Best Time to Visit Mexico City in 2023

Last Updated on September 8, 2023 by Nellie Huang

So when is the best time to visit Mexico City? Here’s my guide to help you determine when’s perfect for your Mexico City trip.

One of my all-time favorite cities in the world, Mexico City is a great place to visit all year round. Due to its elevation at 7200 feet (2200m) above sea level, Mexico City enjoys a mild, temperate climate year-round. The best time to visit Mexico City really depends on what you’re planning to do here and what your priority is. 

From its mild winters to the rainy summers, each season paints Mexico City in a unique light. Plus the dynamic city plays host to many celebrations throughout the year — there’s always something going on. If your travel dates are flexible, it’s worth planning your Mexico City trip to coincide with a Mexican holiday or festival. 

If you aren’t sure when to time your trip, here’s my complete guide on the best time to visit Mexico City.

Best Time to Visit Mexico City

For the Best Weather

Overall, the best time to visit Mexico City is between March – May and October – November for the dry and mild weather. The daytime temperature is glorious and perfect for being outside, with average temperatures hovering around 23-26°C (73-78°F). 

At night, the temperature dips to a chilly 8-10°C (46-50°F). But you may feel these lows more than you might at home because central heating is uncommon in Mexico City. Also, the dry season is when the smog is at its worst, so if you’ve got respiratory problem it might not be the best time for you.

Mexico City is typically slightly busier during these months, except around Easter (first two weeks of April) when chilangos (locals from CDMX) tend to travel out of the city. But the crowded streets are worth braving for the perfect weather. 

Best Time to Visit Mexico City for a Festival

Spring is when Mexico City gets into a festive mood, with many festivals and events taking center stage! If you visit Mexico City between March to May, you’ll get to witness the spring equinox celebrations at Teotihuacán (Mexico city pyramids), join in the Vive Latino music festival and admire the Festival de Flores y Jardines.

April is a great time to visit Mexico City for the Semana Santa (Easter) celebrations. It’s not too crowded and the weather is warm and glorious. You’ll get to observe the religious fervor and pageantry during the Holy Week leading up to Easter, culminating in the grand Passion Play reenactment in Iztapalapa.

Many popular events occur in the fall season (October to November), including Formula 1 racing and Day of the Dead. We celebrated Dia de Muertos in Mexico City, and it was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Mexico City hosts the biggest celebrations in the whole country — a massive parade takes over the historic center, altars are set up everywhere, and mini carnivals are held in different neighborhoods. Read my guide to celebrating Day of the Dead in Mexico City.

Best Time to Visit Mexico City on a Budget

The coldest months in Mexico City are December to February, when it receives the least visitors and prices are at the lowest. Many of the best hotels in Mexico City offer rates as low as US$90 a night. Plus, you get to experience how Mexico City celebrates major Mexican holidays like New Year’s Eve and experience Christmas traditions in Mexico.

Daytime temperatures are pretty comfortable, ranging from 17 to 21°C (62-69°F). However, nighttime temperatures fall as low as 5°C (40°F). Bring a winter jacket and lots of layers, as many buildings in Mexico City do not have central air heating.

Best Time to Visit Mexico City to Avoid Crowds

The wet season falls in summer, from June through September, and it’s also the low season for tourism. It rains everyday but this period is commonly characterized by short, intense bursts in the afternoon. 

During this season, the city receives an average rainfall of 2.36 inches. It’s usually warm during the day and cools off to about 12°C at night. 

Thankfully, Mexico City provides numerous indoor activities and museums to explore, keeping you dry during these occasional showers. Get inspired by my list of best museums in Mexico City.

Best Time to Visit Teotihuacan Ruins

Just outside of Mexico City, the ancient city of Teotihuan is one of the most visited sites in Mexico. It can get busy on weekends, particularly on Sunday when it’s free for citizens and residents of Mexico. 

Try to visit Teotihuacan during the low season months (June-September). During high season it gets a little overrun with visitors, which somewhat takes the wow factor out of the place. Avoid visiting Teotihuacan during peak travel season – Christmas, New Year, Easter (Holy Week), and Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). It can gets crowded during the spring equinox, as people flock here to take in its energy as it alights with the sun.

In general, Teotihuacan is warm and sunny all year round. Its high elevation keeps the temperature pretty mild though the sun does beat down hard. Read my guide to visiting Teotihuacan.

Best Time to See Flowers in Mexico City 

Spring in Mexico City is also when the Jacaranda trees are blooming, meaning that visiting between February and March extends an opportunity to witness the stunning and colorful display. The broad trees with lavender blooms light up Reforma Avenue.

If you’re visiting in April, the Chapultepec Botanical Gardens host the Festival de Flores y Jardines, which is well worth exploring. In July, head to the neighborhood of San Angel for Feria de las Flores.

Best Time to Visit Mexico City for Music Fans

March is the month for the Vive Latino Music Festival, a huge event featuring an eclectic array of international and local pop and rock music stars. It’s one of the biggest music festivals in Latin America, so music fans shouldn’t miss it!

If you prefer classical music to rock, you might want to visit during the Festival de Mexico, that starts at the end of March. Held in the Centro Historico, this 2-week-long festival includes jazz, classical music, and dance performances, as well as children’s events. In November, you can catch another pop extravaganza: the Corona Capital Music Festival.

Best Time to Visit Mexico City for Sports Fans

Soccer fans alert! Watching a match in the raucous stands of a Mexico City soccer game is an experience to remember. Mexico City has 3 teams in the Liga MX, the top-level professional league in Mexico. Matches run during the two soccer seasons, one from July 20 to November 24 and the other from January 5 to late May.

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Mexico City Festivals: by the Month

Mexico City in January

The first month of the year, January, is also the coldest! Daytime temperatures are usually pleasantly warm, averaging around 17 to 21°C (62-69°F). However, nighttime temperatures fall as low as 5°C (40°F). Smog is a regular occurrence but rain is rare. Wear lots of layers to adjust to the changes in temperature. 

• New Year’s Day — The first day of the year is a public holiday, during which most businesses and restaurants remain closed, allowing people to relax with their families after the New Year’s Eve celebrations. 
• Día de los Reyes/Three Kings’ Day — On January 6 (Epiphany Day), Mexicans celebrate the arrival of the three wise men by giving gifts to children. There are usually parades where the three wise men throw candy to kids on the streets.
• Villa Illuminada — A stunning display of lights set to gentle music.

Mexico City in February

February sees cool temperatures in Mexico City: pleasant during the day and very cold at night. It’s still the dry season, so rain is rare, but smog might be an issue. Bring layers in either case. Jacaranda trees bloom at the end of the month, a sign that spring is coming!

• Día de la Constitución — The constitution day is celebrated on the first Monday of February, and parades and celebrations occur throughout the city as banks, schools, and public businesses are closed. 
• Día de la Candelaria — Families dress up a doll representing the baby Jesus and take it to church for a blessing.  
• Zona Maco Arte Contemporaneo — A massive international art fair that spans four days, featuring exhibitions, lectures, and various activities in galleries and museums across the city.

Mexico City in March

This is the month when it starts getting warmer in Mexico City, but the weather is still pleasant. Nighttime temperatures rise as well as rain is rare. This is usually a smoggy month until Easter comes, when chilangos head out of town. If you are sensitive to air pollution exposure, try to remain indoors during morning and afternoon commute times.

• Festival de México — a spectacular two-week showcase of Mexican culture, featuring classical and jazz music, dance performances, literary events, and activities for children.

• National Pyrotechnic Festival — The fireworks festival is celebrated mostly in Tultepec, a suburb in Mexico City known for its fireworks industry. 
• Natalicio de Benito Juárez — The third Monday in March is a public holiday in Mexico to honor the ex-President, a significant figure in Mexico’s history who advocated for democratic reform. 
• Spring Equinox — Hundreds of thousands of people dressed in white with a red accessory gather at Teotihuacan pyramids to absorb the energy believed to be released during the equinox.

Mexico City in April

In April, the weather is glorious in Mexico City. It can get fairly hot during the day while remaining quite cool at night. The 2-week school vacation around Easter usually eases up the traffic for a little while, giving a break from the smog. It rains a little more often than earlier in the year, but it is still the dry season.

• Semana Santa — A series of events lead up to Easter, which is the most important festival in the Catholic calendar. It’s one of the biggest Mexican holidays, with lots of processions and church-related events taking place around the city.
• Passion Play of Iztapalapa – Unfolding across a span of six days and orchestrated by a cast of more than 2,000 local residents, this impressive reenactment of the events that paved the path to Jesus’ crucifixion commands the attention of millions. Set against the backdrop of Iztapalapa, a resilient suburb of Mexico City, this awe-inspiring spectacle has become an unmissable gathering.
• Festival De Flores y Jardines – A symphony of vibrant hues will imbue life into the Botanical Garden at Chapultepec and the neighboring Polanco district during this festival that showcases contests of floral mastery and design. Amidst the meticulously crafted arrangements, a riot of colors and creativity will flourish, painting a sensory masterpiece that captivates visitors.

Mexico City in May

May is the hottest time of year in Mexico City. But once night falls, it gets relatively mild. The sunny skies at the beginning of the month come with bad air quality, but the smog eases up when the rains start at the end of the month.

• Labor Day — This holiday is observed as a statutory holiday to recognize the contributions of working people. 
• Cinco de Mayo — The anniversary of the First Battle of Puebla, is primarily celebrated in Puebla. Some bars and restaurants in Mexico City may have specials, but in general, it’s not really celebrated anywhere in Mexico besides Puebla.
• Corredor Cultural Roma Condesa – As spring arrives, the trendy enclaves of Roma and Condesa neighborhoods come alive with a curated tour that illuminates the realms of design, artistry, and culinary delights. Amidst the vibrant streets, restaurants, bars, and shops join forces to create an immersive experience that celebrates the cultural pulse of these fashionable districts.

Mexico City in June

It’s the arrival of the rainy season! June in Mexico City sees hot daytime temperatures, mild nighttime temperatures and frequent rains. Often, there will be a light shower in the morning and a heavier one after 5pm, lasting 20 minutes to an hour. It’s humid but the smoggy days of the dry season are gone.

• Gay Pride Parade — Mexico City hosts the colorful and joyful Mexico City Gay Pride March, which has been a tradition since 1979. The celebrations here are one of the largest of its kind in Latin America.

Mexico City in July

The rainy season continues in July, with lower daytime temperatures and mild nighttime temperatures. It rains a lot, sometimes with a light shower in the morning followed by a proper tropical downpour in the late afternoon. The air quality is relatively good this time of year.

• Feria de Las Flores — The annual flower festival brightens San Angel’s public spaces with harvest festival displays, flower sales, tours, dances, and concerts.

Mexico City in August

August is still the rainy season: warm during the day, mildly cool at night. It’s very wet, with a period of rain almost every day, often in the late afternoon. If a hurricane is in the area, expect some days of steady rain. Things can be soggy but the air quality is good.

• Festival Raices Cubanas — This is a popular music festival showcasing international artists with shows, parties, workshops, and competitions. 

Mexico City in September

The regular rains continue in September, but temperatures are going to cool off. Most commonly, the rains are short showers in the morning and brief tropical downpours in the afternoon; but when there’s a hurricane coming, the rain can go on for longer. Air quality is fine, and it’s usually pleasant outside when it’s not raining.

• Día de la Independencia —  Independence day is one of the most important Mexican holidays. In Mexico City, it’s celebrated with military parades, fireworks, and most importantly, the Grito de Dolores. The “cry of Dolores” first started in 1810, when Roman Catholic priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla rang his church bell and gave the call to arms that triggered the Mexican War of Independence. Today, the President reenacts it from the balcony of the National Palace in Mexico City.

Mexico City in October

October sees a major shift in the weather; the regular downpours suddenly stop, to welcome warm temperatures and little rain. Temperatures are still high in the daytime, but nights get chillier. When the rains disappear, smog becomes part of life again.

• Día de la Raza — This day was originally intended to celebrate Mexican culture while also recognizing the struggles of indigenous peoples. 
• Alebrije parade — The month also witnesses the Alebrije Parade as part of the upcoming Day of the Dead celebrations, where large, colorful creatures are paraded through the streets.
• Feria Nacional del Mole — This festival is a showcase of the famous Mexican dish.

Mexico City in November

November is a lovely month in Mexico City, with comfortable temperatures during the day and chilly nights. It can be noticeable indoors because central heating isn’t a common feature in Mexican buildings. Rain is rare and air quality can be poor. It’s the best time to visit Mexico City in my opinion simply for the Day of the Dead celebrations.

• Día de Muertos — Day of the Dead is celebrated with fervor all over Mexico, but the biggest celebrations take place in Mexico City. This is a time when families decorate shrines with marigolds to honor their deceased loved ones. Read my guide to celebrating Day of the Dead in Mexico City.
• Corona Capital Music Festival – During a weekend in November, a car track in Mexico City transforms into a massive pop music festival that goes on from the afternoon to the wee hours of the night.
• MUTEK – This is an international festival of electronic music and digital arts.
• Día de la Revolución – This Mexican public holiday commemorates the 1910 revolution that overthrew President Porfirio Diaz.

Mexico City in December

Winter has officially arrived in Mexico City. The days are dry and sunny while nights are chilly during December in Mexico City. Rain is rare while smog is a possibility. Once in a while, the nighttime temperature might go below freezing at night.

• Día de la Virgin of Guadalupe — A religious Mexican holiday hen pilgrims visit the Basilica of Guadelupe.
• Navidad/Christmas — Christmas is celebrated with Nativity scenes and holiday lights in the Zocalo, which also features a giant ice rink. Locals also love having posadas, annual dinners and parties with friends and family to celebrate Christmas in Mexico. 
• New Year’s Eve — The year concludes with a vibrant New Year’s Eve celebration around the Angel de Independencia, featuring live music and fireworks.

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Mexico City Travel Guide

Whether you’re traveling for a year or a week, I always recommend travelers to buy travel insurance. You never know what can happen. Having insurance will happen incidents such as flight delay, loss of luggage, theft or accidents.

Safety Wing is the most popular travel insurance company for COVID19-coverage. I use their Nomad Insurance plan, which covers COVID-19 as any other illness as long as it was not contracted before your coverage start date. Refer to my travel insurance guide for more details.

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How Many Days in Mexico City?

Mexico City is HUGE, and if you want to see it all, I’d say you need at least 5 days in Mexico City. Check out my 5-day Mexico City itinerary — it’s pretty intense and packed with lots of things to do. Be prepared to be on the go from morning to night. 

For those who rather explore at a slower pace, I recommend removing the day trip to Teotihuacan. That way you will have more time in Mexico City to explore other neighborhoods.

If you have more time, I recommend doing a day trip to Taxco and Cuernavaca or the Monarch Butterflies Sanctuary. Check out our guide to the best day trips from Mexico City.

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How Safe is Mexico City?

My husband, daughter and I all felt super safe in Mexico City and had no security issues at all. As we visited Mexico City during Day of the Dead, it was crowded everywhere. But we kept our belongings close to us, brought minimal cash with us, and had no problems. Of course, we avoided seedy areas, and we weren’t hanging out late at night, or getting drunk on the streets.

All in all, stick to the tourist areas and you’ll be fine (that means centro historico, Roma, Condesa, Coyoacan and Xochimilco). The areas covered in my Mexico City itinerary are all safe to visit. Avoid areas like Iztapalapa, Tepito, La Lagunia, Mercado Merced, Doctores and Ciudad Neza.

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Where to Stay in Mexico City

The Centro Histórico (historic center) is a convenient location to stay, as most attractions, events and the parade take place here. We loved the location of our hotel, just a few blocks from the Zocalo. Many travelers also choose to stay in the green, leafy neighborhoods of La Condesa and Polanco.

Here is a summary of my hotel recommendations. For a full guide, check out my post on the best places to stay in Mexico City.

Budget: La Querencia DF

This budget-friendly bed & breakfast is housed in a colonial-style home in Roma Norte, one of the city’s hippest neighborhoods. You’ll notice it straight away because of its bright orange color and cute little balconies. Rooms are brightly colored, clean and cozy. Check the rates here.

Midrange: Hampton Inn & Suites

We stayed at this hotel in the historic center and loved the location, just two blocks from the main square (Zocalo). Highly recommend it for families who need extra space. Check the rates here.

Luxury: Hotel Zocalo Central

Right next to the Cathedral overlooking the Zocalo (main square), this centrally located hotel is housed in a 1890s building and features a gorgeous design. Their rooftop restaurant is my favorite place to eat in Mexico City. Check the rates here.

Luxury: The St Regis Mexico City

Located along the famous Paseo de la Reforma, this luxurious hotel has a nice location in the centro historico but away from the crowded area. Check the rates here.

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How to Get Around Mexico City

One of the best ways to get around Mexico City is the metro system, which is cheap and easy to use. Just buy a ticket (“bolleto” in Spanish) from the booth. A metro ticket costs only 5 Pesos ($0.23). You can change as many times as you need to without having to purchase the ticket.

We mostly took Uber as it was just so convenient and affordable. There are a lot of Uber drivers in the city, so you’ll never have to wait long for a car. It usually costs around US$2-6 to take an Uber in the historical center. To get to Coyoacan or Xochimilco, it ranges from US$15 to 30 depending on the time of travel.

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Things to Consider Before Visiting Mexico City

Now that you’ve decided when the best time to visit Mexico City is for you, here are some things to know before your trip.

• Book your day tours online, especially if you’re traveling Mexico City during the high season. Check out the best day trips from Mexico City.
• Museums are often closed on Mondays. Read my list of best museums in Mexico City.
• Read up on Christmas traditions in Mexico if you’re planning to visit during the festivities and book a Christmas dinner in advance!
• Consider using the Metro instead of Uber for traveling long distances, as you’ll probably get there faster due to the crazy traffic.
• Buy an eSIM from Airalo before your trip or get a SIM card at OXXO or Telcel to get internet on your phone. Read my guide on how to get a Mexico SIM card.
• Mexico City is still a cash society so make sure to withdraw cash. 
• Tipping is common in Mexico City; we generally tip 10% of the total amount; 15% if the service is exceptional.
• Tourist prices exist, but blending in and speaking Spanish will definitely help you get fairer prices.
• Don’t drink the tap water, be cautious with ice in your drinks.
• Bring warmer clothes for evenings and nights, regardless of when you’re visiting.
• Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be walking a lot.

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Planning A Trip around Mexico?

I hope my article has helped you decide when is the best time to visit Mexico City for you. Let me know if you have any questions in the comments field below. I’d be more than happy to help you plan your Mexico City trip!

Read my articles on Mexico below:

• 5-Day Mexico City Itinerary
• Where to Stay in Mexico City
• 30 Best Museums in Mexico City
• Visiting Teotihuacan, Mexico City Pyramids
• Best Day Trips from Mexico City
• Yucatan Road Trip: My 10-Day Yucatan Itinerary

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links i.e. if you make a purchase or booking through one of my links, I get a small commission at NO EXTRA COST to you. Thank you for your support!

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