Mexico City — Climate Guide

Monthly temperatures, rainfall, humidity and best time to visit Mexico City.

Mexico City climate at a glance

📅 Best Time to VisitMarch–May & October–December
🌡️ Hottest MonthApril (25°C avg high, pre-rain)
🧊 Coolest MonthJanuary (19°C avg high)
🌧️ Rain SeasonMay–October
💧 Annual Rainfall760mm
💨 HumidityModerate (50–70%)
🕐 Time ZoneCST UTC-6 (CDT UTC-5 Apr–Oct)
MonthHighLowRainHumidity
Jan19°C6°C12mm51%
Feb21°C6°C6mm46%
Mar23°C8°C8mm44%
Apr25°C10°C23mm48%
May24°C12°C53mm57%
Jun22°C13°C118mm67%
Jul21°C13°C132mm71%
Aug21°C13°C130mm72%
Sep21°C13°C97mm72%
Oct21°C11°C52mm67%
Nov20°C8°C16mm56%
Dec18°C5°C7mm55%

Climate overview

Mexico City lies at about 2,240 metres above sea level in a high basin, the Valley of Mexico, ringed by mountains and volcanoes, including Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl. Although it is within the tropics, the altitude keeps it mild all year. It is classed as subtropical highland (Cwb): warm, sunny days, cool nights and a summer rainy season.

Average highs range from 18°C in December to 25°C in April, the warmest month because it comes just before the rains. Annual rainfall is about 760 mm, falling mostly between May and October, usually as afternoon or evening thunderstorms. The dry season from November to April is sunny but brings cold mornings and the highest risk of poor air quality.

Köppen classification: Cwb — subtropical highland

Mexico City through the seasons

Dry, cool season

November – February

Days are sunny and mild, with highs of 18–21°C, but nights fall to 5–8°C and can occasionally reach freezing in outer districts. Temperature inversions — when cold air is trapped under warmer air in the valley — can hold pollution near the ground on calm mornings.

Dry, warm season

March – May

The warmest time of year, with highs of 23–25°C and low humidity. Skies can be hazy, and environmental contingency alerts for ozone are most common in this period. Late afternoon storms begin to return in May.

Rainy season

June – October

Mornings are usually sunny, but clouds build after midday and thunderstorms arrive in the afternoon or evening, sometimes with hail. July and August are the wettest months, at about 130 mm each. Streets can flood quickly in heavy storms.

What makes Mexico City's weather distinctive

Altitude shapes everything in Mexico City. The thin air heats up quickly in the sun and cools rapidly at night, so a 15°C range between afternoon and night is common in the dry season. UV is strong year-round. Some visitors notice the altitude itself in their first days, with shortness of breath or tiredness during exertion.

The basin setting traps pollution, and the city runs an environmental alert system (contingencia ambiental) with driving restrictions on high-pollution days. The valley's soft lakebed soils also mean that intense summer downpours can cause localised flooding.

Best time to visit Mexico City

October to December and March to May are great times to visit Mexico City, with plenty of sunshine and little rain. Late October and early November are especially popular for Día de Muertos. During the rainy season, plan sightseeing for the morning.

What to pack

  • Layers for warm afternoons and chilly mornings and evenings
  • A light rain jacket or umbrella from June to October
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat for strong high-altitude sun
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • A warm sweater for winter nights

Frequently asked questions

Is Mexico City hot?

Rarely. Thanks to the altitude, average highs are between 18°C and 25°C year-round, and nights are cool.

When is the rainy season in Mexico City?

From about late May to October, usually as afternoon and evening thunderstorms.

Why is April the warmest month in Mexico City?

April has strong sunshine and dry air before the clouds and rains of the wet season begin, which keep summer temperatures lower.

Related reading

About this data: Monthly figures are rounded long-term averages consistent with published climate normals from national weather services and the World Meteorological Organization. Individual years can differ noticeably, and recent summers in many cities have run warmer than these averages. For current conditions and the next few days, use the live dashboard (data from WeatherAPI.com). Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it.

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