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This Is the Best Time to Visit Mexico City for Perfect Weather, Great Prices and the Coolest Things to Do

With mouthwatering cuisine, jaw-dropping museums and incredible culture, it’s no wonder Mexico City has become one of the most popular destinations in Mexico for foodies and adventurous travelers. As a travel writer with more than two decades of experience, I’ve been to Mexico multiple times, but it’s the country’s capital that has completely captivated me. Even though I just returned from a visit with my family, I’m already plotting ways to return with friends.

Knowing the best time to visit Mexico City isn’t quite as easy to predict as it is for the coastal areas of the country. Mexico City, aka Ciudad de México or CDMX, is a high-altitude destination in the inland south central region of the country. It sits at 7,350 feet, or nearly 1.5 miles, above sea level (that’s more than 1,000 feet higher than the mile-high city of Denver). The good news is that this means you’ll get cooler temps in the summer than you’d experience at Mexico’s famed beach resorts, but you can also experience rain or cooler weather at other times of the year.

Want to see what all the excitement is about? Keep reading for everything you need to know about the best time to visit Mexico City.

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What month is the best time to visit Mexico City?

For great weather and lots of entertainment, the best time to visit Mexico City is definitely October. The pleasant mid-70-degree weather, with little chance of rain, is one reason this fall month is so popular. Another reason, according to Enrique Leal, a top-rated guide with Tours by Locals (I highly recommend his street food tour), are the festivities leading up to the Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos. Parades start in the middle of the month then ramp up in the last week of October in anticipation of the holiday, which is held the two days after Halloween, Nov. 1 and 2.

And for sports fans, there’s the F1 Mexico City Grand Prix, held Oct. 24 to 26 at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, and it’s filled with revved-up speed and excitement.

When is the best time to visit Mexico City for good weather?

For lovely warm sunny days without rain or high temperatures, March and April are the best times to visit Mexico City, says Arturo Sanchez, the lead concierge at the Andaz Mexico City, a popular hotel. This is when the city’s gorgeous jacaranda trees are bursting with purple blooms, he adds, making it an ideal time to soak up the scenery around Parque Mexico in the walkable Condesa neighborhood. Around the park you’ll find plenty of bars, cafes and restaurants with outdoor patios, so you can enjoy the sunshine and scenery while you people watch.

This is also a great time to visit Teotihuacan, the ancient Mayan temples and pyramids that are just 30 minutes from downtown. For a completely unique view of the pyramids, plus the chance to snap incredible photos, take advantage of the clear skies in October and book a hot-air balloon ride over the area with tour operator Viator. This was one of my family’s absolute favorite activities when we visited.

What’s the least crowded time to visit Mexico City?

If you’re looking for light crowds and pleasant weather, November is when to visit Mexico City, which is “after Day of the Dead holiday and before the festivities of Christmas start to ramp up,” advises Leal. Although it’s not a busy period in the city, you’ll actually have temperate weather and clear skies, making it an ideal time to visit if you have flexibility in your schedule.

January and February are also more lightly traveled times, but nighttime temperatures can dip into the low 40s during these months. Even if the weather isn’t perfect, though, the city’s excellent museums, including the art-stuffed Museo Soumaya (where admission is free), provide plenty of ways to entertain yourself.

What is the cheapest month to visit Mexico City?

Having just returned from a July visit, I can say with confidence that it’s one of the cheapest times to visit Mexico City, with both low airfares and affordable hotel rates. Yes, the summer months of June, July and August are the rainiest months of the year. And yes, there was rain in the forecast for every day of my week-long stay around July 4. However, during our trip there were only a few evening showers, and the days were sunny and warm, with temperatures in the mid-70s during the day then dipping into a denim-jacket high 50s in the evening.

And not only did we enjoy a much cooler summer vacation than we would have had back at home, July also delivered truly great value for money, including the best el pastor taco of my life. (Spoiler alert: It cost $2!)

Where should you stay in Mexico City?

I’ve been to Ciudad de México multiple times, so not only do I have thoughts on the best time to visit Mexico City, I also have the inside scoop on where to stay. Here are my recommendations, based on my personal experience.

Hyatt Regency Mexico City

For a central location and fantastic amenities, Hyatt Regency Mexico City is my top pick. The modern hotel rooms are spacious and comfortable, and the lobby restaurant, Rulfo, has one of my favorite hotel brunches anywhere: Not only do they ring a bell when hot pastries are coming out (and then deliver them right to your table), there’s a dedicated quesadilla chef!

The third floor has a large indoor pool, outdoor tennis and pickleball courts, as well as outdoor lounge areas that make it feel like a beach resort. Plus, it’s located in the chic Polanco neighborhood, just a block from verdant Chapultepec Park (which is twice the size of NYC’s Central Park). It’s a short walk to some of the city’s top attractions, including the dazzling Museo Nacional de Antropologia and Museo de Arte Moderno.

Andaz Mexico City

The Andaz Mexico City revs up the CDMX cool factor with a fantastic location in the middle of Condesa, the city’s hippest neighborhood. Although there’s plenty to do nearby, I had a hard time tearing myself away from this gorgeously designed Art Deco hotel, with everything from the fabulous outdoor rooftop pool (be sure to check out the view at night!) to the adjacent Cabuya rooftop seafood restaurant (one of my favorite meals on my recent visit). If you’re traveling with a pet, the fun Wooftop Beer Garden and outdoor Canine Club play space will welcome Fido with open arms.

About the experts

  • Enrique Leal is a guide with Tours by Locals, where he leads private tours in Mexico City. Offerings include full- and half-day city tours, as well as fantastic food tours.
  • Arturo Sanchez is the lead concierge at the Andaz Mexico City, a popular boutique hotel in the Condesa neighborhood of the city.

Why trust us

Reader’s Digest has published hundreds of travel stories that help readers explore the world safely, easily and affordably. We regularly cover topics such as the best places to visit (and the best times to visit them), tips and tricks to zoom through airport security, flight-attendant secrets, hotel-room hacks and more. We’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.

Sources:

Stunning Places on Mexico's Pacific Coast

Cinco de Mayo Traditions for Everyone

Cruising to Mexico Is Getting Pricier

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