Should You Visit Mexico City During the Rainy Season?

Think rainy season in Mexico City means all-day-rain and canceled plans? Think again.

Mexico City during the rainy season is still a great time to visit and it might actually surprise you (in the best way!).

As someone who has lived in Mexico City for 7 years (and counting), I actually look forward to the rainy season.

It brings cooler temperatures, lush greenery, and less pollution.

You might have to duck into a cafe during an afternoon storm or stay for an extra drink after dinner to wait out the rain.

But the first half of the day is almost always dry, so you can explore Parque Mexico, Teotihuacan Pyramids, and the pedestrian streets of Centro Historico or Roma Norte rain-free.

I’ll show you why visiting during rainy season isn’t just doable—it can actually be one of the best times to experience Mexico City.

Ready to plan your summer CDMX trip?

Here are my tips on what to wear, how to make the most of rainy days, and what to expect from the weather while still being able to do all the activities you came here to do.

When Is the Rainy Season in Mexico City?

You can expect the rainy season in Mexico City to be from late May until October.

But it varies slightly every year. 

I’ve lived in Mexico City since 2017 and I’ve seen how no rainy season starts or ends at the exact same time every year.

Take this year (2025) for example. We started getting regular afternoon showers in late May, almost a month earlier than last year. 

In 2024, it was a different story. By mid-June, we were still sweating through 85°F afternoons in our apartment, hoping for rain. It wasn’t until the end of the month that we saw consistent rain.

Moral of the story – if you’re planning a trip this time of year, be flexible and come prepared. 

Rain patterns shift from year to year, but if you’re visiting between May and October, pack an umbrella and expect regular late-afternoon storms rather than all-day drizzle.

What to Expect During Rainy Season in CDMX

Timing

The convenient thing about the rainy season in Mexico City is that if it rains, it almost always rains after 1 or 2 PM.

Knowing this, my dog and I go for our afternoon walk right after lunch, before the gray clouds roll in.

Of course there are the occasional exceptions, so don’t come for me if you get rained on before then, but it almost always rains in the late-afternoons or at night.

Frequency

I remember the first few years after moving to the city we saw rain pretty much every day. 

Nowadays, I feel like it rains more like every other day, but it does depend on the month. 

July and August are the rainiest months of the year, so if you come then, you may very likely see a rain shower every day. 

To play it safe, if I leave my house after 4 or 5 PM, I always bring an umbrella just in case, and you should too. 

Intensity

When it rains in Mexico City, it pours.

Just the other week, my friend and I were walking to dinner in Roma Norte and the bottom dropped out. 

We took cover to wait it out, but after 20 minutes it wasn’t letting up, so we went for it. 

We only walked three blocks, but by the time we made it to the restaurant, we were soaked (even with an umbrella) and our poor pups were also drenched. 

Turns out it was the most rain Mexico City had seen in a day since 2017! 

Obviously that day was extreme, but even on normal days when I walk my dog a little too late in the afternoon, we often get caught in a downpour and have to find shelter because an umbrella won’t cut it.

The amount of times I’ve arrived home with soaking wet jeans and puddles in my shoes is amusing at this point. 

But it doesn’t always rain super hard. Sometimes you can open up your umbrella and carry on, but other times you’ll need to find cover and wait it out.

It’s really not that big of a deal since you can always find a place to take cover.

Temperature

One of the biggest perks of visiting Mexico City during rainy season? The weather finally cools off after a hot and dry spring.

June through October brings mild, comfortable temperatures – usually around 75°F (24°C) during the day and 55°F (13°C) at night. 

It’s warm enough to enjoy being outside, but not so hot that you feel drained from the sun.

If you’re walking around during the day, you might feel a little toasty in direct sunlight, but in the shade it’s honestly lovely and ideal for wandering neighborhoods like Condesa or Coyoacán on foot.

Evenings are cooler, especially after a rainstorm, so you might want a light jacket or sweater. 

At night, we usually sleep with the windows open and sometimes a fan if it’s particularly warm and our bedroom stays around 72°F (22°C).

If you’re used to central AC at home and can’t sleep without it, you’ll want to find a hotel that has AC as most apartments don’t have central heating/air.

Humidity

The humidity does rise during the rainy season, but it’s not the Cancun-level humidity you might be thinking. 

Outside of the rainy season, Mexico City is extremely dry. Like 15% humidity dry. 

So come rainy season, when the humidity levels rise to 40-50%, it’s a much welcomed change for those of us that live here year round.

My skin, lips, and eyes are way more comfortable and I don’t have to constantly apply chapstick or hand cream. 

So if you’re coming from the east coast of the USA, it might actually still feel dry here, but if you’re coming from the west coast, it might feel ever so slightly humid. 

I think it feels great!

Sunshine

While rainy season is the time of year where Mexico City technically sees the least amount of sunshine, don’t expect London-gray and gloomy days. 

Even during the rainy season (June to October), Mexico City still gets plenty of sun. 

On average, there’s only about 30% less sunshine compared to its sunniest month, March.

September gets the least amount of sunshine, but even then I never find that it feels dreary or that I’m missing out on sunshine.

Most mornings are clear and the clouds don’t roll in until the afternoon. 

Living here year round, I look forward to the occasional gray and rainy day because it’s not common for CDMX. 

Now I get since you don’t live here you probably aren’t looking forward to overcast days like I do, but don’t worry, you’ll get a nice mix of clear and overcast skies.   

How to Make the Most of Rainy Days in CDMX

You can absolutely do all the same things during the rainy season that you would during the dry months, you just need to plan your days a little strategically.

Afternoon showers are the norm, so schedule outdoor adventures for the morning. 

Exploring the lively streets of Centro Histórico, strolling the leafy walkways in Roma and Condesa, or hitting up weekend street markets? Do those before 2 or 3 PM for the best chance of staying dry.

Big attractions like Chapultepec Park, Xochimilco, and the Teotihuacan Pyramids are also best visited early. 

I always recommend showing up right when they open—not just to beat the rain, but also the crowds and midday sun.

💡Pro tip: One of the most magical experiences you can have (rainy season or not) is a sunrise hot air balloon ride over Teotihuacan. Getting picked up at 5am has its advantages—you’ll get to explore the pyramids by air and by land long before the clouds start rolling in.  

5 Rainy Afternoon Activities

1. Anthropology Museum

You could spend hours here. I’ve gone more times than I can remember, but the next time I go, I’m hiring a guide or joining a tour to truly understand and appreciate the history and culture.

2. Lucha Libre

You can’t get more Mexican than a Lucha Libre match!

I’ve taken my parents when they were in town, gone with groups of friends, and now we’re planning to take Jorge’s 6 year old nephew – it’s an event that’s everyone loves.

I will say that it’s way more fun to go with a group, so if you’re traveling solo or as a couple, join a tour!

3. Casa Azul (Frida Kahlo Museum)

You need to book tickets in advance, so schedule a visit for one of your afternoons ahead of time. 

Your entry ticket to Casa Azul also includes entry into Museo Anahuacalli which is a home dedicated to various works of arts from Diego Rivera and is very much off-the-beaten-path.

And if you want even more from Frida & Diego, don’t miss their joint homes and studios in San Angel, Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera & Frida Kahlo. I visited this museum before Casa Azul since it’s easier to visit without planning ahead of time and it’s less crowded.

4. Ballet Folklorico

Inside Mexico City’s iconic Palacio de Bellas Artes is a performance that you should not miss. 

I’m usually not big on ballets or dance performances, so I only attended the Ballet Folklorico because my friend had an extra ticket, but man was I missing out. 

It’s an incredible performance that highlights Mexican culture through dance, music, and costume. Don’t skip it!

5. Jazz Bars & Speakeasies

When we want to have a chill night out (especially when it’s raining), we like to go to jazz bars in our neighborhood like Casa Franca, Jazzatlan, or The Midnight Monkey.

The speakeasies of Roma and Juarez are another cozy option.

My favorite is Xaman, but Handshake, Hanky Panky, and Gamal are other popular picks.

Pros & Cons of Rainy Season

Pros

🌡️Mild Temperatures: After a hot, dry spring, the rainy season is a relief. You’ll get highs in the mid-70s°F and nights cool enough for a light sweater.

🧘‍♀️Improved Air Quality: The rain helps clear out pollution, which is a welcome break for anyone sensitive to CDMX’s usual haze. It’s one of the reasons why I love the rainy season. 

🌳Lush Greenery: Mexico City already feels like a pretty green city year-round, but rainy season takes the lushness to another level. 

🚶‍♀️‍➡️Fewer Tourists: It’s not high season, so you’ll deal with fewer crowds at popular spots like the Anthropology Museum or Frida Kahlo House.

💰Low-Season Prices: Summer tends to be less expensive than winter holidays or Semana Santa, especially if you book ahead.

Cons

☔️Unpredictable Afternoon Showers: You can’t trust the wether apps. Storms can pop up suddenly and soak you in minutes, or not show up at all. (Ask me how many times I’ve been caught in a downpour.)

🚗Traffic & Transit Delays: Heavy rain slows traffic, and CDMX’s public transport can get packed or delayed if storms disrupt service.

🌊Flooding & Puddles – You’ll likely have to navigate puddles in Parque Mexico and maybe even some light flooding if you’re caught in a storm. I’ve had to wade through and jump over ankle-deep puddles more than once – waterproof shoes would’ve saved me!

☁️Some Gray Days: If you were hoping for nonstop sunshine, a few gray afternoons might leave you feeling a little disappointed. 

What to Wear in Mexico City During Rainy Season

What you should wear in Mexico City doesn’t change too much during the rainy season. You’ll still want to dress in layers like usual.

The main difference? You’ll need some rain gear.

At the very least, pack an umbrella and a lightweight raincoat.

And if you have waterproof sneakers or quick-drying sandals, they’ll make dealing with any surprise downpours so much easier.

Mornings: Warm & Sunny

Mornings are typically warm and dry, especially if the sun is out. Think light layers:

• Breathable shirts or tank tops
• Lightweight pants or jeans (transitions better to cooler evenings better than shorts)
• Comfortable walking shoes (waterproof or quick-drying is a huge plus)

I usually wear something I’d be happy walking a few miles in, but that still works if I end up at a nicer café or restaurant later in the day.

Afternoons: Be Ready for Rain

Even if the day starts off perfectly clear, storms can roll in fast. Here’s what I always carry or wear after 2 PM:

• A compact umbrella or lightweight rain jacket
• A light sweater or long-sleeve shirt for cooler post-rain temps
• Water-resistant shoes or sandals that dry quickly. Breathable tennis should don’t stand a chance against a downpour—trust me, you’ll be walking in two puddles of water. This has happened to me too many times, I’m finally investing in a pair of waterproof sneakers. 

Bonus tip: Skip long dresses or wide-legged pants unless you want to drag them through puddles.

Evenings: Cool & Casual

Night temps drop into the 50s°F (low teens °C), especially after a storm. I usually bring:

• A light jacket or sweater
• A compact umbrella because nighttime downpours are also common
• Long pants or jeans (it’s chilly at night after it rains)

Your Rainy Season Packing List

5 Tips for Navigating Rainy Season Like a Local

1. Always carry an umbrella or raincoat.

I never leave my apartment in the afternoon without one.

2. Wait the rain out or walk with an umbrella—it’s often better than an Uber.

Prices surge and traffic gets seriously backed up when it rains. You might end up waiting forever for an Uber or sitting in a car longer than it would’ve taken to walk. If I can, I usually wait it out under an awning or grab a coffee at a nearby café instead. Biking with Ecobici is another efficient option if it’s not raining too hard and you don’t want to be stuck in traffic.

3. Don’t trust weather apps, but don’t stress, storms often pass quickly.

Have you looked at the weather app and seen chances of thunderstorms every day of the week that you’ll be in Mexico City? Don’t worry about it. There are chances of rain every day, but they don’t happen until later in the day so you can easily plan around them.

4. Plan outdoor activities for the first half of the day.

If there’s something you really want to do outside, do it early. Mornings are usually sunny and dry, while most storms hit between 2 PM. Think of mornings as your “go explore” window, and keep afternoons flexible.

5. Be flexible and enjoy the cozy vibe—it’s part of the charm.

Rainy season has its own charm—quiet streets after a storm, the smell of wet pavement, long afternoons in a museum or jazz bar. Be open to shifting plans and you’ll end up with some of your most unexpected (and memorable) moments.

FAQs

Final Thoughts: Is Rainy Season a Good Time to Visit Mexico City?

Rainy season in Mexico City isn’t something to avoid.

The afternoon showers might shift your schedule a bit, but they don’t cancel your plans. 

With fewer tourists, lush green parks, cooler temperatures, and cleaner air, this season offers a side of CDMX that many travelers never get to see. 

After living here for over 7 years, I can honestly say it’s one of my favorite times of year.

You’ll need to be a little flexible, carry an umbrella, and maybe wait out a storm or two, but if you ask me, that’s part of the charm.

Have questions or want more ideas for your trip? 

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