As Eye See It: Summertime Comes Early in San Miguel

By Bill Wilson

"¡Hace un sol de justicia!" (The sun is incredibly strong)-Mexican weather dicho

It’s May, break out the shorts! May here in the mountains of Central Mexico is hot and dry and residents await the return of the rains (usually late May to mid-June). Dust, pollen, smoke, and ozone (traffic) are constant friends.

And it is also time to contemplate purchasing a mini split air conditioner, fan, or porch umbrella. As to shorts, not often seen on locals but more of tourist togs. Thinking of the Mexican dicho on the sun, yes, it is incredibly strong here. It’s because of our elevation (6,300 feet and more) and being south of The Tropic of Cancer add up to a hot sun.

Keeping cool is important. A hat is essential. Stay hydrated but stay away from a lot of booze. Our elevation and the sun can cause dehydration, not fun for older folks. Try to do gardening and work early in the morning and in late afternoon. When in town, do what locals the world over do—walk on the shady side. When contemplating the air conditioned or fans think of what your CFE (Luz or electric bill) can be.

Weather Data

Let’s look at the weather records for May since 2020, from my two weather stations at La Lejona II:

May 2024: High 107°- Low 61°

May 2023: High 96° - Low 53°

May 2022: High 98° - Low 50°

May 2021: High 96° - Low 54°

May 2020: High 100° - Low 54°

The data was collected via my two weather stations and app apps via Ambinet.Net (available iOS and Android) and WeatherUnderground (also available on the two popular platforms).

My station ID is ISANMI1and streams to various internet sites. Another reliable station in San Miguel is Rodrigo Garibay’s station just outside of town. Most apps have maps in their display and you can navigate to stations in our area or for that matter all over the world.

Fun Facts

Mexicans drink more Coca-Cola than anyone else

If you’re a dentist looking for work then this is definitely one of the most fun facts about México. Their consumption of the world-famous drink is off the charts, with some regions of the country chugging down 2.2 liters per day of the sugary treat. 

The Azteca is the largest football stadium in Latin America

If you’re looking for a great crowd and plenty of entertainment, then a trip to the Azteca Stadium in México City is necessary. This huge structure is the largest of its kind in all of Latin America, and getting a chance to watch a match on this hallowed turf is an experience well worth having. 

You can check out vivid pink lakes in México

Las Coloradas is located in the Yucatán Peninsula, and the region is home to some truly special scenery. The waters here are cotton candy pink, and often there’s a soft blue sky to match the aesthetic, providing a wonderful place to sit back and relax. 

As many readers know I generally post a weather report on my Facebook page as well as Insiders’ News and Weather in San Miguel on Facebook.

Tip of the Hat

Raspberry to tourist traffic. Here in San Miguel we do “uno y uno” and many drivers don’t honor this system.

Kudos go to the many delivery service personnel who navigate (often iffy maneuvers) of highways and byways.

A mil gracias to the personnel at City Market who go out of the way to help befuddled expats.

Hasta el próximo mes!

Bill Wilson, 20-year San Miguel resident has a journalism career spanning 50 years covering everything the United Nations to Cub Scout news. He’s also a weather buff and first responder.