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 you with information on what to wear in Mexico City based on this article. Here's a breakdown of the concepts mentioned in the article:
Mexico City Fashion Basics:
- Dress Mindfully: When visiting Mexico City, it is advised to dress more formally than in the US. Avoid wearing shorts, as they are considered touristy. Instead, women can opt for long skirts, especially during hot months, while men can lean towards lightweight pants.
Mexico City's Weather:
- Distinct Seasons: Mexico City experiences distinct seasons, with daily highs ranging between the 70s and 80s Fahrenheit. Nighttime temperatures can dip down to the low-40s or mid-50s. It is recommended to pack a light jacket for colder temperatures at night.
- Rainy Season: Mexico City has a rainy season that typically lasts from June to September. However, locals suggest that this shouldn't be a problem for visitors, as there is no bad time to visit Mexico City. It's worth noting that the city has over 150 museums to explore during inclement weather.
Dressing for Outdoor Sites:
- Chapultepec Park and Pyramids of Teotihuacan: If you plan to visit outdoor sites like Chapultepec Park and the Pyramids of Teotihuacan, it is recommended to wear good, closed-toe walking shoes. Additionally, pack sunscreen, water, and a hat with a brim for sun protection. Carrying a lightweight jacket is also advisable as mornings and evenings in Mexico City can get chilly.
Dressing for a Night Out:
- Formal Attire: Mexico City nightlife generally calls for more formal attire 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 tend to dress more conservatively, but personal choice ultimately prevails. Most people in Mexico City tend to wear darker colors or artful splashes of bright colors.
Dressing for Public Transit:
- Safety Considerations: Mexico City's public transit, including the metro, is generally safe. However, like in any big city, pickpocketing can occur. To mitigate this risk, women can consider using a cross-body purse, while men should avoid keeping their wallets in their back pockets. Investing in anti-theft bags or decoy wallets can also enhance security.
Packing Recommendations:
- Recommended Items: Based on the article, it is suggested to pack good walking shoes, a light jacket for colder temperatures at night, jeans (selectively), closed-toed shoes, and comfortable, yet formal attire for various occasions.
- What Not to Pack: It is advised not to pack shorts, old gym sneakers, anything super casual or bright, and valuable jewelry that you would be devastated to lose.
Remember, these recommendations are based on the information provided in the article. If you have any specific questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!
