Mexico Weather And Wildlife

Due to its varied climate, Mexico is one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world, hosting an estimated 10% of the world’s plant and animal species. Mexico’s climate ranges from arid areas in the north to subtropical conditions in the south. The country essentially has two seasons: wet (May-Aug.) and dry (Sept.-Apr.). Hurricanes and tropical storms sometimes stir up along the southern coasts in August and September, while the north remains relatively dry.

Baja and the northern Pacific Coast are home to a number of large aquatic mammals. Those who want to swim with dolphins or snorkel with sea lions can easily find an adventure program along the coast , while those who prefer to watch sea creatures from a safe distance can do so at various whale watching spots . Baja also offers ample opportunities to view the mating of rare elephant seals. Bahía de Sebastián Vizcaíno , near Guerrero Negro, is the best place to see them in action. The beach is on the border of Mexico’s largest biosphere reserve, la Reserva de la Biosfera el Vizcaíno.

The Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts meet in the north of Mexico. Together with the Mojave and Great Basin deserts in the US, they comprise one of the world’s largest desert regions. Over 250 kinds of cactus grow in the Chihuahan Desert . Not to be outdone, the Sonoran Desert is the only place to find the huge cardón cactus, which dominates the parched landscape, and the unique boojum tree, a spiky, drought-resistant plant that can reach heights over 15m. At lower elevations (300-1000m), the mountainside is covered in deciduous forest. Flowering plants such as orchids and bromeliads flourish during summer; at higher altitudes (1000-2000m), the forests are dominated by coniferous pines, junipers, and evergreen oaks. Between the mountain ranges, the Altiplano is covered in grassland, peppered with scrub brush, prickly-pear cactus, and mammals including foxes, mountain lions, and coyotes.

The states of Tabasco and Campeche, southwest of the Yucatán Peninsula, contain the only true rainforests in Mexico. Anteaters, jaguars, tapirs, and monkeys abound, along with endless varieties of birds, lizards, frogs, and insects. At higher elevations, the rainforests give way to cloud forests, where moisture from standing clouds continually surrounds the forests. The Selva Lacandona , home of the Zapatista rebels, is Mexico’s largest tropical forest.

Pollution, deforestation, and erosion are serious environmental concerns in Mexico. Mexico City is infamous for its poor air quality, despite recent reforms. In the vast expanses outside the city, logging and deforestation have endangered many rare species and have also contributed to land erosion, causing water pollution and loss of arable land. To minimize your impact on this already-fragile environment, see for information about sustainable travel.