Sitting at roughly 2,240 meters (7,350 feet) of elevation gives Mexico City a mild climate almost year-round — daytime highs mostly stay in a narrow 21-27°C (70-80°F) band whatever the month. What actually changes is rain, not temperature, so the real planning question is dry season versus wet season.
November to April: dry season
This stretch brings sunny days, cool nights, and very little rain, making it the most reliable window for walking tours, rooftop views, and day trips to sites like Teotihuacán. It's also the most popular time to visit, so expect fuller hotels and busier major attractions, particularly around the December holidays. Evenings can be genuinely cold thanks to the altitude, even though the days are mild — pack a warm layer regardless of month.
March to May: jacaranda season and the warmest days
Late dry season brings the city's purple jacaranda trees into bloom, a genuinely striking sight along many boulevards and parks, alongside the warmest daytime temperatures of the year (into the high 20s°C / high 70s to 80s°F). This overlaps with the tail of dry season, so it combines good weather with one of the city's best-known seasonal sights.
May to October: rainy season
Rain typically arrives as brief, heavy afternoon downpours rather than all-day washouts, usually clearing within an hour or two and leaving mornings clear. The city is greener and noticeably less crowded in this window, and July and August in particular tend to bring the lowest hotel prices of the year — a reasonable trade if you don't mind planning outdoor plans around the afternoon rain.
Late October to early November: Día de los Muertos
Day of the Dead is one of Mexico City's biggest cultural draws, with public ofrendas (altars) appearing across the historic center from around mid-to-late October, and the main observance days falling on November 1 (honoring children) and November 2 (honoring adults) in 2026. The city's mega-ofrenda in the Zócalo and the candlelit vigil in nearby San Andrés Mixquic are among the most distinctive sights of the season — book accommodation well ahead, since this period draws visitors from across the world.
Practical notes
- The altitude can cause mild shortness of breath or headaches for the first day or two — pace the first day lightly and stay hydrated
- Pack layers regardless of season: daytime warmth and nighttime cold coexist year-round here
- A light rain jacket is worth carrying May through October, even on days that start clear
- Smartraveller and similar government travel advisories currently recommend a high degree of general caution across Mexico; within Mexico City, sticking to well-trafficked, tourist-frequented areas such as the historic center and Roma-Condesa, using registered transport, and staying alert are the same sensible practices worth following in any large capital city
The short version
November through April is the most reliable dry-season window, with March-May adding jacaranda blooms on top. May through October trades some afternoon rain for lower prices and greener parks. Late October into early November is worth prioritizing if Día de los Muertos is part of the draw — just book well ahead.