Wondering about what to wear in Mexico City? We asked some CDMX locals. With their help, we came up with this packing guide for your Mexico City adventure.
For personalized advice on everything from fashion tips to restaurant recs, work with a local to plan your trip. Why see Mexico City like a tourist when you could enjoy it like a local? Learn more.
Mexico City fashion basics
Whether you’re looking to check out Mexico City’s non-touristy activities, or Mexico City’s top tourist attractions, dress mindfully. What does this mean? First of all, do not wear shorts. Shortsscream tourist
Locals note that in hot months, women will wear long skirts. Men will lean towards light-weight pants. Overall, people dress more formally than in the US.
Mexico City is a big cosmopolitan hub, and locals tell us there aren’t inflexible fashion rules (except for the shorts thing). This is a city of almost 9 million people, after all, so you’ll see a lot of different fashion choices. That being said, if your Mexico City sightseeing takes you to a church or religious site (like the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe) locals say you should be respectful and err towards dressing conservatively.
Local tip:Wearing shorts or workout clothing like yoga pants in public will make you look like a tourist.
What’s Mexico City’s weather like?
Unlike some places in Mexico, Mexico City does have distinct seasons, so temperatures vary.
Daily highs generally rise between the 70s and 80s; at night, lows can dip down into the low-40s or mid-50s.
Mexico City has a rainy season. But locals tell us this shouldn't be a problem—there is no bad time to visit Mexico City. That’s what the 150+ museums in town are for.
Local tip: The rainy season lasts from about June to September. You can find some good flight deals if you visit in the off-season.
What to wear at Mexico City’s big outdoor sites
If you plan to check out some of the best places to visit in Mexico City like Chapultepec Park and the Pyramids of Teotihuacan, be prepared to dress for the outdoors. You’ll want good, closed-toe walking shoes.
The sun shines bright and hot at the Pyramids, so along with sunscreen and water locals suggest packing a hat with a brim. Shady Chapultepec offers more respite from the sun, but given its size (2x the size of Central Park) you’ll definitely want those walking shoes. Like anywhere in Mexico City, a lightweight jacket is also a good call—Mexico City mornings and evenings can get chilly.
What to wear for a night out in Mexico City
Mexico City nightlife 101: people generally dress more formally in Mexico City than the United States. Jeans may not fly as a fashion choice at certain bars and clubs (and certainly not if you’re catching some ballet at Palacio de Bellas Artes, one of the city’s top attractions). No matter which of Mexico City’s fantastic neighborhoods is your nightlife destination, you need to dress the part.
Benefit from local insights. Our trip planners tell us that men often wear button-down shirts, chinos (or nice, fitted jeans), and stylish sneakers or high-quality shoes. Women often dress more conservatively than in other cities, but this is ultimately a personal choice. No matter which places you visit in Mexico City, you’ll likely notice that most people tend towards darker colors, or artful splashes of bright colors.
Also, keep in mind that a common misconception about Mexico City tourism is that it’s always hot—not so! Temperatures dip at night, so be sure to pack a good jacket for once the sun goes down.
Local tip: As you decide which neighborhood to stay in Mexico City, keep in mind that they have different personalities (and senses of style). Areas like San Rafael are artsier, whereas Polanco is home to more posh dressers.
What to wear/pack for using public transit in Mexico City
As you pack for your travel to Mexico City, consider a couple of items for when you ride public transit. Mexico City is safe, and the metro is a great and inexpensive option for getting around town. However, it is plagued by the same affliction as most big cities: pickpockets.
To combat this, you have a couple of options in your fashion arsenal. Women can invest in a cross-body purse. Men should keep their wallets out of their back pocket. It could also be prudent to invest in some type of anti-theft bag or decoy wallet for maximum security.
This way, you can easily hit up all the awesome stuff on your Mexico City itinerary without worrying about theft. And if safety is a concern, definitely get some tips from a Mexico City local who actually rides and knows the metro.
In conclusion: What you should pack for Mexico City
Our trip planners in Mexico City recommend packing:
- Good walking shoes
- A light jacket (Be prepared for colder temps at night and rain in the rainy season)
- Jeans—but be selective about when you wear them
- Closed-toed shoes
And what NOT to pack:
- Shorts
- Old gym sneakers
- Anything super casual or bright
- Jewelry or valuables you'd be devastated to lose
Basically, with so many great places to visit in Mexico City, you’ll want to dress comfortably—but more formally than you would while running to the grocery store.
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Now that you know what to wear in Mexico City it’s time to get packing! For the real low-down on Mexico City fashion rules, talk to a Mexico City local. Not only can they suggest things to pack (or NOT to pack) but they’ll design a custom itinerary to fit your interests—so you’ll see all the great places to visit in Mexico City without feeling like a bumbling tourist. Questions? Send us a message!
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- Contact Us
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert and enthusiast, I can provide information on various topics, including what to wear in Mexico City. I have access to a wide range of information sources and can provide insights based on that knowledge. Let's dive into the concepts mentioned in this article.
Mexico City Fashion Basics
When visiting Mexico City, it's important to dress mindfully, whether you're exploring non-touristy activities or top tourist attractions. Locals advise against wearing shorts, as they can make you stand out as a tourist. In hot months, women often wear long skirts, while men lean towards lightweight pants. Overall, people in Mexico City tend to dress more formally than in the United States.
Mexico City's Weather
Mexico City experiences distinct seasons, so temperatures can vary. Daily highs generally range between the 70s and 80s Fahrenheit, while nighttime lows can dip down into the low 40s or mid-50s. Mexico City has a rainy season that typically lasts from about June to September. However, locals assure that there is no bad time to visit the city, as there are over 150 museums to explore.
What to Wear at Outdoor Sites
If you plan to visit outdoor sites like Chapultepec Park and the Pyramids of Teotihuacan, it's important to dress appropriately. Closed-toe walking shoes are recommended, as well as a hat with a brim to protect yourself from the sun. Mexico City mornings and evenings can get chilly, so it's a good idea to bring a lightweight jacket.
Dressing for a Night Out
Mexico City nightlife tends to be more formal compared to the United States. Jeans may not be suitable for certain bars, clubs, or cultural attractions like the Palacio de Bellas Artes. Men often wear button-down shirts, chinos or fitted jeans, and stylish sneakers or high-quality shoes. Women often dress more conservatively, but personal style choices vary. It's worth noting that people in Mexico City tend to gravitate towards darker colors or artful splashes of bright colors.
What to Wear/Pack for Using Public Transit
When using public transit in Mexico City, it's important to be mindful of safety, as pickpocketing can occur. Women may consider using a cross-body purse, while men should avoid keeping their wallets in their back pockets. Investing in an anti-theft bag or decoy wallet can also enhance security. These precautions can help you enjoy your Mexico City itinerary without worrying about theft.
In conclusion, when packing for Mexico City, it's recommended to bring good walking shoes, a light jacket for cooler temperatures and rain during the rainy season, closed-toed shoes, and to avoid packing shorts, old gym sneakers, anything super casual or bright, and jewelry or valuables you'd be devastated to lose. Remember, it's always a good idea to consult with locals or trip planners for personalized advice on what to wear and other aspects of your trip.
I hope this information helps you prepare for your Mexico City adventure! If you have any more questions, feel free to ask.
