Mexico City in December: Weather & Things to Do
Dreaming of sunny days, endless tacos, and cozy nights with warm churros and hot chocolate?
Mexico City in December is the perfect holiday adventure. The weather is nice, Christmas cheer is in the air, and there are plenty of things to do.
It’s warmer than a lot of places in North America this time of year, but it does get surprisingly cold when the sun goes down.
I’ve been living in Mexico City since 2018 and this is the time of year that I find myself starting to bundle up when we go out at night – usually layers like long sleeves, warm coats, and maybe even a scarf on extra-chilly nights.
The abundance of sunshine during the day makes it perfect for being outside and exploring the lively neighborhoods on foot or tasting different types of tacos on a taco bike tour.
And once the sun sets and temperatures drop, it’s time to cozy up at a bar for a cocktail or visit the Zocalo to see the Christmas lights.
If you’re considering visiting Mexico City in December but wondering what to expect, I’ll go over everything you need to know – like the weather, what to wear, things to do, and helpful tips – to help you make the most of your visit this time of year!
Weather in Mexico City in December
If you’re looking for sunny, mild weather to escape to, you’re in luck. Mexico City’s weather is great year-round and it’s almost always enjoyable to be seated outside for dinner or a drink.
But don’t make the mistake I did when I first visited in 2017 and assume that it’s always sunny and warm.
This might be true during the day, but because of Mexico City’s high altitude (7,349ft/ 2,240m) temperatures drop drastically at night, especially during the winter.
Temperatures in Mexico City in December
Most days you can expect to start off chilly, so if you have early morning plans (like taking a hot air balloon ride over Teotihuacan) be sure to bundle up because temperatures could be in the 40’s Fahrenheit.
As soon as the sun comes out, things start to warm up and you might even be hot if you’re outside under the sun. Midday is usually the hottest but don’t expect it to get warmer than 75ºF.
Once the sun sets, the temperature drops quickly (thanks to the high elevation) so it can be pretty chilly by the time you go out for dinner and drinks.
Average High: 73º Farenheit (23ºC) Average Low: 42º Farenheit (5ºC)
Rainfall in Mexico City in December
December does not fall within the rainy season. That’s typically May-October.
So don’t expect any big rain showers like you would in the summer.
In the 7 years that I’ve been living in Mexico City, I only remember one time that I saw rain in December.
It was when my mom was visiting and it caught us by surprise. It was just a drizzle and lasted only a few minutes so it didn’t matter that we didn’t have raincoats or umbrellas.
So leave the rain gear behind. You won’t need it.
This time of year is dry. You’ll likely feel your eyes, nose, and lips lacking moisture so bring along eyedrops and Aquaphor and stay hydrated.
Average Sunshine in Mexico City in December
Unlike other places further north, you won’t be cheated out of sunshine in Mexico City in December.
Mornings can start off cloudy, but by mid-day, the sun is out.
But this does vary from year to year. December last year, we had two weeks straight of cloudy gray days which is really unusual.
I’ve never experienced that many gray days in a row in Mexico City and I haven’t since, but usually, it’s due to tropical storms brewing off the coast.
Most Decembers have plenty of sunshine. Be sure to pack a hat and sunglasses.
Pollution in Mexico City in December
The rains are what keep pollution from accumulating in the city.
Since December is no longer the rainy season, pollution starts to build up this time of year but it’s not as bad as it can get in the spring.
Some days the pollution is worse than others, but the average person probably won’t notice it or experience symptoms.
I’m not bothered by the pollution in December but I still like to keep my Air Doctor air filter running at all times because I know that the air quality starts to decline in the winter through the spring.
Mexican Holidays in December
Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe – December 12
This Catholic holiday in Mexico City attracts an estimated 9 million pilgrims every year just for the 12th of December and a total of 20 million throughout the year.
People come from all over Mexico (and the world) for the Día de la Virgen, carrying large paintings of the Virgen de Guadalupe on their backs for miles and other religious symbols like statues, crosses, and candles.
Many travel hundreds of miles from their hometowns to Mexico City on foot, and once they are near, they drop to their knees, crawling the remaining few miles until they reach the basilica’s doors.
While I don’t recommend visiting the Basilica de Santa Maria de Guadalupe in December or during Semana Santa because of the enormous number of people, it would be worth visiting such a prominent landmark another time of year.
Christmas Eve (La Nochebuena) – December 24
When I first came to Mexico, I was surprised to find that Christmas Eve (not Christmas Day) is the main event.
The 24th of December is when families get together over dinner and stay up late enjoying each other’s company, good food, and perhaps exchanging small gift.
Expect most places to be closed including museums and restaurants unless otherwise confirmed.
Christmas Day (Navidad) – December 25
Since the biggest festivities are on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day is normally more relaxed.
Some families will get together again for another family meal and gifts.
You can expect most places to be closed on Christmas Day.
New Year’s Eve (Año Nuevo) – December 31
Every year, the city puts on a free concert at the Ángel de Independencia on Paseo de la Reforma for New Year’s Eve.
Lucky for me it’s only a few blocks away from our apartment in Roma Norte and one year we got to see Los Angeles Azules play (if you don’t know who they are, play Nunca Es Suficiente right now).
This year, Polymarchs, an electronic dance music collective founded in the 1970’s, will be playing and help Mexico City ring in the new year.
5 Things to Do in Mexico City in December
1. Shop for Holiday Gifts & Souvenirs at Artisan Markets
Markets are buzzing in December with the days leading up to Christmas.
My favorite artisan markets to visit regardless of the time of year are the Coyoacan Artisan Market and the Ciudadela Market located between Roma Norte and Centro.
You can also check out the pop-up artisan market in the Zocalo from the 17th to the 30th of December and other smaller markets along Paseo de la Reforma.
I bought a hand-made, colorful Michoacana doll for my grandma last year that she absolutely loved and we recently picked up a hand-embroidered tortillero to keep our tortillas warm.
You can also find traditional ceramics, local silver jewelry, and many other beautiful crafts made by artisans across the country.
2. Chocolate and Coffee Festival – December 1st, 2024
Go and check out the 60+ vendors selling chocolate, coffee, pastries, and other tasty bites in Roma Norte.
If you want to bring back souvenirs or Christmas gifts from Mexico, chocolate and coffee grown in Mexico are perfect!
Where: Jalapa 44, Roma Norte When: December 1, 2024 12-7pm
3. Piñatas – November 9th-Deceber 15th, 2024
One of my favorite museums in Mexico City for Mexican art and culture, Museo de Arte Popular, has an annual Piñata exposition that encourages local artists to create and enter their piñatas for a chance to win $20,000MXN ($1,000 USD).
The piñatas are displayed at the museum for the public through the 15th of December.
It’s one of my favorite things to do every December and the beautiful Art Deco building that the museum is in is worth visiting in and of itself.
Where: Museo de Arte Popular, Centro Historico When: November 9th- December 15th, 2024 from 10am to 6pm. Closed on Mondays
4. Ballet Folklorico at the Chapultepec Castle – December 25 – January 5th
The Ballet Folklorico is normally held in the famous Palacio de Bellas Artes in the Historic Center, but for Christma, they have a special performance in the Castillo de Chapultepec.
I remember the first time I saw the Ballet Folklorico I only went because a friend had an extra ticket for me.
It was never something that interested me but man was I missing out.
For someone who typically doesn’t enjoy ballets or dance performances, I walked away from this one buzzing!
It’s such a lively and beautiful representation of Mexican culture through dance and costume.
I’ve yet to see the performance at the Chapultepec Castle, but I can only imagine it would be just as special if not more than their usual performance. You have to go!
Where: Castillo de Chapultepec When: Times vary. Book your tickets here. Cost: Prices start at around $ 16 USD. Prices on the website are in Mexican Pesos, so don’t be alarmed.
5. Verbena Navideña – December 17th – December 30th, 2024
This is the Christmas Festival the city puts on every December.
There are Christmas lights and decorations galore, free concerts, an artisan market, and food stalls.
It’s the place to get in the holiday spirit, try traditional Mexican Christmas food and drinks like ponche, and shop for Christmas gifts to take back home!
Where: Zocalo, Centro Historico When: December 17th-30th, 2024. Concerts start at 7:30pm or later daily.
What to Wear in Mexico City in December
December is the start of the colder months in Mexico City.
Daytime temperatures are warm and comfortable, but mornings and nights are chilly so layers are the solution to staying comfortable with the often drastic temperature changes throughout the day.
Dressing appropriately for Mexico City’s high-altitude climate can make a big difference in staying comfortable throughout your trip.
In the morning when I walk my dog I wear long pants and a hoodie but by the afternoon when it’s time for her afternoon walk, I’m usually wearing a short-sleeve top.
Don’t make the mistake I did when I first came to Mexico City and not bring cold-weather clothes. After a few days of freezing my butt off, I had to buy some warm clothes.
I also wasn’t prepared for how cold apartments and hotels can be since buildings don’t have central heating or air conditioning in Mexico City.
Pack warm loungewear for when you’re relaxing in your accommodation. It’s often colder inside than outside depending on how much sunlight the building gets.
This is the time of year that I bust out my slippers, fuzzy socks, cozy hoodies and sweatpants, and warm throw blankets.
Puffer Jacket – A puffer/down jacket is always my go-to because they are compact and easy to pack while taking up minimal space. You might not need it every day you’re in Mexico City but for those cold nights walking from bars to restaurants in Roma Norte or early morning hot air balloon rides, it will be a lifesaver. My puffer jacket is the MVP that keeps me warm when we’re out after dark having a drink at a bar’s outdoor patio.
Sweaters – I regularly wear sweaters in the winter in Mexico City in the evening when the sun sets and it starts to get cold. You probably won’t need more than a couple but they’re great to have for nighttime and dinners out.
Short & Long Sleeve Tops – depending on the day, lighter tops are what you’ll most likely wear during the day. Some days are a little cooler than others so you might find you’re more comfortable in something with sleeves. Lightweight tops like these are usually my base for layering either a light jacket or sweater on top.
Jeans & Trousers – I pretty much live in jeans year-round in Mexico City. Since December is cooler, they’re basically all I wear this time of year. Even if you don’t plan on wearing them during the day when it’s a little warmer, definitely bring pants for chilly nights.
Dresses – Bring one or two dresses for dinner out but I would pack a pair of tights to wear for the cold. Longer dresses or dresses with sleeves are better for the weather this time of year.
Warm Loungewear – For the cold apartments and hotel rooms warm, socks and pajamas are a must. Electricity is expensive in Mexico City so it’s unlikely your accommodation will have a space heater if you’re cold. I have to wear slippers, sweatpants, and a hoodie around my house in the winter and I’m often still cold.
Hat & Sunglasses – The sun is strong during the day. It’s easy to get sunburnt without realizing it because it doesn’t feel very hot but the high elevation intensifies the sun’s rays. A hat & sunglasses are a good idea for when you’re outside exploring the Historic Center or walking around the Teotihuacan pyramids.
6 Travel Tips for Visiting Mexico City in December
1. Drink the Ponche
I don’t know why it took me so long, but this year I fell in love with ponche, a traditional Christmas drink.
It’s a sweet, fruity punch served hot and made from guavas, apples, sugar cane, cinnamon, and a few other ingredients.
You’ll likely see signs for it everywhere in December and should definitely give it a try!
2. Anticipate Closures for Christmas Eve & Christmas Day
Most businesses will be open during the day on Christmas Eve and closed at night so people can be home with their families. Expect things to be closed all day on Christmas Day.
3. Plan around the Traffic
Traffic is at an all-time high in December. Avoid Ubers and public transport during morning and evening rush hour. This is usually from 8am-10am and 6pm-8pm but can go even later on Friday nights.
If you plan on moving between neighborhoods or going on day trips, I really recommend avoiding traveling during rush hour, you could be sitting in traffic for an extra hour or more.
Walk or bike using Ecobici, the public bike share system if you can so you don’t waste precious time stuck in traffic and plan to explore one neighborhood at a time to avoid taking ubers across the city multiple times a day.
4. Be Prepared for Crowds
This is especially the case for the Historic Center, which can get very crowded on an average day. But come Christmas time and the Verbena Navideña in the Zocalo, the crowds can get crazy.
If you want to avoid shoulder-to-shoulder congestion, avoid visiting the Historic Center on a weekend.
Christmas time isn’t as busy as October or November in Mexico City for the Day of the Dead, but the locals love to celebrate, and Christmas is no exception.
5. Plan Christmas Eve & Day Meals Ahead of Time
If you want to eat at a local restaurant, your best bet is to see what OpenTable has available for the 24th and 25th. If you can get a reservation, I highly recommend LagoAlgo in Bosque de Chapultepec for a special occasion like Christmas.
If you want to have a very nice (and expensive) Christmas dinner, the large hotels on Paseo de la Reforma like the Four Seasons, Sheraton, and St. Regis have elegant but pricey Christmas dinners.
For something more affordable, look for popular Mexican chains like Casa de Toño or American chains if you’re ok with something familiar.
6. Reserve in Advance
This is one of the busiest seasons in Mexico City so if you want to make sure you have a room at a hotel you’ve been eyeing or a seat on a tour you’ve been dying to go on, make those reservations ASAP.
Is Mexico City Worth Visiting in December?
December is a magical time to visit Mexico City.
Stroll through the Zocalo, where dazzling Christmas lights and festive decorations set the perfect mood for sipping warm ponche and getting in the holiday spirit.
Shop at artisan markets for unique Christmas gifts or simply take advantage of the mild weather by exploring Mexico City one neighborhood at a time.
Ready to explore one of the coolest areas in Mexico City? Roma Norte is a great place to start.
Its tree-lined streets, diverse food scene, and art scene offer countless experiences to make your December visit truly unforgettable. Discover the best things to do in Roma Norte.
