Mexico City in November: Events, Weather & Tips

Wondering what Mexico City is like in November and what there is to do?

I live in Mexico City year-round, and this is the time of year that I look forward to the most! 

Fall is in full swing, the air is crisp, and the skies are clear and bright blue. It’s not too crowded, and the famous monarch butterflies are starting to arrive in the forests outside Mexico City. 

I especially love exploring the city on foot or by bike during the fall because it’s always so beautiful outside. We like escaping to the mountains for a hike or going horseback riding on the weekends.

Whether it’s the Day of the Dead parade, the monarch butterflies, the great weather, or fewer crowds calling you to Mexico City in November, I’ll share everything you need to know about packing for the weather, things to do, and seasonal travel tips!

Weather in Mexico City in November

One of the best parts about November is the weather. You can expect warm, sunny days and chilly mornings and nights. The temperature starts to drop after the sun sets which is around 6pm this time of year. 

The rains have stopped for the most part, but you still might encounter one or two rainy afternoons like we did last year. 

During the day I wear jeans and a T-shirt but if I’m going out at night I’ll add a light jacket on top. 

Although the weather is great in Mexico City year-round, if I’m being really picky, I think it’s the best in the fall. It’s not as hot as the spring or as cold as the winter, and you don’t have to worry about rain like in the summer. 
It’s honestly such an enjoyable time to be outdoors, sipping a latte at a coffee shop in Roma Norte, and taking in all that Mexico City has to offer.

Average Temperatures in Mexico City in November

Daytime temperatures are extremely comfortable – think sunny and mid-70s Fahrenheit (24ºC), but because of Mexico City’s high elevation (7,349ft / 2,240m), it gets significantly colder at night 45ºF (7ºC). 

Compared to the hotter months like April and May, November offers cooler, more pleasant weather for outdoor activities like exploring Teotihuacan, a bike tour of the city, or taking a day trip to go horseback riding.

The first time I came to Mexico City 6 years ago, it was the end of November and I was not prepared for it to be as cold as it was. 

I went straight to the market to buy warmer pajamas and didn’t wear any of the more summery clothes I packed—my mistake for not researching beforehand!

Average High: 74ºF (23ºC) Average Low: 45ºF (7ºC)

Average Rainfall in Mexico City in November

Mexico City gets almost no rain in November apart from a random shower or two. 

The rainy season is mostly during the summer months (July, August, and September) so you don’t need to worry about bringing a raincoat or umbrella in November. 

Last November, during the Dia de Muertos Parade, we got rained on for half an hour as we made our way to the Zocalo. We didn’t have umbrellas but it was light enough that we didn’t get too wet and we dried off quickly.  

It’s not worth losing the extra luggage space to raingear when you could use it for mezcal, art, or other souvenirs. 

Average Sunshine in Mexico City in November

November is mostly blue skies and sunny in Mexico City which makes it a great escape from countries further north (USA, Canada, & UK I’m looking at you) that are having more and more grey days this time of year.

Compared to the rainy days in the summer, November promises a lot more sunny days so be sure to bring a hat and sunglasses!

Pollution in Mexico City in November

Air quality is acceptable in Mexico City in November. 

With no rains to bring in fresh air and sweep out polluted air, pollution is a bit higher than in the summer but nowhere near as heavy or noticeable as in late winter or the spring. 

What I do notice is how the air gets dryer this time of year as the rain stops. My skin, nose, and eyes can get uncomfortably dry if I don’t stay hydrated. 

You might want to bring eye drops, chapstick, and hand/body cream.

Mexican Holidays in November

Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) – November 1st & 2nd

This is one of the most popular times to visit Mexico City so be prepared for lots of activity and a huge crowd for the parade. I prefer to celebrate Day of the Dead in Mexico City over other popular places like Oaxaca.

Día de la Revolución – November 20th

The Monday before, everyone is off. Expect banks and museums to be closed and for there to be more people out and about than your typical weekday. If you plan on going on any day trips or excursions I would save it for during the week after the holiday weekend.

Día de la Revolución, not to be confused with Día de la Independencia in September, celebrates the start of the revolution to overthrow the dictator Porfirio Díaz who ruled the country for 35 years and is not Mexico’s Independence Day.

Events & Things to Do in Mexico City in November

1. Día de Muertos Parade (November 2, 2024)

Without a doubt, the most famous and popular event in Mexico City in November is the Día de Muertos Parade. Every year I’m surprised by how much of a crowd it pulls.

The energy is high, everyone is dressed up, and the parade is spectacular. 

You can follow the parade from the start at Bosque Chapultepec all the way to the end in the Zocalo, or you can grab a seat in one of the bleachers (if you’re lucky) to sit and watch the parade go by. 

Last year, we navigated the insane crowds of people from the Palacio de Bellas Artes to see the giant paper mache skeletons lit up in the Zocalo and it was so worth it. 

Seeing the larger-than-life Dia de Muertos art lit up in the Zocalo with the Metropolitan Cathedral as a backdrop was magical. 

It’s an unforgettable cultural experience that celebrates Mexican art, music, and more importantly, its people. 

2. Gran Salon Mexico (November 8-10, 2024)

This annual illustration fair showcases Mexican illustrators in a cool renovated factory in the Doctores neighborhood. 

It’s free and open to the public from 11am to 7pm.

Go admire the art, buy your favorite pieces, and even participate in one of the free educational courses. 

If you like unique spaces, art, and supporting local artists, definitely check it out!

3. ORIGINAL Textile Art Expo (November 14-17, 2024)

Another one for the art-lovers, ORIGINAL is an annual textile expo that celebrates artisanal Mexican textiles and promotes the preservation and protection of Mexican artistry from cultural appropriation from big-name brands like Anthropologie and Zara who have been known to copy indigenous designs. 

I can’t believe it took me six years of living in Mexico City to finally hear about this amazing expo.

It’s hosted in the former presidential palace Los Pinos in Chapultepec Park. 

This colorful, cultural fair offers artisan showcases, workshops and talks, and a huge selection of locally made artisan products from local artists and indigenous communities across the country. 

It’s free to enter but bring cash for purchasing art in case some vendors don’t accept cards. 

5. Corona Capital

Mexico City’s biggest music festival is every year in November.

If you’re in town at the same time as one of your favorite bands playing in this 3-day festival it might be worth planning and getting tickets. 

Some of my favorites that played last year are Jack White, Black Pumas, Beck, and Leon Bridges.

What to Wear in Mexico City in November

By November, temperatures start to drop into the 40’s Fahrenheit (single digits in Celcius) at night, but during the day it’s hot, especially in the sun.

You’ll want to dress in layers to be warm enough in the early morning, peel off into a t-shirt during the day, and then layer up again at night with a sweater, jacket, and maybe even a scarf. 

There is also culture and safety to consider when deciding how to dress for Mexico City. There are no strict rules as far as “what not to wear”, but if you stick on the modest side, you’ll be more comfortable. 

Since residential buildings don’t have central heating or air in Mexico City, this is the month when I start to feel cold in my apartment. 

I often found myself bundled up in sweatpants, a hoodie, and slippers inside because it’s so chilly, but when I go outside to run errands or walk Colima, I’m sweating because the sun is so strong and it’s way warmer outside.

This made it hard for me to figure out what to wear when I’d leave the house at first, but now I know to expect it to be warm in the afternoon even if my hands and feet are freezing when I’m inside. 

As for your accommodation, it’ll depend on the orientation of the building you’re staying in, but I would pack warm lounge clothes including cozy socks or even slippers for when you’re chilling inside – it will get colder than you’d expect!

Jeans & Trousers – Long pants are essential in Mexico City, especially during the fall. You won’t want to go out to dinner or grab a drink at night in shorts. For starters, you’ll stick out like a tourist, but more importantly, it’ll likely be too cold. I live in my jeans year-round and November is no expectation. I suggest you bring at least one or two pairs. 

Short & Long-Sleeve Tops – You’ll want to bring both short and long-sleeve tops. Short-sleeves will be most comfortable during the day if you’re outside exploring most of the time, but a few long-sleeves will also be nice for evenings or museum days. 

Sweaters & Light Jacket – You’ll need sweaters or a light jacket for layering on top of your short and long-sleeve tops. For a week-long trip, I’d bring a couple of sweaters to wear alone or to layer and definitely a light jacket too. 

Puffer Jacket or Vest – Especially if you’re coming later in November, I’d recommend a warmer coat for the mornings and nights where temperatures really drop. If you’re just staying in the city you might be able to do without, especially if you come from a cold country or aren’t cold-natured. But if you plan to do more adventurous activities like the hot air ballon tour over Teotihuacan or visit the monarch butterflies, I’d highly recommend bringing a warmer jacket. 

I love a puffer jacket because they are compact, easy to pack, and keep you very warm. And I basically live in my puffer vest when it’s cold but not cold enough for a full jacket. 

Dresses & Skirts – If you’re a fan of dresses and skirts, you can comfortably wear them during sunny afternoons. But if I want to wear a dress to dinner this time of year, I always pair it with tights and a pair of boots like on my last dinner at Ling Ling.
 
Warm Loungewear – In case your accommodation is on the colder side, warm loungewear is a must. When I’m at home in my apartment in Roma Norte in the fall/winter I’m bundled up in sweatpants, a hoodie, and my slippers because our apartment gets cold this time of year. If you’re cold-natured then I can’t stress cozy pajamas enough. 

Comfortable Shoes – Mexico City is an extremely walkable city, that’s why I love it so much! Whether you’re wandering the streets of Roma Norte, visiting museums, exploring Teotihuacan, or discovering the city by Ecobici, comfortable shoes will help your feet keep up with your curiosity and desire to explore. 

Seasonal Foods to Try in November

From the huge variety of fruits and vegetables to seasonal dishes, Mexico has something different to try almost every month. 

Pan de Muerto – Mexico’s famous Day of the Dead sweet bread. Some places make it better than others. I’d stay away from store-bought and stick with specialty bakeries like Panederia Rosetta, Odette, or Maque. If you want to try one, you’ll have to come early in the month (like November 1st & 2nd) when the Dia de Muertos festivities are still happening. 

Citrus (Mandarins & Oranges): Winter is citrus season and you start to get some very sweet oranges and even sweeter mandarins in November. This is one of the best months to try some of Mexico’s fresh-squeezed orange juice at one of the many amazing breakfast places in Mexico City. You can also keep your eyes open for a street juice stall like the one on the corner of Calle Salamanca and Durango in front of the BBVA bank in Roma Norte. 

Pomegranates: If you visit the markets in Mexico City, you’ll see pomegranates starting around November.

Final Thoughts – Is Mexico City Worth Visiting in November?

November offers a blend of cultural festivities, ideal weather, and fewer crowds (after the Day of the Dead wraps up). It’s one of the best months to visit and my favorite time of year here. 

If you have the chance to visit, don’t hesitate—November in Mexico City is a dream!Ready to dive deeper into the city? Check out the top things to do in Roma Norte, one of Mexico City’s most vibrant and beautiful neighborhoods.