Wondering when is the best time to visit Mexico City? Mexico’s capital is a wonderful year-round travel destination and truthfully, you can have a wonderful time here whenever you choose to visit.
That being said, some months are better than others. The weather conditions here fluctuate a lot throughout the year.
Similarly, incredible cultural festivals and celebrations are hosted here during certain months. If you can be flexible with your travel dates, it may be worth planning your trip so that it coincides with a festival or parade. That way, you truly get to see Mexico City at its very best.
What is the Best Time to Visit Mexico City?
For the very best weather conditions, the best time to visit Mexico City is between March and May or in October and November. During these months, the weather is mild and mostly dry.
The rainy season in Mexico City (like much of Mexico) runs between June and September. While downpours are usually brief and don’t last an entire day, this can have an impact on your travel experience and make the experience of exploring outdoor attractions (like Teotihuacan and Xochimilco) less pleasant.
Many domestic and international travelers love to visit Mexico City for a city break, especially for events such as the Gay Pride parade in June, or Día de Los Muertos in November. Some hotels are at full capacity for such events and prices are at an all-time high.
However generally, while tourists do visit Mexico City, they do not do so to the same extent as Mexicos resort destinations like say, Cancun, Cabo, or Tulum. So, there is never a time of year when you head here and find that everywhere is absolutely swarming with tourists and it impacts your experience.
Mexico City sits at a high altitude some 7,200 feet above sea level. While some months are warm and pleasant, the temperatures here are generally much cooler than in other parts of the country.
Generally speaking, you need to be prepared to layer up if you come here. If you are visiting Mexico City as part of a wider travel itinerary that includes tropical Mexican beach towns, you need to pack for several seasons.
Mexico City in January
January is the coldest month in Mexico City. However, that being said, while it may be “cold” by Mexican standards, the conditions are probably a lot warmer than what you are used to in your home country.
Expect daytime temperatures that range between 65°F and 71°F. It gets colder at night and in the mornings so packing sweaters and a coat is a must.
The skies can sometimes be cloudy and overcast but rain is pretty uncommon in January. At this time of year, accommodation, hotels, and excursions are often at their cheapest.
Mexico City in January: Events and Festivals
If you are heading to Mexico City in January, depending on what time of the month you travel, you may have the opportunity to still see the city’s Christmas decorations. Almost everything is closed on New Year’s Day which is a public holiday, and a day where Mexicans spend time with their families (much like in many other countries around the globe!)
However, many world-class and international restaurants remain open (reservations are usually recommended) and there are other things that you can do. For instance, you can embark on a self-guided walking tour around the neighborhoods of Roma and Polanco to see the street art, or you can hire a private boat for the day and hang out with your friends in Xochimilco.
The Three Kings Day (El Dia de Los Reyes) is one of the biggest Mexican traditions. This takes place throughout Mexico, Latin America, and parts of Europe on the 6th of January.
It recognizes the day that the Three Kings visited Jesus in Bethlehem. Some Mexican children do not open their Christmas presents on the 25th of December and receive gifts on the 6th of January instead. Other lucky children get gifts on both days!
This is a day to be spent with family and enjoy good food and if you are lucky enough to be invited into a Mexican household, it can be a wonderful experience. During this time, bakeries sell a type of sweet bread known as Rosca Del Reyes.
It is worth buying one to try! January is the high season for other parts of Mexico such as Merida and various places in the Yucatan. If you are visiting Mexico City as part of a wider trip, you will experience coastal Mexico when the weather conditions are at their best.
Mexico City in February
Mexico City in February sees similar weather conditions to January, albeit marginally warmer. Expect daily temperatures of between 72°F to 76°F, with cooler temperatures at night.
This is one of the cheapest times to travel to Mexico City. There are also many notable cultural events happening at this time of year.
Mexico City in February: Events and Festivals
February marks carnival season in Mexico, although unfortunately (and surprisingly?) no grand events are hosted in Mexico City during this time. If you are making multiple stops on your trip to Mexico, you could consider attending carnival celebrations somewhere like Campeche, or Veracruz. Then, continue on to the country’s capital for your Mexico City itinerary.
Mexicans celebrate The Dia de La Candeleria on the 2nd of February. This date marks 40 days since Christmas and a grand, vibrant festival takes place in the leafy suburb of Coyoacan. Traditionally, tamales are eaten, along with a feast of other Mexican foods.
Two of the city’s main art fairs (Zona Maco and the Material Art Fair) take place in Mexico City in February. They can be worth attending if you have a love for the arts, or even if you just want to enjoy a spot of people-watching.
Mexico City in March
Mexico City in March marks the start of spring and what is essentially the high season in this part of the country. Purple jacaranda trees bloom around the city, boasting a natural beauty that would rival Japan’s cherry blossoms.
If you want to see these gorgeous trees in full bloom, you don’t have to venture far. You will find them all over the city and will probably stumble across a bunch of them without making any effort to do so.
One great place to stop by is Alameda Central, the little park close to the famous Palacio de Bellas Artes. Chapultepec Park is filled with jacaranda trees, and many of the streets in Condesa and Roma are lined with them.
Weather-wise, temperatures start warming up a little bit in Mexico City in March. Expect daily temperatures between 76°F and 79°F.
It never gets extremely hot here so it is still important to pack layers and a jacket. This is arguably the best time to visit Mexico City. It is a good idea to reserve your flights and accommodation in advance to avoid disappointment as more tourists start traveling during this time of year.
Mexico City in March: Events and Festivals
Vive Latino, one of Mexico City’s largest music festivals, takes place at the Foro Sol sports stadium in March. People travel from across Mexico (and Latin America) to attend and the event hosts various musicians from a wide number of music genres.
Mexico City in April
April is one of the best times to go to Mexico City. Mexico City in April sees warmer weather and daily temperatures of around 79°F.
You can usually comfortably walk around in t-shirts and jeans, or skirts and sundresses during the day. However, you still need to pack a couple of light, comfortable layers for the cooler mornings and evenings.
Mexico City in April: Events and Festivals
The Holy Week of Semana Santa falls in April. In 2023, this will run from the 2nd to the 8th of April.
Most Mexicans are Catholic, although here like in many countries, some people are more religious than others. During this time, you will notice that many Mexican churches decorate their front doors with palm fronds.
A lot of people attend a Catholic Mass on Holy Thursday. On Good Friday, many neighborhoods host processions where people reenact Jesus’ walk to be crucified.
Mexican schools have a two-week vacation during this time and a lot of people leave the city to head to coastal destinations (Puerto Vallarta, Yucatan beaches, etc) to enjoy the sun. Airports can be chaotic and crowded during this time so take that into consideration when booking your flights.
Mexico City in May
Mexico City in May is essentially the hottest time of the year in the Mexican capital. Average daily temperatures are around 79°F – 80°F and conditions are usually even pretty mild at night.
Still, it is always a good idea to pack layers here as sometimes the weather can be a bit unpredictable. June marks the start of the rainy season and the occasional downpours are not unheard of during the last days of May. It is a good idea to pack a rain mac or an umbrella at this time, just in case.
Mexico City in May: Events and Festivals
Cinco de Mayo is probably the best-known Mexican holiday that is associated with May. However, it may come as a surprise to hear that this holiday is celebrated more in the USA than it is in Mexico!
The holiday celebrates Mexico’s victory over the French in the battle of Puebla in 1862. There aren’t really any major celebrations in Mexico City for this, but in Puebla, you will find street parades complete with mariachi bands and flamenco dancers.
Puebla is less than 2 hours away from Mexico City and it makes a great day trip. (You can also stay in a quaint Puebla boutique hotel overnight if your schedule allows). If you have a strong interest in Mexican culture, you may want to consider doing this.
Mexico City in June
Mexico City in June marks the start of the rainy season and with the arrival of the rain comes a reduced number of tourists. This is great if you are traveling to Mexico on a budget as you will often find that hotel prices are cheaper during the rainy season.
Expect daytime temperatures of around 75°F – 79°F. Nights are also mild, with an average temperature of around 56°F – 60°F. Still, it is a good idea to pack a light jacket and layers.
June is arguably the rainiest month in Mexico City, with an average rainfall of around 140mm (5.5in) per day. Check the weather forecast as you plan your itinerary as it is usually pretty accurate by way of scheduled showers and storms.
Rain usually comes in the form of brief showers and doesn’t last the entire day. However, it is a good idea to know the weather schedule for the day so that you don’t get caught out in a storm. Fortunately, Mexico City boasts plenty of excellent museums, cafes, restaurants, and cultural centers where you can seek refuge on a rainy day.
Mexico City in June: Events and Festivals
Pride month is celebrated in Mexico City in June, like many destinations across the world. You will see rainbow flags and decorations displayed inside and outside of various buildings, including the iconic Torre Latinoamericana.
The Mexico City pride parade is the largest of its kind in Mexico and one of the largest in wider Latin America, second only to the pride celebrations in São Paulo, Brazil. In 2023, celebrations are scheduled to take place between the 23rd and the 25th of June and this will be the city’s 44th year of its “Marcha del Orgullo LGBTTI.”
The main parade starts at 10 am outside the El Ángel de la Independencia victory column in Zona Rosa. It then continues all the way to the Zocalo. After that, all day and all night parties and celebrations are held in the Zocalo, as well as various pride parties around town.
Mexico City in July
Mexico City in July can be very rainy, with frequent showers occurring on a near daily basis. The average daily rainfall at this time is around 189mm (7.4in), so packing waterproofs is a must.
Rain aside, the temperatures are fairly hot. Expect daytime temperatures of around 72°F – 74°F. It is often cloudy and overcast most of the time, but just like in June, showers are usually short-lived and quickly subside.
Mexico City in August
Mexico City in August sees the warm yet rainy days continue. Still, you may find some excellent flight bargains and hotel deals if you are traveling during this time.
Expect an average daily rainfall of around 171mm (6.7in). Daily temperatures tend to be between 70°F and 74°F.
Mexico City in September
The weather in Mexico City in September is slightly cooler than in August, but with a still pleasant daytime average of around 69°F. This is essentially the last month of the rainy season, with approximately 116mm (4.57inches) of rain per day.
Mexico City in September: Events and Festivals
Mexican Independence Day falls on the 15th of September every year and is one of the most important annual celebrations in the country. This holiday celebrates the country’s freedom from Spain after an 11-year war following an uprising on September 16, 1810.
The day is often referred to as ‘El Grito’ or El Grito de Independencia. Head to the Zocalo (Central square of CDMX) to watch the Mexican President give a speech on the balcony of the Palacio de Gobierno. Various street parties and firework celebrations are hosted across the city, with numerous luxurious hotels hosting their own events.
Mexico City in October
Visiting Mexico City in October means daily temperatures between 67°F and 73°F. The rainy season is mostly over by this point, although a few rainy days here and there are not unheard of.
As the temperatures start to drop with the approach of Autumn and Winter, it is important to pack layers and check the weather forecast before you travel. The evenings can get very chilly.
Mexico City in October: Events and Festivals
October marks the start of the Dia de Los Muertos celebrations, even if the official holiday is in early November. Towards the end of the month, giant ofrendas (altars) are set up in squares and museums around town, and bakeries start selling Day of the Dead treats such as pan de Muerto (bread of the dead) and sugar skulls (calaveras).
If you are visiting Mexico towards the end of the month, you can enjoy the festive vibe, even if you are not going to be around for the main celebrations. You will also note that a lot of stores start selling Dia de Los Muertos decorations, which in themselves make wonderful Mexican souvenirs.
Mexico City in November
November is one of the best months to travel to Mexico City. The temperatures are still relatively mild, the rainy season is over and yet the peak travel season has not yet begun.
So, travel and accommodation costs are still moderate. There are also a lot of wonderful celebrations taking place in the city at this time.
You can expect daytime temperatures of around 70°F to 72°F if traveling to Mexico City in November. Rainfall is relatively unheard of at this time of year and the dry season has truly begun.
Mexico City in November: Events and Festivals
Several important events take place in Mexico City in November. Most notably, the Dia de Los Muertos (November 1st and 2nd), and Mexican Revolution Day on November 20th.
A grand parade takes place throughout the streets of Mexico City. Expect larger-than-life skeleton floats, alebrijes (mythical spirit creatures), marigolds, catrinas, and traditional dancers.
Millions of people from across Mexico travel to the capital to see the Day of the Dead celebrations. The parades and festivities here are arguably the best in Mexico (perhaps in parallel to those in Oaxaca).
Interestingly, this parade has only been running for the last few years. It was inspired by the huge Dia de Los Muertos parade that was featured in the James Bond movie Spectre, and never existed prior to that!
Revolution Day, (el Día de la Revolución) takes place on the 20th November every year. On this date, street parades and processions are held across Mexico City and wider Mexico. The holiday celebrates the end of a 10-year revolution against Dictator José de la Cruz Porfirio Diaz Mori.
Finally, the end of November marks the start of the festive Christmas season. Like many countries in the world, the commercialization of the holidays sees Christmas stock and decorations being displayed in stores in Mexico earlier and earlier each year. Many Christmas trees and illuminations around the city see their lights turned on in the final weeks of November.
Mexico City in December
The Christmas period is a magical time to travel to Mexico City. December is a great time to travel to Mexico, in general. Expect dry conditions and average daily temperatures of around 70°F.
Mexico City in December: Events and Festivals
Christmas celebrations in Mexico usually start around the 12th of December, the start of the Guadalupe Reyes season. The Paseo de la Reforma is filled with poinsettias, Christmas lights, and nativity displays.
Christmas markets take place all over the city – from Coyoacan to Roma and everywhere in between. Here you can buy everything from traditional decorations and paper lanterns to festive Mexico drinks like Rompope – the Mexican version of eggnog prepared with fresh cream, sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
The 12th of December is the Día de Guadalupe. On this day, devout Catholics from across the country embark on a pilgrimage to the Basilica de Guadalupe in Mexico City.
Coca-Cola usually organizes a festive parade known as the desfile Coca-Cola through many Mexican towns and cities, including Mexico City. Christmas Eve (Noche Buena) sees many people attend Catholic mass at their local church, while Christmas day is a public holiday to be spent with family.
Parties and firework celebrations take place all over the city for New Year’s Eve (Nochevieja). Advanced bookings are usually necessary for a lot of the most popular places.
Best Time to Visit Mexico City FAQs
What is the rainy season in Mexico City?
The rainy season in Mexico City runs between June and September. However, at the same time, traveling during this season does not mean that your trip will be ruined.
Showers are usually brief and do not last the whole day. Just be sure to check the daily forecasts and pack plenty of waterproofs!
What is the cheapest time to visit Mexico City?
The rainy season (aka between June and late September) is arguably the cheapest time to visit Mexico City. This is the “off-season” for the majority of Mexico.
Travel prices in general are at their lowest at this point. Hotels often slash their room rates quite substantially in order to fill their rooms. You may also be able to secure cheaper flights at this time too as there is less demand.
When should you go to Mexico City?
The best time to visit Mexico City depends a lot on you, your personal preferences, your budget, and your travel style. The overall best time to travel is either between March and April or October and November.
The months of March and April are essentially in the height of the peak season. However, Mexico City never gets overcrowded with tourists so traveling during this time does not feel overwhelming.
The temperature conditions at this time are at their most pleasant, and you can see the purple jacaranda trees in bloom. If you are on a tight budget and want to spend as little as possible, the months of June through September may be the best time to visit Mexico City, though keep in mind that this is the rainy season.
If you like experiencing cultural events, you will enjoy traveling in October and November. Some of the most notable festivities take place at this time – including Dia de Los Muertos.
Does it rain often in Mexico City?
It rains a lot in Mexico City during the wet season (from June through to late September). You can expect a lot of rain if traveling during this time. However, if you are visiting at other points of the year, you can expect relatively dry weather.
What is the worst time to visit Mexico City?
Mexico City is a year-round travel destination and there is arguably no such thing as a really terrible time to visit. That being said, not everyone will enjoy traveling during the rainy season (June through September).
Best time to go to Xochimilco
Xochimilco, like Mexico City in general, is a good year-round destination. However, because sailing down the network of rivers here entails spending so much time outside without a shelter, you probably want to avoid traveling during the rainy season.
So, the best time to go to Xochimilco is either between March and April, or October and November. This way, you can experience the best weather conditions.
Final Thoughts
Have you traveled to Mexico City? What did you think?
Do you agree with these suggestions on the best time to visit Mexico City? You may also be interested in this post on where to stay in Mexico City.
Safe travels and have a wonderful time in Mexico. Buen Viaje! xo
