WHEN TO VISIT MEXICO CITY

Mexico’s capital generally as decent weather all year round. However, the best time to visit Mexico City is usually in the spring, which falls between March and May. Autumn is also a good time to visit. At these times of year, the weather is generally good with medium temperatures, not too hot and not too cold, but dry!  Therea are also a number of cultural events happening during these months to add to your Mexico City experience.  Whenever you decide to go, this vibrant, sprawling metropolis known for its fascinating history, rich culture, delicious food, and endless things to do is always a popular destination to visit. 

 

The weather in Mexico City 

The weather in Mexico City depends on the region you are visiting.  Because of its relatively high elevation at 2250 metres above sea level, the climate in Mexico City tends to be fairly comfortable all year-round. However, during the winter months, temperatures can drop close to freezing at night and during the early hours. Mexico’s rainy season is during the summer months, so there can be frequent rainfall. When it rains heavily, drainage can be an issue in the city and the streets may be flooded, causing even greater traffic delays than usual.  During spring and autumn, however, the weather tends to be nice, with warm days and cool evenings. Whichever season you choose, pack a hat and sunscreen, because of the elevation, you're more likely to get sunburned even on overcast days. 

Mexico City in wet season

Peak Season  

As one of the biggest cities in the world, Mexico City is always crowded, so crowds are somewhat unavoidable. You will want to book in advance during Mexico’s national holidays, especially during the Day of the Dead celebrations, Christmas, the two Easter weeks and during school holidays un the northern hemisphere. Many of the important national holidays in Mexico are observed on a Monday, so that Mexicans can enjoy a long weekend throughout the year and hotels generally fill up on those dates also. 

Bellas Artes, mexico City

Popular Festivals and Events 

There are many holidays, festivals and events that take place in Mexico City throughout the year that attract visitors from around the country and the world. These can be busy times to visit, so you should make travel arrangements in advance, however, they offer some amazing opportunities to learn about the culture and experience Mexican celebrations to the full.  

Day of The Dead celebrations

Spring 

Between March and May is arguably the best time of year to visit Mexico City. The weather is pleasant and warm with daytime temperatures around 21 °C, and cooler in the evening. There may be the occasional rain showers towards the end of the rainy season, but they are not as frequent as during the summer. An unexpected bonus for many travellers visiting Mexico City in the springtime are the jacaranda trees in bloom throughout the city, adding a welcome burst of lilac flowers throughout the city. 

Festival ribbons

Notable Events 

Vive Latino Music Festival takes place over a couple of days in mid-March in the Foro Sol and features a variety of musical groups, with all musical types represented. 

The festival of the Historical centre of Mexico City, is generally held at the beginning of April and offers many different types of artistic activities, including dance, music, visual arts, opera, and theatre, amongst others. 

Spring Equinox at the nearby Teotihuacán archaeological site is an amazing experience. Hundreds of people dress all in white and climb to the top of the Sun Pyramid, where they stretch their arms out to receive the positive energy from the sun. 

Benito Juárez, Mexico’s most beloved president, was born on the 21st of March, but the national holiday celebrating his birthday is on the third Monday of March, each year. 

Easter Week: Many Mexico City residents travel to other parts of the country during this time of the year and most schools have a two-week holiday at this time, so there are less people on the streets and traffic tends to be more free- moving, making it a very pleasant time to visit. 

Zona Maco, is an arts and design fair, held in the Centro CitiBanamex at the end of April to the beginning of May. 

Cinco de Mayo (5th of May) celebrations are low-key, but if you want to see a real parade and celebration, head to Puebla, a couple of hours away, for a more authentic experience. 

5 de Mayo celebrations

Summer 

Although summer is the rainy season, it can still be a good time to visit. Usually there are thunderstorms during the late afternoon, but earlier in the day the weather’s often sunny and clear. You may also find some good deals during this time of year, including low-cost airfares and discounts on hotels, so an excellent time if you are travelling on a budget. 

Mexico City’s Gay Pride Parade usually takes place on the last Saturday of June, starting at the Angel of Independence and making its way along the Paseo de la Reforma, to the Zócalo.   

A flower festival, Feria de las Flores de San Ángel, is held over a few days in mid-June in the Mexico City neighbourhood of San Ángel. Not only are the streets decorated with abundant blooms, but there are also many artistic displays with flowers as a theme. 

Escenica, is a theatre and dance festival takes place in August at a variety of venues, all offering free admission.  

Mexico City at dusk

Autumn 

Rainy season continues through September, but is gradually easing up, with temperatures around 18 °C the weather is actually very nice during these months, however by November, it’s starting to feel a little chillier in the evenings, so bring an extra sweater. If you visit in the autumn, you may be able to catch some of the city's best-known events, such as Independence Day and the Day of the Dead. Unfortunately, hotel prices are usually high during this time, just as the high season is about to kick off. 

Day of the dead celebrations

Mexican Independence Day is celebrated on the 15th and 16th of September. This is the largest national holiday, and celebrations are fun and exuberant, with special celebrations in the Zócalo . 

Day of the Dead is at the end of October and the beginning of November, but celebrations can stretch out over a few weeks: This large parade with skulls, skeletons and giant heads is not to be missed if you are visiting at this time of the year. There are decorations all over the city and amazing celebrations in the Zócalo. 

The music festival Corona Capital takes place over a couple of days in mid-November at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. 

The anniversary of the Mexican Revolution is celebrated with parades and civic ceremonies on the 20th of November.  The third Monday of November is the official bank holiday. 

Celebrations!

Winter 

The weather in December and January is dry and cool and can get quite cold in the capital, especially during the night and early morning, when temperatures sometimes get down to 5°C! The weather remains cool throughout February, however, thankfully, daytime temperatures start to warm up, somewhat.  Visiting Mexico City in the Christmas season is a great idea if you want to see the capital in full festivities.  The holiday season in Mexico runs up until the 6th of January, when students head back to school and things get back to a more regular routine. 

Mexico city park in spring

The feast day of the Virgin of Guadalupe is on the 12th of December and millions of people make their way to the Basilica of Guadalupe to pay homage and celebrate the beloved patron saint. 

Christmas Season: There’s a lot going on throughout December, including the Posadas, from the 16 to the 24th, and the city is decorated with brightly coloured lights and poinsettias.   

Kings Day (Día de Reyes) is on the 6th of January and Mexican children receive gifts from the three wise men on this date. There are gift drives to give toys to underprivileged children, so if you are visiting before that date, you may want to bring a few donations. There’s usually an event to mark the occasion in the Zocalo of Mexico City.

Constitution Day commemorates the signing of Mexico’s constitution on the 5th of February; however, the national holiday is the first Monday in February. 

Happy new year!