Many people head to Mexico City expecting the same weather found in Mexico’s tropical climates. But given the city’s location in the mountains of Central Mexico and its high elevation, the weather is often very different from what you find in Mexico’s famous beach towns.
Depending on the time of the year, you might be quite chilly in a short sleeve shirt in jeans, but in other times of the year, you’ll be sweating in that same outfit. And most of the time, you’ll be cold in the morning and hot in the afternoon.
Thankfully, if you’re trying to figure out what to wear in Mexico City, you’ve come to the right place! Whether you’re visiting during the winter months or summer months, this Mexico City guide is for you.
My husband and I have experienced packing for Mexico City on five different occasions, each at different points in the year. We’ve learned some insider tips along the way, and we’re here to share everything you need to know as you pack your Mexico City wardrobe.
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What do people wear in Mexico City?
Like in any big city, fashion in Mexico City varies from person to person, and neighborhood to neighborhood.
In general, Mexico City fashion is more casual than in the United States or Europe.
Amongst chilangos (Mexico City locals), you’ll find that most folks dress modestly with jeans and teeshirts. Even in the hottest parts of the year, most locals will wear pants rather than shorts.
In trendy neighborhoods like Roma and Condesa, you’ll see wealthier locals and expats in nicer clothes and unique thrifted finds.
An average 20-30 something woman might wear high-waisted jeans or linen pants and a blouse, and an average 20-30 something male might wear black jeans and a loose fitting button-up shirt with a funky print.
Unlike other parts of Mexico like Oaxaca and Chiapas, you won’t see a ton of indigenous people wearing traditional clothing.
What should I wear in Mexico City as a tourist?
Figuring out what to wear in Mexico City depends on the season, weather forecast, your Mexico City itinerary and your unique style.
In general, you can wear whatever you like in Mexico City as long as it is weather appropriate. The majority of CDMX locals are enthusiastic about welcoming visitors to their city and the least of their worries is what they’re wearing.
However, I recommend avoiding excessively revealing clothing as most Mexicans lean more on the conservative side of dress. Plus, dressing somewhat conservatively will reduce any unwanted attention.
In addition, avoid flashy, expensive clothing and jewelry. While most areas Mexico City are perfectly safe, leaving your fancy jewelry and designer clothing at home can reduce your chances of running into trouble.
Dressing for Mexico City’s Climate
The average low and high temperatures in Mexico City are somewhat consistent regardless of season.
You can expects highs in the 70s and 80s (F) and lows in the 40s and 50s (F) throughout the year.
Another thing that doesn’t change is how much the temperature can shift throughout the day. Mornings and evenings are typically chilly and it can get very hot mid-day.
One thing that does change in different seasons is precipitation.
The rainy season typically occurs between June and October each year. Throughout the rainy season, you can expect rain the evening almost daily.
Meanwhile, from November to May, rain is almost nonexistent.
Also See: The Ultimate Mexico City Packing List
What to Wear in Mexico City’s Rainy Season (June-October)
Average Temperatures: Highs of 73-80°F | Lows of 52-57°F
During Mexico City’s rainy season, you can expect clear skies and strong sun throughout most hours of the day. It typically only rains for an hour or two in the late afternoons and evenings. You can also expect it to be chilly in the mornings and evenings.
With that in mind, its important to pack outfits that easily will help you easily transition from cold mornings to hot afternoons and then to rain.
Should you pack a rain jacket or an umbrella?
Umbrellas are far more common than rain jackets. Even though I come from the rain jacket capital (the moody PNW), I prefer using an umbrella in Mexico City. Firstly, I don’t like to stick out while traveling and wearing an expensive rain jacket does make you stick out.
But more importantly, rain jackets are not very practical in Mexico City. You have to carry it around all day just for an hour or two of pouring rain. And when it pours, your pants get soaked, so you’re better off hunkering down in a cafe or just using an umbrella.
Essential Mexico City Rainy Season Accessories
What to Wear in Mexico City’s Dry Season (November-May)
Average Temperatures: Highs of 71-80°F | Lows of 44-56°F
The weather in Mexico City’s dry season is overall more mild than in the wet season. However, you can find yourself shivering in the mornings and evenings and sweating in the afternoons if you don’t pack flexible outfits.
Layers like button-up shirts, sweatshirts, and cardigans help you stay comfortable throughout the day. And basic clothing items like teeshirts and jeans are great as they typically go well with and without layers.
You may also want to bring a light jacket and a beanie to keep your ears warm in the mornings, especially if you plan to be exploring early.
Essential Mexico City Dry Season Accessories
Mexico City Outfits for Women
Mexico City Outfits for Men
Button Up Shirt
My husband always packs one or two for layering, especially during the coldest months.
Best Travel Shoes for Mexico City
Comfortable walking shoes are essential for anyone traveling to Mexico City. But what type of shoes constitute as comfortable vary from person to person.
Many travelers prefer sneakers or hiking shoes, but I personally opt for Birkenstock sandals most of the time. They are comfortable enough for me to walk upwards of 20,000 steps and keep my feet cooler than close-toed shoes do.
I typically pack two pairs of sandals (usually both Birkenstocks) as well as a pair of sneakers for exercise and hikes.
Sandals
I love these plastic Birkenstocks. They’re comfortable shoes for lots of walking and the material is okay to get wet (perfect for rainy season!)
Dressier Sandals
These dressier Birkenstocks are a good choice as they’re comfortable and go well with many cute outfits.
Sneakers
Sneakers work great for day trips or to wear around town if you’re not comfortable walking all day in sandals.
Mexico City outfit ideas for women
I love dressing in bright colors in Mexico City
What to Wear in Mexico City FAQs
How important is modesty in Mexico City?
In general, Mexicans seem to dress more modestly than Americans and Europeans. However, Mexico City is an international city that is home to expats and immigrants from around the world.
Dressing respectfully is important, but you’ll see people wearing a range of types of clothing.
Do you need to bring a bathing suit to Mexico City?
If your hotel has pool: yes! However, there aren’t many places to swim in Mexico City. If you have a Mexican beach vacation planned directly after your time in Mexico City, be sure to pack a swim suit.
Is it okay to wear shorts in Mexico City?
Wearing shorts in Mexico City is completely okay, though most Mexican people don’t wear shorts in CMDX.
Do restaurants in Mexico City have a dress code?
Most Mexico City restaurants do not have a dress code, but when visiting a fine dining establishment, you may want to wear something nicer.
What are the most fashionable areas of Mexico City?
The most fashion-forward neighborhoods of Mexico City tend to be the more wealthy and trendy neighborhoods, such as La Roma, La Condesa, and Polanco.
What else should you include on your Mexico packing list?
Besides clothing, I recommend packing sunscreen, a good day pack, a portable charger, Liquid IV, a good water bottle, and more.
For my full Mexico City packing list, check out my Mexico City packing guide.
What is the best time to visit Mexico City?
As a general rule, the dry season (November-May) is the best time to visit Mexico City. If you visit at the beginning of November, you may still arrive during the rainy season, but you’ll have the chance to experience Day of the Dead.
Meanwhile, if you visit in the middle of the winter months, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your plans won’t get ruined by rain.
I’ve visited Mexico City during the summer months and still enjoyed my time since summer is full of sunny days with regular rain that happens at the end of the day.
What are the best things to do in Mexico City?
★ Ride through the ancient canals at Xochimilco with a group of friends
★ Explore Chapultepec Park, the National Museum of Anthropology, and Chapultepec Castle
★ Climb to the top of Torre Latinoamericana for one of the best views in Mexico City
★ Eat churros at sunset in Parque Mexico in Condesa
★ Wander through Roma Norte, one of Mexico City’s most tranquil neighborhoods
★ Ride over the ancient ruins of Teotihuacán in a hot air balloon
★ Ride the Mexico City CableBus over nontouristy colorful neighborhoods
★ Go on a vegan-friendly Roma food tour
★ Take a day trip to the Las Grutas Tolantongo Hot Springs
What are the best Mexico beach destinations to visit after Mexico City?
Mexico City’s Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez is Latin America’s largest airport and has flights to tons of breathtaking beach towns. This makes Mexico City a great place to visit on the way to a beach destination. A few Mexican beach towns I recommend visiting include:
★ Puerto Escondido: A gorgeous Oaxacan surf paradise with plenty of nearby small towns that also good options
★ La Paz: A hidden gem in Baja California Sur that is home to Playa Blanadra, Mexico’s most beautiful beach
★ Cozumel: A lowkey tropical island off the coast of Playa del Carmen
★ Puerto Vallarta: With beautiful waterfalls and incredible snorkeling, Vallarta great place to visit if you’re looking for a lowkey resort town alternative to Cabo or Cancun.
Final Thoughts: What to Wear in Mexico City
I hope this Mexico City fashion guide helps as you prepare for your upcoming trip. As you plan your CDMX adventure, be sure to bookmark these other Mexico City travel guides for later reading:
★ The Ultimate Mexico City Packing List
★ How to Prepare for Your First Time in Mexico City
★ Mexico City in 4 Days: The Quintessential CDMX Itinerary
★ The Ultimate Guide to Roma Norte, Mexico City
★ 10 Best Views in Mexico City (Rooftop Bars + More)
★ The Best Xochimilco and Frida Kahlo Museum Tours
★ How to Ride the Mexico City CableBus As a Tourist
★ Diego Rivera’s Anahuacalli Museum Review + Guide
★ 39 Best Mexico City Vegan Restaurants by Neighborhood
Essential Mexico Travel Resources
Have a Mexico trip coming up soon? There are a lot of travel companies out there, but some are better than others. After traveling to dozens of countries and living abroad on several continents, here are some of my favorite websites and resources for planning unforgettable trips.
🗺️ Hotels + Vacation Rentals: I always use this site for hotels. They have an easy-to-use platform and great rewards. When I’m looking for a vacation rental, I compare Vrbo and Airbnb.
💪 Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is essential for any trip! I use SafetyWing, which has affordable rates and coverage for many adventure sports.
🚠 Tours + Activities: Viator (owned by Trip Advisor) is the best site for comparing and booking experiences with local tour operators.
🚗 Car Rentals: Use DiscoverCars, a highly-rated platform for comparing and booking rental cars around the world.
📱 Easy phone plans abroad: Use this company to get an eSIM for phone coverage while traveling—without getting a SIM card or canceling your existing plan (unless you want to!)
🛬 Airport Lounge Pass: One membership with Priority Pass grants you access to over 1300 lounges in nearly every country (trust me, it’s a game changer!)
🎒 Essentials always in my bag: Check out my ‘in my bag‘ page for the items I always have in my carry-on.
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