best month to visit mexico city

Best Time to Visit Mexico City in 2024: A Local’s Guide

When is the best time to visit Mexico City? In this article written by a local resident, we will look at the best time for you to plan your trip to the Mexican capital. 

Truthfully, there is no such thing as a “bad” time to visit CDMX and the city makes for a wonderful year-round travel destination. There always seems to be something going on here and it never gets too hot or too cold.

The temperatures in Mexico City remain relatively mild throughout the year – with warm, rainy summers and cooler but comfortable winters.

Table of Contents

What is the Best Time to Visit Mexico City?

There is no doubt some element of personal preference involved when it comes down to determining the very best time to visit Mexico City based on your budget, and whether you hope for your travel dates to coincide with some sort of festival or event.

The months in Mexico City with the best weather

Weather-wise, the spring and autumn months are among the best. Between March and May or in October and November, it is pretty mild and mostly dry. 

At this time, you can expect daily averages of around 24°C-27°C so you can get away with exploring in light layers or your Fall wardrobe.

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.

Still, there are literally hundreds of museums, restaurants, and other indoor activities in Mexico City. (Seriously – along with London, UK, it is the city with the highest concentration of museums in the world). So, even if the weather is really really terrible, you will easily find something fun to do.

Best time to visit Mexico City for events and festivals 

Events, festivals, and parties take place in Mexico City virtually every single week/month. Fever Up is a cool event website/cultural billboard that tells you everything that is going on each day of each month so you can easily check the listings for the dates that coincide with your trip. 

However, if you want to experience something extra special, you might want to consider planning your visit so that your travel dates coincide with Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) in October/November or other notable holidays. 

For example: 

• Dia de los Muertos – October – various processions and parades march through the center of CDMX with larger-than-life floats, live dancers, and other entertainers. Restaurants, stores, and other businesses decorate their facades with cool decor and people dress up as “catrinas” (Mexican skeletons).
• Dia de la Virgen Guadalupe – 12th December – Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims make a journey on their hands and knees to the basilica dedicated to the Virgin Mary, on the anniversary of a day when she is said to have appeared in front of an indigenous man in 1531
• Christmas – Tons of fun things happen in CDMX for the festive season – from markets and tianguis set up along the Paseo de la Reforma to ice rinks in the zocalo, and extravagant store decorations and illuminations and Christmas trees around the city
• Carnival – Huge processions in the Itzalapapa neighborhood to mark the five days before Lent. (Similar to New Orleans’ Mardi Gras but far less extravagant)
• Gay Pride – Wednesday 26th June – Monday 1st July 2024 – a huge procession and party in CDMX that makes up one of the biggest LGBTQI+ celebrations in Latin America.

The best time to visit Mexico City to see flowers

If you are interested in seeing beautiful flowers in bloom, head to Mexico City in the Spring or the Fall. 

The jacaranda is a gorgeous purple flower that grows throughout subtropical parts of the Americas and is found in abundance throughout Mexico City and the surrounding area. Somewhat comparable to the world-famous cherry blossom season in Japan (only less well known), the jacaranda season in Mexico City takes place between March and early May.

During this period, the streets come to life with the bright bold purple color of these flowers, and this makes for wonderful photo opportunities. During the Dia de los Muertos celebrations in October/November, you will find that people decorate everywhere with orange cempasuchil flowers, while at Christmas time, you will see an abundance of poinsettias. 

Poinsettias, known in Mexico as “nochebuenas” (“Christmas Eve”) are considered the Mexican Christmas flower and they only bloom between November and January.

Best time to visit Mexico City on a budget 

You can often secure good deals on flights and accommodation in Mexico City throughout the year BUT with the exception of October/November when thousands of domestic and international tourists descend on the city for Dia de los Muertos. Some hotels are at full capacity for such events and prices are at an all-time high.

During the rainy season (June to September), you can get some good deals, just as you can in January/February which are considered the off-peak months.

The best time to visit Mexico City to avoid the crowds 

Mexico City never really sees the same level of tourist hordes as more popular destinations in resort Mexico like Cancun, Tulum, and Puerto Vallarta, but it is becoming more popular. If you want to avoid the crowds, you want to avoid traveling during Dia de los Muertos which is arguably the busiest time of the year, and during Christmas/New Year.  During Semana Santa (Easter), there are a few interesting religious processions around town, but most chilangos (Mexico City locals) leave town to make the most of their time off work, so many parts of the city become a lot quieter. January/February when its cooler, and June – September when it’s a little muggy and rainy, are also less popular times to visit.

Best time to visit to experience music and sporting events 

Aside from cultural events, traditions, and Mexican holidays, there are also a lot of festivals and sporting events hosted in Mexico City and its surroundings throughout the year. Formula 1 Mexico City takes place in the Mexican capital every October and in 2024 it is scheduled for between the 25th and the 27th of October and tickets are already on sale via the Formula One site. 

If you enjoy soccer, there are 3 Mexico City teams in Mexico’s Premier League (Liga Mx) and games are played across two different seasons throughout the year. Soccer seasons run from July 20th to November 24th and January 5th to the end of May. 

Music-wise, you can check out: 

• Festival de Mexico – a jazz and classical music festival hosted every March
• Vive Latino – One of the largest music festivals in LATM hosted every March that hosts performers from across Mexico and the world
• Corona Capital Music Fest  – Rock and alternative music festival hosted every November. (Exact 2024 dates to be announced. 
• MUTEK – Electronic music and arts festival hosted in November 

Month-by-Month Breakdown to Visiting CDMX

Mexico city in january .

January is the coldest month in Mexico City, though arguably “cold” by Mexican standards is likely much milder than what you experience in your home country during the winter months. 

Expect daytime temperatures that range between 65°F and 71°F. (18°C and 22°C).It gets colder at night and in the mornings so it is important to layer up and pack a coat and a couple of sweaters for your trip. 

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. 

People and businesses in Mexico often leave their Christmas decorations up well into the middle of January so depending on when you travel, you may be lucky enough to still catch some of the magical festive atmosphere and decor. 

Note that many businesses, attractions and museums in Mexico are closed on New Years Day, just as they are on this date in other countries. However, there are still plenty of excellent restaurants that remain open, as well as outdoorsy things to do. (Take a stroll around Chapultepec Park, check out the street art in Roma and Condesa, etc).

Mexico City in January: Events and Festivals

January is not only a great, out-of-season time to visit Mexico City on a budget, but there are also tons of cool Mexican cultural events going on throughout the month too. 

• Dia De Los Reyes Magos (Three Kings Day/Epiphany) – The anniversary of the day when the three wise men are said to have taken gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to Baby Jesus in Bethlehem. Mexicans tend to celebrate with their families, enjoying a feast of good food and a special type of sweet bread known as “Rosca de Reyes”. The bread tastes a bit like fruit cake, and there are little plastic figures of the Baby Jesus hidden inside. Whoever finds them has to cook for everyone at the next family gathering!

Mexico City in February 

Weather-wise, February in Mexico City is very similar to January, albeit with marginally warmer temperatures. Expect daytime temperatures of between 72°F and 76°F (22°C and 25°C) and again, pack layers.  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 City, or Veracruz.

Mexico City in February: Events and Festivals 

There are a couple of important Mexican holidays that take place in February. Namely: 

• The Dia de La Candelaria (February 2nd) – 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.
• Dia de La Constitution (February 5th) – A day that commemorates the political constitution that recognized the creation of the United Mexican States in 1917. This event is a bit more low-key than others, but you might sometimes catch special exhibits in certain museums and military processions or stalls in the Zocalo.
• Zona Maco Arte Contemporaneo – The largest art fair in Latin America that showcases the works of established and up-and-coming Mexican and international artists.
• Material Art Fair – An established contemporary art fair that will celebrate its 11th anniversary in 2025 that displays exhibitions from various global artists

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.

Alameda Central, the little park close to the famous Palacio de Bellas Artes and Chapultepec Park are two of the best places to see jacarandas. Many of the streets in Condesa and Roma are lined with them too. Weather-wise, temperatures start warming up a little bit in Mexico City in March. Expect daily temperatures between 76°F and 79°F. (24°C and 26°C).

It is still important to pack layers and a jacket for the evenings. Since more tourists start traveling during this time of year, it is a good idea to reserve your flights and accommodations in advance to avoid disappointment.

Mexico City in March: Events and Festivals

A couple of important Mexican holidays take place in Mexico City in March as do a couple of unique local 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. 
• Benito Juarez Day – The birthday of the late former Mexican President Benito Juarez is celebrated as a national public holiday on the third Monday of March each year. To make the most of this long weekend, many Chilangos head out of town and travel to other parts of the country. Benito Juarez is revered as a national hero as he helped guide Mexico through the Revolution in the country’s quest for independence.
• Spring Equinox at Teotihuacan – Centuries ago, many Aztec and Mayan cities in Mexico would celebrate the “Spring Equinox”. This marked the beginning of agricultural sowing. Today, it is more of a spiritualist/touristic event but around the 21st of March each year, thousands of tourists head to Teotihuacan at sunrise to experience the equinox.
• National Pyrotechnic Fair – On the 8th of March each year, Mexico celebrates its National Pyrotechnic Fair and the country’s production of fireworks. In neighborhoods across the city, the skies are illuminated with vibrant colors and filled with the scent and smoke of gunpowder. Particularly extravagant celebrations can be found in barrio Tultepe c which is known for its firework factories.

Easter (Semana Santa) celebrations in Mexico City in March 2024

• Semana Santa (Easter) – In 2024, Easter will fall between Sunday, the 24th of March, and Saturday, the 30th, with Easter Sunday falling on the 31st. 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.
• Recreation of Jesus’ final journey to the crucifix – On Good Friday, many neighborhoods host processions where people reenact Jesus’ walk to be crucified. One of the largest can be found in the eastern barrio of Itzalapapa.

Mexico City in April 

Temperatures start getting warmer in Mexico City in April, with average daily temperatures of around 79°F (26°C). As the rainy season approaches, it can often be quite cloudy and overcast at this time of year, but actual rainfall is still at a minimum, with an average of around 7.4mm of rain each day.

Since it can be pretty warm and sunny, you can comfortably walk around in t-shirts and jeans, or skirts and dresses during the day but you should still pack a couple of light layers for the mornings and evenings.

Obviously, Easter (Semana Santa) falls on different dates each year. While it falls in March 2024, it falls in April in 2025.

Mexico City in May

May is the hottest month in Mexico City, as well as in many other parts of Mexico. Expect average daily temperatures of around 79°F – 80°F (26°C – 27°C) and conditions are usually pretty mild at night too. 

Your spring/summer wardrobe is mostly fine for traveling to Mexico City at this time, but it is worth noting that Mexicans in CDMX tend to dress pretty conservatively here even when its hot. So if you want to blend in, stick to jeans and a t-shirt or maybe a knee-length skirt or a summer dress rather than short shorts, and definitely never wear flip-flops when exploring the city streets.

It is still always a good idea to pack layers as 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.

For this reason, slip a rain mac or an umbrella in your luggage just in case too.

Mexico City in May: Events and Festivals

Cinco de Mayo (5th May) is probably the best-known Mexican holiday but 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 if you decide to head to the Puebla capital of Puebla de Zaragoza (which you should – there are plenty of wonderful things to do in Puebla! ), you will find street parades complete with mariachi bands and flamenco dancers.

A couple of other notable things going on in the capital around this time are:

• Labor Day (1st May) – An annual public holiday to celebrate the efforts and achievements of workers. There are no real “celebrations” on this day but many businesses are closed.
• Corredor Cultural Roma Condesa – This cultural fair sees more than 50 cafes, restaurants, galleries, and theaters host exhibitions host a variety of interesting events such as poetry recitals, live music, art exhibits, handicrafts markets, and gastronomical events. 2024 will mark the 22nd occurrence of this fair

Mexico City in June

June in Mexico City sees very similar temperatures to May, but it also marks the start of the rainy season so it often feels a lot more muggy and humid. Expect daytime temperatures of around 75°F – 79°F (23°C – 26°C) and mild nighttime temperatures around 56°F – 60°F (13°C – 15°C).

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.

Fortunately, storms and showers tend to be brief and don’t last the entire day but it’s a good idea to always check the forecast and carry an umbrella/mac so you don’t get caught out.

Fewer tourists tend to visit the city during the rainy season which is great for finding deals on affordable flights and hotels.

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 2024, the main parades and parties are scheduled for the 19th of June and this will be the city’s 45th 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 and various places around town. 

Mexico City in July

Mexico City in July can be very rainy, with frequent showers occurring on a nearly 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. (22°C – 23°C)

It is often cloudy and overcast most of the time, but just like in June, showers are usually short-lived and quickly subside.

Events in Mexico City in July

There is not a ton going on in Mexico City in July, but you can check the local listings to see what bands/musicians are in town, any parties or comedy performances going on, etc.

• Feria de las Flores – A lovely flower festival that takes place each year in the Parque la Bombilla of the San Angel neighborhood. Expect to see flower contests, flowers for sale, and various tianguis selling mouth-watering street food

Mexico City in August

The warm, rainy days continue into August in Mexico City and again, because some people are put off by the rain, you may find some excellent flight bargains and hotel deals if you are traveling during this time.

Daily temperatures tend to be between 70°F and 74°F (21°C and 24°C) and you can expect some showers and an average daily rainfall of around 171mm (6.7in).

Mexico City in September

As Fall approaches, September in Mexico City is slightly cooler than in August but you can still expect a pleasant daytime average of around 69°F/20°C.

This is essentially the last month of the rainy season, with approximately 116mm (4.57 inches) of rain per day. 

Mexico City in September: Events and Festivals 

Mexican Independence Day (Dia de la Independencia) falls on the 15th of September every year and is one of the most important annual celebrations in the country. It celebrates Mexico’s freedom and independence 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. (19°C – 22°C). The rainy season is mostly over by this point, although a few drizzly 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.

Accommodation prices can be a little higher in October, particularly towards the end of the month as people start to gear up for the “Dia de los Muertos” (Day of the Dead) celebrations. Try to book in advance where possible and if you are trying to stick to a tight budget, you might prefer to travel at other times of year.

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).

There are also a couple of interesting cultural events in October, namely:

• Dia de la Raza – 12th October in Mexico marks “Dia de la Raza” or “Day of the Races” – a more inclusive alternative to the controversial “Colombus Day” and the day revolves around recognizing Mexican indigenous groups, their customs and traditions and people of different backgrounds living in the country.
• Alebrije parade – The Alebrijes parade is a really fun procession through downtown Mexico City in late October that recognizes a specific type of Mexican folk art that originates from Oaxaca. Hundreds of artisans come together to parade huge sculptures and creations of various animals and mythical creatures. The parade usually starts in the zocalo around noon and then heads towards the Angel de la Independencia.
• Feria Nacional de Mole – The little pueblo magico of San Pedro Atocpan hosts an annual mole festival every October in honor of this delicious, spiced chocolatey condiment.

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 there is a lot of excitement in the air with both the Dia de los Muertos celebrations and the start of the festive Christmas season at the end of the month. You can expect daytime temperatures of around 70°F to 72°F (21/22°C) if traveling to Mexico City in November. Rainfall is relatively unheard of at this time of year and the wet season is finally completely over.

Mexico City in November: Events and Festivals

Several important events take place in Mexico City in November.

• Dia de Los Muertos (November 1st and 2nd) – The official Day of the Dead holiday falls on the first two days in November but the celebrations can go on for several weeks. 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, and millions of people head to the Mexican capital to experience it.
• Revolution Day (el Día de la Revolución) – On the 20th of November each year, street parades and processions are held across Mexico City and wider Mexico to celebrate 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. Many Christmas trees and illuminations around the city see their lights turned on in the final weeks of November but decorations can start popping up in stores from as early as September.

(Like in many countries, the Christmas season seems to start earlier and earlier in Mexico each year!)

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 (21°C) and tons of festive events from the middle of the month

Mexico City in December: Events and Festivals

Christmas celebrations in Mexico usually start around the 12th of December which is 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 Mexican drinks like Rompope – the Mexican version of eggnog prepared with fresh cream, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. 

The 12th of December is considered the start of the “posadas” season, with posadas being festive parties that Mexicans will host with their friends, loved ones and coworkers.

Some notable dates throughout this season are:

• Día de Guadalupe – devout Catholics from across the country embark on a pilgrimage to the Basilica de Guadalupe in Mexico City.
• Ruta Caravana Coca-Cola – The illuminated Christmas Coca-Cola truck passes through Mexico City every December as part of a wider desfile parade.
• Noche Buena (Christmas Eve) – Mexicans actually enjoy a Christmas dinner and exchange gifts on the 24th of December rather than the 25th. Many businesses are closed on these dates and a lot of people will attend Catholic mass at their local church on Christmas Eve.
• Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Parties and fireworks celebrations take place all over the city for New Year’s Eve and many bars and clubs host special parties, though reservations are usually required.

Best Time to Visit Mexico City FAQs 

Do you have any further questions or concerns about when you should be planning your trip to Mexico City? I have answered some frequently asked questions about this below so hopefully you will find the information you are looking for there.

If not, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.

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! 

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). 

When is the 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 when you can experience the best weather conditions.

Final thoughts on the best time to visit Mexico City

I hope that this post is somewhat useful for you when planning your trip to Mexico City. As I mentioned, there is no such thing as a bad time to travel to the Mexican capital, but there is some element of personal preference involved so it is worth knowing what the weather is like during each month/season, and what is going on at various points of the year first so that you can make an informed decision.

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.

If this is your first time visiting, 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! Melissa xo

Melissa Douglas

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Best Time to Visit Mexico City: A Month-by-Month Guide

By: Author Laura Bronner

Posted on Last updated: October 27, 2023

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Mexico City is one of my favorite cities in the whole world, so if you ask me, any time is the best time to visit Mexico City. The incredible tacos that line the corners of every street, the stunning architecture, the vibrant culture—every day really feels like a fiesta in this city.

But I know those of you who have never been will need a bit more information than that. And rightfully so. The best time to visit Mexico City will differ from person to person and most likely depend on what you want to experience on your big city vacation. 

Whether you want to watch the streets fill with orange flowers for Dia De Muertos , or you’re looking to escape the heat of the coastal cities, there’s a perfect time for you to visit Mexico City and trust me, after reading this, you’ll know exactly when that is.

In this post, I’ll talk about the busiest times, the cheapest times, the most beautiful times, and all the times in between to visit Mexico City. And, like always, giving you all of my tips and tricks that I’ve picked up over my four years of living in the city . So, let’s jump in.

Overview of Mexico City

If you’ve never been to Mexico City, get ready for an explosion of flavor, culture, and color. You’ll find a mix of Mexican traditions, colonial architecture, and modern city life all in one place. It’s one of the most beautiful blends of old and new I’ve ever seen. And just about everywhere you look, the city will have something incredible to offer.

As the capital of Mexico, it’s the country’s largest city, with over 22 million residents. And being situated at an altitude of 7,350 ft (2,240 meters) above sea level, the city is a year-round destination. But of course, there are certain times when the city truly shines, and that’s what we’re here to talk about.

It’s always the best time to visit Mexico City if pastor tacos are involved.

High Season in Mexico City

After living in Mexico City for four years, I’ve learned that the weather can be all over the place. But, at any point during the year, the city is welcoming tourists, and there isn’t a huge distinction between the “high” and “low” seasons like you might find when considering the best time to visit Cancun for example.

But any local, or even any year-round visitor, will tell you that the best time to go to Mexico City is between March and May. During these months, Mexico City has some of the best weather in the whole country. The parks will be in full bloom, and people will always be out and about enjoying the warm days and cool nights, making it feel extra dreamy.

But along with the time of year comes not only International tourists but also Mexican tourists. So you can expect an already busy city to become even busier. You’ll need to make reservations well in advance and prepare yourself for larger crowds. And while that may seem like a downside, it’s also a great time to experience some of Mexico City’s best festivals (I’ll get into these later).

One of the best things about deciding when is the best time to visit Mexico City is regardless of what time of year it is, you won’t see a huge fluctuation in prices. Hotels might raise their prices a smidge during big festival periods like Semana Santa, but the activities and food stay relatively the same. So, if you can handle a few crowds, March through May will not disappoint!

If you want to enjoy blue skies and don’t mind chilly evenings, December-February is a really wonderful time of year to visit Mexico City.

Low Season in Mexico City

Surprisingly, one of the low seasons in CDMX follows directly after the high season when most Mexico City residents go on vacation. That’s June through August.

This is also the start of the rainy season, so prepare for warm mornings, a huge downpour in the afternoon, and then cool evenings. However, with fewer tourists, you’ll be able to explore the city at your own pace. Since there are so many great museums in Mexico City to explore, you don’t have to worry too much about the rain.

Nothing really closes during this time of year since Mexico City is a year-round city, so you can still visit all of the city’s best attractions and head out on some of the amazing day trips from Mexico City .

You’ll also find another low season between December and February. This is the coldest time in Mexico City, but it’s still a great time to visit if you’re looking to avoid crowds. The days are perfect for exploring the city without the heat. But the nights can feel pretty cold.

I remember heading to Puerto Escondido one Christmas, and I got stuck in Mexico City with only shorts and tank tops while the night dropped into the 40s (I expected the whole of Mexico to be warm at Christmas). So, if you’re visiting during these months, make sure to bring some warmer clothes for the evenings.

Since it’s not freezing, most homes around Mexico City don’t have heat. This means that sometimes it can feel colder inside than it does outside.

Again, there isn’t a drastic change in prices, so visiting during the low season won’t necessarily save you a ton of money. You might be able to catch a good flight deal or some lower accommodations, but for the most part, your biggest save for coming to Mexico City in the low season is the lack of crowds.

In December and January, you will want to bring layers with you, especially to places like Teotihuacan where the winds can blow quite strongly!

Mexico City Temperatures by Month

This guide to Mexico City weather-by-the-month will make it easier to decide what time of the year works best for you. Each month in Mexico brings different events, holidays, and weather patterns.

So, if you’re looking for something in particular, this month-by-month guide to Mexico City will better help you decide what time of year is best for your trip.

January is the coldest month in Mexico City. But it’s also the driest. For the most part, you can expect bright blue skies and brisk mornings.

Since the days are sunny, it’s pretty pleasant to walk around the parks and visit the different sights, but you’ll want to have a coat nearby for the nights. The temperatures can drop below freezing, making it a chilly night out on the town.

January is also the slowest month for tourists, and while all the locals are making their way back to work after the holidays, you can enjoy the cafes and streets all to yourself.

February in Mexico City is similar to January in terms of temperatures. It’s still considered the low season, so you can expect fewer tourists, but one of the city’s big art festivals, Zona MACO , comes to town in February. So artists from all over the country flock to Mexico City, making it a great time for art lovers to visit.

March in Mexico City is one of my favorite times to be in the city. Most of the winter is dying off, and the spring season is slowly starting. The sun shines brightest, but you won’t be sweating, making it the perfect time of year to enjoy all of the outdoor things to do in Mexico City .

The gorgeous purple jacarandas also start to bloom in the parks, making the whole city look warm and inviting. The crowds start to pick up a little bit more in March, but I think this just makes the city feel more alive.

If you’re a fan of warmer weather, then maybe April is the best month to visit Mexico City. It’s the last month where the heat isn’t too brutal, but you can still enjoy a nice afternoon on the patio sipping on some delicious micheladas.

April is also the month of Semana Santa or Holy Week. The festival lasts for two weeks, and this is when loads of locals will make their way to the coastal towns for vacations. So, the crowds in Mexico City are a little less, but you can still experience the vibrant celebration of Easter in the city.

If you have bad allergies, this may not be a great month to visit Mexico City. The pollution begins to build and with the high altitude of the city, many people who have allergies struggle to be in the city in April and May until the rain starts.

When spring comes around it is really nice to explore the different parks around Mexico City.

May is the start of the rainy season while also being the hottest month in Mexico City, making the city a little crazy for everyone. One day, it can be hotter and sunnier than ever, while the next day, it’s pouring down with rain—and sometimes you get both in one day.

June is perfect if you like staying indoors, and trust me, there are loads of things to do indoors in CDMX. In June, you’ll find the mornings to be relatively dry, with sunny skies, but without fail, the afternoons quickly turn into random downpours. Hence, the indoors.

This relieves the city of the humidity and helps to clear the pollution. In June, temperatures range from around 55°F to 77°F.

July tends to be the peak rainy season in Mexico City, and it’s not just rain; it’s torrential. If you get caught in a rainstorm in Mexico City, you will be absolutely soaked through. Sometimes there’s even hail.

An umbrella will do almost nothing when this type of rain rolls through. Do as the locals do and get under cover until it’s over. These big torrents don’t tend to last more than an hour. 

If there are things that you want to do outside in July, do them in the mornings and then head to the museums in the afternoons to stay dry.

As kids around North America start heading back to school in August, the streets feel quieter and the tourist crowds grow smaller. The rain still comes most days in August, but towards the end of the month, it starts to improve.

Mexico City’s August weather is also warm, but as temperatures start to drop in the evenings, the humidity also clears a bit, making it a pleasant time to visit CDMX

September brings the end of the rainy season with a few showers here and there throughout the month. The temperatures are around 73°F (22 C), and the humidity begins to drop off a bit, making it a great time to visit Mexico City for outdoor activities.

It’s also the month of Mexican Independence Day celebrations, which means you will be able to see the city in all of its cultural glory. Head to the Zocalo in the evening of the 15th to hear El Grito .

Hello, dry season. October is one of the busiest months in Mexico City, with travelers flocking to the city and locals coming out of their houses to enjoy its gorgeous dry weather.

Temperatures range from 50°F to 72°F (10-20 C), making it an ideal time for exploring the city’s many green spaces like Chapultepec Park, Xochimilco, or Teotihuacan .

November in Mexico City has a very special place in my heart, or at least the beginning of the month when Dia de Muertos is celebrated. This colorful holiday marks a special time when families come together to honor their loved ones who have passed away.

The rain has subsided completely in November, and the weather is mild during the day and at night, which is perfect since everyone in the city takes to the streets for different festivals.

Formula 1 comes to town, and there are plenty of international events happening. The vibrant energy of Mexico City in November is perfect for first-timers in the city.

The weather is truly some of my favorite in Mexico City during the month of November. Blue skies, warm days, cool evenings, and not a drop of rain.

December is a beautiful time to be in Mexico City. The weather is dry and sunny during the day, and it gets a little chilly at night, but nothing a sweater can’t fix.

The city is full of festive decorations and holiday spirit, making it a magical place to visit during the winter holidays. The poinsettias are blooming, turning the city bright red, and Mexico City’s Christmas celebrations are in full swing.

Taking walks on Condesa’s Calle Amsterdam is nice most of the year, as long as it’s not raining.

Best Time to Visit Mexico City for Festivals

After living in Mexico for a few years, I realized Mexicans will celebrate literally anything, and they do. Any random night has the possibility of a parade or a band playing in the streets.

But if you want to plan your trip around some of Mexico City’s iconic festivals, then here are a few that will help you decide the best time to visit CDMX.

Vive Latino

If you love Latin music, then the best time to go to Mexico City is during March to attend the epic music festival Vive Latino .

For over 20 years, every March, 70,000 people head to Foro Sol in Mexico City to listen to the best Latin music from all over the world. People are rocking out, drinking, and being as loud as possible to make sure the whole city knows just how proud Mexico City is to host this event.

Buy tickets early, and prepare for hotel prices to be higher during this two-day event.

Dia De Muertos

Though Dia De Muertos technically takes place on November 1st and 2nd, the celebrations take place for almost the entire month of October and coincide with Halloween. And now you’ll see parties and parades going all the way until the 5th or 6th of November.

The streets of Mexico City are decorated with colorful ofrendas (altars) in honor of loved ones who have passed. The city also has a festival called MEGA Procesión de Catrinas, where people dress up in traditional Dia De Muertos attire, which typically consists of painting your face like a skeleton, and girls wear big flower crowns.

Independence Day

Green, Red, and White flags fly high through the streets every September 16th to celebrate Mexico’s Independence Day.

And it doesn’t just start on the 16th, but you’ll see parties happening all weekend long. The square is filled with people listening to live music, eating traditional food, and watching fireworks light up the sky. It’s one of the biggest parties in the city. 

The highlight is the national military parade, starting at the Zócalo and ending at the Paseo de la Reforma, passing by the iconic “El Ángel de la Independencia” memorial column. It is one of the city’s largest and most exciting events.

Day of the Dead in Mexico City has grown so much over the years (thanks mostly because of the James Bond film that showed a parade in Mexico City that had never actually existed before!).

Best Time to Visit Mexico City for Activities

You could spend four years in the city like me and still not see everything. From all the beautiful green spaces to the museums to the cathedrals, to the food… the list goes on. So when is the best time to visit Mexico City and experience it all?

Well, here are a few of my favorite things to do and when I recommend visiting CDMX for each one:

Best time to cheer on the Football Team

Football is a huge part of Mexican culture, and there’s no better place to experience it than in the country’s capital. The best time to catch a game is from July to early December or January to May when the season takes place.

Get ready to paint your face, drink some beer, and cheer on the local teams with everyone else!

Best time to visit Tepoztlan

A day or two in Tepoztlan is a can’t-miss stop on your Mexico City Itinerary, and the best time to visit Tepoztlan is either from March-May or October-November. This is your best chance of having a dry, sunny day with mild temperatures.

And to avoid crowds, well, just go early and do your best to avoid weekends. But it’s one of the most popular sites in the region since it was named a Pueblo Magico , so avoiding tourists might be hard.

No matter what time of year, you will be able to find insanely delicious tacos in Mexico City .

Best Time to Visit Xochimilco

One of the most iconic and unique experiences you can have in Mexico City is on an Xochimilco boat. The best time to head to the canals is seriously any time of the year, as long as it’s not raining. 

Weekends can get really busy, but that makes it a lot of fun with all of the people drinking and eating on their boats. If you want a quieter experience, head there during the week or try to get there early in the morning. You can even catch a beautiful sunrise over the canals if you arrive early enough.

If you are traveling solo or just with one or two other people, taking a tour is a fun way to enjoy the party atmosphere and meet some other nice travelers. Book onto a tour of Xochimilco here.

Best Time to Visit Mexico City Markets

A trip to Mexico City markets is a must when you’re in the city, regardless of the time of year. But something about going in the Spring, when the fruit smells fresher and tastes sweeter, has always been one of my favorite things about the city in March. 

The best time to go is usually in the morning, around 10 or 11 am. While you’re there, you have to pick up some guanabana, tuna (cactus fruit), and perfectly ripe avocados. If you want to learn more about the food and explore a few different markets, consider taking a market tour like this one .

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Best Time to Visit Mexico City: Month-by-Month Guide

By Alex Schultz · Last updated on May 29, 2024

Once the beating heart of the Aztec civilization, Mexico City is a colourful, chaotic, crowded place that couldn’t be more fun to explore. Each year, millions visit the massive metropolis to enjoy its rich culture and cuisine and take part in its exciting Day of the Dead festivities.

The most populous city in North America, Mexico’s cool capital is always pretty packed, with people visiting year-round. October to December is the most popular period, however, as the days are dry and sunny and many of its main events take place. Temperatures are quite cool though, with it getting chilly at night.

To help you organize your trip, let’s take a look month-by-month at what life in Mexico City is like. You can then decide when to go based on its climate, crowds and cultural events.

What’s the Weather Like in Mexico City?

As Mexico City is located at a high altitude, surrounded by mountains and volcanoes, some visitors may need a bit of time to acclimatize when they arrive. Due to its setting in a valley, the capital’s air quality can also be poor, particularly during the dry season.

This runs from November to April when it barely sees any rain at all. The days can be rather smoggy though with temperatures ranging between 22 and 27°C (71 to 80°F). While the heat and humidity do rise a bit in May, it remains a very pleasant month to visit.

After this, the heavens open up from June to September with each month seeing around 15 to 20 days with at least some rain. The summer and monsoon season are still warm, though you’ll want to spend more time indoors or with an umbrella in hand.

Best months to visit Mexico City

While autumn and the end of the year are its peak season, March through May is when the weather is best in Mexico City. During these sunny, warm spring months, the long, dry days are perfect for sightseeing and enjoying outdoor activities. Lots of celebrations are also held for Semana Santa – Holy Week – and Cinco de Mayo.

Although colder, October to December is another excellent time to visit as the dry conditions are great for ambling about its historic squares, churches and Aztec archaeological sites. On top of visiting its many museums and parks, you can experience its unforgettable Dia de los Muertos celebrations.

Mexico City in January

After the Christmas and New Year’s Eve festivities are over, January is usually a quiet month tourist-wise in Mexico City. Many shops, restaurants and cafes also shut for a couple of days as people stay at home. Epiphany or Three Kings’ Day on the 6th brings the holiday season to a close when various parades take place. Its Six Flags – one of the largest theme parks in Latin America – does leave up its decorations and lights for a bit longer though.

Averages of 22°C (71°F) are the coldest of the year with it often dipping below freezing at night. While it rarely snows or rains, smog is a common occurrence. Its bright blue skies are great though for walking about the city with barely anyone else around. Aside from visiting its Museo de Antropologia or Palacio Nacional, the country’s football league starts up again if you want to watch a match at the iconic Azteca Stadium.

Mexico City in February

While the days are slightly longer, sunnier and warmer, February is still the low season when accommodation prices and airfares are cheaper. If you layer up, it’s a fantastic time to stroll about top sights such as Teotihuacan and Templo Mayor without the crowds. At the end of it, Jacaranda trees bloom along its avenues, creating a very picturesque scene.

Besides Constitution Day, when parades and celebrations are held throughout the city, there are plenty of fun parties to take part in for carnival. Countless artworks and installations are also exhibited for Zona MACO; a huge Latin American art fair. It’s not a bad idea to take day trips to places like Puebla and Taxco before they get busier around Easter.

Mexico City in March

March sees an uptick in visitors as spring is in the air and all the pretty flowers and trees in its parks are beginning to bud. Loads of festivals also take place as people make the most of the good weather. With temperatures rising to 26°C (79°F), there is a lovely, vibrant feel about the capital.

Other than watching spectacular fireworks displays at its National Pyrotechnic Festival, you can join thousands of revelers at Teotihuacan to celebrate the Spring Equinox. Concerts are also put on by big name acts for the Vive Latino music festival. After all this, Semana Santa – one of the country’s most important holidays – sees processions and ceremonies pop up all around town. While prices are higher, the city is actually quieter as so many Chilangos head off for the Easter break.

Mexico City in April

The first week of April is blissfully calm in Mexico City as many people are still away on their holidays. Make the most of its long, sunny, crowd-free days by ambling about Zocalo and its Metropolitan Cathedral. Later in the month, its historic center also hosts two weeks of dance performances, concerts and exhibitions, showcasing Mexican culture.

While April can get a bit hot, the dry conditions are ideal for admiring all the floral designs in the Botanical Garden at Chapultepec. If you’re after an even more awe-inspiring spectacle, then don’t miss the Passion Play of Iztapalapa. For 6 days, thousands of costumed locals put on a riveting reenactment of the events that led to Jesus’ crucifixion in their neighborhood.

Mexico City in May

After both the Easter holidays and Holy Week are over, the crowds subside somewhat as the heat, humidity and rain build up. May is by far the hottest month in Mexico City as average temperatures hit 27°C (80°F). While wandering about gets a bit sticky, its 10 days of rain at least mean there is less smog.

Before the monsoon arrives, it’s worth spending time in its parks or taking trips to its Aztec sites and towns like Puebla and Taxco. The former also hosts huge celebrations, parades and reenactments for Cinco de Mayo. Back in the capital, screenings are held for the Ambulante Film Festival while curated design and culinary tours take you around the trendy Roma and Condesa neighborhoods. You can also watch the culmination of the Liga MX football season in the Azteca Stadium.

Mexico City in June

With the skies opening up above the capital, June is definitely the off-season in Mexico City. While it does rain for 15 days on average – usually intense downpours in the afternoon – this does at least clear up the pollution and humidity. If you visit, you’ll want to spend more time in its museums or at indoor markets.

Prices are lower with there also being fewer crowds at its main tourist attractions. If you go in the morning and take an umbrella, it can be a good time to visit Teotihuacan as the skies are usually sunny and blue before the deluges come down.

Mexico City in July

Although July is even rainier, more people visit as the summer holidays start in Europe and the United States. As a result, airfares are much more expensive around this time. As the school year comes to an end in Mexico halfway through the month, more domestic tourists are also on the move around the country.

As it rains for around 20 days on average – the most of the year – you can easily get soaked while sightseeing. In general though, its torrential downpours last for about an hour in the afternoon, with light rain sometimes continuing afterwards. Aside from visiting Palacio de Bellas Artes or Museo de Antropologia, you can watch epic Lucha Libre fights in the evening. Traditional music and dances are also put on for the Fiesta del Virgin del Carmen; one of the city’s most important religious festivals.

Mexico City in August

August is very similar weatherwise with it raining a lot and temperatures remaining around 24°C (75°F). Despite the almost daily rain making both sightseeing and outdoor activities less pleasant, there are still quite a few tourists around due to the holidays. Showers in the morning are followed by heavier storms in the afternoon with its evenings being quite chilly.

On the plus side, there are around 5 hours of sunshine and 13 of daylight on average each day. Other than exploring all its squares and archaeological sites while there are fewer people around, it’s worth checking out its colourful Frida Kahlo Museum. Flight prices remain high, only dropping in September once the summer holidays are over.

Mexico City in September

With the kids back in school in Mexico, the US and Europe, September is a very quiet month tourist-wise in Mexico City. Its streets and city life are as frenetic and fast-paced as always, however, as Chilangos go about their daily lives. It still rains a lot with the temperature also dropping slightly as autumn sets in.

On Independence Day, parades and concerts take place around the capital with many events centered around Zocalo. Lots of shops and restaurants close as it is a public holiday. Plenty of music shows and competitions are also held for the popular Raices Cubanas Festival. Before the crowds arrive in October, it’s well worth visiting Teotihuacan or towns like Cholula, Taxco and Cuernavaca.

Mexico City in October

With the endless rains finally letting up, October sees a huge jump in visitors. Prices are still affordable, though its historic squares, churches and archaeological sites are all much, much busier. As the days are dry but warm, it’s a lovely time to take peaceful boat trips about all of Xochimilco’s canals. At the weekend, there is a very festive feel as mariachi music blasts out everywhere.

In October, dances, concerts and street parties are held for Dia de la Raza which celebrates the country’s indigenous and European heritage. Mexico’s age-old tradition of folk art is also honored with the Alebrije Parade. While Dia de los Muertos only officially starts the evening of the 31st, some festivities do take place in the weeks leading up to it. As such, you’ll often see people readying their costumes, altars and decorations for the big event.

Mexico City in November

November is also the peak tourist season in Mexico City as the weather is dry, the days are sunny and warm and joyous Day of the Dead celebrations take place everywhere. Elaborate altars are erected and floats are paraded through the streets. People don amazing costumes and face paint, gathering in cemeteries to eat, drink and honor deceased loved ones.

As well as attending the unforgettable festivities, you can watch waterfront performances of The Legend of La Llorona set in the enchanting canals of Xochimilco. November also has the Corona Capital Music Festival going on and the Fiesta de Santa Cecilia when mariachi bands and street parties appear everywhere. While prices are higher and there are tons of crowds, it is one of the best months for experiencing Mexico’s unique culture, traditions and cuisine.

Mexico City in December

Although it is one of the coldest months of the year, averaging just 22°C (71°F), December is still a popular month to visit Mexico City. Expect airfares and accommodation to be more expensive as people head here for the Christmas holidays. Both nativity scenes and magical twinkling lights decorate the center with Zolcalo also hosting a humongous ice skating rink.

With 11 hours of daylight and barely any rain, it’s not a bad time to go sightseeing or enjoy some outdoor activities. Its main sights and museums might be a bit crowded though. Other than taking part in a posada party that celebrates the Christmas story, you can join pilgrims honoring the Virgin Mary at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Fireworks and concerts are then held around the Angel de la Independencia and Zocalo to welcome the New Year.

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The Best Time to Visit Mexico for Good Weather and Affordable Prices

Here are the best times to go to Mexico for idyllic weather, wildlife sightings, major festivals, and more.

Anne Olivia Bauso is a travel writer and hotel expert based in New York City. She has written hundreds of hotel reviews, from 5-star Ritz-Carlton properties to treehouse eco-resorts in the jungle.

Mexico has earned its status as one of the most-visited destinations in the world. Nailing down the best time to visit completely depends on where you want to go and what you want to do. This is a giant country with microclimates and a staggeringly diverse topography: There are golden beaches and rugged canyons, sultry cities and high-altitude colonial towns. You may bask on a jungle-backed beach by day and cozy up to a fireplace in the mountains by night. With all these options to consider, it can be helpful to know your way around Mexico's tourist calendar:

• High Season: December to April
• Shoulder Season: July and August
• Low Seasons: May and June, plus September to November

Whether you're seeking balmy beaches, affordable flights and hotels, stunning wildlife, or colorful fiestas, these are the best times to visit Mexico for every type of getaway.

Michela Buttignol/Travel+Leisure

Best Times to Visit Mexico for Smaller Crowds

If you want to avoid crowds in Mexico, you should almost always skip the popular winter and early spring months. May and June, after the spring breakers have cleared out but before summer travelers have filtered in, can be pleasantly uncrowded, as can the fall.

These less-crowded months do correspond with the rainy season (which runs from June to October), but that might not be as bad as you think. The rain usually comes in the form of short afternoon storms, bookended by stretches of sun. These brief showers can be a welcome relief from the heat and humidity — and they offer a nice time for a siesta.

Best Times to Visit Mexico for Good Weather

The dry-season months of November to March promise the nicest, balmiest weather in most parts of Mexico — though those dreamy conditions do bring with them higher prices and larger crowds. On a regional level, though, you can find pleasant climes at many different times of year. Mexico's coastal hot spots, like Cancun and Los Cabos , offer warmth and sun almost year-round, while high-elevation Mexico City boasts consistently mild temperatures and plenty of indoor activities to enjoy when the rainy season hits.

Dry, warm November may be the ideal month to visit Mexico overall, offering a sweet spot between the heavy fall rains and the beginning of the busy season. (Other November pros: depending on your timing and whereabouts, you might catch Día de los Muertos festivities or the magnificent monarch butterfly migration.)

Best Times to Visit Mexico for Lower Prices

Airfare and accommodation prices tend to mirror the high and low seasons. Flights, hotels, and other travel expenses can surge starting in mid-December, when visitors from the U.S. escape the frigid winter weather and take advantage of the holiday break. Conversely, you can typically save on travel costs by booking during the off-season when demand is lower.

August, September, and October are the wettest months in Mexico. If you're willing to risk these less-than-ideal conditions — particularly in September, which is the peak of the Mexican hurricane season — your airfare and hotel costs should be correspondingly low.

Finally, even though it falls in the high season, January is a great option for lower-cost travel. There are often good deals to be found after the New Year holiday and before the winter and spring break frenzy, which begins in February.

Best Times to Visit Mexico for Whale Watching

At various points in the year, migrating whales spend time in the warm waters off both Mexican shorelines. From December to March, travelers to Baja or elsewhere on the Pacific coast might spot humpback, gray, and even enigmatic blue whales on their epic ocean journeys. Humpbacks love sheltered Bahía de Banderas off Puerto Vallarta; the best times to see them are January and February. In general, lovers of marine life will be in luck for most of the west coast's peak season. Between November and April, you can snorkel with whale sharks off Espíritu Santo Island or dive the protected waters of Cabo Pulmo (one of just three coral reefs on the west coast).

On the opposite coast, whale sharks are the species you're likeliest to spot. Their season lasts from mid-May to mid-September on Mexico's eastern shores, with a peak in June and July. From Cancun , travelers can take a boat tour to Isla Holbox or Isla Contoy to swim with whale sharks and other sea creatures such as manta rays, turtles, and dolphins.

Best Times to Visit Mexico for Surfing

The Pacific Ocean drums up fantastic swells along Mexico's west coast all year long. More experienced surfers will find the biggest, most consistent waves from May to October (peak surf season, coinciding with hurricane season), especially in July and August.

Some of Mexico's best waves pound the breezy Baja Peninsula, but waters are quite nippy here in the winter months. Further south, Nayarit, Barra de Nexpa, Troncones, and Puerto Escondido (home to the world-famous Mexican Pipeline) benefit from the Pacific's powerful barreling surf, but their waters remain warm all year.

Best Times to See Mexico's Butterfly Migration

Every fall, millions of monarch butterflies migrate to central Mexico , where they winter in pine and fir trees in the state of Michoacán. The sight of these brilliant golden-orange butterflies covering the mountain forest and fluttering against the bright blue winter sky is truly magical, and worth planning a trip around.

To witness the yearly phenomenon, visit one of many sanctuaries within the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve between November (ideally mid-November, once more butterflies have settled in) and March. At nearly all of the sanctuaries, you can hike, horseback ride, or bike to see the butterflies in their wooded habitat. At some, you can even zip-line back down the mountain. The afternoon, when the air is warmer and the butterflies dance among the trees, is the perfect time of day to visit the sanctuaries.

Best Times to Visit Mexico for Festivals

Mexico offers countless celebrations and events to plan a trip around. Here are just a few:

• Come Feb. 2, Candelaria (Candlemas) is a big deal in San Juan de los Lagos and Tlacotalpan, a colonial town on the Gulf.
• Carnaval is the major February (or early March) event in Mexico, with the biggest parties in Mazatlán on the Pacific coast and Veracruz, Mérida, Cozumel, and Campeche on the Caribbean and Gulf coasts.
• Mexico's most important holiday, Semana Santa (Holy Week), occurs in March or April; expect crowded hotels and transit and processions threading through the streets.
• Foodies will love Puebla's Festival del Mole Poblano in June.
• A colorful celebration of indigenous dance and music, the Guelaguetza festival occurs in Oaxaca City and neighboring villages in late July.
• Mexico's Independence Day in September is toasted with dancing, parades, and fireworks.
• October sees several big annual events: the Cervantino arts bash in vibrant Guanajuato, the Morelia International Film Festival in Michoacán's UNESCO-listed capital, and the all-month extravaganza of Fiestas de Octubre in Guadalajara.
• For many travelers, Day of the Dead (Nov. 1–2) is the crown jewel of the Mexican calendar. Festivities across the central and southern regions (and especially in Pátzcuaro) honor the departed with picnics, graveyard vigils, papier-mâché skeletons, and intricate dress and makeup.

Best Times to Visit Mexico's Canyon Country

The wild, rocky landscape of northwest Mexico's Copper Canyon — one of the deepest canyons in the world, and bigger than the Grand Canyon — is among the country's most spectacular sights, but the elements can be unforgiving. Spring (particularly March) and fall (particularly November, after the wet season) are the best bets to time a trip, with flowing rivers and waterfalls and mild temperatures throughout the canyons. A scenic train line called the Ferrocarril Chihuahua al Pacífico (or Chepe ) cuts through the canyon, but if you want to ride, it's best to book your seat in advance.

Best Times to Go to Mexico City

To experience Mexico City 's weather at its best, time your trip in March, April, or May, before the rainy summer but after the winter months, when overnight temperatures can drop into the 30s. Spring temperatures linger in the 70s on average, with cooler evenings bottoming out in the mid-50s. The city will be busy with fellow travelers this time of year, but affordable hotel rates can still be found.

Jorge Castro/Travel + Leisure

Best Times to Go to Oaxaca

Spring and fall are the best times to head to the enchanting southern city of Oaxaca . April to May and September to October are blessed with idyllic weather (average temperatures in the low 70s and high 60s) and lighter crowds than at other times of year. June through August and the Christmas/New Year holiday season are the busiest periods for tourists. In late July, the Guelaguetza festival celebrates folk music and dance. If you're there around Christmastime, you'll coincide with Oaxaca City's yearly radish-carving competition, Noche de los Rábanos (Night of the Radishes).

Worst Times to Visit Mexico

The worst time to visit Mexico depends on one key question: Is your goal to have great weather or fewer crowds? Though best and worst times will vary by region, that general metric can be your guide. Crowd-averse travelers should avoid the popular spring season, and sun-seekers should skip summer and fall, which come with near-daily rain.

Vacationers seeking a peaceful coastal getaway will want to steer clear of March and April, when a huge influx of American college students and Mexican families arrive in resort areas like Cancun during spring break and the Semana Santa holidays. Beachgoers shouldn't fail, though, to consider the weather. Hurricane season — which stretches from June to November, with a peak in September and October — is a risky time to visit the Gulf and Caribbean coasts, and warming ocean waters each spring and summer bring seaweed masses that can put a damper on swimming and sunbathing.

For the best mix of pleasant weather and bearable crowds, try visiting in the off-peak, dry months of November and January.

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When Is the Best Time to Visit Mexico?

When is the best time to visit Mexico?

Mexico is known for its beautiful beaches , bustling cities, colorful towns, and delicious food. When a country has so much to offer, deciding the best time to visit Mexico can be difficult. The truth is that figuring out when to visit Mexico depends on what type of holiday you’re looking to enjoy.

When is Mexico’s dry season?

Mexico’s dry season spans from December to April when the country experiences warm temperatures and less rain. We recommend checking out November and March, too, as the crowds will be smaller, and the weather will still be lovely enough to enjoy plenty of sunshine on your holiday. It’s important to note the much-loved coastal getaways like Cancun stay warm throughout the year.

When is Mexico’s rainy season?

Mexico’s rainy season runs from May to September, but do not fret; the showers are short spurts of rain in the mid-afternoon, followed by lovely sunny stretches. However, the wet season does coincide with hurricane season, which runs from June to November, with the highest risk between September and October.

Mexico City is best visited in springtime, between March and May.

When is the best time to visit Mexico for smaller crowds?

Again, it depends on what type of trip you’re looking for. If you want a sunny holiday, we recommend visiting in November when the weather is nice, but the crowds aren’t as bad as in March and April when US spring breakers and local families swarm coastal hotspots.

When is the cheapest time to visit Mexico?

The cheapest time to visit Mexico is during the rainy season, from May to September.

When is the best time to visit Mexico City?

The best time to visit Mexico City is in the spring, between March and May, when temperatures are mild before the rainy season kicks in.

When is the best time to visit Mexico for festivals?

You can visit Mexico anytime and find a fantastic festival celebrating the country's tradition and vibrant culture. A few of our favorites are Carnaval in February, which comes with big parties nationwide and Día de los Muertos , which takes place November 1-2 and includes vibrant festivities honoring the dead.

Día de los Muertos, this year taking place November 1-2, is an excellent time to visit Mexico.

A version of this article originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller .

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Best Time to Visit Mexico City 

• by Nellie Huang
• May 12, 2024

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.

Table of Contents

For the Best Weather

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• Budget: La Querencia DF
• Midrange: Hampton Inn & Suites
• Luxury: Hotel Zocalo Central
• Luxury: The St Regis Mexico City

How to Get Around Mexico City

Things to consider before visiting mexico city, planning a trip around mexico, best time to visit mexico city.

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. 

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, the 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 .

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.

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.

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. If you’re looking to do a Teotihuacan hot air balloon flight , I recommend visiting in the cooler months (November to February).

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 .

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.

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.

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.

Mexico City Festivals: by the Month

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.

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.

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 c hilangos 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Read my guide: Is Mexico City Safe to Visit?

• 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.

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.

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. Be sure to read my guide on what to pack for Mexico for more details.

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:

• What to Pack for Mexico
• 30 Best Museums in Mexico City
• Is Mexico City Safe to Visit ?
• Visiting Teotihuacan, Mexico City Pyramids
• Best Day Trips from Mexico City
• Best Time to Visit Tulum

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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1 thought on “Best Time to Visit Mexico City ”

CDMX es una ciudad grande y realmente hay muchas cosas que hacer, desde museos llenos de historia hasta restaurantes como hoteles muy fancy como los de Polanco. Hay tanto que hacer que es imposible recorrerlo en un día.

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The best time to visit mexico city.

Mexico › Mexico City › When to Go Updated: December 21, 2023

• Where to Stay in Mexico City

When is the Best Time to Visit Mexico City?

If you’re looking for dry weather and moderate temperatures the best time to visit Mexico City is between March and May . During these spring months, the city enjoys warm, pleasant weather with minimal rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The daytime temperatures are comfortable, and the nights are cool, offering a perfect balance for exploring the city. This period also allows you to experience the vibrant cultural life of Mexico City in full swing, with various festivals and events taking place. October and November are also great months to visit, though crowds are larger and hotel prices higher.

• Best Time to See Flowers : Many look forward to the time Jacaranda trees bloom in late February and early March. The broad trees with lavender blooms light up Reforma Avenue. The Chapultepec Botanical gardens are open year-round and be sure to catch the Festival de Flores y Jardines there in April, or head to the neighborhood of San Angel for Feria de las Flores in July.
• Best Time to Visit Teotihuacan : The spectacular ancient Mesoamerican city, just 30 miles north of Mexico City, is open year-round. If the weather is hot, as it can often be in May and June, you may want to arrive when the site opens at 9 am. You can also get a jump on the crowds that way. Speaking of crowds, the spring equinox at Teotihuacan is a huge happening with hundreds of thousands of white-clad people flocking to the site to take in its energy as it alights with the sun. If your purpose is to see the site and learn about its history, it is best to avoid the days around the equinox.
• Best Time 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. If your taste leans more towards violins and oboes than electric guitars and synthesizers, you might want to look at the schedule of the Festival de Mexico en el Centro Historico. This 2-week-long festival, which begins at the end of March, 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 Catch a Soccer Game : If you enjoy spectator sports, sitting in the raucous stands of a Mexico City soccer game will be an experience to remember. Mexico City has 3 teams in the Liga MX, the top-level professional league in Mexico. They have 2 seasons, one from July 20 to November 24 and the other from January 5 to late May.
• Best Time to Ride a Canal Boat in Xochimilco : The best time to set out with a group on one of these colorful canal boats depends on your travel appetite. Do you want to hit the canals with the locals? Then go on a weekend or during the week before and after Easter, when many Mexicans are on holiday. Want to avoid crowds? Weekday mornings are the best bet.
• Best Time for Visiting Markets : Mexico City has wonderful public markets and weekly open-air farmers markets. They operate year-round, but availability for some items, such as some fruits and traditional crafts, depends on the time of year. The best time for a fresh mango is in June and July. Mamey Sapote, a brown fruit with rich orange flesh and a taste similar to a sweet pumpkin with cherry overtones, is most often found in the winter months. The best time to buy a hand-made piñata is in December, in the 2 weeks before Christmas.
• Best Time for Bargains : Chilly winter nights keep some visitors out of the city, so hotel bargains may be found from December to February. There may also be some good hotel deals from June to August.

Mexico City Travel Seasons

• High Season (September to November) : Compared to many destinations, Mexico City doesn’t see a big variation in the number of visitors at different times of the year, but September-November is when tourist traffic in Mexico City is the highest. The last weeks of the rainy season and the beginning of the dry season mean mild temperatures and a good backdrop for popular festivals such as Day of the Dead. September has frequent rains and warm temperatures. The dry season sets in during October and nights get increasingly cool.
• Shoulder Season (March to May) : Another popular time of year, when nights warm up but before the rainy season starts, are the spring months, which are a great time to explore the outdoors. Be sure and reserve in advance, particularly if you are visiting during the weeks before and after Easter – times when Mexicans go on vacation. Besides the pageantry of holy week, there are quite a few festivals to enjoy this time of year.
• Low Season (December to February) : The coolest and driest months of the year have some of the lowest tourist crowds and pleasures of their own, such as Mexico City’s exuberant celebrations of Christmas, New Year’s, and Epiphany. While daytime temperatures are pleasant, nighttime temperatures can reach near freezing, and it is important to take into account that central heating is unusual in Mexican buildings.
• Low Season (June to August) : The summer months are a little less popular for tourists than spring or fall because it rains almost every day during these months, usually in short, intense bursts. Luckily, Mexico City has no shortage of museums, indoor markets, and other diversions that are out of the weather. Because of the rain, air quality is at its best this time of year. The hottest month of this period is June.

Mexico City Weather by Month

Year-round, Mexico City has weather that most people would call lovely, with daily highs between 20°C and 30°C.

• Mexico City Weather in January : January is the coolest month of the year. Daytime temperatures are usually pleasantly warm, while nighttime temperatures can dip to freezing. Smog is a regular occurrence but rain is rare. Wear lots of layers to adjust to the changes in temperature. (Average Max Temperature: 22°C, Average Rainfall: 10mm.)
• Mexico City Weather in February : February has temperatures that are cool by Mexico City standards: 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. Both indoor or outdoor activities are fine in February. Bring layers in either case. Jacaranda trees bloom at the end of the month, signaling that spring is on the way. (Average Max Temperature: 24°C, Average Rainfall: 5mm.)
• Mexico City Weather in March : In March, daytime temperatures start getting warmer, though still pleasant. Nighttime temperatures rise with them, but it gets chilly. Rain is rare. This is usually a smoggy month unless an early Easter cuts down the traffic. (The week before and the week after Easter are holidays in Mexico, and many city residents leave town.) If you are sensitive to air pollution exposure, try to remain indoors during morning and afternoon commute times. (Average Max Temperature: 26°C, Average Rainfall: 6mm.)
• Mexico City Weather in April : April weather is often beautiful. 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 very much dry season. (Average Max Temperature: 27°C, Average Rainfall: 14mm.)
• Mexico City Weather in May : With May, Mexico City hits its hottest time of year. It’s even relatively mild at night. The sunny skies at the beginning of the month come with bad air quality, but when the rains get going at the end of the month, the smog eases up. (Average Max Temperature: 27°C, Average Rainfall: 24mm.)
• Mexico City Weather in June : June has hot daytime temperatures, mild nighttime temperatures (lows are about 12°C), and frequent rains. Often, there will be a light shower in the morning and a heavier one, lasting 20 minutes to an hour, sometime after 4 pm. It’s humid but the smoggy days of the dry season are gone. (Average Max Temperature: 26°C, Average Rainfall: 61mm.)
• Mexico City Weather in July : July sees daytime temperatures decrease a little from the highs of May and June, while nighttime temperatures stay mild. It rains a lot, sometimes with a light shower in the morning followed by a proper tropical downpour sometime after 4 pm. The air quality is relatively good this time of year. (Average Max Temperature: 24°C, Average Rainfall: 61mm.)
• Mexico City Weather in August : August weather is much like July: warm during the day, mildly cool at night, and wet, with a period of rain almost every day, often after 4 pm. If a hurricane is in the area, expect some days of steady rain. Things can be soggy but the air quality is good. (Average Max Temperature: 25°C, Average Rainfall: 55mm.)
• Mexico City Weather in September : In September, temperatures may start to cool off while regular rains continue. Most commonly, the rains are short showers in the morning and brief tropical downpours in the afternoon, but sometimes, particularly when hurricanes are about, the rain can go on for longer. Air quality is fine, and when there isn’t rain, it is usually pleasant outside. (Average Max Temperature: 24°C, Average Rainfall: 38mm.)
• Mexico City Weather in October : October sees the weather shift from a wet season pattern of regular downpours to a dry season pattern of very little rain at all. Temperatures are still warm in the daytime, but nights get chillier (a low of 10°C is average). When the rains disappear, smog becomes part of life again. (Average Max Temperature: 24°C, Average Rainfall: 18mm.)
• Mexico City Weather in November : A lovely month, November has comfortable temperatures during the day but starts to get quite chilly at night, which can be noticeable indoors because central heating isn’t a common feature in Mexican buildings. Rain is rare and air quality can be poor. (Average Max Temperature: 23°C, Average Rainfall: 1mm.)
• Mexico City Weather in December : Dry, sunny days and chilly nights are the norms for 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. (Average Max Temperature: 23°C, Average Rainfall: 2mm.)

Mexico City Events and Festivals

Mexico city in january.

• New Year’s Day – A public holiday when most businesses and restaurants will be closed, so people can relax with their families and recover from the New Year’s Eve parties the night before.
• Día de los Reyes/Three Kings’ Day – On January 6, Mexicans commemorate the arrival of the 3 wise men after the birth of Christ by giving kids gifts.

Mexico City in February

• Día de la Candelaria – On February 2, it is customary for families to dress up a doll of the baby Jesus in fine clothes and take him to church to be blessed.
• Zona Maco Arte Contemporaneo – For 4 days in February, a gigantic international art fair takes over galleries and museums around the city, and also features lectures and other activities.

Mexico City in March

• National Pyrotechnic Festival – This spectacular week-long festival takes place in Tultepec, a Mexico city suburb that is the center of Mexico’s artisanal fireworks industry.
• Benito Juárez’s Birthday – The birthday of Benito Juarez, a 19th-century Mexican president who worked his whole life for democratic reform in the country, is an excuse for a national holiday on the third Monday in March.
• Spring Equinox Teotihuacan – Hundreds of thousands of people, all wearing white with a red accessory, flock to the pyramids at Teotihuacan to absorb what they believe is energy released by the equinox, which can occur on March 19, 20, or 21.
• Vive Latino Music Festival  – A huge weekend-long music festival that includes popular international bands as well as up-and-comers in an eclectic spectrum of genres.
• Festival de México en el Centro Histórico – A 2-week showcase of high culture: classical and jazz music and dance, along with literary and children’s events.

Mexico City in April

• Semana Santa – Beginning with Palm Sunday, the Sunday before Easter, when churches bless palm fronds, and continuing to Easter and the week after, Mexicans mark the most important festival of the Catholic calendar.
• Passion Play of Iztapalapa – Taking place over 6 days with a cast of over 2,000 locals, 150 with speaking roles, plus thousands of followers carrying wooden crosses through the streets, this spectacular interpretation of the events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion draws millions of spectators to Iztapalapa, a hardscrabble suburb of Mexico City.
• Festival De Flores y Jardines – The Botanical Garden at Chapultepec and the nearby neighborhood of Polanco will pop with color during this festival featuring competitions in floral design.

Mexico City in May

• Labor Day –  Mexico honors the contributions of working people with a statutory holiday on May 1.
• Cinco de Mayo – The anniversary of the First Battle of Puebla, in which Mexican forces beat the invading French, is not observed in Mexico, except in Puebla, a beautiful city about 2.5 hours from Mexico City.
• Corredor Cultural Roma Condesa – For a spring weekend, restaurants, bars, and stores in the hip Roma and Condesa neighborhoods host a tour highlighting design, art, and food.
• Ambulante Film Festival – This festival stops by Mexico City in May for 2 weeks of documentaries and workshops.

Mexico City in June

• Mexico City Gay Pride/Marcha del Orgullo LGBTI en la CDMX – Mexico City’s annual Gay Pride March has been going since 1979, and it is immense and joyful with hundreds of thousands participating.

Mexico City in July

• Feria de Las Flores – The neighborhood of San Angel lights up its public spaces with this harvest festival featuring displays, flower sales, tours, dances, and concerts.

Mexico City in August

• Festival Raices Cubanas – Held for 5 days in August, this very popular music festival features several international artistes, shows, parties, workshops, and competitions.

Mexico City in September

• El Grito de Dolores/Día de la Independencia – Mexico City’s primary patriotic celebration starts the evening of September 15 when hundreds of thousands of people converge on the Zocalo to hear the bells ring and the President of Mexico read out the famous words of Miguel de Hidalgo, a priest whose cry of independence had set off a revolution.

Mexico City in October

• Día de la Raza – This unofficial holiday on the anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ landing was first conceived as a time to celebrate Mexico’s culture. For many, it is also a time to remember the suffering of indigenous peoples.
• Alebrije Parade – In a celebration of folk art, people propel hundreds of Alebrijes – gigantic, brilliantly-colored, fantastical creatures – down a 3.5-mile route, while acrobats, musicians, and folks in costume add to the festive atmosphere.
• Feria Nacional del Mole – San Pedro Atocpan, a town on the outskirts of Mexico City, is the world capital of mole, and spends much of October showcasing the spicy and savory wonders of the dish.
• Dia de Muertos Parade – The annual Day of the Dead Parade through the Centro Historico was inspired by a fictional one, depicted in the opening of the 2015 James Bond movie “Spectre.”

Mexico City in November

• Día de Muertos – Many public places are filled with families and shrines are elaborately decorated in yellow marigolds. The Zocalo is one place to go (it has a concert stage). More down-to-earth observances take place in the neighborhoods of Coyoacan and Mixquic.
• Corona Capital Music Festival – For 1 weekend, an auto race track becomes a venue for a variety of pop music performers, many from English-speaking countries, with 4 stages open during the day and after-parties going into the night.
• MUTEK – The Mexico stop of an international festival of electronic music and digital arts.
• Día de la Revolución – Public holiday commemorating the 1910 revolution that overthrew President Porfirio Diaz.
• Fiesta de Santa Cecilia – Mariachi bands can be found in Plaza Garibaldi day and night, year-round, but on this day, the square hosts lots of musicians and dancers who come together for a fiesta honoring the patron saint of music.

Mexico City in December

• Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe – Thousands of pilgrims carrying flowers converge on the Basilica of Guadelupe. Outside the basilica there is music, street food (pastries called bunuelos are traditional), and dancing.
• Christmas – In the weeks leading up to the holiday, Nativity scenes, many life-sized, decorate public spaces and there are holiday lights in the Zocalo, which also hosts a giant ice rink.
• New Year’s Eve – The big public party is around the Angel de Independencia. Expect live bands and fireworks.
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The Best Time to Visit Mexico City, Mexico for Weather, Safety, & Tourism

The best times to visit Mexico City for ideal weather are

January 29th to May 13th

October 1st to november 25th.

based on average temperature and humidity from NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). Read below for more weather and travel details.

Mexico City Travel Guide

Temperature.

• Perceived Temperature
• Rain and snow
• Humidity and wind
• The busiest and least popular months
• Overall travel experience by time of year

Other Mexico City Travel Info

Weather in mexico city.

Average temperatures in Mexico City vary little. Considering humidity, temperatures feel very enjoyable all year with a low chance of precipitation most of the year. The area is more temperate than most — in the 80th percentile for pleasant weather — compared to tourist destinations worldwide. Weeks with ideal weather are listed above . If you’re looking for the very warmest time to visit Mexico City, the hottest months are May, April, and then June. See average monthly temperatures below. The warmest time of year is generally early to mid May where highs are regularly around 82.3°F (27.9°C) with temperatures rarely dropping below 56.6°F (13.7°C) at night.

Mexico City Temperatures (Fahrenheit)

Mexico city temperatures (celsius), “feels-like” temperatures.

The way we experience weather isn’t all about temperature. Higher temperatures affect us much more at higher humidity, and colder temperatures feel piercing with high winds. Our perceived temperatures factor in humidity and wind chill to better represent how hot or cold the day feels to a person.

Mexico City Perceived Temperature (F)

Mexico city perceived temperature (c), average mexico city temperatures by month.

Daily highs (averaged for the month) usually give the best indication of the weather. A significantly lower mean and low generally just means it gets colder at night.

Show Fahrenheit

Show celsius, precipitation (rain or snow).

If dry weather is what you’re after, the months with the lowest chance of significant precipitation in Mexico City are December, February, and then January. Note that we define “significant precipitation” as .1 inches or more in this section. The lowest chance of rain or snow occurs around early January. For example, on the week of January 1st there are no days of precipitation on average. By contrast, it’s most likely to rain or snow in late June with an average of 4 days of significant precipitation the week of June 25th.

Chance of Precipitation

The graph below shows the % chance of rainy and snowy days in Mexico City.

Snow on the Ground

The graph below shows the average snow on the ground in Mexico City (in).

Average Rain and Snow by Month

Show inches, show centimeters, humidity and wind.

Mexico City has some humid months, and slightly dry months in the opposite season. The least humid month is February (36.7% relative humidity), and the most humid month is September (64.4%).

Wind in Mexico City is usually calm . The windiest month is March, followed by June and August. March’s average wind speed of around 5.1 knots (5.9 MPH or 9.5 KPH) is considered “a light breeze.” Maximum sustained winds (the highest speed for the day lasting more than a few moments) are at their highest in early to mid March where average top sustained speeds reach 10.6 knots, which is considered a gentle breeze.

Relative Humidity (%)

The graph below shows the average % humidity by month in Mexico City.

The graph below shows wind speed (max and average) in knots.

Average Wind Speeds

Show wind speeds.

All wind speeds are in knots. 1 knot = 1.15 MPH or 1.85 KPH.

Show Relative Humidity by Month

Is it safe to travel to mexico city.

Our best data indicates this area is somewhat safe, but with extra warnings in a few regions. As of Dec 04, 2023 there are travel warnings and regional advisories for Mexico; exercise a high degree of caution and avoid some areas. Check this page for any recent changes or regions to avoid: Travel Advice and Advisories . This advisory was last updated on Dec 04, 2023.

The Busiest and Least Crowded Months

The busiest month for tourism in Mexico City, Mexico is February, followed by January and March. Prices for hotels and flights will be most expensive during these months, though you can save if you purchase well in advance. Tourists are unlikely to visit Mexico City in December. Those willing to visit at these times will likely find it the least expensive month.

Estimated Tourism by Month

Most popular months to visit, overall mexico city travel experience by season, spring (march through may).

Humidity and temperatures combine to make this season feel warm. Highs range from 82.3°F (27.9°C) and 75.8°F (24.3°C) with warmer temperatures in the later months. Rain is rare with 1 to 5 days of significant precipitation per month. Spring is the busiest for tourism, which makes it a good time for those looking for things to do.

Summer (June through August)

The middle-year months have comfortably cool weather with high temperatures that are comfortable. These months see the most precipitation with 9 to 12 days of precipitation per month. June – August is the slowest season for tourism in Mexico City, so lodging and other accommodations may cost less than usual.

Fall (September through November)

Fall daily highs range from 76.6°F (24.8°C) and 73.1°F (22.8°C), which will feel comfortable given the humidity and wind. It rains or snows a significant amount: 1 to 10 days per month. Tourism is fairly slow during these months due to the weather, so hotels may be lower priced.

Winter (December through February)

Weather is somewhat cool this time of year in Mexico City to be enjoyable for warm weather travelers. The average high during this season is between 79.7°F (26.5°C) and 68.1°F (20.1°C). On average, it rains or snows a very small amount: 0 to 1 times per month. These times of year are the second busiest with tourists.

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The Best Month to Visit Mexico City in 2024

• January 4, 2024

When is the best time to visit Mexico City? This question depends on various factors, including weather, festivals and events, tourist attractions, and local cuisine. In terms of weather, the best months to visit are March-April and October-November, when the weather is mild and dry. Some key takeaways include: 1) The Hottest Months: August can be hot, so be prepared for warm temperatures. 2) The Rainy Season: The rainy season is from April to October, so you may want to avoid visiting during this time. 3) The Best Time to Visit: March-April and October-November offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities. 4) What to Pack: Pack accordingly for the weather, including light clothing for the warmer months and layers for the cooler months. 5) Festivals and Events: Some popular festivals and events include Day of the Dead, Independence Day, Carnival, and Mexican Independence Day. These events showcase the vibrant culture of Mexico. Overall, Mexico City offers something for everyone throughout the year.

Key Takeaways

• March-April and October-November are the best months to visit Mexico City for mild and dry weather.
• August can be hot, so be prepared for warm temperatures.
• The rainy season is from April to October, so it’s best to avoid visiting during this time.
• Pack accordingly for the weather, including light clothing for the warmer months and layers for the cooler months.
• Experience the vibrant culture of Mexico City through festivals and events like Day of the Dead, Independence Day, Carnival, and Mexican Independence Day.

Weather in Mexico City

The hottest months.

The hottest months in Mexico City are June, July, and August. During this time, temperatures can reach their peak, making it quite hot and uncomfortable. However, there are plenty of indoor attractions like museums and markets to explore and escape the heat. It’s also the best time to enjoy the city’s vibrant festivals and events.

The Rainy Season

The rainy season in Mexico City runs from May to September, with occasional showers in the mid-afternoon. It coincides with hurricane season, which is highest between September and October. Despite the rain, this time of year is still a great time to visit.

The Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Mexico City is between March and May. During these spring months, the city experiences dry weather and moderate temperatures . It is the perfect time to explore the city’s attractions and enjoy outdoor activities. You can go to one of the many attractions, such as tours of the soccer stadiums in Mexico City , or visit one of the many museums.

P.S. Also check out the best time to visit Querétaro

P.S. Also check out the best time to visit Guadalajara

P.S. Also check out the best time to visit Cozumel

What to Pack

When packing for Mexico City, it’s important to consider the weather. August can have mild, sunny days, but also rainy afternoons and cool evenings. It’s a good idea to pack layers, including t-shirts, lightweight tops, shorts, and jeans. Don’t forget to bring a light jacket, sweater, cardigan, or hoodie, depending on your style. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, and it’s strongly advised to bring rain gear.

Festivals and Events

Day of the dead.

The Day of the Dead Parade in Mexico City is a vibrant and lively event that takes place in the Centro Historico. Inspired by a fictional parade in a James Bond movie, this annual celebration features elaborate decorations, yellow marigolds, and shrines . Families gather in public places like the Zocalo, which also hosts concerts. For a more authentic experience, visit the neighborhoods of Coyoacan and Mixquic. Don’t miss out on this colorful and festive celebration!

Independence Day

Mexico City’s primary patriotic celebration starts the evening of September 15 when hundreds of thousands of people converge on the Zocalo to hear the bells ring and the President of Mexico read out the famous words of Miguel de Hidalgo, a priest whose cry of independence had set off a revolution. This celebration is a vibrant display of Mexican culture and history.

Carnival in Mexico City is a vibrant and lively celebration that takes place in the neighborhoods of Coyoacan and Mixquic. It is a time when the streets come alive with music, dancing, and colorful costumes. People from all over the city gather to enjoy parades, live performances, and delicious street food. It is a must-visit event for anyone looking to experience the festive spirit of Mexico City.

Mexican Independence Day

Mexican Independence Day, one of the best holidays in Mexico, takes place on September 16. Celebrations are bigger in large cities, especially Mexico City, but smaller celebrations and military parades can be found in pueblos magicos and beach destinations. The holiday commemorates the cry of independence by Miguel de Hidalgo, a priest whose words sparked a revolution. It is a day filled with cultural celebrations, dancing, music, and delicious food.

Tourist Attractions

Historic center.

Mexico City’s Historic Center is a must-visit destination in downtown Mexico City that is considered one of the most important historic centers in the world. You’ll find many museums, churches, and historical landmarks, as well as countless dining and shopping options. It is the heart of the country, with iconic landmarks like the Zocalo, National Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Templo Mayor Mexica archaeological ruins, Palacio Postal, Bellas Artes Palace, and much more. It’s a vibrant area with a rich cultural heritage.

Chapultepec Park

Chapultepec Park is a huge urban park located in the middle of Mexico City . Spanning over 1,600 acres, it is twice the size of Central Park in NYC! Besides the large expanse of green areas, the park also features several attractions including museums, cultural centers, a botanical garden, fountains, a zoo, exercise areas, and Palacio de Chapultepec. You could spend a week in the park and still not see everything!

Teotihuacan

Teotihuacan Ruins are among the oldest and most important archaeological sites in Mexico. It is a must-visit in Mexico City. Devoting an entire day to exploring the ruins is recommended. The easiest way to visit is on one of the best Teotihuacan tours and hot air balloon rides.

Xochimilco is a Mexico City UNESCO World Heritage Site, officially called the Floating Gardens of Xochimilco . On the floating gardens, you’ll see ancient farming techniques still in use today by local farmers, as well as axolotl farms for this endangered species. Experience Xochimilco through a canoe tour to the chinampas (floating gardens) or opt for a party boat style tour with mariachi musicians and tequila tastings aboard a trajinera (colorful gondola boat). The safest and easiest way to visit Xochimilco is by tour.

Local Cuisine

Street food.

Local favorites are chilaquiles and enchiladas. The best time to eat them would be at brunch along with coffee or agua fresca. Mexican street food is among the best in the world. Neighborhoods Roma and Centro Histórico are good spots for street food. Tacos will be the highlight of your trip. As for places to avoid, perhaps any vendor that isn’t busy with people waiting or eating.

Traditional Dishes

Some traditional dishes in Mexico City include chilaquiles and enchiladas . Chilaquiles are lightly fried tortilla chips bathed in salsa, while enchiladas are corn tortillas filled with meat or other ingredients and drenched in a savory sauce. These dishes are best enjoyed at brunch with coffee or fruit juice.

Mexican Sweets

Indulge your sweet tooth in Mexico City with a variety of delicious treats. One must-try is the famous churro ice cream sandwich at Churrería El Moro, a beloved spot since 1935. For a taste of traditional pastries, head to Pastelería Ideal, one of the oldest and best pastry shops in the city.

Mezcal Tasting

If you’re looking for a unique drinking experience, head to Plaza Garibaldi for cocktails made with mezcal or tequila . Try a refreshing michelada, a beer-based cocktail with tomato juice and spices. Plaza Garibaldi is also known for its lively mariachi scene, so come prepared to sing and dance all night long!

The Best Month to Visit Mexico City

In conclusion, the best month to visit Mexico City depends on what you’re after. If you’re looking for mild and dry weather, March-April and October-November are fantastic options. March and April offer warm temperatures and beautiful jacaranda blooms, while October and November provide sunny days and the opportunity to experience the vibrant Day of the Dead celebrations. For outdoor activities and sightseeing, the spring months of March to May are ideal, with comfortable daytime temperatures and cool nights. However, if you want to avoid crowds and find hotel bargains, consider visiting in December or during the low season from December to February. Overall, Mexico City offers something for everyone throughout the year, so plan your visit based on your preferences and desired experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best month to visit mexico city.

The best month to visit Mexico City depends on what you’re after, but in terms of weather, March-April and October-November are fantastic for mild and dry weather.

What is the weather like in Mexico City?

Mexico City has a mild climate with warm summers and mild winters. The hottest months are typically between March and May, and the rainy season is from April to October.

What should I pack for a trip to Mexico City?

It is recommended to pack lightweight and breathable clothing, as well as comfortable walking shoes. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle. It’s also a good idea to have a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings.

What are some popular tourist attractions in Mexico City?

Some popular tourist attractions in Mexico City include the Historic Center, Chapultepec Park, Teotihuacan, and Xochimilco.

What are some traditional dishes to try in Mexico City?

Some traditional dishes to try in Mexico City include tacos al pastor, mole poblano, chiles en nogada, and tamales. Don’t forget to try some delicious Mexican sweets like churros and tres leches cake.

Are there any festivals or events in Mexico City?

Yes, Mexico City hosts various festivals and events throughout the year. Some notable ones include Day of the Dead, Independence Day, Carnival, and Mexican Independence Day.

Aemilius Dost is originally from the Netherlands but moved to Mexico more than two years ago. He started traveling when he was 19 and visited over 20 countries spread over North, and Central America, Europe and Asia. He currently works as a freelance SEO specialist and has worked with companies such as Surfshark, SafetyWing, and BP.

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These are the best times to visit Mexico

The holidays are a distant memory, and it's just, well, winter in the U.S. First there was the cyclone bomb and now with prevailing icy winds and frigid temperatures comes the call of azure waters and sandy beaches, perhaps with a margarita and a taco.

And while Mexico plays the winter card very well, it turns out winter isn't always the best time to go to Mexico.

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The ideal time to visit Mexico for good weather — it depends

Don't be mistaken, it's a great time to head south. But Mexico is a land of microclimates and its topography is one of the most diverse in the world. You could be on the beach in the morning and, by evening, be bundled in a blanket sipping a hot mug of Chiapan hot chocolate up in the highlands. So the answer to the question, "when is the best time to go to Mexico?" is simple: it depends.

"The best time to go to Mexico is dependent on the location within Mexico," said Zachary Rabinor, CEO of Journey Mexico, a luxury destination management company specializing in highly customized Mexico vacations. "Remember that Mexico is a giant country. The best time to visit is very much dependent on destination, location and time of year."

Mexico has more than 5,800 miles of beaches, but the interior is made up of desert, jungle lowlands, highlands and mountains that surpass 18,000 feet above sea level. To make it easy, we have broken down the best times to go to Mexico, depending on all of those factors Rabinor described, and more.

The best time to go to Mexico City

Surrounded by mountains, at an altitude of 7,300 feet, Mexico City enjoys temperate weather year round. As long as you dress well and prepare for inclement weather, it's a great destination regardless of the season. Summer is the rainy season with temperatures reaching around 80 degrees Fahrenheit and afternoon downpours a common occurrence from June through October. From December through March, winter brings light jacket weather with temperatures dropping to the 40-degree Fahrenheit range at night.

Mexico's answer to cherry blossom season occurs late February through March, when the city's purple jacaranda trees begin to bloom.

The best time to go hiking in the mountains

The Sierra Madre mountain range essentially runs the entirety of the country north to south, down the center. The mountains extend approximately 700 miles from northwest to southeast, with summits on average above 6,000 feet and many peaks reaching 10,000 feet.

The climate here typically features cool nights and dry days. There is a rainy season, from June through October, but the mountain topography tends to mitigate it so that it is less intense than in lower-lying regions.

You should visit the mountains if you're interested in adventure travel, including trekking, climbing, mountain biking and hiking. The best time to visit would be the dry season to maximize the outdoor time, but you're risking lower temperatures.

The best time for exploring the Lowlands

Mexico's lowland jungles, like the Lacandón jungle, which stretches from the southern state of Chiapas into the Yucatán peninsula and down to Guatemala, has a much more tropical, rainforest-style climate compared to the mountains. The lowlands have more intense rainy seasons from June through October, as well as a treacherous hurricane season, from mid-August through mid-October.

Visitors to the lowlands will be exploring the jungles of Chiapas and its archaeological sites, such as Palenque or Bonampak, the national wildlife preserve within the state of Campeche or the Mayan sites within the Yucatán or Quintana Roo states. The best time to visit the lowlands is in the winter, when it will still be hot and humid, but much drier compared to the summer.

The best time to visit the Northwest and Baja Peninsula

These two regions, while different in topography, are similar in climate. The Northwest is a mountainous plateau that stretches down to the desert region encompassing destinations like San Miguel de Allende, Querétaro, Guanajuato, Copper Canyon and Mazatlán.

The Baja peninsula, across the Sea of Cortez, is a desert-style environment similar to southern California. This region is much cooler, especially in the winter. The best time to visit is June through October, when the destination will be drier. But beware of hurricane season in Baja, which is susceptible to severe storms.

The best time to visit Cancun, Tulum and the Riviera Maya

The absolute best time to visit the Riviera Maya hotspots of Cancun and Tulum is after hurricane season, specifically November, when the weather switches to the dry season, and lasts until around March or April. This is when the coast is at its most beautiful, with lower humidity, warm days and cooler nights. Unfortunately, this is when the rest of the world is also heading to Mexico's coast, so you'll find more crowds and higher hotel rates.

The summer on the coast is hot and humid, oppressively so. However, this is when you're most likely to get beaches all to yourself and insane hotel rates to boot.

The best time to go to Puerto Vallarta and Pacific Coast

Similar to Cancun, the southwestern coast of Oaxaca and up the entire Pacific Coast of the country through Acapulco to Puerto Vallarta, are travel hotspots during the dry winter and spring season from late November through April.

In the summer you can expect higher humidity and more rain. The sultry summer months, in contrast, are a bargain hunter's dream, as long as you don't mind the heat and more frequent rainy days.

The best times to visit Mexico to avoid the crowds

Even though Mexico is a vast and spread-out country, there tends to be uniformity, for the most part, when it comes to crowds. A general rule of thumb is that school holidays, like Christmas, Easter and the summer months are when both international as well as Mexican families like to travel, so hotels tend to be crowded. Mexico has a lot of national holidays — many more than the U.S. — So it's a good idea to consult this list of public holidays to know if you're traveling over a Mexican vacation time.

The cities, like Mexico City, Guadalajara, Guanajuato, San Luis Potosí and Querétaro, work under a different set of rules. Weekdays will be more crowded, especially at the hotels, as this is peak business travel time. The weekends in the major cities will have fewer crowds and better hotel rates. That said, weekends are also when international travelers are jetting in for short visits.

March and April also tend to be crowded with spring breakers and during Semana Santa (the week leading up to Easter and one of the most celebrated times among Mexicans), leaving beach destinations packed to near gridlock status.

Shoulder season — May, June, September and October — are a bit rainier and more humid, but will have the fewest crowds, so if you're planning a trip to the coast consider these months. This is also when you'll get the best hotel deals.

The best time to go to Mexico for whale watching

The Sea of Cortez is one of Earth's most biologically diverse locations, a sanctuary for some 1,000 species of fish and sea mammals and some 5,000 species of marine invertebrates, much of it protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

From December to March, several species of whales migrate to the warm waters of the Gulf of California. Tour boats allow for close encounters with eight different species of whales, including orca, humpback, gray and blue whales.

In towns such as Guerrero Negro, where gray whales migrate from northern seas to give birth from January through April, the whale watching is outstanding.

The cheapest times to visit Mexico

Theories abound that certain days are better for finding flight deals. According to Hayley Berg, leading economist at booking app Hopper, that's a myth which can be applied to less than 2% of routes and there really is no golden rule of when to book .

That said, for flights to Mexico, and really any international destination, it's safe to say that booking early will save you money, with three to five months before travel being the sweet spot. Booking midweek will also likely yield more availability and therefore more economical fares.

Hotel rates will soar during major holidays (especially Christmas and Easter) as well as June through August when children are out of school. Right after the holidays and at the tail end of August are generally when demand drops off and prices are more palatable. September is the peak of hurricane season and hotel rates will certainly reflect that.

When to visit Mexico for events

As mentioned earlier, Mexico is a country that loves to celebrate, and has a ton of public holidays on which to do so. There are festivals all throughout the year and some of them are pretty spectacular. Keep in mind, festivals tend to be the most expensive and most crowded times to visit, but you'll be in for some remarkable memories.

Winter events

In the days from Christmas to New Year's, Mexico is in full holiday mode. The best New Year's Eve parties are in Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta, Playa del Carmen, San Miguel de Allende and Los Cabos. While it is one of the most expensive (and crowded) times to be in Mexico, New Year's is certainly one of the most colorful and explosive holidays, as it is in most parts of the world.

Each winter, millions of monarch butterflies make the journey from Canada and the US to Mexico for their annual migration . Their final resting spot is among the oyamel fir trees in the state of Michoacán, around the month of February. It is one of the most spectacular sights to behold as massive swaths of brilliant orange flicker across the blue winter sky, turning the forests of Michoacán into a veritable fairyland.

Caveat : Michoacán has a history of cartel activity and the State Department has issued a Level 4 (do not travel) warning for that state. While travelers usually will not have a problem, it is best to consult an expert or local destination management company to get the most recent update on the situation, or through which to organize your travel. Journey Mexico, for example, can be an excellent resource.

Spring events

Easter time (and the week leading up to it) is one of the holiest times in Mexico. Semana Santa — as the Holy Week is called — is when thousands of Mexicans make pilgrimages or take their holidays. The festivals are marked with parades, music, street food and cathedrals that are packed to the gills.

Fall events

Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day. (It's actually not even that big of a holiday, and few places in Mexico celebrate it.) The real Mexican Independence Day falls over Sept. 15 and 16, and celebrations, fireworks and parties are held all across the country.

For many lovers of Mexico, a visit to a Day of the Dead celebration is a veritable rite of passage, as it should be. One of the most sacred holidays in Mexico, Day of the Dead celebrates and honors ancestors who have passed on. Cemeteries flood with relatives who pray by candlelight and adorn the graves with bright orange flowers. In many cities like Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, Oaxaca and San Miguel de Allende, there are boisterous parades with colorful puppets, masked characters and lots of face paint and flowers.

The bottom line

There's no wrong time to visit Mexico. No matter the time of year there is a destination that is coming into its prime. "Overall," Rabinor told TPG , "it's dependent on weather, crowds, rates and what you're looking for."

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When is the best time to visit Mexico?

• Month-by-month

The best time to visit Mexico is during the dry season between December and April, when there is virtually no rain. The coolest months are between December and February, although temperatures can still reach averages of 82°F during the dry season.

The wet season begins in the south in May and lasts until October. A heavy shower during this period usually clears the increased humidity before it builds up again. The Caribbean coast can be affected by the hurricane season, which runs from June to November.

Mexico is a huge country, and the weather varies by season and by region. It’s worth checking the local forecast for your chosen destination.

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Month-by-month guide for traveling in Mexico

Visiting Mexico in January - February

January and February are part of the dry season across most of Mexico. Although this time of year is technically mid-winter, they are still warm months across the country — ideal for exploring or for time on the beach. January to March are the months to visit Baja California to see the visiting whales.

Events & Festivals

• Butterfly migration (January and February): Millions of beautiful monarch butterflies which have settled in Mexico's central areas begin their journey north to Canada — a magnificent sight for any wildlife lover.
• Whale watching (January to March): This is the best time to spot the whales that migrate to Mexico's coast, with humpbacks, blue and gray whales all making an appearance at this time of year.

Visiting Mexico in March - April

Usually the last months of the dry season, temperatures in March and April are picking up and they can be excellent choices for some relaxation on the hot and sunny Yucatán Peninsula . Mexico City and the surrounding colonial towns and villages are also becoming pleasantly warm.

Visiting Mexico in May

A hot month to visit Mexico, May is also the start of the country's rainy season, although rains tend to make a slow start in the south, gradually creeping northwards over the coming months.

Visiting Mexico in June

The rains make their presence known in June, although often only in the form of an afternoon storm, which can be timed with a 'siesta'. Temperatures and humidity levels are high across the country.

Visiting Mexico in July

July is the heart of Mexico's rainy season, although showers often only arrive in the afternoon and shouldn't affect touring plans. It's a hot month — ideal for those seeking a beach stay. The Mayan Riviera is ideal at this time of year. The hot days are cooled by rain showers late in the afternoon, and the temperatures in the evenings drop to a more pleasant level. Inland areas around Mexico City remain cooler.

Visiting Mexico in August - September

Considered low season across the country, rains in August and September do become heavier; particularly on the Pacific Coast, where it is almost monsoon like. This is the middle of hurricane season. Temperatures are generally high across the country, although the central interior is cooler.

• Independence Day (September 15 and 16): Mexico celebrates its Independence Day with crowds across the country gathering to eat, drink, dance, and shout 'Viva Mexico' while enjoying military parades and firework shows.

Visiting Mexico in October

Officially the last month of the rainy season, with rains starting to ease a little. However, high temperatures, heavy showers and humid conditions remain across much of the country.

Visiting Mexico in November

A good month for a visit to most destinations within Mexico. The rains have generally eased (although haven't completely disappeared), days are hot, and the crowds that appear later in December are yet to arrive.

• Day of the Dead (November 1): Mexico's 'Day of the Dead' celebrations sees festivities take place in central and southern Mexico to honor friends and relatives who have died. Expect candles, elaborately decorated skull-shaped masks and music.

Visiting Mexico in December

December is a popular month for travel to Mexico, with the weather generally warm and dry across the country. It can get particularly busy around Christmas and New Year, so plan your travel well in advance.

Mexico Climate Guide

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The Best Time to Visit Mexico

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The best time to visit Mexico is in September, as temperatures cool and the rainy season is subsiding, leaving lush greenery in its wake. September also has fewer crowds, as kids go back to school, and lower prices.

Of course, there really is no bad time to visit Mexico, but certain times of the year may appeal to different people more than others, and some destinations and activities may be better at certain times of the year. When planning your trip to Mexico, you'll want to have an idea of the weather, any festivals, and events taking place at the time of your visit, and whether it is the high or low season.

Weather in Mexico

Although many people associate Mexico with hot weather, it's a big country with a wide range of climatic zones and conditions. The weather at sea level tends to be warm to hot throughout the year, making for year-round beach weather (how convenient!) whereas at higher elevations in cities like Mexico City, Toluca, or San Cristobal de las Casas, the weather can get chilly to downright cold in the winter months, especially from November through January. Rainy season in central and southern Mexico falls during the summer months, but some areas, particularly in the north along the border with the United States and along the Baja California Peninsula, can go years without rain.

Mexico's beach resorts tend to be most pleasant between October and May (June to September can be very hot and humid). You should also keep in mind that hurricane season lasts from June to November.

Key Festivals and Events

If you'd like to experience one of the many fiestas that take place in Mexico, you should definitely time your trip to coincide with one. Some people dream of participating one of Mexico's unique cultural celebrations like Day of the Dead at the end of October and beginning of November, when cemeteries are filled with people honoring and remembering their deceased loved ones, or the Radish festival in Oaxaca on December 23, when artisans carve and assemble radishes to form elaborate figures and scenes. Or your bucket list may include witnessing natural events like the annual Monarch butterfly migration when you can be surrounded by thousands of fluttering butterflies (November through March), or holding a tiny baby sea turtle to release it into the ocean as part of one of the sea turtle conservancy programs (usually May to November). If you’d like your Mexican vacation to include one of these experiences, you'll want to plan the timing of your trip accordingly.

Peak Season in Mexico

During school holidays at Christmas, Easter, and during the summer months, Mexican families like to travel and you may find buses and hotels are crowded, so keep that in mind when planning your trip to Mexico. Consider Mexico's national holidays so you can keep track of what celebrations are going on and when. Beach destinations may be very crowded during spring break . For fewer crowds and good deals, you should travel at other times or to other destinations.

January is part of Mexico's high-season, as those from colder climates flock to the country's beaches. Weather along the coastal areas is pleasant, but at the higher elevations, it can still be chilly.

Events to check out:

• Three Kings Day, held each year on January 6, represents the day the Three Wise Men gave gifts to Jesus Christ. This day closes out the Christmas season in Mexico.

Like January, February is also a popular time to visit Mexico. It's the country's dryest month and temperatures begin to rise.

• Día de la Candelaria commemorates Mary's visit to the Temple in Jerusalem after the birth of Christ and is held in early February each year.
• Millions of Monarch butterflies ride out the winter in Mexico each year. The butterfly population is at its peak in February.

Spring break typically falls in March, bringing large crowds to the country's coastal areas. While the weather can be nice, if your ideal Mexican vacation involves a secluded beach, don't visit in March.

• Spring Equinox is an interesting time at Mexico's Chichen Itza ruins, as the interplay of light and shadow makes it appear as if the serpent Kukulcan "descends" the stairs of El Castillo.

April is not only hot and dry—it's also crowded. During this month, many Mexicans take their vacations during the Holy Week, flocking to beach resorts and coastal areas. Book your hotels and other reservations well in advance if you're planning a trip during April.

• Easter in Mexico is a two-week holiday which consists of the Holy Week (Semana Santa) and Pascua (which starts with Easter Sunday and ending the following Saturday). This week is among the most important holidays in Mexico's culture.

May is quite warm in Mexico and it also marks the beginning of the country's rainy season, so bring your umbrella. It's also quite a festive month, with many celebrations throughout the country.

• Cinco de Mayo isn't celebrated as fervently in Mexico as it is the U.S., but many cities and villages will still host small celebrations.
• Mexico's Labor Day is a national holiday, held on May 1.

The weather in June is warm, often with high humidity. If you're coming to Mexico with hopes of releasing sea turtles, the season kicks off in June and runs through October.

• Feria de San Pedro, or "St. Peter's Fair," takes place in Tlaquepaque near Guadalajara.
• Día de Locos, or "the Day of the Crazies," is held in San Miguel de Allende.

July is usually the wettest month in Mexico, but that shouldn't keep you from visiting: Much of the time, rain usually begins late in the afternoon or evening. Summer vacation has begun so while many tourist areas will be busy, they won't be as crowded as they are during spring break or peak winter months.

• The Guelaguetza festival is held in Oaxaca for the last half of the month and is a great opportunity to enjoy Mexican culture and folk dances.

Northern Mexico is hot during August, while the rest of the country is warm and rainy. Hurricane season officially began in June, but many times, hurricanes hit between August and October. Depending on where in Mexico you're visiting, this is worth considering.

• At the Huamantla Fair, in Tlaxcala, the city streets are decorated with flower petals and sawdust.
• The Fiestas de la Vendimia, a wine festival held in Ensenada, Baja California, also takes place in August.

September is the beginning of the fall season, a great time to visit Mexico. While the threat of a hurricane is still a possibility, temperatures are cooler and the rainy season is beginning to subside, leaving the country lush and green.

• Mexican Independence Day takes place September 16, but celebrations are held throughout the month.

October is the end of Mexico's rainy season, but the threat of hurricanes still looms. Weather is cooler though, making this generally a nice time to visit, with few crowds.

• The Festival Cervantino, held in Guanajuato every October, is one of the country's most celebrated cultural festivals.
• The Morelia International Film Festival takes place in Baja California in October.

With cooler temperatures and hurricane season nearly over, November is a great time to explore Mexico's beaches. Temperatures can get much cooler inland (but never bitterly cold).

• Day of the Dead is celebrated throughout the country, as colorful altars are built to remember the family's deceased loved ones.
• Puerto Vallarta's annual gourmet festival draws more than 30 chefs from around the world.

December is a popular month, as Christmas and the surrounding celebrations are a big deal in Mexico. Outside of the holiday celebrations, many beach destinations and colonial cities are crowded during December.

• Our Lady of Guadalupe falls on December 12.
• Posadas (caroling processions) begin on December 16 and run through December 24.

Frequently Asked Questions

There is no bad time to visit Mexico, yet, in September, temperatures are cooler, crowds are low, and airfare and lodging rates are reasonable.

The rainy season in Mexico typically exists from May to mid-October. However, in the dry, northern region, this shouldn't affect your travel experience. In the southern, tropical region, expect regular showers in the early evening.

Uruapan, the second-largest city in Mexico, boasts an ideal climate with an annual average temperature of 66° Fahrenheit. Daily temperatures range from 60° Fahrenheit at night to 75° Fahrenheit in the daytime.

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The BEST Mexico City Itinerary: 4-5 Days (2024)

Looking for a Mexico City Itinerary? You’re in the right place.

Having spent 6 months living in Mexico City, I’ve been back several times to visit and know how amazing and diverse of a city it is.

With a population of 21 million people in the greater Mexico City area, it almost feels like multiple cities attached – and planning a trip can take a lot of strategic planning.

4-5 days in Mexico City gives you enough time to see several of its highlights.

This 4-day itinerary (with an optional 5th day) will show you the best of what Mexico City has to offer; in the downtown, as well as a few prominent attractions just outside of it.

Mexico City has a lot of unique things to do, so I will provide alternative activities that will work with the schedule in case you would prioritize something different from me.

Here’s what you need to know about this itinerary:

✅ This itinerary is suitable for all visitors. Whether you’re visiting with family, solo or a couple

✅ Detailed options for how to get to each place

✅ Food options near all of the activities and destinations are provided

✅ Alternatives activities provided in case you have different interests from the things that I prioritize OR if you have a 5th day to spare

So, let’s jump in – 4 or 5 days in Mexico City!

4-Day Mexico City Itinerary

The Mexico City downtown is very walkable and easy to explore on foot.Today will be spent seeing everything in the historic district of Mexico City; the heart of the downtown core. It’ll be an easygoing day with lots of flexibility. Here’s how I would structure it to get the most out of it

Day 1: El Centro Historico (Hisoric Centre)

If you want to have a more in-depth understanding of the history, then you can book a walking tour with a local guide . (The one in the link. I provided is 3 hours long, and about $20 USD per person – there are many, but all are more or less similar in price and in time length.) Otherwise, continue reading to see how to explore the historic district on your own.

1. Head to the Bellas Artes area

Start your day in the Bellas Artes area, which is right in the downtown core.

Many tourists choose to stay near this area, but if not – take the metro to Bellas Artes station.

From the Bellas Artes subway station, you’re only a 2-minute walk from these buildings (which are all within a 5-minute radius from each other.)

2. See the most unique buildings in the Bellas Artes area

Time needed: 1-1.5 hours

• Admire + take pictures of the Palacio de Bellas Artes.

The Palacio de Bellas Artes is just steps away from the Bellas Artes subway station. It’s such a beautiful building, from both the outside and inside. I’ve actually been inside – but you can enter.

The inside of this building is actually included in the Mexico City mural tour (something you could save for a 5th day in Mexico City if you have the time.)

• Check out the House of Tiles

The House of Tiles (Casa de los Azulejos) is just around the corner (just a 3-minute walk from the Palacio de Bellas Artes.) It’s also a unique building to see from both the inside and out.

• Go inside the Postal Palace

The Postal Palace ( Palacio de Correos ) is also in the area, just a 2-3 minute walk from the House of Tiles and the Palacio de Bellas Artes.

Anytime from 10am, you’re welcome to go inside for free to admire the stunning atrium.

There’s a small museum inside as well, which wouldn’t take long if you were interested in taking a look at it.

• Church of San Francisco

The Church of San Francisco ( la iglesia de San Francisco ) dates back to the 1700s. You can take a look from the outside, or go inside to get a peak – its quite pretty on the inside.

• Go up the Latin American Tower

Take the elevator up the Latin American Tower (Torre Latino) to get a view of the city and the surrounding mountains. Many people miss this when visiting Mexico City, but its one of the main things I would recommend.

Buy tickets in advance on the Mirador Torre Latino website or on Get Your Guide . (The prices are more or less the same – Get your Guie allows you to book now pay later, and offers free cancellation.)

When you arrive, you’ll take the elevator to the 44th floor to the Mirador. At the top of the tower, there is the observation deck (the mirador), as well as a gift shop, and 2 museums.

Depending on whether you decide to visit the museums or not, you could spend anywhere from an hour or two at the tower.

3. Grab lunch

You will likely be hungry after seeing all the unique and beautiful buildings in the Bellas Artes area. Next, we’ll be heading to the Zocalo (city centre) which is about a 15-minute walk from the Bellas Artes area.

In the surrounding Bellas Artes and Zocalo area, there are not a ton of food options, but there are a few nice places to eat at.

Here are some suggestions for where to get lunch:

• Cafe de Tacuba – serves traditional Mexican food, in a nice interior sit-down environment. It’s located on the way to the Zocalo
• Pastelería Ideal – if you’re looking for more of a grab-and-go, this has many pastries and baked goods to choose from
• El 123 – delicious Thai food, has open-air seating

4. Spend the afternoon in the Zocalo

Time needed: 3-4 hours

After lunch, continue walking over to the Zocalo which will take 15-20 minutes depending on where you stopped for lunch, or if you’re walking directly from Bellas Artes.

If you walk straight from Bellas Artes, it will take about 18 minutes to reach the zocalo.

If you prefer not to walk, then hop onto the subway at the Bellas Artes station and take it to Zócalo/Tenochtitlan metro station. This will bring you right in front of the National Palace, which is our next stop.

Here are the things to check out in the Mexico City Zocalo:

• Palacio National

The Palacio National (national palace) is 660 ft long, and is a World Heritage site, and the residence of the president of Mexico.

At the time of writing, going inside the National Palace isn’t an option. However, you can still see it from the outside.

If going inside the castle becomes available again, then I’d highly recommend it.

• Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral

Take a look at the cathedral, and go inside. It’s the largest, and oldest cathedral in Latin America (the building started in 1573 and continued through the 1800s when it finally opened.)

You can walk into the main cathedral for free, but there’s an extra (small) fee to pay to access the bell tower. Be sure to have some change on you in case you want to do this.

• Templo Mayor Museum Museo de Templo Mayor

Templo Mayor Museum (Museo de Templo Mayor) has Aztec ruins that date back to the 1300s, which is an outdoor archeological site that you can walk around.

There are also several artifacts to look at inside, in its 7-storey building.

So needless to say, the whole thing is quite large.

A few things to keep in mind about visiting the Muse

• Keep in mind that entrance is FREE on Sundays for everyone, as long as you have ID with you. So don’t buy an advance ticket if you’re coming on a Sunday
• They’re pretty strict about not letting you bring a water bottle in with you. You can check your bag at the entrance though
• Bring your phone if you don’t know any Spanish – there is signage in English, but not all of it has translations.

Grab your skip the line tickets from Get Your Guide for the Museo de Templop Mayor (roughly $13 USD per person) or buy them in person or from the main museum website online for $95 Mexican pesos, which is less than $5 per person.

5. Dinner options for Mexico City

After exploring the Zocalo, you have a few hours in the evening to enjoy the city and get some dinner.

Mexico City is a foodie city so you want to be able to take advantage of that while you’re here

Here are a few dinner options for your first evening in Mexico City:

• Dinner option # 1: Take the metro to San Pedro de Los Piños metro station, and walk 20 minutes to The World Trade Center. There’s a restaurant on the x floor called Bellini’s, which has a special occasion or date night atmosphere (but is family-friendly too.) You have a beautiful view of the night sky of Mexico City (pictured above) is stunning
• Dinner option # 2: Take the metro to Juarez station, and head to La Ciudela (an artisanal open-air market.) There are many restaurants in the area, and it’s the perfect place to get souvenirs from Mexico.
• Coyoacan – about a 1 hour metro ride from the city centre. Very nice and we’ll be spending more time here on the 4th day. You may even choose to stay in Coyoacan as many people do!

Any of these dinner options can be applied to any of the days you’re in Mexico City. #1 probably makes the most sense for today, but if it doesn’t appeal to you then go with whatever one you like best.

Day 2: Teotihuacan

Today will be spent heading north of the city, to see the Teotihuacan pyramids which date back to over 2,000 years. Wear your good walking shoes again, and bring sunscreen and hats

Teotihuacan pyramids are located x from the city centre, and many people choose to book a day tour there. If you want to book a tour, then I recommend this small group tour to Teotihuacan (5-star rating, about $65 USD per person, and 6 hours.) But there are countless other ones to choose from. Otherwise, scroll below to hear how to get to and explore Teotihuacan on your own

1. Make your way to Teotihuacan

Time needed: about an hour

If you’re not taking a tour, then you can get to Teotihuacan in one of two ways:

• Taxi. You can hail a cab pretty easily in Mexico City (I’ve never had to book one in advance.) Most taxi drivers in Mexico will give you an estimate of how much it may cost prior to the trip.
• A bus from the city centre

All options will take around 1 hour (give or take) to get to Teotihuacan.

Read information about getting to Teotihuacan from the city center here.

2. Explore Teotihuacan

Time needed: 3-4 hours (+ lunch)

Teotihuacan is more than just the two pyramids, (although they’re the main attractions!) In addition to the pyramids, there are:

• archeological structures
• lots of vendors, and places to eat

I’ve been to Teotihuacan a number of times. I had lots of people visit me when I lived in Mexico City, and always took them to Teotihuacan.

Each time, we were usually there for at least 3 hours. Since you’re making your way out there, it’s good to really take your time to explore this unique place.

• Walk down the Avenue of the Dead, which is the main thoroughfare
• We always hike to the top of both pyramids and admire the view of the grounds from above. (The Sun Pyramid is 216 feet tall, and the Moon Pyramid is 140 feet tall!)
• Afterwards, we’d walk through an archeological site which looks kind of like a maze, called Palace Atetelco.

We usually eat street food when we head to Teotihuacan. There are always lots of vendors selling food, such as fried cactuses. (Which I learned, are quite good.)

I’ve never had a problem eating street food, but some people have trouble with anything with ice in it, because the water that made the ice may not have been filtered and could give you an upset stomach (or worse.)

If you’re looking for somewhere more comfortable to eat, then head to La Gruta which is only about 600 metres from the pyramids. Check their menu (in English) here.

3. Head back to Mexico City + spend the rest of the afternoon or evening

A trip to Teotihuacan is a long day, and pretty exhausting. Depending on when you head back and how you feel, you may be back in Mexico City with some time to explore or do something fun.

Here are some suggestions:

• Head to the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM) campus, and check out the murals
• Do a haunted walk in the Roma neighbourhood. $200 for a 4-hour tour, and a party of up to 5 people. Book here
• If you like modern art, visit the Kurimanzutto art gallery , which is in the La Condesa area (near where day 3 will be spent actually.)
• Head to La Ciudela Market if you didn’t get a chance to go there yesterday. It’s open until 6-7pm every day (lots of places to eat in the area too.)

Day 3: Bosque Chapultepec

Today, we’ll be spending the day in a different corner of the city, known as Polanco. All the attractions are centred around the Chapultec Forest, which is the largest city park in North America (even bigger than the famous Central Park in NYC!)

1. Head up to the Chapultec Castle

Time needed: around 2 hours (including the climb to the top)

The hill that leads up to where Chapultec Castle is right near the entrance gates to the Chapultecpark.

The castle was built in the 1700s, and is the only royal castle in the Americas.

It is a steep, 20 minute climb to the top where the castle is. If you or someone in your party has any physical limitations, then it might be best to visit the forest instead of the park because of the steep climb.

Also, the castle is closed on Mondays you may also decide to rearrange this Mexico City itinerary to make sure this day falls on a Tuesday to a Sunday.

Entrance to Chapultec Forest is free of charge, but you do need to pay if you’re going to the castle. The cost is 95 pesos (about $5 USD or less) and you can choose to buy them online in advance.

If you want to visit the castle, be sure to buy your tickets online, or in person before heading up the hill because they don’t sell them at the top – you’d have to come all the way back down, which would be a pain!

You can expect to spend an hour to an hour and a half exploring the castle. The view from the top of Mexico City and the surrounding forest are beautiful and worth the experience.

2. Pick one of 3 options of things to do after the caste or park

After visiting the castle (or the park) depending on which one, you have a few options of things to do in the Polanco area.

The Polanco area is a ritzy neighbourhood in Mexico City, and also considered to be the “foodie” area.

Option # 1: Walk through the Anthropology museum

Time needed: 4+ hours Walking distance from Chapultepec Castle: 22 minutes

Museo Nacional Anthropologia de Mexico is the most amazing museums I’ve ever been to.

It has both indoor and outdoor exhibits and you could spend hours (or even days) here walking around, absorbed in all the interesting artifacts and things you can learn – and still barely scratch the surface on everything there is to see!

This museum, along with Chapultec Castle, was always at the top of my list of things to do with visitors when they came to visit me in Mexico City.

After you make your descent down the hill from the castle, you can easily walk there (or hail a cab, if you’re exhausted.) It would be a very short drive.

You can buy tickets online in advance, on their website or even Viator. The tickets on their website work out to be slightly cheaper (95 Mexican pesos, the equivalent of less than $5 USD) whereas buying through Viator means you can cancel up to 24 hours before, so you can pick the ticketing option that works best for you.

Option # 2: Do a Polanco Food Tour

Time needed: 3.5 hours, starting at Walking distance from Chapultepec Castle: 39 minutes (or you could get a cab)

There’s a food tour in the Polanco area (3 hours long and costs $250 per person which covers all the food) and introduces you to the foodie area of Mexico City.

The tours usually leave at 11am, 4:30 or 5:30pm so it may be something you want to save as a dinner activity.

Option # 3: Visit Chapultepec Forest

Time needed: Walking distance from Chapultepec Castle:

If you opted to visit the castle this morning and didn’t see the forest, then you may prefer this. It’s a more low-key activity if you’re craving something more relaxing.

It’s free to visit the forest, so you don’t need to pay any extra if you were already at the castle.

If you’re looking to do more in the park besides just walk around, there is:

• Chapultepec Zoo, which is about about 33 acres but it has hundreds of species from all over the world; tigers, rhinos, you name it.
• Bike rentals – exploring the park via bike would be much faster to get around, and you’d see more
• Chapultepec Lake, where you can rent paddleboats.

2. Grab dinner in the area, OR do a Polanco Food Tour

Lots of restaurants in the area; most of them are nice sit-down places that serve both Mexican and Polanco food.

Here are some restaurants in the area, and how far of a walk they may be:

• Quintonil, upscale Mexican cuisine
• Porfirio’s Masaryk -creative Mexican cuisine with a really nice indoor seating interior (it would be my first choice)
• Saks Polanco – upscale restaurant with a variety of foods

The last two are Mexican chains, and you can reserve a table online – just make sure you select the Polanco location.

Check availability for a Polanco Food Tour if you didn’t do one earlier ($240 USD per person including all food, and their last food tour starts at 5:30pm)

Day 4 – Xochimilco Floating Gardens & Coyoacan

Today will be to explore the neighbourhood of Coyoacan, and riding the Xochimilco boats. Xochilco Floating Gardens is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a unique experience where you can ride on colourful, brightly-painted wooden boats that take you through canals.

Xochimilco boats are called “trajineras” in Spanish (pronounces “tra-heen-eras”) and they are very popular with college and university students. It’s not uncommon for it to turn into a party thing with booze and music.

However, you can still (and absolutely should) still do Xochimilco if you’re in Mexico City with kids , or with any other age group because it’s such a fun and unique experience.

Going first thing in the morning, especially on a weekday, will give Xochimilco less of a party vibe than it has in the afternoon.

I am writing the itinerary so that you do Xochimilco first, and Coyoacan second, but you can absolutely do it the other way around too.

Xochimilco and the Coyoacan neighbourhood are about a 90-minute trip on the metro from each other. To make today easier, book this tour that includes Xochimlco and Coyoacan. (4-6 hours long, and costs $200 per person.) Otherwise, continue reading to learn how to explore the two on your own

Before heading to Xochimilco, remember:

• To bring cash with you
• Be prepared to use the washroom at a public restroom before boarding the boat, because the rides are usually 2 hours minimum and there are no washrooms on the boat or the canals

1. Head to the Xochimilco ports

The Xochimilco ports are located 22 km (13.6 miles) from downtown Mexico City, and there are different ‘ports’ where the boats leave from.

• Take the metro to Metro Tasqueña station, which is at the end of the blue line (line 2.) From there, you can either take a train or a bus. By train, take the Light Rail. (You can transfer to the train from the metro with your metro card.) There are several stops before it reaches The Xochimilco Light Rail station . From there, you can walk to the trajineras
• If you don’t want to use public transit, you can also take an Uber, which will set you back around 200 pesos (equivalent to $12 USD) from the city centre

Once you finally arrive at the Xochimilco ports area, you’ll need to choose which ‘port’ to leave from.

Embarcadero Nativitas  is the most popular of the ports. Its has signs in English, and even has a Facebook page you can check out  here

But, all of the Xochimilco ports are more or less in the same area.

When you arrive at the Xochimilco port, you’ll talk to the staff to decide on a price, and length of time of the boat ride.

Generally, you can expect to pay 600 pesos (around $30ish) per HOUR for the Xochimilco boat ride. This is per boat, not per person.

This price is set by the government. they may try to get you to pay more, but tell them you will pay “seis-cientos pesos.”

Since standard Xochimilco boat rides can be 2 hours long, or longer, you can expect to pay around 1200 pesos (somewhere between $65-$80 USD in total) for the boat ride.

Some people try to connect with other travellers to share the boat ride with, to make the cost even cheaper and more fun. There are a few Facebook group for tourists in Mexico, such as Mexico City Travel Community.

Sharing the boat ride with others makes the cost cheaper, but you absolutely don’t need to – I’ve taken a Xochimilco boat ride with only 2 other people before (pictured above), and it was a fun experience! It’s really just a matter of preference.

You can either book your boat ride online in advance on their website or simply show up and book on the spot.

I have never booked Xochimilco online, I’ve always just showed up. However, since you have limited time in the city, booking online isn’t a bad idea.

One thing to keep in mind about Xochimilco is the option of visiting Island of the Dead Dolls (Isla de las Muñecas) while you’re there – perfect if you like dark, creepy things! Visting the Island of Dead Dolls will make the experience take closer to 4 hours, and of course costs a bit extra.

2. Make your way to Coyoacan

Time needed: 90 minutes

The Xochimilco boat will drop you off at the same port that you left from.

Make your way over to Coyoacan, which will take about an hour and a half on transit. It may be easiest to go back the way you came.

However, another option is to just take an Uber, which will cost around 200-300 pesos.

(That’s one of the hassles of Mexico City being so big – it takes a lot of time to get from one area to another.) But don’t worry – Coyoacan will be worth it!

3. Spend the rest of the day in the Coyoacan neighbourhood

The area is lively and bustling, and personally I would rather be here in the evening, and at night.

There are quaint colourful streets lined with boutique restaurants, vibrantly painted churches, parks, and its a great relaxing way to spend an afternoon or evening.

Here are some things to check out in the Coyoacan neighbourhood.

• La Casa Azul / Frida Khalo Museum: A deep blue building that was once the home of artist Frida Khalo. Open until 6pm. Get advance tickets here if you want to go inside
• Coyoacan Market , which has been running for over 100 years. After La Ciudelam, its one of the most famous markets in Mexico.
• Parque Centenario – a nice place to take a break, and see the coyote fountain in the centre of it
• Countless restaurants –  Centenario 107  serves all-day breakfast, El Jardín de Anatolia has delicious, upscale Middle-Eastern fusion. There are also countless authentic Mexican restaurants – Corazón de Maguey, La Casa de los Tacos, and Tostadas Coyoacan

All of the above things to do I mentioned are about a 5-10 minute walk from each other, give or take. So giving yourself a goof 3-4 hours to spend here should be enough to do each of them.

I was lucky enough to live within walking distance of Coyoacan so I used to go here all the time. It’s a safe and walkable neighbourhood, and very lively into the evenings.

Options for a 5th (or more) days in Mexico City

Mexico City is HUGE, and cannot possibly seen all in 4 days. I had 6 consecutive months there and feel like I barely scratched the surface. Here are some other things you may want to add to your itinerary for Mexico City

• Visit the UNAM Campus , if you didn’t already on day 2. It’s a really nice campus to walk around, and has lots of art – including murals. I went here by myself on a day trip and it was a beautiful way to spend a morning or afternoon
• Visit one of the amusement parks in Mexico City: ¡Kataplum! or Six Flags
• Cafebrería bookstore café , a nice place to order baked goods while browsing books in Spanish and English
• Countless museums. I don’t know if I could list all the museums in Mexico City if I tried. The Conde Nest Traveller has a good list of 20 museums in the city, but its not all of them.
• Use Google maps to scan to find additional museums and things to do in the area you’re staying. There’s without a doubt some exciting things not mentioned here. I think even years in Mexico City isn’t enough to see everything
• Take a day or overnight trip to Pueblo, Taxco, Pachuca or Morelia. All are accessible via bus from Mexico City, on several lines. ADO   is a good ‘luxury’ (but affordable) line. You can check schedules and prices on their website

Where to Stay in Mexico City

I would recommend staying in either Coyoacan, Polanco or the Centro Historico. Any of these neighbourhoods put you close to where you want to be.

• Budget: Hotel Catedral  comfy and stylish hotel in the historic centre, which oy can often find for less than $100 per night. Offers bike rentals, a buffet breakfast, and rooms with a view
• Mid-Range:   Ana Polanco Apartments  Self-serve apartments in Polanco, near the anthropology museum and Chapultepec Park
• Luxury: Gran Hotel Ciudad de México Zócalo  stunning hotel with a beautiful glass-ceiling atrium, buffet breakfast, terrace, and a stone’s throw from the metro station in the Zocalo

Tips + What to Bring to Mexico City

Here are a few tips that knowing in advance will help make your trip go more smoothly

• ✅ You can buy a Mexico City metro card from any of the subway stations. It makes it easier to board transit each time. The card costs 15 pesos (equivalent to less than $1 USD)
• ✅ A reusable water bottle may not be useful in Mexico City, because drinking the tap water is not safe. As much as I hate buying plastic water bottles, this may be your best bet in Mexico City
• ✅ Wear good walking shoes, carry sunscreen and wear a hat. The sun in this part of the world is strong
• ✅ The areas of Mexico City where you’d spend your time as a tourist are quite safe (Zocalo, Roma, Polanco, Coyacan.) These corners of Mexico City are considered by many to be some of the safest places in Mexico . You should still take caution, in those neighbourhoods and especially outside of them. I’d avoid walking at night alone.
• ✅ While English has generally gotten better in Mexico City over the years, especially as tourism to the city has increased – knowing a bit of Spanish can be extremely useful, especially for negotiating prices, shopping in markets and using public transit. Practicing on Duolingo or hiring an online tutor from Mexico City in advance may help. If you’re completely new to Spanish, find out how long it may take to learn here

Mexico City Itinerary FAQ

Here are the most commonly asked questions about deciding how long to spend in Mexico City and building an itinerary

How many days is enough for Mexico City?

You need at least 3 days in Mexico City to be able to see all the special highlights, and this doesn’t include a day to visit the Teotihuacan pyramids. So, to have enough time, you should budget for 4 days to Mexico City.

Is 10 days in Mexico City too long?

Heck no, 10 days isn’t too long in Mexico City. I spend 6 consecutive months there, and even then it wasn’t too long. Mexico City is so big, that is almost multiple cities within a city so there are an un-countable amount of interesting things to do, and places to explore. Plus, there are lots of great day-trip options

Is 3 nights enough in Mexico City?

Three nights is enough to see the main attractions in the Mexico City area, but it would be hard to fit in the further away attractions (such as Xochimilco Floating Gardens, or the Teotihuacan pyramids) in that length of time. I recommend at least 4 nights in Mexico City if you want to be able to fit in those two things as well as the actual city

Is Mexico City walkable?

Yes, Mexico City is very walkable – but it’s also very big, so walking from one neighbourhood to another would take a lot of time (and steps.) It’s best to use a combination of walking, as well as taking the metro in order to get around Mexico City efficiently.

Can you walk around Mexico City at night?

Whether or not you can walk around Mexico City at night depends on the neighbourhood. In Polanco or Coyoacan, it would probably be fine, because they are well-lit and lively with lots of other people around.

Final Thoughts on Mexico City Itinerary 4-5 Days

Mexico City is, by far, one of the best cities in Mexico . I hope that this itinerary allows you to see and experience all the fascinating things that make Mexico City so unique.

Buen Viaje!

When is the best time to visit Mexico?

Oct 8, 2023 • 5 min read

There's something wonderful awaiting you in Mexico no matter the season © Thomas Barwick / Getty Images

As diverse as it is enchanting, Mexico is a year-round destination. This 32-state nation boasts glistening coastlines, numerous microclimates and an astonishingly varied terrain.

For 365 days a year, the sun reigns supreme on the pristine beaches of Cancún and Playa del Carmen on the Yucatán Peninsula, while inland city gems like Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende , located in the temperate highlands, provide respite from scorching summers.

Over in the state of Chihuahua , adventurers relish the grandiose and gobsmacking Copper Canyon in spring and fall, and the country’s cultural heartland, Mexico City , is perennially bustling with life.

Whether you're a beach lover, culture maven, history buff or foodie, Mexico has a perfect time for you to experience its countless treasures. In this guide, we'll dissect the seasons, local festivals and regional nuances to help you pinpoint the best time to go to Mexico, ensuring your trip is as unforgettable as the country itself.

December to April is the best time for dry weather and party crowds

High season in Mexico coincides with the dry season from November to March (the rainy season is from June to October). These pleasantly dry months bring numerous winter escapees from colder countries, and it is the best time to travel to Mexico if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors and in nature.

On the Baja Peninsula , flowers bloom, things get green, big waves delight surfers, and swimming with whale sharks is possible (from October through April). In the Northern Central Highlands , it's a fantastic time for excursions to waterfalls and rivers, while in Oaxaca , these are the best months for hiking.

Bring a sweater for high-altitude destinations like San Cristobal de las Casas in Chiapas , which can be chilly at night and in the morning. In the Western Central Highlands , the forests of the Reserva de la Biosfera Santuario Mariposa Monarca (Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve) turn orange as millions of large monarch butterflies winter there from late October to mid-March.

November, December and January are the most expensive months to fly to Mexico. Expect crowded attractions and population swells in destinations like Tulum , which is particularly busy before New Year’s Eve and on the first week of the year when massive electronic music festivals fill the calendar.

February is the best month for whale-watching around the Baja Peninsula, and March is the Vernal Equinox when visitors mob Chichén Itzá (it happens in autumn as well) to see shadows that resemble a serpent ascend or descend the  El Castillo pyramid . Archaeological sites like Teotihuacán north of Mexico City and Guachimontones west of Guadalajara are also popular spring equinox pilgrimages.

In March and April, many US students spend their spring break in coastal hotspots, including Cancún, Puerto Vallarta or Cabo San Lucas , for days of over-the-top partying. Whether you wish to join or avoid the revelry, take note of potential fare increases during this time.

Semana Santa (Easter Week), which can be in March or April, is Mexico’s major holiday week of the year, with tourist accommodations and transportation packed – many businesses also shut down in inland cities. Along with Christmas, Easter fares in Mexico can be as much as double the typical rate.

May to June is the best time for sunseekers, fewer crowds and low prices

Mexico experiences two low seasons: May and June, and then September through November. If you’re looking to score great travel deals, these might be the cheapest months to vacation in Mexico.

In May, temperatures reach annual peaks in cities such as Mérida (average daily high 95°F), Guadalajara (87°C), Oaxaca City (86°C) and Mexico City (79°C). You might be surprised to learn that Cinco de Mayo is not observed with zealous fanfare throughout Mexico, though it is a public holiday. The main destination for celebration on May 5 th is Puebla , where a battle between the Mexican army and French soldiers is re-enacted.

June is the start of the rainy season in Mexico, as well as the hurricane season, which lasts until November. The highest chance of encountering a hurricane, however, is between August and October.

July and August are the best months for surfing and wildlife encounters

It’s hot nearly everywhere in Mexico during the summer. Countless spots in the Mexican Riviera (Mexico’s Pacific coast region), including Puerto Escondido with its legendary Mexican Pipeline, enjoy superb swells from April/May to October/November. June to August generally sees the biggest waves.

If you love turtles, the best time to travel to Puerto Vallarta is from July until December, when you can attend one of many baby turtle releases held by a handful of hotels. For whale shark spotting, these gentle giants gather off the coast of Cancún and Riviera Maya towns between mid-May and mid-September, but the best time to see them is July or August.

The summer might not be the best time to visit Riviera Maya or Cancún, though – not only is it oppressively hot, but many beaches are covered in sargassum (brown seaweed). Vacationing Mexicans from the rest of the country also flock to these beaches, which makes hotel rates rise. Beaches on the Mexican Riviera are never affected by sargassum.

September to November is excellent for cultural showcases and inland city escapades

The second low season, from September to November, is a terrific time for inland explorations and tastes of culture. Mexican families feast on Chiles en Nogada  (chilies in walnut sauce) to celebrate Día de la Independencia (Independence Day), which ushers in lively patriotic celebrations on the 15 th and 16 th of September.

Over 10 days in September, Guadalajara hosts the charming, colorful and delectable International Mariachi and Charrería Festival, when more than 500 mariachis perform and the National Charro Championship takes place ( charrería is Mexico’s national sport).

With the hurricane season in full swing on the Yucatán Peninsula and Mexico’s coasts, it’s rainy in most places, with poor visibility for Caribbean divers in September. However, inland Mexico tells a different story.

There are spots of rain in Mexico City , but the mild weather is perfect for wandering around the city. October, along with November and March, is one of the best months to visit northwest Mexico’s spectacular canyon country, with temperatures not too hot at the bottom of the canyons, nor too cold at the top.

At the start of November, Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) brings parades, floats, altars and all-night vigils to cities and towns all over Mexico. As the jubilant epicenter of this celebration, this is one of the best times to visit Oaxaca City .

This article was first published Mar 2, 2021 and updated Oct 8, 2023.

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Mexico is a land of enchantment, boasting a rich tapestry of diverse landscapes, ancient ruins, colorful traditions, and mouthwatering cuisine. But with such a vast territory, it's essential to plan your trip wisely to make the most of your visit. Join us as we delve into the various regions and climates of Mexico, unlocking the secrets of the best time to visit Mexico and ensuring that your adventure is nothing short of extraordinary. Let's embark on this journey together and discover the optimal moments to explore this captivating destination.

The best time to visit Mexico

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The Magic of the Yucatan and Mexico City

Explore the magic of the Yucatan Peninsula: from colonial towns like Merida to Archaeological sites like Uxmal and Calakmul, close to the Guatemala border, to beaches in Bacalar and Tulum, this itinerary shows you the real Yucatan before heading out to explore Mexico City.

Mexico City, Oaxaca & the Yucatan

Explore Central Mexico with its ever-busy capital Mexico City, visiting Teotihuacan and the famous museums in the city. Further on to Oaxaca City, the gateway to the Archaeological Site Monte Alban. Afterwards, continue to the white beaches of the Yucatan: Cancun and Isla Holbox await.

Fascinating Mexico: From Guanajuato to the Yucatan

Discover Mexico from fascinating San Miguel de Allende over busy Mexico City all the way to the Yucatan Peninsula. This itinerary combines public transportation with domestic flights to ensure you can make the most of discovering fascinating Mexico within two weeks.

Marvelous Mexico: From Yucatan to Mexico City

Your trip starts on the wonderful coast of Yucatan, exploring the beaches and archaeological highlights like Chichen Itza and Tulum. From there on continue the exploration to Palenque and Oaxaca before taking a flight to Mexico City - 3 days in the capital await your discovery.

Mexico's Highlands and Coast

Discover Mexico City's historic highlights and the wonders of sites like Teotihuacan, Campeche and Palenque before you jet off to the Central HIghlands. Discover archeological ruins and traditional tribal villages, then fall for the charms of Mexico's old colonial cities and glitzy Caribbean coast.

Mexico's Mayan Trail

Follow the Mayan Trail around Mexico on this archaeological adventure. Begin your journey with a refreshing taste of sea and salt air in the Yucatán Peninsula on one of Playa del Carmen's gorgeous Caribbean beaches before heading off to discover magical Mayan ruins and glorious colonial towns.

The best time to visit Mexico varies depending on the region and your travel preferences. Mexico's diverse climate, vast territory, and rich cultural heritage offer a plethora of experiences year-round. Generally, there are two main seasons to consider: the dry season and the rainy season.

The dry season , spanning from November to April, is regarded as the best time to visit many popular tourist destinations in Mexico. Cities like Mexico City , Cancun , Playa del Carmen , and the Yucatan Peninsula boast pleasant temperatures, lower humidity, and minimal rainfall during this period. It's perfect for indulging in outdoor activities, exploring ancient ruins, and basking in the sun on pristine beaches.

Mexico's peak tourist season typically aligns with the dry season, which runs from late November to early April.

On the other hand, the rainy season from May to October brings warmer temperatures and more frequent rainfall. While this time might not suit everyone's preferences, it offers unique rewards for those seeking lush landscapes and fewer crowds. The rain typically comes in short, heavy bursts.

Planning to visit Mexico? Find inspiration in our customizable Mexico itineraries , talk to our local Mexico travel experts and find out how to get to Mexico .

Beach on Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Mexico © Shutterstock

The best time to visit Mexico is November to April when the weather across most of the country is mild and dry, making it ideal for exploring ancient Mayan ruins in Yucatan or basking on the pristine beaches of the Riviera Maya.

During these months, you can partake in vibrant cultural events like the Day of the Dead celebrations in Oaxaca . However, if you're seeking a more secluded adventure, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of May and November.

Trip Tip: Yucatán is calling you, and this tailor-made Mayan Heritage trip is the way to do it.

Weather in Mexico in January

In coastal areas like Cancun, you can expect balmy temperatures hovering around 75°F (24°C), perfect for beachside relaxation and water activities. In contrast, central regions, such as Mexico City , experience cooler temperatures, ranging from 43°F to 66°F (6°C to 19°C). Northern areas like Monterrey may dip even further, with occasional frost. Pack accordingly.

Read more about the weather in Mexico in January .

Rough Guides tip: When planning a trip to Cancun, be sure to choose the best place to stay in the city .

Weather in Mexico in February

In February, Guadalajara and the central highlands enjoy moderate temperatures ranging from 46°F to 77°F (8°C to 25°C). Northern cities like Chihuahua embrace a chilly charm, with temperatures varying between -28°F to 64°F (2°C to 18°C). But in popular coastal destinations like Playa del Carmen, temperatures linger around 77°F (25°C), inviting you to revel in the sun and turquoise waters.

Read more about the weather in Mexico in February.

Weather in Mexico in March

As winter bids adieu, Mexico emerges in March with more pleasant climes. Along the Caribbean coast in Tulum, temperatures hover around 79°F (26°C), perfect for immersing in ancient Mayan ruins and vibrant marine life. Mexico City experiences a mild climate, ranging from 48°F to 79°F (9°C to 26°C), ideal for exploring the bustling metropolis and its historic treasures. The northern region, including Monterrey , enjoys milder days, with temperatures between 43°F to 75°F (6°C to 24°C).

Read more about the weather in Mexico in March .

Rough Guides tip: Mexico City seems to have it all. This tailor-made authentic and unique trip to Mexico City shows you the best of this mega city.

Mexico, Mexico City, San Angel district, the domes of the Museo del Carmen © Shutterstock

Weather in Mexico in April

Inviting temperatures unfurl across the country in April. On the Pacific coast in Puerto Vallarta, expect temperatures around 84°F (29°C), ideal for the beach. In Guanajuato , temperatures range from 52°F to 82°F (11°C to 28°C), creating a pleasant ambience for strolling through charming streets. Northern cities like Hermosillo experience warmer weather too ranging from 59°F to 91°F (15°C to 33°C).

Read more about the weather in Mexico in April .

Weather in Mexico in May

As spring reaches its zenith, the weather in Mexico in May hots up. Along the Riviera Maya, temperatures stick around 86°F (30°C), making it an ideal time for water adventures and beachside bliss. Oaxaca enjoys milder temperatures, ranging from 55°F to 82°F (13°C to 28°C), perfect for exploring its rich colonial heritage. Northern regions, including Ciudad Juarez, enjoy temperatures between 63°F to 91°F (17°C to 33°C).

Read more about the weather in Mexico in May .

Rough Guides Tip : adventure awaits you on this tailor-made trip to the Oaxacan coast , a place as spectacular as the activities you will do.

Weather in Mexico in June

If you are looking for the best time to visit Mexico, you might want to skip June (and July). Although temperatures linger around 90°F (32°C), offering sun-drenched days and balmy nights, June and July are often the most rainy months in Mexico. Depending on where you go of course.

If you don't mind an occasional shower, June is still a good month to visit the country.

Read more about the weather in Mexico in June .

Still looking for options for your summer trip? Explore our list of the best destinations for vacations in June .

Weather in Mexico in July

As the summer sun shines brightly, July’s weather in Mexico makes coastal paradises like Riviera Nayarit well worth a visit with temperatures hovering around 90°F (32°C). Cities like Guanajuato are milder, with temperatures ranging from 55°F to 77°F (13°C to 25°C). Northern regions, including Monterrey , experience warmer days, with temperatures between 73°F to 100°F (23°C to 38°C).

Read more about the weather in Mexico in July .

Isla Mujeres – a quiet option near to Cancun © Shutterstock

Weather in Mexico in August

August sizzles along the Yucatan Peninsula as the likes of Cancun enjoys temperatures of around 90°F (32°C). The cultural haven of Mexico City enjoys a milder climate, ranging from 54°F to 75°F (12°C to 24°C), perfect for discovering its museums and culinary delights. Northern cities like Ciudad Juarez embrace warmer days with temperatures varying between 72°F to 99°F (22°C to 37°C).

Read more about the weather in Mexico in August .

Weather in Mexico in September

September weather in Mexico marks the transition from the rainy season to the cooler months. While the coastal regions, like Playa del Carmen , might still experience occasional showers, temperatures remain warm at around 82°F (28°C). Inland cities, such as Guadalajara, offer a pleasant 68°F to 81°F (20°C to 27°C) climate. It's a great time to explore cultural festivities like the Independence Day celebrations. Keep an eye on weather forecasts for potential storms in coastal areas.

Read more about the weather in Mexico in September .

Weather in Mexico in October

October embraces milder temperatures and reduced rainfall in October. Coastal towns like Cabo San Lucas bask in comfortable 77°F (25°C) weather, perfect for outdoor adventures. In Mexico City, the leaves start to turn as temperature drop to around 59°F to 72°F (15°C to 22°C). If you’re considering visiting during Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), book well in advance.

Read more about the weather in Mexico in October .

Tropical beach setting on Isla Holbox, Quintana Roo, Mexico © Shutterstock

Weather in Mexico in November

If you are looking for the best time to visit Mexico, November might be it. This month brings a mix of climates across Mexico. The Pacific Coast enjoys a balmy 81°F (27°C), ideal for beach activities in Acapulco. However, northern areas, such as Chihuahua, witness cooler temperatures at 45°F to 68°F (7°C to 20°C). Mexico City stays comfortable at 50°F to 72°F (10°C to 22°C). November is a great time for exploring archaeological sites.

Read more about the weather in Mexico in November .

Weather in Mexico in December

December is has pleasant weather. Coastal destinations like Tulum welcome visitors with warm 75°F (24°C) temperatures, enticing for snorkelling in the Caribbean Sea. Mexico's capital city experiences a mild 46°F to 72°F (8°C to 22°C) climate, perfect for exploring its historic landmarks. As the year draws to a close, immerse yourself in the joyful Christmas traditions and revel in the captivating beauty of Mexico during December.

Read more about the weather in Mexico in December .

December is a great time to visit Chichen Itza © Shutterstock

Summer, from June to October, is in theory the rainy season in Mexico, but just how wet it is varies wildly from place to place. In the heart of the country, you can expect a heavy but short-lived downpour virtually every afternoon; in the north, hardly any rain falls, ever.

Chiapas is the wettest state, with many minor roads washed out in the autumn, and in the south and low-lying coastal areas summer is stickily humid too. Along the beaches, September to mid-October is hurricane season – you’ll usually get wet weather, choppy seas and mosquitoes if not a full-on tropical storm.

Though the peak tourist season is December through to April in the resorts when the climate of Mexico is dry and balmy, mountain areas can get very cold then; in fact, nights in the mountains can be extremely cold at any time of year.

The rainy season in Mexico is, in theory, during summer (June to October). However, just how wet it is varies wildly from place to place. For much of the country, especially in the center, expect heavy, short downpours most afternoons. It also pays to plan ahead.

Surf spots like Zicatela are warm pretty much year-round, but the summer rainy season can leave the town oppressively humid, with vacant, lacklustre air. It doesn’t deter the hard-core surfers but think twice if you're a newbie.

Try and visit Cañón del Sumidero near Tuxtla in the dry season. From the boat, you will always see piles of rubbish collect along the stagnant edges of the canyons. It’s periodically rounded up and disposed of, but it’s particularly bad during the rainy season when the water is highest.

Note too that the heavy rain can wash away key infrastructure. Take Reserva de la Biósfera Sian Ka'an, the road south from Tulum is famously rutted and flooded but it's often impassable in the rainy season.

The best time to visit Yucatán is during the dry season, which spans from November to April. This period offers the most favorable weather conditions, characterized by warm temperatures, clear skies, and minimal rainfall.

Travelling during these months allows you to fully explore and appreciate the region's stunning natural beauty, historical sites, and vibrant culture. It's also the ideal time for activities such as visiting the ancient Maya ruins of Chichen Itza and Uxmal, swimming in the refreshing cenotes, and enjoying the pristine beaches along the Caribbean coast. However, it's worth noting that this period is also the peak tourist season, so you can expect larger crowds and higher prices.

Tulum, Yucatan © Shutterstock

The high season for Cabo, as in the rest of Baja , is November until May, though domestic tourists also provide a mini-boom in July and August. January and February is the best time to see whales.

Avoid Christmas and Easter (packed) and Spring Break (Feb/March) if you want to sleep; the fishing competition season in October and November can be fun but also busy.

In the summer and early autumn off-season (May–June and Sept–Oct), the heat (up to 42°C) makes things less appealing (though the sea is warm; many locals swim at night).

Whenever you visit, you can be assured that it rarely rains – all the freshwater comes from desalination plants.

This village 100km north of Valladolid is set on a small spit, surrounded on three sides by water and protected from the open sea by a barrier island. The resulting shallow inlet is inhabited much of the year by tens of thousands of pink flamingos, among nearly four hundred bird species in the Río Lagartos Biosphere Reserve.

Though there’s not much in the town itself, the flamingos alone make a visit worthwhile; the best time of year to see them is the spring nesting season, from April to July.

We've put together an average temperature and rainfall chart to help give you a rough idea of what to expect from the weather in Mexico in any given month.

We've looked at five of the country's most popular areas – each very different – to help you get an overall picture: the capital Mexico City, in the center; Acapulco on the southwest coast; Mérida on the Yucatan Peninsula; Oaxaca in the south and Tijuana in the north.

Sunrise over rural mountain town in Oaxaca Mexico © Shutterstock

You may like to decide when to go to Mexico around the country’s vibrant fiesta program. Everywhere, from the remotest indigenous village to the most sophisticated city suburb, devotes at least one day annually to partying.

Even the tiniest village in Mexico has an annual fiesta. They usually last at least a couple of days and often involve some blend of rodeos, bullfights, dancing, fried snacks, carnival rides, fireworks and processions around the church.

Usually, it’s in honour of the local saint’s day, but many fiestas have pre-Christian origins, and any excuse – from harvest celebrations to the coming of the rains – will do.

• New Year , Jan 1. Still largely an occasion to spend with family, the actual hour being celebrated with the eating of grapes.
• Twelfth Night (Epiphany, Reyes) , Jan 6. Presents are traditionally given on this, the last day of Christmas, when the biblical Magi are believed to have arrived bearing gifts. Nowadays, things are shifting into line with American custom, and more and more people are exchanging gifts on December 25 instead.
• Ortiz Tirado Music Festival , late Jan. A festival of classical music held annually in Alamos, Sonora, in honour of opera singer Alfonso Ortiz Tirado (who died in 1960), draws leading classical musicians and singers from across the world.
• Carnaval , usually Feb or Mar. The last week of taking one’s pleasures before the forty-day abstinence of Lent, celebrated throughout the Roman Catholic world, but is at its most exuberant in Latin America. Celebrations work their way up to a climax on the last day, Mardi Gras (Shrove Tuesday).
• Festival Internacional de Guitarra , late March or early April. A celebration of guitar music held annually in Morelia, and attended by musicians from around the world.
• Semana Santa (Holy Week) , moveable. The country’s biggest vacation, beginning on Palm Sunday and finishing a week later on Easter Sunday. Still a deeply religious festival in Mexico, it celebrates the resurrection of Christ, and is also an occasion to venerate the Virgin Mary, with processions bearing her image now a hallmark of the celebrations.
• Cinco de Mayo , May 5. Commemorating the 1862 Battle of Puebla, it’s a public vacation in Mexico, but is actually celebrated more enthusiastically in the US, where many Gringos have come to believe that it’s Mexico’s equivalent of the US’s July 4 (think theme parties involving sombreros, nachos and tequila). In Mexico it’s not such a big deal, except in Puebla, where it is celebrated with an exuberant fiesta.
• Día de San Juan (St John’s Day), June 24. Celebrating the birth of the biblical St John the Baptist, but also handily close to the summer solstice, this is celebrated with bonfires, fairs, charreadas (rodeos) and sometimes water throwing in towns and villages nationwide.
• Día de Santiago (St James’s Day) July 25. An opportunity for a fiesta in many parts of the country, most notably in Chiapas , where big celebrations are held at San Cristóbal de las Casas.
• Día de la Asunción (Assumption Day) Aug 15. This is the day when the Virgin Mary is believed to have ascended to heaven, and although it isn’t a public vacation, it’s celebrated around the country, most notably at Oxkutzcab and Izamal in Yucatán , and Cholula in Puebla State.
• Independence Day , Sept 16. While Easter and Carnaval are popular, this one is more official, marking the historic day in 1810 when Manuel Hidalgo y Costilla issued the Grito (Cry of Independence) from his parish church in Dolores, now Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato, which is still the center of commemoration. The day is also marked in the capital with the mass recitation of the Grito in the Zócalo, followed by fireworks, music and dancing. Nevertheless, in some ways, it’s more solemn than the religious festivals.
• Festival Internacional de Santa Lucía , end of Sept and beginning of Oct. Formerly the Festival Cultural of Monterrey’s Barrio Antiguo, showcasing local rock bands and other eclectic musicians, this festival has been reborn, having outgrown the confines of the Barrio Antiguo to become a citywide event. It’s now Mexico’s third-biggest music festival after Guanajuato’s Festival Cervantino and Alamos’ Festival Ortiz Tirado.
• Festival Internacional Cervantino , mid-Oct. Guanajuato’s big, two-and-a-half-week music fest, dates back to the 1970s. Every October, it brings together Mexican marimba legends, French jazz artists, choral music from England and international dance troupes.
• The Day of the Dead (All Saints’/Souls’ Day, and its eve) Nov 1–2. This event, for many, determines when to visit Mexico. Offerings are made to ancestors’ souls, frequently with picnics and all-night vigils at their graves, and people build shrines in their homes to honour their departed relatives. Sweetmeats and papier-mâché statues of dressed-up skeletons give proceedings a rather gothic air. Head for cemeteries to see the really spectacular stuff, or to Pátzcuaro.
• Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe , Dec 12. Celebrations everywhere, and a huge day for pilgrims at the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe in Mexico City , home of Mexico’s most important Virgin (a manifestation, that is, of the biblical Virgin Mary), who appeared on this day in 1551.
• Christmas , Dec 25. Though you can expect Santa Claus and Christmas trees galore, the Mexican festival remains distinct in many ways, with a much stronger religious element (virtually every home has a Nativity crib).

For more inspiration, browse our  Mexico itineraries , or contact our local  Mexico experts  to help you curate your ideal itinerary and read up on the best things to do in Mexico . 

Also, find tons of ideas for your Mexican adventure in our guide to the best vacation spots in Mexico .

The Rough Guides to Mexico and related travel guides

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Travel advice for Mexico

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Mexico

• Visa and entry requirements Mexico
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written by Andy Turner

updated 29.08.2024

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Mexico City   Travel Guide

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16 Best Things To Do in Mexico City

Mexico City, officially known as Ciudad de México (CDMX), is a growing and vibrant metropolis nestled in the heart of Mexico. The capital city of Mexico offers a blend of history, culture and gastronomy that attracts millions of annual visitors. From

• All Things To Do

Museo Nacional de Antropología Museo Nacional de Antropología

Located within the sprawling Chapultepec Forest , the Museo Nacional de Antropología (National Museum of Anthropology) showcases artifacts from Mexico's pre-Columbian era, dating from about 100 B.C. to A.D. 1521. Housed within the facility’s 22 rooms are artifacts, including the famous Aztec Calendar Stone, known as Piedra del Sol, as well as the ancient statue of Xochipilli, the Aztec god of art, games, beauty, dance and maize (among others). The museum offers a look at how tradition, culture and life were formed in all regions of Mexico, and it also educates visitors on how Mexico’s indigenous descendants live today. 

Past visitors said this is a must-see if you’re interested in the ancient cultures of Mexico/Mesoamerica. Reviewers appreciated that the explanatory text features English translations. The museum is so extensive that many travelers said you can spend a whole day exploring the many collections and exhibits and recommend giving yourself plenty of time to visit. As one of the largest and most visited museums in Mexico, the grounds are also home to a gift shop, a cafeteria and the National Library of Anthropology and History. 

Bosque de Chapultepec Bosque de Chapultepec free

The main park in Mexico City, Bosque de Chapultepec (Chapultepec Forest) was once the temporary home of the Aztec empire after its citizens migrated to modern-day Mexico City in the 13th century. Today, the 1,600-acre Chapultepec is Mexico City's largest park and is popular among families seeking respite from the busy and crowded city.

Divided into three sections, the park is home to many cultural interests, such as the presidential residence, the former presidential palace, a zoo and several museums (including the highly recommended Museo Nacional de Antropología ). The park also hosts numerous military monuments and effigies of Aztec kings, as well as restaurants and playgrounds, plus lots of green space for stretching. What's more, the park features a large lake, where visitors and locals alike can rent pedal boats to cruise around the water (a particular highlight for kids). On the weekends, local vendors fill the park and sell everything from souvenirs to art to snacks.

Palacio de Bellas Artes Palacio de Bellas Artes free

Considered the cultural center of Mexico City, the Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts) is a must-visit. The exterior of this 20th-century palace showcases art nouveau and art deco-style architecture, while the inside features marble floors and vaulted glass windows. 

In addition to its architectural grandeur, the building hosts cultural events in the national theater, including music, dance, theater, opera and literary performances. The museum at the palace also houses several famous murals, including the work of the famous Mexican muralist Rufino Tamayo. On the top floor, you'll find the National Museum of Architecture, which showcases the work and lives of famous Mexican architects, and multiple art museums and galleries. 

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Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución) Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución) free

U.S. News Insider Tip: The Zócalo attracts throngs of visitors and locals, so visit in the early morning or afternoon during a weekday to avoid the heaviest crowds. – Kayla Hui

Officially known as Plaza de la Constitución, El Zócalo is the main public square and one of the most recognizable places in Mexico City. It’s also one of the world’s largest city squares. It contains a giant Mexican flag at its center and has been the centerpiece of public gatherings since the days of the Aztec empire (it was considered the ceremonial center of Tenochtitlán). The site also hosts annual, widely attended religious events during Holy Week and for Corpus Christi, as well as fairs, concerts, and parades. Several historic buildings also border the square, including the city's national cathedral , the National Palace  and federal buildings.

Museo Frida Kahlo Museo Frida Kahlo

One of the best-known museums in Mexico City exhibits the life and work of its most famous artist: Frida Kahlo. The museum, located in the Coyoacan suburb, is also known as La Casa Azul (The Blue House), and was Kahlo's former residence. It hosts some impressive examples of her works, but travelers say that the best part of visiting the house is seeing where the artist lived and painted with her husband, artist Diego Rivera. Along with paintings by both artists, folk art, photos, documents, books and furnishings, the house also displays personal objects.

Recent visitors to the property said it's a must-see for fans of the artist, saying it shows her life and work in a very personal light. Reviewers were particularly impressed with the display of her clothing and dresses. If you want to take photos, there is an additional modest “permit” fee. 

Basílica de Santa María de Guadalupe Basílica de Santa María de Guadalupe free

U.S. News Insider Tip: During the summer months, pack a hat and water bottle (there is little shade within the complex). If you plan to use the bathroom on site, bring a couple of pesos with you to use the bathroom and buy toilet paper. – Kayla Hui 

The Basílica de Santa María de Guadalupe (Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe) is an important religious site in Mexico City. Construction for the first shrine built to honor the Virgin Mary of Guadalupe started in 1695 on Tepeyac Hill. However, nearly 300 years' worth of construction and environmental damage threatened the integrity of the basilica, so a new basilica was built on the same plaza in the 1970s.

Templo Mayor Templo Mayor

Before Spanish colonization, Templo Mayor served as the religious center for the Aztec people. When Spanish conquistadors arrived in the early 16th century, the temple was among many structures that were destroyed and a new cathedral was built on top of the ruins. It wasn't until 1978 that the temple dedicated to the Aztec gods Huitzilopochtli and Tláloc (gods of war and water) was unearthed in the heart of Mexico City. Today, the area remains an active archeological site and the adjoining museum houses thousands of  artifacts, including 2,500 wooden objects from the site. 

Recent visitors said it's fascinating to see the ancient ruins that are tucked away in the center of the city. Many said it's worth spending time in the museum as well, but the site and scale can't match up to the massive Museo Nacional de Antropología . Still, the whole complex has been deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of Mexico City's most popular attractions. If you’re visiting during the summer months, travelers suggest you time your visit for the morning to avoid the sweltering midday heat. Reviewers also warn that most of the information is listed in Spanish only.

Museo de Arte Popular Museo de Arte Popular

U.S. News Insider Tip: Ditch the large bags and water bottles prior to your visit as you may be denied entry. – Kayla Hui

This folk art museum features handicrafts from all across Mexico and details the country's history and its many cultures. If you want to find out more about the country’s indigenous communities, this is the place to go, according to travelers. Exhibits include glasswork from Tecali, pottery from Michoacán, masks from Chiapas and alebrijes , the colorful painted animal figures from Oaxaca, among other treasures. Make sure to take time to admire the building itself – the 1920s art deco building was the former headquarters of the fire department.

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Chalpultepec Castle Chalpultepec Castle

U.S. News Insider Tip: Sundays are free for all residents of Mexico and expats living in Mexico, so try to avoid visiting that day if you can. It can get crowded, so it’s recommended to go in the morning when the castle first opens. – Kayla Hui

Constructed beginning in 1725, Chalpultepec Castle has served many purposes in its centuries of use; it was a military academy, an observatory, and the only castle in North America to house rulers, including Emperor Maximilian I and his wife Empress Carlota. It would later be established as the National Museum of History by Lázaro Cárdenas in 1939, which would open the castle to visitors. Located at the entrance of Chalpultepec Park , it’s a historical site that can’t be missed on your next visit to Mexico City. 

Catedral Metropolitana Catedral Metropolitana free

Mexico's national cathedral – the vaulting, austere, ornate church on the Zócalo' s north end – was once the site of an ancient Aztec precinct, so it has housed the city's spiritual core for centuries. The cathedral was built between 1573 and 1813 after the Spanish conquest of Tenochtitlan and is considered one of Mexico City's many must-see attractions. What’s more, the cathedral is one of the largest churches in Latin America. It’s believed that the materials used to construct the church were taken from the destroyed pyramids and structures belonging to the Aztecs. Highlights of the massive cathedral include five naves, 14 chapels, two of the largest 18th-century organs in the Americas, 150 windows and a painting by famed Spanish artist Bartolome Esteban Murillo.

Depending on your interest in Mexican history and architecture, you could spend anywhere from an hour to a half a day at the cathedral (it’s free to enter). Past visitors recommended paying to take a tour of the interior with a member of the cathedral’s staff, who reviewers say offer a wealth of information about the cathedral’s far-reaching history. According to recent visitors, tours cost approximately 100 Mexican pesos (about $6). Recent visitors said the massive structure is stunning to behold, and even if you don't want to take the time to explore the inside, it's worth the photo-op of the exterior. The cathedral is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and admission is free. Many of the best Mexico City walking tours make stops here, which can be another way to hear an in-depth retelling of the cathedral’s history and significance.  For more information, including Mass times, visit the cathedral's website (in Spanish).

Museo Soumaya Museo Soumaya free

From exceptional architecture to more than 66,000 featured works, Museo Soumaya is one of Mexico City’s most iconic museums. Established in 1994, Museo Soumaya’s main goal is to preserve and exhibit Mexico and Europe’s artistry. Currently, it houses the largest collection of works by Auguste Rodin outside of France, in addition to artwork by Diego Rivera, Titian, Picasso, Monet and more. 

Beyond the art, the architecture alone is worth seeing. The exterior of the six-story building is wrapped in mirrored hexagons, and the building is the brainchild of Mexican architect Fernando Romero. Recent travelers say Museo Soumaya is reminiscent of New York City’s Guggenheim (both museums are architecturally stunning and feature a circular interior with each floor organized by art type). Some reviewers recommend starting your visit at the top and winding your way down. 

Palacio Nacional Palacio Nacional free

The National Palace holds the federal executive branch of the Mexican government and sits along Mexico City's main public square, El Zócalo . The palace itself is a massive, ornate building that contains several gardens, murals and fountains in the Spanish Renaissance architectural style. Its highlights are several Diego Rivera murals painted in panoramic style across the palace's walls, which past visitors say are a must-see. These murals depict the stages of Mexican history, from pre-Columbian days to the current age.

Because the Mexican president lives and works within the palace, visitors can only access the site on a guided tour. Tours are free, but can’t be booked in advance online. According to recent visitors, you must go to the ticket office at the Museum of Art of the Ministry of Finance & Public Credit, where you can inquire about tour availability and make reservations in person (this is also where tours depart from). Some reviewers reported success booking tickets in advance by emailing [email protected] with information about the preferred tour date and number of people attending. Along the approximately hourlong tours, you’ll see the Rivera mural collections and the courtyards. You may also get the chance to glimpse the exterior of the legislative chambers. 

Museo Casa Luis Barragán Museo Casa Luis Barragán

Luis Barragán was a prominent Mexican architect renowned for his modernist style, and his former home – which was first constructed in 1947 and now functions as a museum – is one of the finest examples of his work. The museum is an off-the-beaten-path attraction that travelers say will please all, even those not schooled in architectural history. The house is known for its vivid colors, brilliant use of natural light and its impressive garden with a maze of corridors and trees. In 2004, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Recent visitors said the history of the house, in addition to its interesting architecture, is captivating. However, a handful of recent reviewers were disappointed with the ticket reservation process. To visit, you must book a self-guided or guided tour (available in Spanish and English). Self-guided visits are only available on Thursdays at select times. Tickets for self-guided tours cost 450 Mexican pesos (about $26) per person (note that children 12 and younger are not permitted in the house). Guided tours are available at select times Monday through Wednesday, Friday and Saturday Tickets for guided tours cost more. Tickets are released every Tuesday at noon (Mexico City time).  

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Torre Latinoamericana Torre Latinoamericana

Open since 1956, Torre Latinoamericana, the 44-story skyscraper in Centro Histórico, is the place to go if you want the best views of the city. Similar to the Empire State Building in New York City , this tower offers visitors jaw-dropping views from its observation deck and restaurant, making it the perfect opportunity to pull out your camera for that Instagram-worthy picture. 

Recent visitors recommended heading up to the top of the tower during sunset to admire the shifting light as it illuminates buildings like the neighboring Palace of Fine Arts. Travelers also warned that if smog levels are high, you won’t be able to see much from the tower’s peak. Some reviewers recommend spending time in the on-site museum, which details the history of Mexico City and the construction of the tower. 

Teotihuacán Teotihuacán

U.S. News Insider Tip: There is no shade inside the archeological site, so you’ll want to wear a hat. It’s also helpful to have a small backpack to hold a water bottle, sunscreen and toilet paper to use in the washrooms at the site. – Kayla Hui

One of many UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Mexico City region, Teotihuacán ( teh -o-tee-wa- can ) contains some of the largest pre-Hispanic pyramids in all of Mexico. The site contains many popular constructions, including the Palace of the Plumed Butterfly, which showcases various columns of winged creatures, and the awesome Pyramid of the Sun, which sits at the heart of the small city. The nearby museum, Museo de la Sitio, also holds many artifacts from the period.

Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) free

The Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico (Central University City Campus of the National University of Mexico) includes 32 academic programs, the Mexican Olympic stadium, a Mexican cultural center, a nature preserve and the city's Central Library. The main campus is now designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The city's famous muralists have made their mark on the campus, and travelers recommend you check out the work of famous painter David Alfaro Siqueiros at the Rectorate Tower or the work of Juan O'Gorman at the Central Library. The campus also holds the University Museum of Contemporary Art, an excellent spot for viewing Mexico's more recent cultural offerings. The sculpture garden at the art museum is a particular highlight for past visitors, as is the botanic garden.

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Best Time to Visit Mexico

Table of contents

Dry Season in Mexico September to November in Mexico Monthly activities and tourists Seasonal guide to prices Travel companies in Mexico FAQ Mexico offers a colorful tapestry of vibrant cultures and breathtaking landscapes as we unravel the best time to visit Mexico. Whether you're basking in the golden sunlight on an azure coast in Cancún or embracing the rich heritage in the bustling streets of Mexico City, there’s something to do in every season. For those seeking the perfect blend of balmy weather, cultural festivities, and thinner crowds, the sweet spot to visit Mexico is typically between December and April. 

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Best time to visit Mexico: December to April (Dry season)

Top things to do and see in mexico during dry season.

Chichen Itza

Wander through the shadows of ancient Mayan pyramids under the soft light of spring. These incredible structures are a testament to a civilization engraved in stone.

Whale watching

Bare witness to the grandeur of humpback whales breaching beside you in Baja California. It’s a sight to behold, best witnessed at the start of the year.

Oaxaca culture

Meander through Oaxaca's cobblestone streets, tasting rich chocolate and spotting vibrant textiles. The milder climate is perfect for taking your time exploring this vibrant city. 

Three essentials to pack for your Mexico trip during dry season

Sun protection.

Although the winter months are cooler, it’s still hot and sunny – so be sure to pack high-SPF sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat.

Cultural insight

Bring along a Spanish phrasebook and an appetite for immersive experiences. Connecting with the locals will ensure you have a deeper, more authentic experience.

Lightweight layers

Embrace the warm days and cooler nights with versatile clothing that can easily adapt.

Best time to visit Mexico: September to November

Top things to do and see in mexico between september and november.

Day of the Dead

Experience the iconic Dia de Muertos. Soak up the atmosphere and witness streets lined in marigolds and colorful altars – it’s a cultural event that transcends expectations.

Wine tasting

Mexico’s wine scene is booming and this season offers the perfect opportunity to visit the vineyards of Valle de Guadalupe as they celebrate the harvest.

Monarch butterfly migration

Venture to Michoacán to witness the breathtaking spectacle of monarch butterflies clothing the fir trees in a fluttering cloak of orange and black.

Three essentials to pack for your Mexico tour between September and November

Layered clothing.

Nights can be cool, so bring layers that can transition from the warm days to the brisk evenings.

Pack attire for festivals and special events (but be mindful that it’s respectful of Mexico’s cultural celebrations).

The end of the rainy season can bring occasional showers. It’s a good idea to carry a lightweight waterproof jacket and sturdy shoes is essential for continued adventure.

Mexico outside the peak times

Overview of activities and tourists in mexico per month.

In Mexico, each month offers unique festivities and natural spectacles. Begin your year with the electricity of January festivals, dive into Cenotes in balmy May, or witness the stirring sight of sea turtles hatching in July. Celebrate Mexico's independence in September, relish in the quieter but joyous December streets  and dance into the new year with local traditions. Every moment on the Mexican calendar is a chance to experience something new in this spectacular country, whether you opt for a high season fiesta or a tranquil low season escape.

Mexico adventures

Mexico City

Baja California

By experience

In-depth cultural

The best time to visit Mexico: A seasonal guide to prices

Mexico’s marvels beckon year-round, with prices that ebb and flow like its coastal tides. During the busy high season (December to April), expect to invest more – with crowds that are thicker, rates reflect demand and reservations are key. The low season (May to August) allows you to experience greener landscapes and lower prices, while festivals like Guelaguetza beckon without breaking the bank. The shoulder seasons (September to November and May to June) balance costs and crowds, offering moderate prices amid changing hues and enduring traditions, making Mexico an accessible adventure no matter the time of year. High Season: Peak prices : Accommodation and tours reach their zenith, with an influx of sun-seekers flocking to Mexico’s coast. Ideal weather : Escape the winter blues with Mexico's sunny and dry tropical allure. Festive crowds : Perfect for those who enjoy sun-filled vacations, vibrant energy and bustling cultural celebrations. Low Season: Lower prices : Score deals on hotels and tours with the most budget-friendly rates. Showered landscapes : You’ll experience lush vegetation and waterfalls, though pack a poncho for rainy spells. Quiet exploration : Solitude-seekers can savor less crowded sites and enjoy more personal experiences. Shoulder Season: Moderate prices : Enjoy the benefits of travel without the extremes of pricing or weather. Transitional weather : With the shoulder seasons comes a shift in climates, meaning it’s cool enough to explore comfortably. Cultural fiestas : Witness authentic events like Independence Day without the peak-season rush.

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What people ask about Mexico

When is the peak travel season in mexico.

The peak travel season in Mexico falls between December and April, when weather is at its best for beach holidays and cultural excursions. 

Should I avoid visiting Mexico during the rainy season?

The rainy season typically runs from May to October and offers lush landscapes and fewer tourists. It’s a great time for budget travel – but be sure to pack waterproof gear for the occasional downpour.

Can I find good deals on tours during Mexico's low season?

Absolutely! Mexico's low season from May to August is ideal for travelers scouting for discounts on tours and accommodations, all while enjoying the vibrant summer festivities. It’s perfect for beach lovers and sun worshippers.

Is Mexico too crowded during the high season?

While popular spots can get crowded during high season, planning ahead secures your spot at must-see attractions and festivals. You can have the full Mexican experience during the high season – just be prepared to do a little forward planning.

What are Mexico’s shoulder seasons, and why should I consider them?

September to November and May to June are shoulder seasons in Mexico. During these months, you can expect mild weather, moderate prices, and smaller crowds – all of which make it perfect for relaxed exploration.

Are there any unique events during the low or shoulder seasons in Mexico?

The Guelaguetza festival in July and Independence Day in September are just two remarkable events offering authentic experiences with a local touch during these seasons.

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The Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Mexico City

Mexico City is packed with incredible places to explore, but where should you stay? We've crafted this guide to highlight the top neighborhoods in Mexico City for your stay.

Centro Historico: Beautiful and full of history

If wandering through a museum is your idea of a perfect morning/afternoon/evening/entire day then locals say you’ll be happiest staying in Centro Historico . Centro Historico is foremost on our list of where to stay in Mexico City because of El Zocalo , one of Mexico City’s most iconic landmarks and the heart of the city. Plus, El Zocalo is surrounded by amazing museums and tons of fascinating sights (like the Grand Hotel de la Ciudad de Mexico , which dates back to 1526—swoon).

Centro Historico is pretty safe (so many people! So much to do!) but it can get sketchy at night. We suggest checking out these attractions in Centro Historico: 

Templo Mayor : This incredible museum/archaeological site is a fascinating attraction in Mexico City. Archeologists constantly unearth new discoveries here. And the Aztec ruins of the Templo Mayor museum offer a powerful look at Mexico’s complicated history (especially since it’s literally in the shadow of the Catedral Metropolitana next door).  

Palacio Nacional : The Palacio Nacional , where the president has offices, is not exactly a museum (although the building itself is historic, once occupied by Hernan Cortez ). Still—locals say it offers a fantastic way to learn about Mexico’s story. The colorful and detailed Diego Rivera murals , which portray Mexico’s history, make the Palacio Nacional one of our favorite places to go in Mexico City.

Roma: A vibrant hipster haven

South of Centro Historico, locals rave that Roma has everything—the Mercado Roma food hall offers culinary choices that span from churros to craft beer, El Parnita offers some of the best lunch options in the entire city (tacos! tortas!), and the colorful kaleidoscope of Roma’s Art Deco architecture and stunning street art make every stroll an adventure for the eyes. 

Condesa: Chill, beautiful, and easy to love

Two words: tacos and dogs.

Do we have your attention? Good! That’s what you’ll find in Condesa, Roma's sister neighborhood. Our local trip planners tell us that the gorgeous Parque Mexico is a favorite spot for frolicking puppies (and people will enjoy its wide trails and sweeping green spaces too).

Dogs aren’t the only thing that makes Condesa one of the top places to visit in Mexico City. Alongside Roma, it’s also known for having some of the best tacos around. Benefit from insider recommendations: our trip planners suggest checking out the food stalls next to the Chilpancingo Metro shop in Condesa.

Coyoacan: Filled with color and culture

Locals tell us that beautiful Coyoacan moves at a slower pace than other neighborhoods in Mexico City (it’s about 40 minutes via metro from the center of town), which makes it a perfect place for anyone looking for a chill area to call home. So what is there to do in Coyoacan? 

• Museo Frida Kahlo : the Museo Frida Kahlo is one of the most popular attractions in Mexico City. Kahlo’s beautiful “blue house” is where the artist lived for many years. Visitors can learn about her life, admire her art, and take in the aura of the place where this Mexican legend called home. It is a  very  popular attraction—so reserve your spot early!
• Mercado Coyoacán : There are tons of great restaurants in Coyoacan, which makes this neighborhood an ideal place to stay. But locals tell us that one of Coyoacan’s biggest draws is its Mercado Coyoacan. Not only will visitors find some out-of-this-world tostadas in this huge marketplace but it’s a great place to shop for authentic souvenirs as well.
• Viveros de Coyoacán : One thing that makes Coyoacan so special (you know, aside from amazing food and incredible museums) is the wonderful park in the middle of the neighborhood. The Viveros de Coyoacan is a gorgeous green space full of trails, a variety of trees and flowers, and tame squirrels. It’s a great place to run, stroll, or simply relax in the fresh air. 

The drawback to Coyoacan? It’s a bit isolated which means it takes some advance planning to get to other neighborhoods. Your trip planner can design a guidebook with detailed transit instructions to make things easy or simply arrange transfers to make sure you get from place to place on time!

Juarez / Zona Rosa: For incredible nightlife

If you spend your days waiting for the sun to go down, then Juarez is the neighborhood for you. Its Zona Rosa section is the place in Mexico City for nightlife—as well as the LGBT core of the city. 

Juarez and Zona Rosa have some of the best clubs in town, but there's lots to enjoy no matter how you like to party. If you’re looking for something on the quiet side, try to find the Hanky Panky speakeasy for an inventive cocktail. Locals also note that Juarez is a great place to see some of the nearby monuments (like El Angel )—at their most glorious, all lit up at night. Just between San Rafael to the north and Condesa to the south, Juarez is also a pretty central neighborhood.

Mexico City is safe after dark, but it’s all about being smart (like in any big city). Be aware of your surroundings at night, call an Uber when it’s time to go home.

San Rafael: Artsy and up-and-coming

As Roma and Condesa have grown in popularity, a lot of the artists and writers living in those neighborhoods have been priced out. So where do they go? San Rafael! Just west of Centro Historico, San Rafael is still pretty central, which makes coming to and going from the neighborhood a breeze. If you're looking to get off the beaten path, our local trip planners tell us that San Rafael is a good choice. 

While San Rafael has seen better days, it’s still pretty safe, and getting safer. The neighborhood had some incredible glory days, which means it's full of cool, old mansions.

Polanco: Sleek and posh

Any answer to the question of “where to eat in Mexico City”, will inevitably lead to Polanco—so it's a great place to stay for foodies. Two of the world’s best restaurants are here! Plus, as a central, upscale part of town, Polanco is safe. It's where to stay in Mexico City if you’re down for centrality and incredible food. 

And that’s not all, folks! Polanco also hosts the Museo Soumaya , which you absolutely can’t miss—because of its unreal architecture, and because it hosts a truly incredible art collection featuring artists like Auguste Rodin and Diego Rivera .

San Angel: A hidden gem of beauty and tranquility

The charming neighborhood of San Angel offers an even quieter vibe than Coyoacan, to the north—perfect for someone who wants to go to Mexico City to finish their novel, spend their afternoons strolling cobblestone streets or shop at the Bazar Sabado market with the locals.

That said, like Coyoacan, San Angel is outside of central Mexico City. It’s about an hour via metro to get to San Angel from Centro Historico. 

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The Best Month to Go to Cancun Mexico in 2024

Trying to figure out the best month to go to Cancun? You’re in the right place!

As a travel blogger that lives in Playa del Carmen , just south of Cancun, I’ve been able to experience the weather here every month of the year! 

And I know the best months for a Cancun vacation, whether you’re looking for affordable prices with great deals, good weather, or more excitement.

In this post, I’m sharing the best month to go to Cancun , as well as the average temperatures, popular events each month, and other helpful information about the weather and seasons.

Ready to find out the best time of year to travel to Cancun for the perfect trip? Let’s get started!

What’s the Best Month to Go to Cancun?

From my experience, the best month to go to Cancun is February as you’ll typically have great weather and low chances of rain.

February in Cancun is in the middle of the dry season, so there’s much less humidity and little chance of rain. 

Additionally, there are fewer tourist crowds compared to December and January, and the spring break crowds in March.

However, it’s important to note that there really isn’t a bad time to visit Cancun, as temperatures are warm all year round.

Even during the rainy season, the chance of hurricanes is small, and there are usually only short bursts of rain.

So if your vacation days are restricted, don’t worry! You can very easily enjoy Cancun every month of the year.

When is the Worst Time to Visit Cancun?

The summer ( June, July, and August) is the worst time of the year to visit Cancun, as it’s the hottest and most humid time of year.

On the worst days, humidity can reach 100% in the summer. And combined with the higher temperatures, the humidity makes it feel even worse.

Additionally, the rainy season is from May to October, with the heaviest rain in full swing during summer.

However, even though chances of rain are higher during the summer, there will still be plenty of sun. 

You can definitely still enjoy Cancun during the summer months but it’s just not as comfortable as the less humid months during the dry season.

Plus, you’ll likely be steps from the Caribbean Sea, a resort pool, or even a Cancun resort with a lazy river to cool off!

When is High Season in Cancun?

The high season in Cancun is from December to April , with the end of December and the beginning of January being the busiest weeks.

The high season is a lively time of year in Cancun, with major streets and beaches covered with local and international tourists.

It also has the best weather of the year. It’s relatively cool compared to the humid, hot summer months. And there’s little rain, no hurricane risk, and lots to do.

Although high season is usually much more expensive because of the influx of tourists, you’ll want to be prepared for higher prices for hotels and tours in Cancun .

Pros of Visiting Cancun during High Season

Cons of visiting cancun during high season.

• Higher prices and hotel rates
• More people and tourists around the city
• Less availability in hotels and tours

When is Low Season in Cancun?

Low season in Cancun is typically from May to November . There’s a slight uptick of tourists in June and July when some travel to Cancun during the summer holidays and in March from spring breakers.

However, compared to the winter months, it’s significantly slower and less crowded.

The downside to the Cancun off season is the weather. It’s much hotter and more humid than other months. There’s also a much higher chance of rain and even hurricanes.

However, there are usually lower prices and much fewer people crowding the beaches. Low season is a great time to travel to Cancun for those looking for fewer crowds and more affordable prices.

Pros of Visiting Cancun during Low Season

Cons of visiting cancun during low season.

• Higher chance of rain showers and hurricanes
• Hotter and more humid
• Fewer non-stop flights
• Limited availability for restaurants and tours

Cancun Weather & Climate

Let’s go into more detail about Cancun’s weather and climate throughout the year to help you narrow your vacation dates.

Dry Season in Cancun

Dry season in Cancun is from December to April . The dry season is a yearly period of low rainfall and lower humidity.

It’s the most comfortable time of year to visit because the weather is warm with sunny skies but you won’t be smothered with humidity.

Rainy Season in Cancun

The rainy season, or wet season, in Cancun is from June to October . The rainy season is when most of the region’s average rainfall occurs.

But while chances of rain are higher during these months, don’t worry because there will still be plenty of sun.

A lot of times the storms pass quickly and you’ll still get to enjoy many sunny days.

Does it rain all day in Cancun?

Even during the rainy season, it usually doesn’t rain all day in Cancun. Most of the time, the rain comes in small spurts. 

You may have 30 minutes of heavy downfall from a passing storm, and then the sun will come back out.

However, the weather can sometimes be very unpredictable and there will be some days when it rains nonstop.

Hurricane Season in Cancun

Hurricane season in Cancun is from June to November . However, hurricanes are pretty rare in this part of Mexico.

Sometimes, we’ll go through one or two hurricane seasons without a single one touching base in the Riviera Maya.

The 2020 hurricane season was one of the most active years in the Riviera Maya. In October and November, Cancun was hit by two major hurricanes, Hurricane Delta and Hurricane Zeta.

But there haven’t been any major hurricanes since then. And if they do hit, there is little danger as resorts are usually prepared for these types of emergencies.

Seaweed Season in Cancun

Seaweed season in Cancun is usually from April-August , with the hot summer months seeing the worst.

But it’s important to know that the seaweed can be completely unpredictable and can still show up at any time of year. 

When I first moved to Playa del Carmen in 2018, the seaweed was at its all time worst and since then it hasn’t been quite as bad. 

It’s kind of just become an unfortunate reality and the hotels do everything they can to keep the beaches clean.

One good thing is that the conditions can drastically change overnight so it might be bad one day and completely clear the next.

The best time to go to Cancun without seaweed is typically during the winter months but you’ll still want to be prepared for potential seaweed at any time.

Can You Swim All Year Round in Cancun?

Yes, you can swim all year round in Cancun. The waters are always warm, with an average ocean temperature of around 81°F (27°C).

The waters get a little cooler in the wintertime as the temperatures drop. The average water temperature in January is 78°F (25°C). 

It’s still comfortable for swimming but you might feel a bit cold getting out of the water if there is a breeze.

And if you aren’t up for swimming in the ocean in the winter, you can always stick to the resort pools which are sometimes heated.

Cancun Weather by Month

Here’s an even more detailed breakdown of Cancun weather month-by-month.

Cancun in January

• ☀️ Average High Temperature: 82°F (27°C)
• ❄️ Average Low Temperature: 67°F (19°C)
• ☔️ Average Rainfall: 67 mm
• 🥵 Average Humidity: 76%

Cancun Events in January: New Year’s Day, Día de Reyes (Day of the Kings) 

January is the coolest month of the year in Cancun. But don’t worry, it doesn’t get that cold. 

With an average temperature of around 82°F (27°C), you can enjoy plenty of sun without worrying about overbearing heat.

You might want a light sweater for the evenings, but typical beach attire is acceptable.

Day of the Kings (or Three Kings Day) is a traditional Mexican holiday that’s celebrated on January 6th.

It’s not a popular holiday for tourists but you’ll likely see the “Rosca de Reyes” cakes in local grocery stores.

Cancun in February

• ☀️ Average High Temperature: 83°F (28°C)
• ☔️ Average Rainfall: 39 mm
• 🥵 Average Humidity: 75%

Cancun Events in February: Constitution Day , Dia de la Candelaria (Candlemas), Carnival

February is the second coolest and second driest month of the year. Like the weather in January, you only need a light jacket in the evenings when it starts to cool down.

This is a good time to visit Cancun as it’s not as crowded as December and January but has perfect weather.

Carnival is typically celebrated at the end of February or the beginning of March. 

Cancun doesn’t have as wild of festivities as Brazil or Mardi Gras in New Orleans, but you’ll still find some celebrations around the city.

Cancun in March

• ☀️ Average High Temperature: 84°F (28°C)
• ❄️ Average Low Temperature: 69°F (20°C)
• ☔️ Average Rainfall: 26 mm
• 🥵 Average Humidity: 73%

Cancun Events in March: Cancun Riviera Maya Wine & Food Festival, Spring Equinox 

March is a popular time for spring break visitors so there will likely be more parties and rowdier festivities depending on where you’re staying. 

Weather wise, it’s the driest month of the year in Cancun.  The weather is really nice, with relatively low humidity and warm temperatures without getting scorching hot.

You might need a light jacket once the sun goes down, but it generally stays warm throughout the night.

The Spring Equinox is in March when thousands of people worldwide travel to Chichén Itzá for festivities.

Cancun in April

• ☀️ Average High Temperature: 87°F (30°C)
• ❄️ Average Low Temperature: 72°F (22°C)
• ☔️ Average Rainfall: 43 mm

Cancun Events in April: Semana Santa (Holy Week), Dia del Niño (Children’s Day)

April is still cooler for Cancun, but temperatures and humidity levels are slowly beginning to rise throughout the month.

You might want to pack a light sweater, but you’ll unlikely need it. The air temperature is pretty warm throughout the day and night.

Semana Santa (the Holy Week of Easter) is celebrated in April. This popular Mexican holiday is complete with small parades and other celebrations.

Holy Week is also a popular time for Mexicans to travel, as they usually get a week off. Cancun tends to get busy during the holiday.

Cancun in May

• ☀️ Average High Temperature: 89°F (31°C)
• ❄️ Average Low Temperature: 75°F (23°C)
• ☔️ Average Rainfall: 78 mm

Cancun Events in May: Dia de la Madre (Mother’s Day), Puerto Morelos Annual Fishing Tournament, Start of Whale Shark Season

May is the start of the summer, whale shark season, and the first uptick in rainfall. Although, it’s not as hot and wet as other months of the year.

You likely won’t need a jacket. Instead, you can stick with typical beach attire.  You’ll also want to bring a compact umbrella in case of rain.

May also marks the start of whale shark season in nearby Isla Mujeres, though the best month to swim with whale sharks is between July and August.

Cancun in June

• ❄️ Average Low Temperature: 77°F (25°C)
• ☔️ Average Rainfall: 113 mm
• 🥵 Average Humidity: 78%

Cancun Events in June: Summer Solstice, Start of Hurricane Season

June is the second rainiest month of the year, with warm temperatures and spiking humidity.

Adding an umbrella and a rain jacket to your Mexico packing list is a good idea if you visit Cancun in June.

Even if you get bogged down in the rain, it’s still easy to enjoy your time, especially if you come prepared.

The end of June also brings the summer solstice, the year’s longest day. Like the spring solstice, people travel to experience the wonders of Chichen Itza on this day.

Hurricane Season also starts in June, though there’s more risk in October and November.

Cancun in July

• ☀️ Average High Temperature: 90°F (32°C)
• ❄️ Average Low Temperature: 76°F (24°C)
• ☔️ Average Rainfall: 61 mm

Cancun Events in July: Isla Mujeres Whale Shark Festival, Mayan New Year

July in Cancun is another hot month with a good splash of rain, though it isn’t quite the hottest or wettest month of the year. You’ll want to bring an umbrella and a light rain jacket to stay dry.

The temperatures will be warm, so you should be comfortable in light beach clothes . Just make sure to bring some eco-friendly sunscreen with you!

The Mayan New Year is July 26th. You might not notice many celebrations around Cancun, as it’s a city that has lost much of its Mayan influence, but it might be a good day to go out and explore some Mayan ruins.

Cancun in August

• ☀️ Average High Temperature: 91°F (32°C)
• ☔️ Average Rainfall: 85 mm

Cancun Events in August: Fiesta de la Playa in Cancun

August is the hottest month of the year in Cancun, with a fair bit of rain.

You’ll want to come prepared for the sweltering temperatures. I recommend coming stocked with biodegradable sunscreen , a good water bottle to carry around with you, a sunhat , and some sunglasses.

When the sun’s out, you can feel it. Fortunately, if it becomes unbearable, you can take a trip to one of the refreshing nearby cenotes for another unforgettable experience.

Cancun in September

• ☔️ Average Rainfall: 91 mm
• 🥵 Average Humidity: 77%

Cancun Events in September: Mexican Independence Day, Autumn Equinox 

September is slightly cooler than August, so you’ll still have to come prepared for the sun and heat.

There’s also a slight increase in average rainfall in September, so I’d recommend bringing an umbrella and raincoat just in case you get caught out there.

The Autumn Equinox is at the end of September, another popular time for travelers visiting Chichen Itza. 

Mexican Independence Day is celebrated on September 16th, and you’ll find celebrations in local bars and restaurants.

Cancun in October

• ☀️ Average High Temperature: 88°F (31°C)
• ❄️ Average Low Temperature: 74°F (23°C)
• ☔️ Average Rainfall: 137 mm

Cancun Events in October: Cancun Jazz Festival, Halloween

October is the rainiest month in Cancun, so plan accordingly and check the weather whenever possible.

You’ll have high temperatures and a handful of very wet days. You’ll want to bring an umbrella with you, even if the forecast guarantees sunny days and clear skies. A sudden downpour can happen at any time.

While not as culturally significant as Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), Mexico does celebrate Halloween , and you’ll find festivities, costume parties, and events for tourists and children.

Cancun in November

• ❄️ Average Low Temperature: 70°F (21°C)
• ☔️ Average Rainfall: 83 mm

Cancun Events in November: Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), Festival of Life and Death Traditions at Xcaret, Start of Bull Shark Season

Late November in Cancun is my second favorite month of the year to visit. It’s the end of the rainy season, and the temperatures are finally lowering for the winter.

Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a significant Mexican holiday celebrated on November 1st and 2nd. 

It’s a unique and colorful holiday, full of sacred traditions to honor loved ones that have passed away.  

The region’s largest Day of the Dead event takes place at the Festival of Life and Death Traditions at Xcaret Park .

November is also the start of Bull Shark season. If you’re scuba certified, I’d recommend heading to Playa del Carmen from Cancun to swim with the bull sharks.

Cancun in December

• ❄️ Average Low Temperature: 68°F (20°C)
• ☔️ Average Rainfall: 63 mm

Cancun Events in December: Christmas, New Year’s Eve

December is one of the nicest months of the year to visit Cancun for those looking for nice weather and little rainfall.

Little rain, mild temperatures, and so much happiness and joy are in the air leading up to Christmas.

It can be hard to get into the holiday spirit with the warm temperatures but you’ll still find holiday decorations and festivities at resorts and in tourist areas.

The only downside is that many more tourists are around the already-packed beaches and resorts. Additionally, things are much more expensive in December and around the holidays.

Best Time to Visit Cancun Mexico: FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about the best time of year to visit Cancun:

The cheapest time to go to Cancun is in September. Flight prices are usually low, and there are much fewer tourists. 

August is the hottest month in Cancun, with an average daily high temperature of 91°F (32°C).

The busiest month in Cancun is December, leading into January. This is peak season when many people have holiday vacation days and want to flee to warmer temperatures.

3-5 days is enough in Cancun, depending on what you’re planning on doing. You can stay longer if you want to take a few day trips or set aside more time for the beautiful beaches.

Yes, Cancun is worth visiting . It’s not oozing with culture and history, but it’s a vibrant city with beautiful beaches and great nightlife. 

Yes, Cancun is swimmable. While the waves are typically stronger than the beaches in Playa del Carmen , they are typically still swimmable. You’ll just want to be prepared for occasional seaweed. 

No, it doesn’t snow in Cancun. Although it snows in other parts of Mexico , Cancun is much too warm for snow.

Final Thoughts: Best Time to Go to Cancun Mexico

I hope this guide has helped you determine the best month for your Cancun vacation!

If you have the flexibility to visit any month of the year, I would recommend February as the best time to travel to Cancun.

You have great weather, slightly less crowds, little rain, and many exciting activities like swimming in freshwater cenotes, lounging at the beach, and exploring ancient ruins.

But the truth is Cancun is beautiful all year round and there isn’t really a bad time to visit.

The summer months have the highest humidity but you can definitely still enjoy Cancun and keep cool in the ocean or the resort pool. 

No matter which month you visit, there’s so much to do in Cancun that will more than likely have a very enjoyable vacation!

🇲🇽 Traveling to Mexico soon?

These are the Mexico travel resources I use and recommend:

🏨 Hotels : I always find the best deals for Mexico hotels and resorts on Expedia or Booking.com . If you prefer a vacation rental, check VRBO as they are often cheaper than AirBnB’s added fees!

✈️ Flights : I recommend using Skyscanner for the best Mexico flight deals. Be sure to sign up for their price alerts for your preferred travel dates.

🚗 Rental Cars : I recommend using Discover Cars because you can compare multiple car rental companies and see detailed ratings for overall value, ease of pick-up, efficiency of agents, car condition, and overall time spent.

🚙 Cancun Airport Transportation : I recommend booking a private transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation for the quickest and most hassle-free option!

🤿 Tours & Activities: I always use Viator or GetYourGuide for booking tours and activities in Mexico. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, plus they have excellent customer service if you were to have any issues.

🚨 Travel Insurance: After my Dad broke his hand in a taxi accident in Playa del Carmen, I always recommend buying travel insurance before your trip for added peace of mind! I recommend Travel Insurance Master for short trips or Safety Wing for digital nomads.

☀️ Biodegradable Sunscreen : Don’t forget to add biodegradable sunscreen to your Mexico packing list ! Regular sunscreen is prohibited on most snorkeling tours, so you’ll need to pack some biodegradable sunscreen for sun protection. I recommend Sun Bum Sunscreen , which is reef-friendly, vegan, and cruelty-free.

Allison Sicking is the founder of Viva La Travelista. After moving to Playa del Carmen, Mexico in 2018, she created her travel blog to empower others to travel safely and confidently in Mexico and other Spanish-speaking countries. Using her Spanish language skills and expertise in Mexico travel, she is passionate about teaching others to travel Mexico like a local.