Mexico City is the capital of Mexico and a truly multicultural, cosmopolitan place to visit. One of the most iconic cities on the continent and the oldest capital, the Aztecs originally founded it as Tenochtitlan in 1325, on an island in Lake Texcoco. A melting pot of different classes and cultures means that the city has an endless array of attractions and places to see. So when’s it best to visit Mexico City and experience all of its magnificent sights? And how’s the weather throughout the year in this megalopolis? Read on to find out!
Visit Mexico City During its Many Holidays
Located in the heart of Mexico at almost 8,000 feet above sea level, the nation’s capital has a temperate climate. Similar to other parts of the country, the city has defined rainy and dry seasons. The former runs from July to September, and the latter from October to May. The temperatures never get truly uncomfortable, with average highs of 80°F in May and average lows of 40°F in January. Even during rainy season, it tends to rain in the late afternoon or early evening, allowing you to plan your day trips throughout your stay.
Visit Mexico City During its Many Holidays
As the most populous city in the Americas and the cultural hub of the nation, there is a lot of events throughout the year. One of the peculiarities of the city is that many of the people who live here are not originally from here and are from different parts of the country. This means that during public holidays, such as Easter around March and April, for example, the city empties as people go to be with their families back home. Likewise, the locals tend to go relax and unwind at one of Mexico’s stunning beaches, like Acapulco. If you visit during these times, you’ll find a city that’s less congested, and easy to move around and explore. As the city second only to London in terms of number of museums, smaller lines everywhere can definitely be a good thing in Mexico City!
Going through the aforementioned holidays, some have an impact on opening hours, such as New Year’s Day, when everything tends to shut down. Others, like Candlemas on February 2nd, have no effect on people visiting Mexico City, outside of allowing them to celebrate! February is also the time of year when Mexicans celebrate Constitution Day, so you’ll also be able to admire parades. Other small public holidays include Labor Day on May 1st and the celebrations of the Mexican Revolution in November.
A Patriotic September in Mexico’s Capital
In addition to the aforementioned Easter period, September is a fantastic time of year to visit Mexico City, just for different reasons. This is when Mexicans celebrate their independence, and the whole city is awash with Mexican flags and adornments. Especially relevant, the downtown Zocalo is the place to be for the patriotic festivities. The atmosphere is buzzing, and you can feel the national pride all around. The fireworks tend to be spectacular on the night of September 15th, and the party goes on throughout the night and into the 16th!
This is also the time of year when Mexican cuisine comes to the fore and in to its own. Don’t pass up the chance to try the magnificent stuffed pepper called chile en nogada, an award-winning delicacy that is only served at this time of year. Other prominent dishes include pozole, enchiladas, and other authentic Mexican specialties. September is a time to celebrate everything Mexican in the heart of Mexico!
Experience a Solemn but Festive Autumn
Similarly, a final recommended time of year to visit Mexico City is late October, early November. This is when the locals celebrate the Day of the Dead, an iconic Mexican celebration of life and death. There are magnificent parades, and people dress up in costumes for the festivities, just like in the film Coco! It’s a truly unique, unforgettable time of year to be in the city. At this time of year, the rainy season is coming to an end, and the weather is very pleasant; warm during the day, and then cooler at night.
Things to Do in Mexico City All Year Long
Ok, so you know when you’re going to visit Mexico City, but what can you do? Where do you start? The city and surrounding region has something for everyone. There are more than 150 museums in the capital, including famous places like the National Museum of History and Anthropology and the National History Museum. Enjoy a walking tour of the historic downtown district, or explore traditional Xochimilco and Coyoacan. Discover the pre-Columbian city of Teotihuacan and its breathtaking pyramids, or head to nearby state of Puebla to get up close and personal with its imposing volcanoes. There is just so much to see and do here!
In conclusion, Mexico City is an incredible place to visit at any time of year. Nevertheless, there are special times when the locals head to the beaches or their family, ensuring an easier time for visitors. One of the best times to visit Mexico City is for Halloween in October and Mexico’s world-renowned Day of the Dead celebrations in November. Another is for the country’s Independence Day in September. Consequently, the city is adorned for both, making for a truly unforgettable experience. Don’t pass up the chance to explore this fabulous place and its surroundings!
