Mexico City Weather Guide
Mexico
Best Time to Visit
October, November, March, April
Avoid
June, July, August (rainy season, pollution)
Climate
Subtropical highland — mild year-round due to altitude, distinct wet season
Annual Rainfall
28 inches (720 mm) — mostly May–October
Overview
Mexico City's high altitude (7,350 ft/2,240m) keeps temperatures surprisingly mild year-round. Days are typically 65–75°F; nights cool significantly. The rainy season (May–October) brings afternoon thunderstorms. Air quality is a year-round concern due to the enclosed valley.
Seasonal Weather Breakdown
Dry Season
November–April
42–73°F
6–23°C
Clear, sunny days and cool nights. Low humidity. Best air quality of the year. High altitude means strong UV even on cool days.
- →Mornings are cold (40–50°F) — pack a jacket
- →Strong UV at high altitude — sunscreen essential
- →November–December: Day of the Dead and Christmas celebrations are spectacular
Pre-Rainy Season
March–May
50–77°F
10–25°C
The hottest months before rains arrive. Dry, dusty, and increasingly polluted. Wildfire smoke from surrounding forests worsens air quality.
- →April–May often worst air quality of year
- →UV is extreme — high altitude + direct sun = burns quickly
- →Afternoons warm significantly; layers essential for morning/evening
Rainy Season
May–October
52–73°F
11–23°C
Daily afternoon thunderstorms (usually 4–6 PM) but mornings are clear and sunny. Rain cools and cleans the air. Flooding is common in some low-lying colonias.
- →Plan outdoor activities for morning
- →Always carry a compact umbrella or light rain jacket
- →Summer is when Chapultepec Park and Xochimilco are lushest
What to Pack for Mexico City
- ✓Layers for significant temperature swings (20–30°F between morning and afternoon)
- ✓Sunscreen SPF 50+ — altitude amplifies UV
- ✓Rain jacket or compact umbrella May–October
- ✓Comfortable walking shoes for uneven cobblestone streets
Mexico City Weather FAQ
What is the best time to visit Mexico City for weather?
October and November offer a sweet spot: rainy season has ended, air is clean, temperatures are mild (60–73°F/16–23°C), and major festivals (Day of the Dead) are happening. March and April are also excellent before the heat and rains build.
Why is Mexico City's weather so mild despite being in the tropics?
Mexico City sits at 7,350 feet (2,240m) elevation, which keeps temperatures roughly 20–25°F (11–14°C) cooler than coastal Mexican cities at the same latitude. Average annual temperatures of 62°F (17°C) make it one of the most temperate capitals in the world.
Is air pollution a problem in Mexico City?
Yes. Mexico City sits in a high-altitude basin surrounded by mountains that trap pollutants. PM2.5 and ozone levels frequently exceed safe limits, especially in the dry season (January–May). Check AIRE portal for air quality before outdoor exercise.
Does Mexico City get cold?
Nights can be surprisingly cold — December and January lows average 42°F (6°C), and nights below freezing occur occasionally, especially in higher-altitude neighborhoods like Tlalpan and Pedregal. The city is not equipped for these temperatures.
Neighborhoods in Mexico City
Each neighborhood in Mexico City has its own microclimate. Check real-time conditions below: