Mexico City is a vibrant, large metropolis located in the Valley of Mexico. As the oldest capital city in North America, Mexico City has quite the history and culture associated with it. If you’ve never been to Mexico or only happen to frequent the coasts… this beautiful city needs to be at the top of your bucket list! You’ll love visiting the historical buildings in the city center, the ruins and canals just outside the city, and of course, all the delicious food! I visited in the fall of 2022 and I’m itching to get back ASAP. Ready to plan your trip but not sure when to go? Keep reading to learn a little bit about the city and when is the best time to visit Mexico City.
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About Mexico City
Mexico City, or Ciudad de México, is the capital city of… you guessed, Mexico. It’s located near the center of the country and is home to over 8 million residents. Though situated in the Valley of Mexico, it’s still considered a high elevation city with its altitude at 2,240 meters (7,350 ft). The population tops over 9 million and when you include Greater Mexico City is over 21 million people! The city was originally founded hundreds of years ago by indigenous groups in the early 1300s and has since seen many political, culture, and financial changes. After being ruled by the Spanish colony for a while, Mexico City has enjoyed independence since 1824.
With hundreds of neighborhoods making up what is known as Greater Mexico City, there is a place and a vibe for everyone. There is so much to see and do but Mexico City can easily be visited in 4 or 5 days.
When is the best time to visit Mexico City?
Oftentimes, work, school, and other life factors are major determinants in deciding when to take a vacation. But some locales just aren’t the same at certain times of the year. While my general advice is to just go whenever you can, flexibility can make your trip that much better. Luckily, Mexico City is one that can be visited pretty much year-round but are certain times of the year better than others? Keep reading to discover factors like weather and events that could determine when you visit CDMX.
Take the guess work out of it, let a travel professional plan your vacation for you!
What is the weather like in Mexico City?
Given its location and high altitude, Mexico City experiences mild temperatures year-round. Similar to Medellín, which is known as the city of Eternal Spring, you’ll experience temps in the mid-60s to low-70s (Fahrenheit) most of the year. There is technically a “cool” season from November to February but temperatures are still pleasant during the day in the 70s but dip into the 40s at night. With the elevation, the air tends to stay pretty dry without a true wet season like other areas in Central America. Mexico City does struggle with poor air pollution that is worse in the winter months.
During my visit at the end of October, I experienced pleasant, warm days in the high 60s and low 70s (Fahrenheit) and 50s in the evenings. There was consistently a light breeze most days which made it feel a little more chilly, necessitating a jacket at all times.
Planning your trip around weather patterns couldn’t be easier! When is the best time to visit Mexico City based on the weather? Any time of the year! If you want to avoid poorer air pollution, avoid the months of November through February.
What are the main festivals and events in Mexico City?
Being a large capital and important historical city, Mexico City’s calendar is packed full with celebrations and festivals throughout the year. Visiting Mexico City around one of these events is an excellent way to add a little education and cultural experience. Here’s just a few amazing celebrations.
The Festival del Centro Histórico is one of the biggest arts and cultural celebrations in Latin America. Usually in February or March, the festival celebrates local artists. It was started in the 1980s to revitalize Mexico City’s then-rundown downtown but now continues to draw a big crowd. While many of the main events and exhibits require tickets, there are also hundreds of free events, as well.
Sticking around for Spring Equinox? Head to the Teotihuacan architectural site to celebrate this important changing of the seasons. History suggests the indigenous cultures performed special rituals on the Spring Equinox and now there are traditional costumes, song, and dance performed at the Pyramid of the Sun on this special day.
Want to experience the legendary celebration of Day of the Dead? Then plan your trip during the very end of October and early November. Celebrations last through most of both months but the best time to go is during the actual week to see the parade, the ofrendas, and the whole atmosphere surrounding Day of the Dead. This is when I visited and I can’t recommend it enough!
What to pack for Mexico City
Luckily, the consistent weather makes it easy to make your packing list no matter what time of year you are visiting. You’ll want to pack light layers because the days can be sunny and warm with cool evenings. For daytime, jeans or a light dress will be perfect. I always had a jacket with me (I love a classic jean jacket or this jacket that doubles as a rain coat!) just in case of cloud cover or windy days. At night, you’d be more than okay with a light sweater and jacket… it can get chilly in the evening! And don’t forget comfortable shoes. While many of the tourists sites aren’t walkable (depending on the neighborhood you’re in), you will still get plenty of steps in walking around the neighborhoods and markets.
Any time you’re traveling you also need to keep safety in mind. For purses, I recommend a cross body or fanny pack situation that you can keep close to your body. Don’t carry your passport with you but instead, a paper copy. Bring a portable phone charger so you don’t have to worry about your phone dying and missing out on all the amazing pictures!
Other travel must-haves: toiletry kit set | packing cubes | brevite travel pack
Where should I stay in Mexico City?
Mexico City is an absolutely gigantic city with many options when it comes to neighborhood and lodging. So where should you stay in CMDX? Especially for first time visitors, I recommend the neighborhoods of Polanco, Condesa, or Roma. In terms of hotels, I partner with dozens of CDMX hotels that offer extra perks to make your stay even more special. I highly recommend the Four Seasons Mexico City, the Sofitel Reforma, or Las Alcobas. There are hundreds of Airbnbs around the city that are absolutely beautiful but I always recommend a hotel over an Airbnb, especially in an area you aren’t familiar with. Make sure you reach out and book through me to receive the perks you can’t get when you book for yourself!
Should I use a travel advisor when traveling to CDMX?
Sure, you can book any hotel on your own… but why would you?! Save yourself some time, sanity, AND get some extra perks by booking through an advisor. When you book through me, a Fora affiliate, you’ll get to relax and just click “confirm!” when it’s time to book your Mexico City vacay.
In addition, book through me, and you’ll get these amazing perks at any of these listed resorts along with 2,000 other properties worldwide:
- Daily breakfast for two
- Room upgrades (when available)
- Early & late checkout
- Resort credit for the spa or onsite restaurants
And you’ll be known as a VIP to the hotel… I’ve got the hookup for ya 😉
Final thoughts on when is the best time to visit Mexico City
Mexico City is an absolutely amazing city that you must visit at some point in your life! Thankfully, due to its location there is truly no bad time to visit CDMX. The weather is beautiful most of the year and there aren’t many major weather shifts or patterns. Spring or fall is a great time to avoid many tourists and get good prices. Late fall at the end of October is perfect for celebrating Day of the Dead and spring sees the equinox and tons of art and cultural festivals! When is the best time to visit Mexico City? Any time you can make the trip!
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