The Best Time to Visit Mexico City: The Complete Guide
Wondering when is the best time to visit Mexico City? Here’s all the information you need to know!
Mexico City is a sprawling metropolis that is steeped in history and culture.
It’s easily one of the most interesting cities in the world and has something for everyone no matter your travel style.
Modern buildings, history everywhere you look, art in every single corner, nature all around it, and a plethora of attractions to suit your every mood? We’ve got it!
As a local, I consider Mexico City to be one of the places in the world with the best weather.
The city very rarely gets too hot unless there’s a country-wide heat wave and temperatures are usually super pleasant almost year-round.
It can get cold here during the fall and winter, but the type of cold that allows you to wear stylish fall outfits, which is great!
In this blog post, I’ll share everything you need to consider when it comes to deciding when to go to Mexico City, including temperatures, rain, festivities, events, and even flowers!
When is the best time to visit Mexico City?
The best time to visit Mexico City largely depends on your interests and what you want to get out of your visit to the city.
Here’s what to consider when planning when to visit the Mexican capital:
💵 Best time to visit for cheap prices
Prices in Mexico City stay pretty much the same throughout the year, but you should be able to find cheaper flights and accommodation prices between April to June and September to November.
During these months, flights and accommodations are generally less expensive due to a decrease in demand, but don’t expect to see much of a difference in food, tours, and activities as they stay pretty much the same throughout the year.
👩👩👧👧 Best time to visit for fewer crowds
Mexico City is a pretty crowded city in and of itself considering over 20 million people live here.
The best time to visit for fewer crowds is when Mexico City locals are on vacation, which usually happens around Semana Santa (Spring Break), June and July, and Christmas.
January is also great to avoid crowds and queues at attractions, as locals tend to get back to work and school and the city feels generally calmer compared to the rest of the year.
🌸 Best time to visit for flower blooming
Jacarandas are Mexico City’s staple flowers. They usually start to bloom around the beginning of March and the city stays blanketed in purple through April.
Sometimes, they linger around until May as well, but my recommendation would be to visit on the last week of March or the first two weeks of April to see them in their full glory.
Another great time to visit for flowers is October and early November.
October marks the beginning of the Day of the Dead season and plenty of avenues, parks, and venues get decorated by orange cempasúchil flowers.
Finally, poinsettias bloom from November to January, they’re known as the “Christmas flower” and mark the beginning of the holiday season in Mexico City.
Moreover, there are plenty of flower festivals going on around the city throughout the year.
You’ll find the annual Festival de Flores at the Zocalo in April, the Feria de las Flores de San Angel in July, and the FYJA Polanco in July, to name just a few!
🏃🏼 Best time to visit for activities
There’s always something going on in Mexico City, so there’s not a particular “best month to visit Mexico City” for activities unless you want to do something very specific (like Formula 1 in November or Day of the Dead, etc).
☀️ Best time to visit for good weather
The ideal time for you to visit Mexico City for good weather is between the months of October to April.
During this time, Mexico City experiences its dry season with minimal rainfall and moderate temperatures.
The months of December to February can be cooler, so I definitely recommend you bring some warm clothing for the evenings.
🎊 Best time to visit for festivals
Us Mexico City locals love festivals, so rest assured there will ALWAYS be something going on no matter when you visit (sometimes it’s stressful living here because you feel like you should be “everywhere”).
The “quietest” time for festivals is usually between June and August as this is the heaviest part of the rainy season, but even then, you’re still bound to find some indoor events going on regardless.
There are also festivals for every single interest out there, so whether you’re on the lookout for a kickass music festival, a K-pop event, or an artsy extravaganza, you’re bound to find something going on here.
Some of the most popular annual festivals in Mexico City include:
👉🏻 Zona Maco – First week of February
👉🏻 Electric Day Festival – March
👉🏻 Festival de Jazz Polanco – April
👉🏻 Tecate Emblema – Mayo
👉🏻 Corona Capital – October
👉🏻 Formula 1 Mexico (lots of music festivals revolve around it) – November
👉🏻 Flow Fest – November
👉🏻 Day of the Dead – Late October and early November
Best time to go to Mexico City by month
Mexico City is a mecca for festivities and the weather varies from month to month.
Let’s take a deeper look into what Mexico City is like in terms of temperatures, vibes, and events every month of the year:
📅 Mexico City in January
January is generally the quietest month in Mexico City after the holiday season.
This makes it ideal to visit for shorter queues and for a more peaceful atmosphere.
You should expect chilly weather, so make sure to pack a jacket and warm clothes.
🏆 Events & Festivals
✔️ New Year
✔️ King’s Day / Día de Reyes Magos (January 6th)
📅 Mexico City in February
February is also one of the best months to be in Mexico City if you like art because Zona MACO takes place.
This is a very large art festival that happens all throughout the city, so you’ll find a plethora of galleries, exhibitions, events, and parties that revolve around art.
The weather is usually still chilly but sometimes, it can get pretty hot in February with random rain showers popping up.
The weather in Mexico City in February tends to make no sense, so locals often refer to it as “Febrero loco” (crazy February). Packing layers for February in Mexico City is key!
🏆 Events & Festivals
✔️ Zona MACO (contemporary art festival that lasts an entire week)
✔️ Constitution Day (February 5th)
✔️ Flag Day (February 24th)
📅 Mexico City in March
March is a lovely time to visit Mexico City, as the weather is usually mild and pleasant (it’s my favorite month in the city weather-wise).
You can enjoy outdoor activities without the sweltering heat or heavy rain and days are usually bright and sunny in March.
Moreover, March is the month when jacarandas begin to bloom all over the city, making it look bright and purple!
Throughout March, you can expect major avenues, streets, parks, and monuments to get covered by beautiful purple flowers.
It’s definitely a great month to visit, especially if you’re a photographer and want to capture the phenomenon!
🏆 Events & Festivals
✔️ Vive Latino (Music Festival)
✔️ Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC)
✔️ Fundación de Tenochtitlán Day (March 24th)
📅 Mexico City in April
April sees a gradual increase in temperature, making it a great time to visit if you prefer warmer weather (I consider it the hottest month in Mexico City).
It is relatively dry, so you will be able to explore the city comfortably but I do see some people struggle more with allergies and altitude during this time of the year, so make sure to drink lots of water and rest as much as possible if you suffer from altitude sickness.
Moreover, jacarandas are still blooming in April and are usually at their peak!
🏆 Events & Festivals
✔️ Festival de Jazz Polanco
✔️ Festival de las Flores (Flower Festival)
📅 Mexico City in May
May is a bit whacky in terms of weather as it can be pretty hot but occasional showers start popping up, so pack an umbrella just in case.
You will also find plenty of events on Mexico City’s calendar that celebrate culture and arts during May.
🏆 Events & Festivals
✔️ Habitat Expo
✔️ Explo Publicitas
✔️ Six Flags’ Fun Nights
✔️ Nighttime Picnics at Chapultepec Park
✔️ Feria Yucateca in El Zócalo
✔️ Agave Fest
✔️ Museum Nights (Noche de Museos)
📅 Mexico City in June
June in Mexico City can be quite warm and sunny at midday with average temperatures around 24°C (75°F), afternoon showers, and somewhat chilly evenings.
Since it usually only rains in the afternoons, you should be fine exploring outdoors in the mornings and indoor attractions in the afternoons (there are lots of museums, galleries, eateries, etc to keep you entertained!).
🏆 Events & Festivals
✔️ Wine and Food Festival
📅 Mexico City in July
Much like July, the weather gets pretty hot during the mornings.
July is usually the rainiest of all months and what I consider to be the worst time to visit Mexico City weather-wise.
You can expect showers almost daily (hail is common in July!).
Rain usually begins around 3 PM or so, so you should still be able to enjoy plenty of activities during the mornings.
🏆 Events & Festivals
✔️ Mexico City Half Marathon
📅 Mexico City in August
In August, the rainy season continues in Mexico City.
However, this doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your visit as much as in June and July, showers usually start in the afternoon.
August tends to be pretty quiet in terms of events in the city. It usually feels calmer as kids return to school this month.
🏆 Events & Festivals
✔️ Mexico City Marathon
📅 Mexico City in September
September sees the end of the rainy season in Mexico City, with fewer showers and more sunshine.
The weather is warm, making it a great time to explore its vibrant street life and cultural events (still, you should still expect sporadic rains here and there!).
September is also when Mexico celebrates its Independence Day, so expect a pretty vibrant atmosphere and lots of events celebrating the country’s culture and heritage.
🏆 Events & Festivals
✔️ Independence Day (September 16th)
✔️ Día de los Niños Héroes
📅 Mexico City in October
October is one of my favorite months to visit Mexico City not just because the weather is generally great and the rain is more sparse, but also because it marks the onset of the Day of the Dead and Halloween celebrations!
Needless to say, October is definitely one of the best times of the year to visit Mexico City.
You’ll find lots of festivities, events, and art all over the city dedicated to Día de Muertos as well as plenty of horror festivals (don’t miss out on the Six Flag’s Horror Festival!).
Moreover, cempasuchil flowers sprawl up all over the city, making it look even more beautiful.
🏆 Events & Festivals
✔️ Desfile de Alebrijes
✔️ DocsMX (documentary film festival)
✔️ Abierto Mexicano de Diseño (Design festival)
✔️ La Llorona en Xochimilco (Theater performance held at night in the canals of Xochimilco)
✔️ Design Week Mexico
✔️ Catrina Procession
📅 Mexico City in November
In November, the city continues to be alive with colorful events and festivals and lots of Day of the Dead motifs.
You will also find some of the coolest festivals in Mexico City this month like the Corona Capital and Flow Fest.
The weather is also great, with mild temperatures and minimal rainfall.
Formula 1 also takes place in Mexico City in November, so you’ll find plenty of parties and events celebrating the F1 season throughout the city.
🏆 Events & Festivals
✔️ Corona Capital (Music Festival)
✔️ Formula 1 Gran Premio Mexico
✔️ Day of the Dead Parade
✔️ Other Day of the Dead Festivities (they vary, but expect lots of gallery openings, pan de muerto festivities, and more)
✔️ Fridacreanos on Reforma (colorful humongous skulls decorate the sidewalks of Reforma Avenue)
✔️ La Llorona en Xochimilco (Theater performance held at night in the canals of Xochimilco)
✔️ Hipnosis
✔️ Design Week Mexico
✔️ Festival de Jazz Polanco
📅 Mexico City in December
December is a festive time in Mexico City, with various holiday events, markets, and decorations throughout the city.
Although the temperature is cooler, December sees lots of sunny days that make it enjoyable for exploring all that the city has to offer.
🏆 Events & Festivals
✔️ Navidalia (Christmas festival)
✔️ Six Flags’ Christmas in the Park
✔️ Resistance Festival (Electronic music festival)
How many days do you need in Mexico City?
This is a tough one to answer because you could spend years in Mexico City and never have to do the same thing twice, but ideally, you’ll want to spend at least three days in the city to be able to check out the top attractions and be able to do most of the touristy and fun things to do in the city.
If you’re able to, I recommend spending at least 7 days in the city.
This will give you a chance to see the major attractions in the city as well as get a taste of the local life in different neighborhoods.
If you linger a while longer, you can also fit in a few day trips from Mexico City – there are plenty of incredible towns nearby to visit such as Taxco, Malinalco, Tepoztlán, and Valle de Bravo to name just a few.
Mexico City Travel Tips
📌 The weather is very unpredictable in Mexico City.
It can be sunny for an hour and cold and chilly the next one with no warning whatsoever regardless of the time of the year. Dressing up in layers is key!
📌 Important: Museums, galleries, and most major attractions in Mexico City close on Mondays.
If you’re visiting on a Monday, plan your schedule accordingly and rather spend that day trying out food, taking a walking tour of the city, or going on a day trip.
📌 Even though I listed plenty of events above, keep in mind that those are the annual, sure events going on!
There are PLENTY more, so make sure to check the city’s calendar during your visit! Instagram accounts like @cdmxsecreta and @donde_ir always have great ideas.
📌 Most areas in Mexico City are relatively safe, but always make sure to watch out for pickpocketers, especially around congested areas.
📌 Ubering is better than renting a car. The Metrobus (tram) is also a fast, reliable, and very affordable way to get around (it’s only 4 pesos!).
📌 Credit and debit cards are accepted all over the city, including small establishments and street food stalls (not all of them, but plenty do accept cards!).
Still, make sure to carry a bit of cash in case you need it.
📌 Always tip 10-15% at smaller restaurants and between 15% and 20% at higher-end establishments (15 if the service was good and 20 if it was exceptional).
📌 Try Mexican street food. Mexico City is famous for its street food, so don’t be afraid to try some of the local specialties like tacos, tamales, and quesadillas.
I always recommend people get their street food at places that look busy with locals as they generally have the best food.
📌 Learn some basic Spanish phrases as it goes a long way here!
While many people in Mexico City speak English, it’s always helpful to know some basic Spanish to help you get around and communicate with locals.
Mexico City isn’t used to the influx of visitors it’s seen lately, so it’s not like in Cancun or Cabo where everyone will speak English for you or menus will have versions in different languages.
📌 Like any big city, Mexico City has its share of crime.
Stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night, and avoid walking alone at night.
Mexico City is generally very safe, but it’s still a big city so don’t do anything you wouldn’t do even at home and you should be fine.
📌 Stay in a central location. Great neighborhoods to find accommodation include Roma Norte with a wide variety of restaurants, Condesa, and Polanco.
I would avoid staying in Centro Historico because I personally find a few areas to be sketchy and it gets very crowded (it’s a pickpocketers paradise).
I would also recommend avoiding Coyoacan as it does have a few attractions like the Frida Kahlo Museum but it’s far from everywhere else.
📌 Be prepared for altitude. Mexico City is located at a high altitude, so it’s common to experience some mild altitude sickness.
Drink plenty of water and take it easy for the first few days until your body adjusts.
📌 Always carry a sweater! Even if the day looks hot and sunny, temperatures in Mexico City change drastically and without any warning.
It’s always a good idea to carry a light sweater with you.
Frequently Asked Questions: Best time to Visit Mexico City
What is the rainy season in Mexico City?
The rainy season usually runs from June to October in Mexico City, with the peak month being July.
With that said, things have been pretty whacky in recent years and sometimes the rainy season starts a bit later.
Keep in mind that showers usually happen in the afternoons and evenings, so even if it’s the rainy season, visiting Mexico City is worth it during this time of the year.
You can plan an itinerary that involves a lot of outdoor sightseeing during the mornings and indoor activities like art galleries, museums, concerts, and more during the afternoons/evenings.
What is the cheapest time to visit Mexico City?
The cheapest time to visit Mexico City is during the low season, which typically runs from April to June and September to November.
With that said, don’t expect to find a huge difference in prices either way, especially when it comes to food and activities as there isn’t really a “high season” here like you’ll find in say, Cancun.
However, you should definitely be able to find plenty of cheaper flights.
What is the most expensive time to travel to Mexico City?
The most expensive time to travel to Mexico City is during spring break (semana santa), around the holiday season (late December to early January), and when big festivals are going on.
Accommodation prices do raise a bit during those times, but the biggest difference in price is found on flights.
What is the high season in Mexico City?
Compared to other destinations, Mexico City doesn’t really see a huge difference in visitors throughout the year, but you can expect larger crowds from December to April as well as early November (Day of the Dead) or when big festivals and events are going on (usually on weekends).
What month is the coldest in Mexico City?
Usually, the coldest month in Mexico City is January, but December and February can also get pretty chilly.
Surprisingly, if there’s no heat wave, months like June and July can also get pretty cold during the evenings so even if it’s technically summer, make sure to dress up in layers and bring a jacket along.
I see a lot of visitors suffering or having to spend money on purchasing clothes when they visit Mexico City because they assume the city is hot and humid like other parts of Mexico and that is definitely not the case at all.
I actually consider Mexico City to be pretty chilly most of the year, especially during the evenings and early mornings!
Remember that Mexico City is located at 7,350 feet (2240 meters) above sea level and that can drastically affect the temperatures, so even if there are plenty of destinations close by that are hot and humid, that definitely doesn’t apply to CDMX.
Why is Mexico so cheap in October?
October is shoulder season in Mexico City and a great time to visit for cheap flights and great hotel prices.
As if that weren’t enough, October also marks the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the Day of the Dead festivities, making it the best time to vacation in Mexico for many people (myself included).
What is the tourist season of Mexico City?
There isn’t really a “tourist” season in Mexico City compared to other places in Mexico, but you can expect larger crowds from September to March.
Still, you won’t really notice a big difference considering over 20 million people live in Mexico City.
The city is pretty crowded year-round, not to mention it’s one of the most important business and cultural hubs in the world, so hotels in Mexico City are usually always busy no matter the time of the year.
Final Thoughts: Best time to visit Mexico City
Mexico City is an incredible destination that can be enjoyed year-round. However, the best time to visit depends on your personal preferences and travel goals.
If you want my personal option as a local, for me, the best time to visit Mexico City is definitely around April for great weather and jacaranda season as well as October and November for lots of Day of the Dead-related activities.
If you’re unable to come during that time, Mexico City is still bound to have something you can enjoy no matter when you visit, be it through its stunning attractions, delicious food, incredible restaurant scene, and a wide variety of events on its calendar!
About the Author: Dani Ramos
Dani is a travel writer and blogger from Mexico City who traveled all over the world for 5 years before returning to Mexico. After visiting and living in so many different countries, she realized how lucky she is to call Mexico her home.
