Mexico's Latitudinal Extent: From Middle Latitudes into the Tropics

Mexico extends from the middle latitudes (temperate zone) in the north down into the tropics in the south.

Latitudinal Range

• Northernmost: ~32°43′ N (Monument 206, Baja California / Arizona border) — similar latitude to Savannah, GA / Damascus, Syria.
• Southernmost: ~14°32′ N (Suchiate River, Chiapas/Guatemala border) — well within the tropics (Tropic of Cancer = 23.5° N).

Climate Implications

• North of Tropic of Cancer (~23.5°N): Subtropical/temperate — distinct seasons, winter frost, snow in mountains (Chihuahua, Durango, Baja).
• South of Tropic of Cancer: Tropical — minimal seasonal temperature variation, wet/dry seasons, year-round warmth (Yucatán, Chiapas, Oaxaca coast).

This latitudinal span (~18° of latitude, ~2,000 km / 1,250 mi north-south) creates Mexico's extraordinary climatic and ecological diversity — from alpine tundra to coral reefs.