Experience Mexico City at its best: the optimal time to visit for good weather
Here’s a detailed guide about the best time to visit Mexico City, including weather by month, rainy season, high season, and best months to travel to the capital.
Mexico City, a vibrant metropolis filled with history and modernity, offers a captivating mix of culture, cuisine, and compelling architecture that has lured travelers for centuries.
As the bustling capital of Mexico and the largest city in North America, it brims with attractions.
From the ancient Aztec ruins of Teotihuacan to the grandeur of the Chapultepec Castle, the bustling markets to the top-notch museums, Mexico City is a treasure trove waiting to be discovered.
But when is the best time to visit Mexico City? To answer this, we must delve into the nuances of the city’s climate, festivities, and seasons, all of which can shape your experience.
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🙋🏽 When is the best time to visit Mexico City?
The best time to visit Mexico City is during the dry season, from late October to early May.
This period offers mild temperatures, averaging between 21-24°C (70-75°F) and fewer rain showers, making it ideal for exploring the city’s rich history, cultural attractions, and beautiful parks.
The busiest tourist season is December and January, so if you want to avoid crowds, consider visiting in late fall or early spring.
During these times, the city’s vibrant markets, world-class museums, and bustling neighborhoods are comfortably explorable.
The “Dia de los Muertos”, or Day of the Dead in Mexico City is in early November and offers a unique cultural experience.
📅 Mexico City weather by month
January in Mexico City
The year starts with mild, dry weather and temperatures averaging 14°C (57°F), perfect for exploring the city’s attractions. It’s typically sunny, so pack your sunglasses!
January 6th sees the Three Kings Day (Día de los Reyes Magos), where families come together to celebrate, exchange gifts, and enjoy the traditional Rosca de Reyes cake.
It’s an excellent time to enjoy the festive atmosphere and explore historical sites such as Templo Mayor and Palacio Nacional.
February in Mexico City
February brings slightly warmer weather with average temperatures of 15°C (59°F) and plenty of sunny days. Pack light clothing for the day and layers for cooler nights.
The Festival del Centro Histórico, a major cultural event featuring a variety of music, theatre, and dance performances, usually happens this month.
Don’t miss the chance to explore the Chapultepec Castle, the Zocalo, or even take a boat ride in Xochimilco’s canals.
March in Mexico City
In March, the weather warms up to around 18°C (64°F) and remains sunny and dry. It marks the beginning of the dry season, an ideal time to explore the city’s outdoors.
A special event is the Spring Equinox celebration at the Teotihuacan pyramids, a breathtaking sight attended by many for traditional rituals and ceremonies.
April in Mexico City
April in Mexico City has dry weather with temperatures averaging 20°C (68°F). Sunny days are perfect for visiting the city’s parks, such as Chapultepec, which is full of blooming Jacaranda trees at this time.
The Feria de las Culturas Amigas, a festival celebrating international cultures, usually takes place this month, offering food, performances, and cultural exhibits from various countries.
May in Mexico City
May in Mexico City maintains a similar temperature to April, around 20°C (68°F), but rainfall starts to increase towards the end of the month.
Despite the occasional showers, it’s a good time to indulge in the city’s gastronomy, especially during Cinco de Mayo.
This holiday celebrates Mexico’s victory at the Battle of Puebla with food festivals, parades, and cultural shows.
June in Mexico City
June marks the beginning of the rainy season, but mornings are usually sunny. Average temperatures hover around 19°C (66°F).
It’s a perfect month for museum visits, especially on International Museum Day, when some museums offer free entrance.
An umbrella or raincoat might come in handy for sudden showers in the afternoon.
July in Mexico City
July continues with the rainy season and temperatures averaging 18°C (64°F). Showers are typical in the afternoon, so packing an umbrella or raincoat is wise.
The Guanajuato International Film Festival, one of the most significant cinema events in Latin America, usually takes place this month.
It features a variety of screenings, workshops, and talks in various venues, including outdoor ones. Despite the rain, it’s an event not to miss for film enthusiasts.
August in Mexico City
The rainy season continues in August, with temperatures averaging 18°C (64°F). It’s advisable to pack waterproof shoes and a raincoat.
Despite the showers, there are plenty of indoor attractions to enjoy, like the numerous art museums and galleries.
However, don’t let the rain deter you from exploring Xochimilco’s colorful canals. The Feria de la Enchilada, an event dedicated to the iconic enchilada dish, takes place in Xochimilco this month.
September in Mexico City
In September, the weather starts to cool down, with temperatures averaging 17°C (63°F). The city experiences a mix of sunny and rainy days.
September 16th, Mexico’s Independence Day, is a significant event marked by parades, music, fireworks, and traditional food.
Join the locals in the iconic shout of independence, the “Grito de Dolores,” at the Zocalo.
October in Mexico City
October ushers in the cool, dry season with average temperatures around 15°C (59°F). Sunny, clear skies make it a great month for outdoor activities.
The Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) celebration at the end of October is a cultural experience to remember.
Expect to see colorful altars, parades, and traditional foods as part of this deeply cultural event.
November in Mexico City
November brings cooler weather, with average temperatures dropping to 14°C (57°F). The weather is usually dry with plenty of sunshine.
This month, the Leon International Balloon Festival takes place, featuring hundreds of hot air balloons from around the world. It’s an impressive sight and a wonderful photo opportunity.
December in Mexico City
December is the coolest month, with temperatures averaging 14°C (57°F). The weather is dry, making it perfect for sightseeing.
The Christmas season transforms the city with decorations, nativity scenes, and festive foods.
Las Posadas, a traditional Christmas celebration, takes place across the city, culminating with vibrant processions, piñatas, and parties on Christmas Eve.
🧳 Tourist seasons in Mexico City
High season in Mexico City: December to March
The high season in Mexico City corresponds with the dry and relatively cooler months of December through March.
During this time, average temperatures range from 14°C to 18°C (57°F to 64°F), offering ideal weather for sightseeing. The skies are generally clear and sunny.
You can expect significant tourist crowds, especially during Christmas and Easter. Due to the high demand, accommodation and flight prices tend to be higher. Early booking is recommended.
Low season in Mexico City: June to September
The low season falls during the city’s rainy period, from June to September. Average temperatures hover around 18°C to 19°C (64°F to 66°F).
Rain showers are frequent, particularly afternoons, but mornings are typically sunny. Despite the rain, indoor attractions like museums, art galleries, and restaurants are in full swing.
Travelers can enjoy reduced accommodation and flight prices. Just be sure to pack an umbrella or raincoat!
Shoulder season in Mexico City: (April – May and October – November)
The shoulder season falls in the transitional periods between the high and low seasons, from April to May and October to November.
These months offer a balance of reasonable weather, with temperatures averaging around 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F), and fewer tourists. Rainfall starts to increase in May and decreases in October.
Accommodation and flight prices are generally more affordable compared to the high season.
🌤️ Seasons, climate and weather in Mexico City
Mexico City has a subtropical highland climate, resulting in a mix of different seasons throughout the year.
Its altitude of 2,250 meters (7,382 feet) above sea level significantly impacts its weather patterns, giving it milder temperatures than you might expect for a city situated in the tropics.
Dry Season (November to April)
The dry season is characterized by minimal rainfall and predominantly clear, sunny skies. This period falls during the colder months of the year.
From November to February, average temperatures range from 14°C to 15°C (57°F to 59°F), with December and January being the coolest months.
As the season progresses into March and April, the temperature begins to rise, with averages around 18°C to 20°C (64°F to 68°F).
Evenings can be chilly, especially in the earlier months, so it’s wise to pack some warmer clothing.
Rainy Season (May to October)
The rainy season typically begins in late May and lasts until October. This period sees higher temperatures, ranging from 18°C to 20°C (64°F to 68°F), with May being the hottest month.
Afternoon showers are common during this season, but mornings usually remain sunny. The rainfall provides a welcome relief from the heat and keeps the city’s gardens lush and green.
Despite the name “rainy season,” there are plenty of dry periods, and the rain rarely disrupts activities for long.
Mexico City generally does not experience extreme temperatures due to its high elevation. The weather is usually mild and pleasant, making it a comfortable city to visit at any time of the year.
☀️ Best time to visit Mexico City for good weather
The best time to visit Mexico City for good weather is during the dry season, which typically runs from November through April.
During these months, the city experiences less rainfall and enjoys clear, sunny skies, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
March and April in Mexico City, right before the rainy season begins, are particularly appealing.
They offer warmer temperatures averaging around 18°C to 20°C (64°F to 68°F), and the city’s parks and gardens burst into bloom, particularly the beautiful Jacaranda trees.
However, even during the rainy season (May through October), mornings are typically sunny, and rain usually falls in the late afternoon or evening, meaning sightseeing can still be enjoyable.
The rains also bring freshness to the city and keep the gardens lush and green.
Remember, Mexico City’s weather can change quickly, so no matter when you go, it’s a good idea to pack layers and be prepared for various conditions.
💲 Cheapest month to visit Mexico City
The cheapest time to visit Mexico City tends to be during the low season, which runs from June to September.
This period coincides with the rainy season when there are fewer tourists, leading to lower prices for accommodation and sometimes airfare.
However, the rain typically falls in the late afternoons and evenings, so there’s still plenty of time to explore the city during the drier mornings and early afternoons.
While costs can be lower during these months, it’s always important to book in advance and compare prices, as there can be variations depending on factors like specific travel dates and how far in advance you book.
Also, some attractions may have shorter operating hours or be less appealing during the rainy season, so it’s important to consider your priorities when planning your trip.
☔ Rainy season in Mexico City
The rainy season in Mexico City typically extends from late May to October. Contrary to what some may expect, the rainy season doesn’t mean constant downpours throughout the day.
Usually, mornings and early afternoons remain sunny and warm, with showers more likely to occur in the late afternoon and evening.
It’s common to have a bright sunny morning followed by a few hours of heavy rain in the late afternoon, often clearing up by evening.
Rainfall tends to be heavier in the months of July, August, and September. While it can occasionally disrupt outdoor activities, the city is well-prepared for these conditions, and life generally continues as normal.
It’s also important to note that the rain brings cooler temperatures, providing a welcome respite from the heat, and keeps the city’s parks and gardens lush and green.
For travelers, it’s wise to pack an umbrella, raincoat, and waterproof shoes. If you plan to visit outdoor attractions, try to do so in the morning when it’s less likely to rain.
The city has many indoor attractions such as museums, art galleries, and restaurants that can be enjoyed irrespective of the weather.
Even during the rainy season, Mexico City has plenty to offer, and the rain can even add to the city’s charm. Just remember to check the daily weather forecast and plan your activities accordingly.
