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Planning a trip to warm, culturally rich Mexico City? Spending some time on research before you book can help you make the most of your trip with the best weather, lowest prices, and events that are most interesting to you!
Mexico City is a vibrant cultural and culinary hub with lots to explore. Scheduling your visit at the right time of the year will help ensure that you return home with life-long memories.
No matter your goals for the trip, whether it’s to have the calmest experience, the most affordable visit, or the most events, we’ll help you find the perfect time to visit Mexico City.
We’ll cover the theoretically “worst” time to visit too and provide helpful tips and considerations to ensure your trip runs as smoothly as possible. We’ll be your guide to the perfect Mexico City vacation whenever you choose to visit.
Why You Should Visit Mexico City in 2023
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Mexico City is a truly unique place. One of the oldest cities in North America, it’s packed full of rich culture, delicious cuisine, and breathtaking architecture and scenery. There are endless activities, events, and relaxation options, so no matter what you’d prefer, you’ll find something that tickles your fancy!
For fans of architecture, stroll through centuries of historical architecture ranging from colonial-era architecture in the Historic Centre to 20th century Paris in the Condesso neighborhood.
Explore the Zócalo, the central main square of Mexico City, for a mixture of cultures with the Presidential Palace on the east end and the Catholic Cathedral, built over the ruins of the Aztec Templo Mayor, at the north end.
Explore the vast culture of the region by visiting one of the nearly 200 museums found in Mexico City. Mexico City has the second most museums in any city, beaten only by London in the number of museums to explore.
Some of the classic favorites are the University Museum of Contemporary Art and the National Museum of Anthropology.
The city is also home to uncommon museums like the Tattoo Museum, the Museum of Light, and the Chocolate Museum to ensure that the experiences will cater to everyone’s unique tastes.
Shopping fans will enjoy the hundreds of markets that dot the city, where you can purchase everything from antiques to contemporary art in addition to souvenirs and crafts!
For a truly unforgettable experience, early risers can beat the sunrise and join the fishers, restaurant suppliers, and farmers at the Central De Abastos, the largest wholesale market in the world.
A hidden gem in Mexico City is Chapultepec, also known as the Bosque de Chapultepec, one of the largest city parks in the western hemisphere.
Chapultepec spans 1,695 acres and is home to several attractions including the Chapultepec Zoo, museums, and a castle. No matter your interests, Mexico City offers an abundance of culture, food, and activities that are sure to please.
With events, museums, stunning architecture, and delicious food Mexico City is a fascinating and memorable place to visit and explore.
Overall Best Time to Visit Mexico City
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Overall, the best time to visit Mexico City is between March and May, before the rainy season begins. Mexico City is typically slightly busier during the spring, except around Easter when the locals tend to travel out of the city.
The crowded streets are worth braving for the perfect weather. Spring in Mexico City brings warm and dry weather compared to other seasons.
The daytime temperature typically ranges between the high-70s and low-80s, with nighttime temperatures a bit colder, ranging from the mid-40s to the low-50s.
The Jacaranda trees bloom in late February or early March, meaning that visiting in March extends an opportunity to witness the stunning and colorful display.
If you’re visiting in April, the Chapultepec Botanical Gardens host the Festival de Flores y Jardines, which is well worth exploring.
Several festivals and events happen in Mexico City during the spring, ranging from spring equinox celebrations at Teotihuacán just outside of the city to the Vive Latino music festival and the Festival de Flores y Jardines.
Spring is a wonderful time to take a stroll through Chapultepec Park, one of the largest city parks in the western hemisphere that spans over 1,500 acres and holds a variety of attractions for all ages.
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Cheapest Time to Visit Mexico City
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If you’re looking to explore all that Mexico City has to offer on a budget, consider visiting during January and February.
Fewer tourists are visiting during these months and many of the best hotels in Mexico City offer rates as low as $90 a night.
January and February are colder months in Mexico City, with daytime temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to the low-70s and nighttime temperatures falling as low as 40 degrees. Bringing a jacket is recommended, as many buildings in Mexico City do not have central air heating.
Bundling up with a jacket or a sweatshirt and burrowing under a cozy blanket to brave the chilly nights is rewarded with pleasant daytime temperatures and incredible bargains on hotel rooms and flights.
There are usually fewer tourists visiting Mexico City during January and February which can create a more authentic experience. In January, explore the Villa Illuminada, a stunning display of lights set to gentle music, or the Feast of San Antonio Abad where animals are blessed.
Día de la Constitución is celebrated on the first Monday of February, and parades and celebrations occur throughout the city as banks, schools, and public businesses are closed. Zona Maco, the largest contemporary art fair in Mexico City, also occurs in February.
Least Busy Time to Visit Mexico City
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If you’re looking to explore Mexico City when it’s quietest, look to visit between June and August.
While this does technically fall within the rainy season for Mexico City, June and August both have an average rainfall of 1.57 inches, while July has an average rainfall of 2.36 inches.
The rain during this time is most often quick bursts in the afternoon, and Mexico City offers plenty of indoor activities and locations to explore to stay dry during the rain showers.
When the rain passes, the weather is warm. The temperature in these months ranges from the high-70s during the day to the mid-50s at night.
Worst Time to Visit Mexico City
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We’ve established that springtime, between March and May, is the best time to visit Mexico City. What’s the worst time to visit? It depends on your personal preferences, as each season has its unique benefits and considerations.
Summer months tend to experience daily rain showers in the afternoon, but air quality is usually at its best during these months. Summer also tends to be the warmest, with even nighttime temperatures remaining in the mid-50s.
It also tends to offer some reduced hotel rates as the rainy season is one of the slower tourism seasons in Mexico City. Fall is beautiful in Mexico City, but prices rise at the end of the rainy season as tourism into the city picks back up from the lull as fall begins.
During the fall, Mexico City will be bustling with locals and tourists alike. Many popular events occur in the fall season, including Formula 1 racing and Dia de Los Muertos.
Mexico City in the winter, while chilly at night, is still beautiful during the day. Throughout December, Mexico City receives more tourists than at any other time of the year.
Even with the number of tourists being as high as it is, hotel prices remain affordable during the winter months with many hotels offering deals.
Mexico City tends to be bustling from the end of November through early January, as locals and tourists flock to the city’s many museums, attractions, and cantinas.
Things to Consider
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There are several things to consider when visiting Mexico City. Let’s look at some of the most important considerations:
- Museums are often closed on Mondays.
- Consider a Metro card over an Uber for traveling long distances, since Metro cards are more affordable and help reduce traffic.
- Brush up on your Spanish.
- Don’t drink the tap water, be cautious with ice in your drinks.
- Try the street food (it’s delicious and affordable).
- You can book many of the attractions in advance.
- Consider purchasing a SIM card to help with navigating (and translation if your Spanish is rusty) as they’re inexpensive and can be incredibly helpful.
- Use smaller bills when possible, especially at small vendors, markets, food carts, etc.
- Tip waitstaff (10%-15% typically) at restaurants and the like, as tipping is custom in Mexico City as well.
- Tourist pricing exists, but blending in and visiting several stalls will help you find the general prices of goods at each market.
- Bring warmer clothes for evenings and nights.
- Wear comfortable shoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
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There are several questions people ask when planning a trip to Mexico City. Here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.
What is the rainy season in Mexico City?
The rainy season in Mexico City runs from June through September. September is the wettest month of the rainy season, averaging 3.54 inches of rain annually. June and August are the drier months of the rainy season in Mexico City, both with an average of 1.57 inches of rain annually.
What is the hottest month in Mexico City?
May is the hottest month in Mexico City, with an average temperature of 64 degrees Fahrenheit or approximately 18 degrees Celsius. Mexico City is warmer during the day, reaching temperatures in the low-to-mid-80s, and cools to the low-50s at night.
How many days is enough in Mexico City?
Three to four days will give you a taste of Mexico City, but five days will allow you to delve deeper into all the city has to offer. If you’re planning a longer trip, have no fear! Mexico City is home to a plethora of museums, events, and attractions that can fill longer itineraries with no room for boredom.
Is Mexico City worth visiting?
Mexico City is, without a doubt, worth visiting. Mexico City is considered one of the premier museum cities in the world and is home to over 150 museums to explore. Mexico City is a rich cultural center with stunning and varied architecture and long-standing local history.
The city also offers a wide variety of incredible dining options ranging from traditional Mexican cuisine to international dishes and street foods.
Is it okay to wear shorts in Mexico City?
Yes, it is okay to wear shorts in Mexico City. However, depending on the time of the year it can be chilly or even cold in the evenings, and pants might be more comfortable. Shorts are not commonly worn by the locals, though they are slightly more common for men.
Locals are more often found wearing long pants, skirts, or dresses that enable them to remain comfortable even when temperatures drop slightly in the evenings.
What is Mexico City known for?
Mexico City is known for its rich Aztec history, its rich culture, its delicious food and culinary scene, the floating gardens of the Xochimilco area, and over 150 museums.
Some of the most notable museums include the Frida Kahlo house and the National Museum of Anthropology but some of the less commonly noted museums like the Tattoo Museum and the Chocolate Museum are also worth visiting.
Is Mexico City expensive?
When visiting Mexico City, expect to spend close to $150 on meals, transportation, and lodging expenses daily. However, you can spend a lot less or a lot more, depending on your budget.
You should be prepared to spend slightly more per day if you plan on shopping at one of the many markets in Mexico City or using an Uber or a taxi to navigate long distances through the city.
So, What Is the Best Time to Visit Mexico City?
| 👍 Best Time to Visit | March-May |
| 💲 Cheapest Time to Visit | January-February |
| 🗓️ Least Busy Time to Visit | June-August |
| 👎 Worst Time to Visit | June-August |
Mexico City is home to rich culture, a delicious and extensive culinary scene, breathtaking views, and stunning architecture.
By knowing what to expect from each season, planning with helpful tips and considerations, and having a bit of completed research you can ensure that you’ll treasure the memories of your trip to Mexico City forever.
If you’re looking to visit Mexico City for its perfect weather and modest prices, opt for visiting between March and May, the ideal time to visit Mexico City.
If you’re looking for the most affordable time to visit, plan your trip for January or February. If your goal for your vacation to Mexico City is to avoid as many of the crowds as possible, visit during the rainy season from June to September for the least crowded experience.
Mexico City is home to nearly 200 museums that specialize in an incredible array of topics from the Tattoo Museum, to the Frida Kahlo House, to the National Museum of Anthropology nestled in the Chapultepec park and more.
Stroll through the centuries exploring the different neighborhoods with their different architecture, visit one of the markets for some shopping and browsing, or check out the wide assortment of street foods available to please your inner foodie!
Mexico City is an unforgettable vacation location that offers enough activities and events to satisfy your entire traveling party. So, with so much to see and do, what are you waiting for — book your trip today!