Mexico City in August: Local Tips & What to Expect

If you’re planning a trip to Mexico City in August you need to know what to expect.

From the weather and how to dress accordingly to what things you can do this time of year, knowing what Mexico City is like in August will help you make the most of your visit. 

My life and daily routine in Mexico City revolve around the weather and seasonal activities, so I know how important it is to be well-informed and plan ahead to make the most of your limited vacation days.

I’ll share everything you need to know about visiting Mexico City in August to help you prepare for your trip or decide if this is the right time of year for your visit.

Weather in Mexico City in August

August is peak rainy season in Mexico City. 

Expect regular afternoon showers, cloudy skies in the afternoon, comfortable temperatures, and crisp air. 

Maybe it’s just because I’ve lived here so long, but I look forward to this rainy and cooler summer weather every year.

And I think as a visitor, you’ll enjoy it too.

Average Temperatures In Mexico City In August

While other parts of the country may be drowning in heat and humidity, the temperatures this time of year in Mexico City are the most pleasant. 

It’s not super hot like it can be in the spring, and it doesn’t get anywhere close to freezing at night like it can in the winter. 

Temperatures in Mexico City are mild year-round, but I think August is one of the best months if you’re looking for mild temps.

During the day, temperature highs are around 76ºF, and at night it averages 54ºF.

Average Rainfall in Mexico City in August

In general, rainy season in Mexico City is June-October, with August being one of the rainiest months.

The number of rainy days in Mexico City largely depends on the amount of hurricanes and tropical storms brewing off the coast which is why you can expect more rain during peak hurricane season. 

Depending on the year, it can rain every afternoon or at least every other day.

Typically, the rain starts after 3 pm so you can save the indoor activities for later in the day and take advantage of clearer skies by being outdoors in the morning. 

To put it simply, if you are visiting Mexico City in August, expect rain!

Average Sunshine in Mexico City in August

Since August is within the rainy season, mornings are usually sunny, but later in the afternoon things start to get overcast.

Personally, I think cloudy skies make the best conditions for exploring sites like Centro Historico or Teotihuacan ruins where the sun can be unforgivingly harsh other times of year. 

While there is technically less sunshine in the summer, you won’t find too many grey and dreary days in a row in Mexico City – don’t worry!

Maybe it’s just me and that I’m used to so much sunshine in the city most of the year, but I think the moody, grey afternoons are a cool backdrop for the city and a nice change.

Pollution in Mexico City in August

Another huge plus when visiting Mexico City in August when it rains regularly is the sudden decrease in air pollution.

I literally breathe in the biggest sigh of relief when the regular rains begin.

Air pollution is swept out of the city and the air quality remains relatively very good until winter.

If you have allergies, asthma, or generally have a sensitive respiratory system, this time of year will be much better for you.

What to Wear in Mexico City in August

It won’t be as hot as you expect, so be sure to pack layers to help you stay comfortable throughout the day.

Mornings are cooler but you’ll be fine in a dress or jeans and a short-sleeve top, but bring a light jacket for the evening when temperatures can get chilly.

Overall, the clothing you should bring for Mexico City doesn’t change drastically from month to month, but if you’re visiting in August, dress in layers for temperatures that are not too hot, not too cold. 

SHORT-SLEEVES & TANK-TOPS – The weather will be warm, but not hot. Shorts-sleeves and tank-tops are what I wear throughout the summer in CDMX. Usually with a pair of jeans or a skirt. 

DRESSES & SKIRTS – Temperatures in August are perfect for wearing your favorite summer dresses. Choose skirts that fall below the knee if you don’t want all eyes on you.

JEANS & TROUSERS – I live in my Levi jeans year-round and summer is no exception. You’ll want to bring at least one pair of long pants because nights might be chillier than you’d expect. 

LIGHT JACKET OR SWEATER – Evenings are cool, especially after a rain shower. Bring something with long sleeves to layer over your outfit as day turns to night. 

CLOSED-TOE SHOES – You might be avoiding puddles on the sidewalks and parks, and you don’t want to expose your toes to gross city funk. I’d stick to stylish sneakers to navigate the big city streets comfortably. 

RAINCOAT OR UMBRELLA – Usually just an umbrella is all you’ll need, but for lighter rain showers a raincoat may be more convenient. 

3 Best Things to do in Mexico City in August

Mexico City’s weather is mild year-round so really you can do most activities any time of year, except for seasonal activities like the fireflies I mention below. 

When it comes to the best activities for August, nothing is off-limits. 

You may just want to plan to do indoor activities in the afternoon when it will likely rain and have one or two back up activities in case you get rained out.

FIREFLIES OF NANACAMILPA – This is one activity where the more rain, the better. Rainy season is when the famous fireflies of Central Mexico light up the night in unison. Nanacamilpa is the best place to witness this natural phenomenon and it’s less than 2.5 hours from Mexico City. If you want to visit Mexico’s firefly sanctuary, you’ll need to go no later than August 10, 2024. 

ANTHROPOLOGY MUSEUM – A must-do activity while in Mexico City is taking a tour of the anthropology museum. I’ve gone a couple times solo and it was cool, but nothing compares to the experience of having a knowledgeable guide with you. They make the museum come to life and give you a deeper understanding of the history of Mexico. Plus, almost all of the reading material and explanations are in Spanish so don’t count on reading much unless you want to practice your Spanish. 

FRIDA KAHLO MUSEUM – Another popular museum for Mexican culture or art lovers is the Frida Kahlo Museum. Tour the famous  “Casa Azul” where Frida lived. Plan ahead if you want to get tickets since they sell out weeks in advance and can only be purchased online.

Is Mexico City Worth Visiting in August?

August is one of my favorite months in Mexico City, but that might just be because I live here. 

There are pros and cons you’ll want to consider.

While I think Mexico City is great any time of year, August might not be ideal if you’re hoping for consistent hot or sunny days. 

You will experience quite a bit of rain so if you’d rather not deal with the logistics of planning around the rain, you might want to reconsider. 

And while the parks and green spaces are beautiful and bursting with life this time of year, there is also a lot of mud and puddles making the parks a little less enjoyable to navigate. 

But, if you don’t mind an afternoon shower, then you will appreciate the cool and comfortable temperatures as well as better air quality. 

It’s also a great time to visit if you don’t want to be wilting under the intense high-altitude sun while you’re outside exploring the city streets or the ruins of Teotihuacan.

PROS:
🌡️ BEST TEMPERATURES OF THE YEAR
🌞 LESS INTENSE SUN
🌬️ BETTER AIR QUALITY
🌳 LUSH GREENERY

CONS:
🌦️ GREY AND CLOUDY DAYS
🌧️ FREQUENT AFTERNOON RAIN SHOWERS
🐾 MUDDY AND UNKEPT PARKS
🦟 MORE MOSQUITOES THAN USUAL

Final Thoughts

August is a great month to visit Mexico City if you’re looking for comfortable temperatures, lots of greenery, fresh air, and you don’t mind working around the rain. 

You won’t be too hot while you’re out exploring during the day, and the evenings aren’t too cold for sitting outside at a bar.

Whether you’re looking to wander the Historic Center, eat incredible food, or explore what the hip Roma Norte neighborhood has to offer, you can do all of this and more!