is plenty of advice online about natural ways to deal with mosquitoes.

After-bite treatments

Most people will experience a mosquito bite and how your body reacts depends on a range of factors.  Most mosquito bites create a swollen area and cause an itch; in some people the reaction can be more severe, for example, large blisters may form.  If you are bitten, you can purchase Andotol gel from local pharmacies in Mexico which is an effective after-bite treatment; ask the pharmacist about other after-bite products they have in stock; some use bicarbonate of soda as the active ingredient.

Symptoms of possible disease

The odds of a disease being passed to you from a mosquito bite in Mexico are very low; notwithstanding this, if after being bitten by a mosquito you feel fever, unusually sweaty, experience back and body aches, a stiff neck, or begin vomiting seek medical advice.

The heat and lack of moisture in the air can present several practical challenges for day-to-day living.  This article shares some tips and advice about how to keep yourself well and comfortable, and your home and garden maintained during the driest months of the year.

Dealing with the dust and dander

Grass that isn’t watered regularly turns corn yellow and exposes the dry dusty ground beneath; and pathways in the countryside feel bone dry underfoot as dust, pollen, and other allergens become free to roam through an air bereft of moisture aided by light breezes which come and go throughout the day.

Dust and dander are virtually unavoidable during the dry season, and stocking-up on boxes of soft tissue paper to help expel particles of dust and dander from your nose can be an effective first line of defense.

A wet mop regularly drawn across the floors throughout your home, and a generously dampened cloth wiped across all surfaces where dust gathers can be helpful in reducing any discomfort caused by dust blowing around indoors.

If you wear glasses, regular cleaning can also alleviate eye irritation by preventing dust and pollen building-up on the lenses and frames.  If you’re particularly sensitive you might acquire an air purifier for use indoors, but make sure it has an effective filter that traps allergens, otherwise micro particles of dander will simply get recirculated.

Dust and dander tend to be more problematic inland and less so along the coasts, although at least some dust and/or pollen are inevitable almost anywhere during the dry months.

Dry skin and itching

Prolonged dryness in the air, especially when you’re living at elevation, can affect many people’s skin, with itching being one of the most common symptoms.

Showering less regularly, or simply showering without the use of much soap may help as this will enable your body’s natural oils to protect your skin and reduce itching or other skin irritations, e.g., rashes. (Frequent showers and soap wash away your body’s natural oils.)

Some people use a diluted mix of white vinegar and water instead of detergent-based shampoos to wash their hair which also helps your body’s natural oils to work on your scalp.  A high-quality moisturizing crème may help to alleviate symptoms related to skin irritated by dry air as you pass through these months.

Scarcity of water

There are various ways that your home in Mexico may be supplied by water, and many places across Mexico experience some form of water scarcity during the dry season.  For people who have large gardens (or live in condo complexes with extensive landscaped areas surrounding them) the dry season can be a challenge.

Water deliveries

As we mentioned in our article about spring climates in Mexico, this is the high trading season for the “Pipas”—tank trucks selling potable water.  These trucks can be seen trundling around roads and lanes in the dry season, and although they are especially prevalent in the countryside and outlying areas not served by a mains water supply, you might also see them dispensing top-up supplies to homes in towns and larger cities.  Properties that are not supplied by some type of mains water system may collect and filter water for daily use during the rain season, and residents might arrange for water deliveries by truck to tide them over during the driest months.

Water rationing

Local municipalities may ration mains water feeds to homes during the dry season.  As we mentioned in a related article, Mexico’s water systems are not pressurized and instead deliver water into underground cisterns on the property which is then pumped-up to a tank on the roof for use in the home.  The water supplies that feed the cisterns may have their flow reduced or be turned-off on some days to conserve water, and thus residents need to use what water they have in their cistern more sparingly, or pay to have additional water supplies delivered by truck to top-up their cisterns.

Gardening in the dry season

Gardeners will spend a lot of time between January and May watering their plants to keep them from wilting and dying, and some embark upon a largely forlorn attempt to keep their grass from turning corn-yellow, which it will do naturally in the absence of a soaking each day. (Established grass usually won’t die and swiftly returns to green when the rains return.)

Sprinkler systems

Some people install underground sprinkler systems that activate automatically on a timer in the early morning and late evening; these keep water use down to a minimum by use of a mist-spray water jets that deliver moisture close to the ground in the coolest hours of the day.

Soaker hoses and drip irrigation

Alternatives to an sprinkler system are soaker hoses (that can be snaked around plants or buried just under the surface to deliver moisture directly to roots) and drip irrigation pipes.  This article offers a good overview and comparison of these two water-saving methods.

Using ‘gray’ water for plants

To conserve fresh water supplies, some larger homes and condo developments with extensive gardens use ‘gray water’ collected from rains and wastewater from the property, and store this in a special cistern underground; the stored supply is used to water plants and lawns when there’s no rain to do the job.  Some sprinkler systems are designed to make effective use of this limited water supply although keeping grass green in the dry season does call for a lot of water, nonetheless.

Dealing with the dry heat

Even when you’re situated at elevation, temperatures can gradually climb throughout the day to reach highs of 30 degrees Celsius (86F) between March and May and although these high temperatures tend to last for only a few hours during the late afternoon, the heat combined with dryness, dust, and pollen can combine to create an uncomfortable mixture.

Structuring your daily routines

One method to deal with this dry and sometimes brittle climate is to structure your day so that you get most of your work and chores completed before lunchtime, and return to more vigorous activities in the early evening when the sun sets and the air temperatures fall leaving late evenings cooler, and comfortable.

Using fans, aircon, and pools

Swimming pools can help to keep you cool on the hottest days of the year; air ventilators, ceiling fans, and air conditioning can help you to keep cool indoors, and to sleep.  If you use air ventilators and suffer with allergies, we recommend you use one with a decent filter otherwise all the dust, dander and other particles will simply get blown around the inside of your home.

Hydration and alcohol

Wherever you’re situated, it’s a good idea to stay properly hydrated by drinking plenty of fresh water throughout the day, and limiting your intake of alcohol—that accelerates dehydration.

The return of the rain season

When the seasonal rains return, typically in May or June, another transition period begins from dry to wet, although the flora respond much more quickly to the return of the rains than they do to their departure.  Learn more about living well through Mexico’s rainy season.

Discover Mexico’s seasons

Mexperience helps you to discover Mexico’s diverse topography and climates as you make your lifestyle and leisure plans:

• The dry season begins around October or November.
• The rain season begins in May or June.
• Browse the latest articles about climate and weather in Mexico
• Discover Mexico’s climate through the seasons
• Learn about how Mexico is a land of three lands
• Check individual location guides here on Mexperience for climate by location.
• You can get full details about the weather by region and season on our guide to climate in Mexico.

As we have remarked in articles about the local environment here, the rainy season delivers vitality and color to the landscape with its dramatic and drenching storms which begin around late spring each year.

However, when the rainstorms vanish in the late fall —almost as abruptly as they were ushered in by the mystical wind that brought them in the spring— the dry cycle begins to unveil a significant change as the moisture gradually evaporates from the ground and the air becomes noticeably drier.

The transition from drenching rain to dry land

When the rains eventually stop, there is so much moisture near the surface of the ground that it takes some months for the full effects of the dry season to begin to be seen and felt across the local environment.  It’s this ‘evaporation’ period, usually lasting about eight to twelve weeks, that creates a graduated transition from wet to dry.

When the dryness does finally take hold, landscapes that were moist, verdant, and colorful turn to shades of yellow, brown and orange; dust and dander roam freely through the air, and the soft fragrances of rain-soaked earth and flora are substituted by a dry and sometimes grating ambience that can, on occasions, combine to create an uncomfortable mixture of heat, dust, and dander.

The dry season by regions across Mexico

Regions across Mexico experience the effect of the dry season in different ways, influenced by their latitude. elevation, and proximity to the ocean.

Northern Mexico

The vast, dry, deserts of northern Mexico remain arid for most of the year; the majority of the rain that falls in this region appears during mid-summer—July through September.

The Baja California peninsula doesn’t experience a ‘rainy season’ per se and typically remains dry most months throughout the year; the southern areas of the peninsula can experience some rainfall in August and September; and the entire the Baja peninsula can be affected by hurricanes which typically brew anytime from June through November and will break any dry spells when torrential rains and tropical storms make landfall.

Mexico’s central highlands

The central highland plains, from Zacatecas in the north to Oaxaca in the south, are defined by a series of majestic mountain ranges, some of which are volcanic. This region is home to many colonial towns and cities situated at elevation.

These places start to turn dry during the late fall, and become very dry and dusty by mid-winter.  High daytime temperatures peak during May, by which time both people and nature yearn for the refreshing return of the rains that typically return in May or June.

Mexico’s Pacific and Gulf coasts

The dry season begins in late fall, and if you’re situated along the Pacific or Gulf Coast, you can expect temperatures to begin to warm-up noticeably from February and by late March these coastal areas will be drenching hot and humid.  The heat and humidity will prevail through the dry season, interspersed by sporadic storms until the rains begin again, typically around late May or in June.

The Copper Canyon and Chiapas

Two of Mexico’s areas of out outstanding natural beauty offer quite different experiences during the dry season.

Copper Canyon in the dry season

The breath-taking landscapes of the Copper Canyon in Mexico’s northwest region turn to hues of yellow, orange, and brown during the dry season that begins in November and breaks in July.  During these dry months, the rivers ebb down to their lowest points, and during the winter months snowfall may settle on higher ground. Most travelers visit the canyons between July and November when the canyons are verdant and the rivers swell with water and wildlife, although some visitors purposely travel to the region during the dry season to experience the contrasts, especially if they have visited before during the rain season.

Chiapas in the dry season

The moist, sub-tropical, region of Chiapas that is carpeted in forest and foliage remains verdant for most of the year, but rains are rare between February and May.  When the rains return in earnest during June, the turquoise waters of the Agua Azul waterfalls turn brown as the rains stir-up the river’s sediment; the ‘postcard pictures’ you often see of these splendid waterfalls are usually taken at the end of the rain season in late fall and early winter, when the rivers are swollen and the sediment has settled.

The Yucatán peninsula

The rainy season on Mexico’s southern peninsula typically ends in late October or early November.  As the region is situated near sea level, dry season temperatures begin to climb steeply from February onwards and reach their high points in April and May, when daytime high temperatures can touch 45-50 degrees Celsius (113-122 Fahrenheit). The rains in the Yucatán region typically return in June, and although they can help to temper the heat, the humidity persists.

This region is also home to Cancún and the Riviera Maya and is why the ‘dry season is the high season’ for beach resort visitors and ‘snowbird residents’ (people who escape cold winters to live in Mexico) as daytime temperatures are more comfortable and afternoon rainstorms are infrequent.

Localized rains during the dry season

Rainstorms can roll in across the landscape even in the middle of the dry season.  They are akin to unexpected small gifts as they are infrequent, usually brief, and invariably localized: it can rain for a couple of hours in places across Mexico City and remain bone dry in the neighboring state of Morelos during the same week.

The highland mountain ranges tend to encapsulate these abrupt micro storms into the nooks, crannies and valleys of the local topography—soaking one place for a couple of hours and leaving another parched even though it’s only a few miles away.

Dry season rainstorms, when they happen, are usually shorter and much less intense than the dramatic and drenching seasonal storms that characterize the rain season in Mexico. Overcast days that don’t yield rain can help to temper the day’s heat and make daytimes feel fresher and more comfortable.

Visiting Mexico during the dry season

Some visitors to Mexico purposely avoid the rain season, but as we’ve remarked elsewhere, this can be a mistake as the rains bring vibrancy, color, and fragrances to the local environment that you’ll never experience in the driest months.

By the same token, the dry season —that more or less runs from late fall to late spring— offers-up some opportunities that you won’t find when the rains arrive.  Beach locations are popular in the dry season as coastal temperatures moderate from their summer highs to become comfortably warm; rain is infrequent, and hurricanes don’t form this time of year.

The Monarch Butterflies overwinter here during the dry season, and it’s also the most popular time of the year for visits to Mérida and the Yucatán peninsula.

Learning to live through Mexico’s dry season

Most of the ‘snowbirds’ (part-time winter residents) arrive in Mexico sometime during October or November and stay until March or April of the following year, thus enjoying comfortable autumn and winter climates and avoiding the heaviest rains.

Practical advice for living well during the dry season

If you’re living in Mexico, or are staying for an extended period, between November and May each year learn about practical tips for living through the dry season, including helpful advice about how to stay well and comfortable during these, the driest months of the year.

Discover Mexico’s weather and climates

Mexperience helps you to discover Mexico’s diverse topography and climate as you make your lifestyle and leisure plans:

• Learn about how Mexico is a land of three lands
• Discover Mexico’s climate through the seasons
• The rain season begins in May/June and yields to the dry season in October/November
• Check individual travel guides here on Mexperience for climate by location. You can get full details about the weather by region and season on our guide to climate in Mexico.
• Browse the latest articles about climate and weather in Mexico

We regularly talk with foreign residents who have made their home here and, while all gardens can never be rosy all of the time, we’ve gathered together the key reasons cited by people who have settled here and say they are staying for the long-term.

“We’re enjoying a better quality of life.”

It’s no secret that the cost of living is rising across most of the world—that is, homestead, food and utilities are costing more, taxes are rising, and incomes are falling when compared to real inflation.

Retirees on fixed incomes are particularly affected by this.  People are moving to places like Mexico where their fixed incomes stretch further because they’re not paying as much for the basic necessities and their incomes are not being hit by rising costs that they cannot avoid, especially property taxes.

“We’re eating better food and paying less for it.”

There is an abundance of fresh, wholesome, food available in Mexico at affordable prices.  Fresh foods are available in many countries that don’t have the climates to grow them all year long, but at a premium price in comparison to highly processed and non-fresh foods.  In Mexico, you don’t have to spend the whole paycheck eating wholesomely.  Learn more about enjoying food in Mexico, as well as markets and shopping.

“Our home living costs are lower in Mexico.”

The fees and taxes home-owners have to pay in places like the US, Canada, and Western Europe have climbed steadily over the last decade—to the point where these are now a significant line-item on personal budgets.

Rises in house and community taxes have out-stripped inflation, and maintenance costs are steep: in summary, home ownership is becoming an expensive pastime and putting a lot of pressure on people with fixed incomes, or with wages that are failing to keep up with price rises.

In Mexico, home owners enjoy low property taxes as well as lower maintenance costs due to lower material prices and labor fees for house maintenance services.

“We enjoy an extraordinary climate.”

In terms of climate, Mexico is a land of three lands.

If you enjoy a year-round temperate climate, the central highland areas are ideal; if you need to be where it’s warmer/hot beside the ocean, there’s plenty of choice and, unlike the US, coastal property is still affordable in many places across Mexico.  If you prefer cooler temperatures year-round, Mexico’s highland mountain towns could suit you.

Some foreign residents come for the winter, some stay longer or stay all year. Our guide to finding a climate to suit your lifestyle will help you to consider the choices.  As a bonus, the light here is extraordinary all year.

“We can afford healthcare in Mexico.”

Routine medical care, specialist services, and medications cost less in Mexico, and you don’t have to compromise on the quality of healthcare you receive.

As the costs and limitations of the US and other medical care systems reveal themselves, people are looking abroad for the treatments and care they need—and Mexico’s geographical closeness is as attractive as the affordability.

You can learn about options for medical health care insurance in Mexico and find lots of additional insights about healthcare and well-being here on Mexperience.

“We feel safe in Mexico.”

In a related article about finding your niche in Mexico, we wrote: “If what you’re seeing about Mexico on your TV screen scares and keeps you away now, your perceptions have been hijacked before you allowed yourself an opportunity to better understand these lands, and see what others here see: a country in transition, a country which is, by and large, less violent than those places where stones are so readily thrown from glass houses.”

Despite the anti-Mexico news flow, foreign residents living here report that they feel safe and settled in Mexico. The drug cartels are not targeting foreign residents or tourists. People who are not involved in the drug trade or other criminal activities have a very small chance of being affected by violent crime.

Resources for Living & Lifestyle in Mexico

Mexperience offers you a comprehensive online resource of information and local knowledge to help you discover Mexico, explore choices, find opportunities and plan a new life in Mexico.  Our resources include:

• Insightful articles about living and lifestyle in Mexico
• An extensive selection of free guides to living and lifestyles in Mexico
• A regular Mexico Newsletter you can subscribe to for free

The water source matters

Water delivered to homes in Mexico is suitable for showering and washing-up the dishes, but most people don’t use unfiltered tap water for personal consumption.

Whether the water dispensed from your home’s tap in Mexico is fit for healthy consumption or not depends more about where, precisely, the tap is situated. Some cities and towns have excellent public water systems and local people especially are quite content drinking water from their tap; but not every place can be depended upon to have a reliable source of potable water. And therein lies the rub. Unless you know for sure that the water is potable, you do well to take bottled or filtered water instead.

Water delivery in Mexico

Water in Mexico is usually delivered to homes in one of four ways:

• via mains-feed system; or
• via a communal feed sourced from official local water springs and wells; or
• via a private well situated on the property or in the local neighborhood (although this is rare); or
• via a combination of rain collection (in season) and local water delivery by truck.

Properties situated in most urban towns and cities have their water provided by a mains-feed, whereas at properties situated in rural areas water is supplied from a communally-run system that obtains water from local wells, or else owners collect rain water (in season) and top this up with deliveries from trucks which dispense water into large underground cisterns situated at the property.

Water filtration systems

Some homeowners in Mexico use their own filtration systems to avoid the need to buy bottled water for personal consumption at home.  Water delivered by truck and/or collected from rainwater (in season) can be filtered and used in your home.

Plumbed-in water filters

Filtration systems that are plumbed-in to your home’s water pipes vary from single-stage active carbon filters, to multiple-stage filtration systems that include several different filter types and might also include passing the water through ultraviolet light. (The UV light stage must be situated near the dispensing tap for this to be effective.)  With this method, the system for drinking water runs in parallel to water used for showers, kitchen use, and toilets, and provides a separate tap(s) that dispenses filtered drinking water fed from the property’s main water supply and/or cistern.

Stand-alone water filter systems

There exists an entire industry of stand-alone water filtration systems; check online for details. They all rely on replacement filters of one type or another.  These systems work by pouring your local tap water into a jug or bowl that then filters the water, purifying it, and thus making it fit for personal consumption.  The more expensive versions of these filters offer multiple filtration layers and filter the water more quickly than less expensive versions.  Reviews online suggest that the efficacy of these systems in terms of their purification quality varies widely.

Buying bottled water in Mexico

Bottled water is widely available in Mexico, and can be purchased in sizes ranging from small hand-sized bottles to 20-liter containers. It’s sold by street traders, local convenience stores, supermarkets, pharmacies, and even specialist water delivery companies; the latter deal in the 20-liter bottles and deliver these to homes, offices and factories.

Buying bottled water for use in your home

The most common way that people purchase purified water for use in their homes is by means of the 20-liter (5.3 US gallons) bottles, known in Mexico as ‘garrafones.’

These water bottles usually have their contents emptied into a dispenser, or are turned upside-down to rest atop the dispenser, that comprises a tank holding some  water for immediate use.

Low-cost dispensers made of plastic can do the job well enough, but if you want something a little more elegant in your home, you can buy a colorfully painted dispenser made in Talavera—the strong, durable ceramic most often associated with the city of Puebla in south-central Mexico.

The dispenser taps are available inexpensively from all local hardware stores, and are made of plastic or aluminum so can be easily replaced when they (inevitably) wear out.  It’s a good idea to wash these out regularly (including the tap unit) between fills to avoid any bacteria or fungal build-up.

Big brand bottles: The big water companies sell these and offer home-delivery services.  Their brands are: Ciel (Coca-cola), Bonafont (Danone), EPura (Pepsi), and Santa María (Nestlé). You can also buy these at local tienditas and supermarkets, and carry them home yourself. (A full bottle weights about 20kg (44 pounds.)

Local purifiers: An alternative to the big brand bottlers is to use a local purifying company that has a license to use local (usually mains) water for purification and bottling. They use the 20 liter garrafón bottles and charge a reasonable deposit fee for these, but once you have the bottles, the price per refill is about one-third of the price that the big brand bottlers charge.  Check locally to ask for service details; most small towns and every city has at least one water purifying company selling water this way.  They too offer home delivery services, be sure to tip the people who carry-in your refilled bottles and take away the empties each time.

Buying water when you eat out: Restaurants offer bottled water at a premium; but you can ask for a complementary glass of water which might emanate from a bottle, or from a filtration system.

Buying water on your travels through Mexico

Since Aztec times, Mexicans have been avid traders, and their skill to spot a market and serve it on an impromptu basis is alive and well to-day.  Enterprising ambulant traders offer water and sodas at remote locations where there are no stores: for example, at archaeology parks, and areas of natural beauty where tourists are known to gather. You may also see these vendors offering bottled water at traffic lights on hot days, on local buses, as well the long lines of traffic which inevitably build up on the approach to major toll booths on highways at holiday weekends. So you’ll never be too far away from drink-able water in Mexico.

Most of the larger hotels in Mexico —and some of the up-scale smaller hotels— have water purification systems installed at their properties, so all water on-site is guaranteed as potable. All hotels tend to offer guests at least one bottle of purified water in the room, replenished by the maid each day at no extra charge, regardless of whether the water from the taps in the hotel’s room is drink-able.

Learn more about water supplies in Mexico

Mexperience publishes articles and guides to help you understand water supplies and the efficient use of water at your home in Mexico, including:

• Water supplies for residential homes in Mexico
• Understanding water pressure systems
• Latest articles related to use of water in Mexico
• Latest articles about Mexico’s rainy season and dry season

Preparing for your visit to an archaeology site in Mexico

Many of the archaeology sites are situated in remote areas which may also be exposed to the elements.  Preparing for your visit and considering what you take with you on the day can help to make your visit more enjoyable, avoid inconveniences, and prevent accidents.

Opening days and times

Except for the country’s most popular archaeology sites which are open 365 days a year, sites and museums across Mexico are closed on Mondays.  Archaeology sites open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Chichen Itzá and Uxmal offer an after-dark ‘light and sound’ show which begins around 8 or 9 p.m.—check locally for details.

Entry fees

INAH is Mexico’s government institution responsible for the management of the country’s museums and archaeological treasures, and charges a set fee of between $65 and $85 pesos (US$3.25-$4.25) for entry to all archaeology sites and museums nationwide, depending on the ‘category’ of the site.

Some states, notably in the Yucatán region, levy additional charges for entry.

If you are a foreign resident in Mexico, you might be granted access for no charge or at a discount, depending on the policy of the site or museum. You must present your Mexican residency card at the entrance to qualify.

Entry to museums and archaeology sites is free to Mexican nationals and legal foreign residents on Sundays. (Thus, Sunday is always the most crowded day of the week at these places.)

Sun protection

Mexico’s sun is intense year-round, and it’s important to protect yourself and your family from the sun’s UV rays when you visit archaeology sites.  Some locations, like Palenque in the state of Chiapas, offer some natural shade from the sun through the presence of trees and other natural foliage on-site; however, most sites are exposed and offer little or no shade from the sun.

We recommend you take a suitable hat to wear, and use sun block or wear long sleeves and pants (dress light to avoid overheating).  Some people take umbrellas (parasols) with them, which can be very effective when you’re walking on the ground, but it’s best not to have these open when ascending or descending from buildings and structures. (See ‘Steep Climbs’ below for more details about the risks.)

Drinking water

Take drinking water with you to stay hydrated on your visit; this is especially important in jungle regions and exposed areas, where a combination of the heat, humidity, and/or elevation can quickly dehydrate your body and put your health at risk.  If you forget to take water, you can purchase bottles from the local stores, market stalls, or ambulant vendors near the site.

Appropriate footwear for walking and climbing

Most archaeology sites are situated in Mexico’s rural wilderness, with uneven ground, rocky paths, and ancient structures which are characterized by steep, narrow steps and pathways which can be awkward to negotiate.

Flip-flops and other loose footwear are not recommended: the accidents that occur every year at Mexico’s archaeology parks are often due to visitors wearing inadequate footwear causing injury through slips and falls.

Protect your feet and mitigate the risks of slips, sprains and falls by using good quality footwear that will deliver a decent grip on rough terrain, and protect your ankles in the event of a slip.

Robust footwear is especially important if you’re climbing structures—if you slip and fall on steep narrow steps you could become seriously injured; falls from high structures can also be fatal.  During the rainy season, when the structures can become drenched in rain, steps and pathways can become extremely slippery.

Steep climbs

Some of the archaeology sites allow visitors to climb the pyramids and other structures.  This opportunity provides good exercise and, when you get to the top of a tall structure, you’re also rewarded with extraordinary views across the site and across the local landscape.

Precautions when ascending and descending

When you climb the ancient structures, we recommend to take some sensible precautions as described below—and which might seem obvious, but every year accidents happen when people ignore these tips:

• Keep in mind that the climbs up are usually steep, and the steps leading up to the top are often narrow.
• You will need to be physically fit to be able to climb the stone structures, and you should ensure that you’re wearing adequate footwear (see above) to mitigate your risks of slips and falls. Inappropriate footwear is the most common cause of accidents.
• Be mindful of your body’s balance when ascending and descending structures, especially on acute stairwells. Items you carry that may hang from your body (e.g. backpacks) can alter your center of gravity, especially if they are heavy, and may cause you to fall.
• Keep your hands and arms free. Store away phones, cameras, or any other gadget or item you might be carrying and focus instead on your balance and footing as you ascend/descend.
• Use ropes and handrails where these are provided.
• If you carry a parasol for sun protection keep it shut when you ascend and descend any structure; an open parasol blocks yours and others’ views including your footing, and a sudden wind can be potentially lethal if you’re holding an open parasol and it causes you to fall.

Insect repellent

Mosquitoes, wasps, and a plethora of other bugs make their home in the areas where many of the archaeological sites are situated.  How affected you may be by these will depend on the location and the season; however, the irritations caused by insects can be mitigated by wearing long-sleeve shirts and trousers, and/or applying insect repellent to your skin.

If you forgot to pack repellent, repelente de insectos is readily available from local pharmacies and supermarkets: you can buy the synthetic ingredient brands, e.g. “Off,” as well as natural-ingredient brands often called “Citronella”—relating to the citrus oils they use in the formula.

Avoiding the crowds

The most popular archaeology sites become crowded from about 11 a.m. each day—when the day-tour buses arrive.  If you want to experience a popular  archaeology site amidst a more relaxed and less crowded atmosphere, arrive early—doors open at 8 a.m.

Some sites, like Chichen Itzá and Uxmal have hotels/inns situated adjacent to the park—an ideal base for an overnight stay with ready access to the site long before the crowds arrive.

Mind the wildlife

You may see local wildlife roaming throughout the sites —iguanas are particularly prevalent in the Yucatán— other species can include Spider Monkeys, snakes and exotic birds.  They usually keep away from humans, and they too should be left to their own devices: don’t feed, touch, or disturb any wildlife you may encounter, some of which are protected species.

Archaeological artifacts

It’s highly illegal to remove any artifacts, trinkets, or objects from Mexican archaeology sites, and from the country itself. Don’t risk trying to collect genuine archaeological pieces on your visit.  If you’re caught, the fines are stiff and jail sentences can be imposed in more serious cases.

Ambulant vendors and market stalls

Some of the more popular sites have ambulant vendors roaming the areas outside (sometimes inside) the site itself, selling a range of souvenirs as well as other practical items like bottled water, parasols, and sun cream.  Take some cash with you as the local vendors and market stalls don’t accept credit or debit cards.

Cameras and video equipment

You can take cameras and smart phones with you for use inside archaeological sites and museums; although if you want to take a tripod or professional video equipment, you will need to apply and pay for a special permit, that you request at INAH, or via a Mexican consulate if you are applying from abroad.  See Mexico Essentials: Video and Photography for details.

Use of drones at archaeology sites

The latest travel accessory for some visitors is a drone—to fly and take video and/or pictures from the sky above.  INAH prohibits the use of drones at all archaeology sites across Mexico and has signs posted to warn visitors about this regulation.  If you have a drone, don’t take it to the archaeology site as using it there may result in its confiscation.

Learn more about travel and leisure in Mexico

Mexperience helps you to make the most of your leisure time in Mexico, discover new places and arrange local tours

• Discover extraordinary travel experiences in Mexico
• Browse the latest travel articles and updates
• Explore travel destinations in Mexico
• Find custom travel tours in Mexico

Mexico’s mountainous terrains

Elevations of 5,000 to 7,000 feet above sea level are not unusual for cities in Mexico’s colonial heartland as well as those in the southern states of Oaxaca and Chiapas.  Mexico City and Guadalajara are also cities situated at elevation.

If you plan to experience the Monarch Butterflies you’ll also need to adjust to the higher elevations in the forested mountains where these butterflies gather to overwinter in Mexico; and if you’re visiting higher elevation areas in Mexico’s Copper Canyon you’ll also need to take time to adjust.

Adjusting to being at higher elevations

Many people who arrive in Mexico tend to come from places situated much closer to sea-level —perhaps a few hundred feet above sea-level at most— and so a visit to one of Mexico’s inland towns or cities may leave you breathless in more ways than one, until your body becomes acclimatized to thinner air.

Mexico City, for example, is not only 7,200 feet above sea level (that’s about a mile and-a-half up in the sky), it’s situated in a valley surrounded by mountains and flanked by two volcanoes.  The mix of altitude, heat, and smog can become quite uncomfortable at times, and may leave you feeling exhausted after what may have seemed a normal day’s activity back home.

Mexico’s provinces do not suffer the smog that metropolises like Mexico City, Los Angeles, and Tokyo have come to inherit, but the altitude and the heat during summer months may cause you to feel more tired than usual if you are not already accustomed to higher elevation where you live.

Common symptoms felt by people adjusting to higher elevation include:

• Headaches
• Fatigue or lethargy
• Dizziness or nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Sleeplessness
• Shortness of breath

Advantages of living at elevation in Mexico

Elevation does bring with it some distinct advantages, too.

Being high up keeps the climate at more temperate levels, especially in comparison to the sultry, sweltering heat at the coasts in the high summer months.   During the fall and winter months, the mornings and evenings can be quite cool —even chilly in some places— which creates a welcome contrast to the warmer days and hotter summers.

Tips to help you acclimatize at high elevation

Getting acclimatized to elevation takes some time, and your body will usually adjust surprisingly quickly to the change of altitude given the right amount of rest and hydration.  Here are some practical tips:

Take it easy at first

Don’t plan too much activity for your first few days.  Give your body time to acclimatize to the change in altitude and lower oxygen levels.  Take a short nap in the afternoon if you like, or at least rest a while.

Drink plenty of fresh water

Two liters a day is recommended; keep drinking little and often all day. Staying thoroughly hydrated is really important at high elevations; even if you don’t feel thirsty.

Stay protected from too much sun

Wear a sun-hat and use protective sun lotion, even in the fall and winter months when the temperatures are lower. Keep your skin protected from excess sun even on overcast days as UV rays can penetrate cloud cover.

Moderate your alcohol intake

Wine, beer, and liquor will go to your head faster and the effects will last longer when you are drinking alcohol in places with high elevation; alcohol also dehydrates you, so you may want to consider scaling-back your normal consumption rates and supplementing your alcohol intake with additional fresh water.

Keeping well and staying healthy in Mexico

Within a few days, most people find that their body has acclimatized to higher elevation and the side-effects diminish. It is, however, important to continue to keep yourself well hydrated and watch your alcohol intake even after you have acclimatized.

For more practical information about keeping well and staying healthy in Mexico, read our Mexico Travel Health Guide – it’s packed full with tips and local knowledge.

Foreign embassies are always located in the capital (Mexico City), although some of these countries —particularly the US, Canada, and the UK— also have a network of satellite consulates situated in some provincial towns and cities across Mexico, most usually in places aligned with their strategic commercial interests.

Assistance offered by consulates in a crisis

Although Consulates offer a number of useful services to their citizens, the assistance they provide also has limitations.   The exact services and limitations vary from country to country, but the ones listed here are the principal services offered by most consulates.  This page of the US State Department website gives a summary of what an American consulate can and cannot do in a crisis.  Other countries’ policies are likely to be similar.

Notes about insurance coverages while you’re in Mexico

We recommend that you are properly insured when you are visiting, or living in, Mexico. Private medical expenses are high in Mexico, and if you require hospitalization after a major accident, they can easily amount to tens of thousands of US dollars within a short period of time.

• Only resident immigrants (with a residency visas) are entitled to apply for medical care offered under Mexico’s state healthcare system and, even then, many opt to pay for private treatment.
• If you are in Mexico for a short or defined period, and have access to medical care in your home country, you might consider getting a medical evacuation plan.
• If you’re in Mexico for an extended stay, consider your medical and healthcare coverage options while you’re here as travel insurance policies don’t cover long-term visits or foreign residents.
• If you drive your car to Mexico, be sure that you arrange full insurance cover: US and Canadian auto policies do not extend to Mexico.  Top-up policies are available at reasonable premiums and you can find details of them on our Guide to Auto Insurance in Mexico.

If you’re visiting Mexico, you’re likely to experience the abundant variety of nature here: especially during the rain season when everything comes alive and the trees and flowers are in full bloom.

The likelihood of encountering a creature that is potentially harmful to humans is very low when you’re visiting Mexico, but if you’re here for longer periods, or have made Mexico your home, it’s inevitable that sooner or later, you’ll encounter an insect or arachnid that could be a potential health hazard.

An enormous variety of spiders make their home here, most of which pose a low risk to humans—with three exceptions.

The Black Widow

Widow spiders (Latrodectus) are present on most continents, and the Black Widow is prevalent across North America: in Mexico as well as the United States and parts of Canada. The venom from male Widow spiders is rarely harmful to humans, but the females’ toxin can be harmful in some cases, mostly to the very young, the very old and those who suffer an alergic reaction to the toxin. A bite from a Black Widow can cause severe muscle pain, abdominal cramps, heavy sweating, heart palpitations, and muscle spasms.  Symptoms can last up to a week, but bites are rarely fatal.  Although Widows are not especially aggressive, they will defend their nests and may attack if startled.  They make their home and nest in cool, dark, places—so be mindful where you place your hand when cleaning under window ledges or steps, and when you’re picking-up wood or stones in your garden or out in the countryside.  Take additional care when unpacking stored items from cool or dark cupboard spaces, as a Widow might have nested there.  Most Black Widows are a shiny black color with red and/or white markings on their abdomen, and some are a dark brown.  To get acquainted with the different varieties, you can view pictures online

The Brown Recluse

Also known as the ‘fiddle back’ or ‘violin’ spider, this arachnid is traditionally native to the south-eastern United States, but due to its adaptability and capability of going weeks or months without food, the species has migrated south: as stowaways in personal goods of people traveling to or moving to Mexico.  As a result, the Brown Recluse has been sighted across the country in recent years with bites reported.  It’s worth getting acquainted with this spider, as its potentially-deadly hematologic venom has no antidote; effects of bites vary widely and fatalities associated with the bite are usually among the infirm, very young, or old. Bites may bring about severe ulcers and can leave scarring around the bite area—that might require specialized surgery.  Like the Black Widow, the Brown Recluse likes dry, cool and dark spaces to dwell in, and like the Widows they are not aggressive but will defend their nests and may bite if startled.

The Hobo Spider

The least harmful of the three, the Hobo Spider’s toxicity to humans is debated; and some argue that bites from Brown Recluses are sometimes attributed to Hobo spiders (they look similar but have distinct features). Like the Brown Recluse, bites can cause a range of uncomfortable side-effects including severe headaches, and in rare cases an allergic reaction to the bite might be fatal.  Scarring may be experienced around the bite area, but healthy humans are very unlikely to feel any severe effects or die from a Hobo spider bite.  These spiders like damp, cool dwelling spaces, and tend to nest under moist wood piles and other crevices offering some humidity.  The Hobo is considered an aggressive spider, but like the others mentioned here, it will usually leave humans alone unless it feels threatened.

Tips for living among arachnids in Mexico

Taking a few precautions and being mindful of your environment can mitigate the risk of being bitten by a spiders. (And getting stung by a scorpion.)

Sticky spider cobwebs

A tell-tale sign of a spider’s nearby presence is the sticky cobweb silk that a spider extrudes from its spinneretes—this helps to trap its natural prey. If you’re unpacking bags or boxes, or cleaning a nook, and see or feel this sticky silk, be extra mindful with your hands and actions as a spider might have nested nearby.

Dealing with spider bites

Spider bites may be painful and cause a range of side-effects depending on the person’s age, state of health, and allergies; but spider bites, like scorpion stings in Mexico, are rarely fatal: young children, the infirm, and older people tend to be more prone to the potential severe effects, as well as those who are (knowing or otherwise) allergic to the venom.  Healthy people with a strong constitution are unlikely to die from spider bites in Mexico.

Identify the spider

If you are bitten, the most important thing to do is try and identify the spider.  Some spider bites are painless at first, which can make this difficult; so being mindful of your actions, especially when you’re in the garden, outdoors, unpacking stored items, or working in your home can help to mitigate the risks.

Shake-out stored clothes and shoes

Spiders are nocturnal creatures, and some might find their way into your shoes or clothes left out overnight, or nest in items you leave stored or unused for a length of time.  It’s good practice to shake your shoes (especially if you’ve had them stored in the cupboard for a while) before you step into them; and also double-check any clothes which might have been left out or stored before you put them on again.

Bags and baggage

Take care when traveling, especially in rural or remote areas, as spiders and scorpions are known to crawl in to bags and remain there until you get home to unpack.  If you have travelled in a remote area, or have left a case or bag stored, take extra care with your hands as you handle it and unpack—it’s easy to get bitten or stung if a spider or scorpion has found its way into your stored bags, packed laundry or personal items.

Watch yourself

Be mindful of where you put your hands generally, and where you step—especially if you’re walking barefoot or using open shoes or sandals.

Rural and remote areas

The more rural your environment is, the more likely you are to come across arachnids in Mexico.  Gardens in country houses (and garden ornaments and outdoor furniture), wood piles, rocks piles, crevasses, window ledges, and the underside of outdoor staircases are among spiders’ preferred dwelling spaces.

Protecting your bed space

In rural areas, where wildlife is far more prevalent, you might consider buying a net to cover your beds: they’re an inexpensive and effective means of defense against mosquitoes and creepy crawlies. Spiders and scorpions crawl along ceilings and sometimes they inadvertently fall off—and if this happens over your bed, you may get bitten or stung.  A bed netting will protect you from mosquito bites as well prevent potentially-venomous spiders and scorpions from making an unhappy landing on your resting space.

Spider nests near homes

Spiders will sometimes nest in unhelpful places, like underneath window ledges, alongside steps or crevices near your home’s entrances, or in spaces where children play outdoors—tree houses, for instance.  If you find a spider nest in these types of spaces, removal is the only sensible option. Spiders are aggressive when defending their egg sacs so if the spider you find is nursing its eggs, take extra care.  Some people ask their gardener, if they hire one, to deal with them; others call a specialist company, or deal with it themselves.

Mexico Essentials tips

Connect to our Mexico Essentials section for more practical insights about living, lifestyle and leisure in Mexico

This article summarizes what is happening in Mexico and provides links to official sources of information for more details.

Summary of latest developments:

• Mexico’s main airports and sea ports remain open; however;
• the US and Mexico have agreed to prohibit all but “essential crossings” at the land border until at least March 21st, 2021;
• air travel between the United States and Mexico remains unrestricted, but we recommend you contact the airline for details about procedures and as of January 26, all international air passengers intending to fly to the US need to get tested;
• Canada has suspended air traffic to and from Mexico and also  announced that it will require a negative Covid-19 test for land crossings into the country as of February 15, 2021, with exceptions for ‘essential travelers.’
• individual Mexican states and local municipalities are themselves determining how and when they restart social, cultural, educational, and economic activities based on a ‘traffic light’ system (Red, Orange, Yellow and Green);
• Mexican tourism is returning gradually. States and destinations that rely on tourists are setting-out phased plans to reopen leisure services in the months ahead.  The Copper Canyon train returned to service on July 17, and the Monarch Butterfly sanctuaries are expected to be open to visitors this fall.  A modest flow of domestic tourism is anticipated to resume this summer and it’s expected that international tourism will take longer to return.  States and regions are actively working out the details of how hotels, restaurants and other leisure activities will reopen;
• if you intend to visit Mexico this year we strongly recommend you contact your tour operator, or your airline(s) and hotel(s) if you’re traveling independently, to ask them about the current status of travel restrictions and services in the region(s) you plan to visit;
• if you are currently in Mexico under the auspice of a Visitor permit; or have a residency visa or card that is about to expire, this article offers practical advice about what to do;
• Mexican consulates abroad are gradually reopening to provide consular services; if you are in the throes of requesting any services through a Mexican consulate abroad: including a visa, residency permit, or menaje de casa, you should contact your nearest consulate to ask about current schedules and procedures;
• the issuance and renewal of Mexican passports was suspended on March 27th 2020; passport-issuance services resumed in June 2020 on a limited basis and anyone expecting to acquire or renew a Mexican passport should expect delays;
• continuous updates are available from this official government portal: coronavirus.gob.mx;
• the US State Department is providing updated travel advisories for its citizens as situations around the world evolve
• see also: tips for staying healthy while visiting or living in Mexico.

What travel companies and tour operators are doing to help:

• travel companies and tour agencies are temporarily waiving non-refundable deposits on bookings wherever possible
• they’re also allowing booked customers to postpone or change travel dates with minimal or no change fees
• some companies and agencies are offering a full credit on cancellations, allowing their customers to re-book at some future date using the credit on account

Other websites

• Mexican Government Portal: coronavirus.gob.mx
• Local news sites (No Paywall): El Universal (EN) and Milenio (ES)

Most, with the exception of mosquitoes, will leave humans alone and more often tend to scarper from you unless they feel threatened.  However, when you’re traveling in Mexico —and particularly in rural areas— you may come into some contact with one or more of these common species which dwell locally.

Here is a list of the most commonly-found critters, with tips about dealing with them:

You can learn more about health matters, including vaccinations and common health ailments, on the Mexperience guide Travel Health in Mexico.