Things to Do in Mexico City in April

April Weather in Mexico City

27°C (81°F) High Temp

13°C (55°F) Low Temp

25.4 mm (1.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect temperatures for walking - warm afternoons around 27°C (81°F) without summer's brutal heat, plus cool evenings perfect for rooftop dining
Jacaranda trees bloom throughout the city, creating stunning purple canopies along Paseo de la Reforma and in Condesa - peak blooming period
Holy Week (Semana Santa) brings incredible cultural experiences including processionals in Historic Center and traditional foods like capirotadas
Shoulder season pricing - hotel rates are 30-40% lower than December-January peak season, with better availability

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms hit 60% of days between 4-6pm, lasting 30-45 minutes with heavy downpours that flood streets temporarily
Air quality deteriorates mid-month due to agricultural burning season combined with thermal inversions - IMECA readings often exceed 150
Holy Week (March 24-31, 2025) creates massive crowds and closures - many museums, restaurants close Thursday-Sunday, metro gets packed

Best Activities in April

Historic Center Walking Tours

April's mild morning temperatures (18-22°C/64-72°F) make this perfect for exploring Zócalo, Templo Mayor, and Palacio Nacional before afternoon storms hit. Jacaranda blooms frame the colonial architecture beautifully. Start at 9am to finish by 2pm before rain arrives.

Booking Tip: Book morning slots (9am-1pm) to avoid afternoon storms. Tours typically cost $25-45 USD. Look for certified guides with SECTUR credentials. See current options in booking section below.

Xochimilco Trajinera Boat Tours

April is ideal - warm enough for comfortable boat rides but not yet summer's scorching heat. Weekend trajineras get crowded during Holy Week, but weekday afternoon tours (2-5pm) offer perfect lighting and fewer crowds. Rain actually creates dramatic skies for photos.

Booking Tip: Weekday afternoons offer 40% fewer crowds than weekends. Typically $15-25 USD per person for 2-hour tours. Avoid unlicensed operators near parking - book through established tour companies for safety.

Teotihuacan Pyramid Climbing

April's moderate temperatures make the 65m (213ft) climb up Pyramid of the Sun manageable before summer heat arrives. Start at 8am - by noon it's 25°C (77°F) in shade but much hotter on exposed pyramids. Clear April skies offer stunning views.

Booking Tip: Early morning tours (8am departure) essential - afternoon heat makes climbing dangerous. Tours typically $45-75 USD including transport. Book 5-7 days ahead as April is popular. Licensed guides required for some areas.

Roma Norte and Condesa Neighborhood Walks

Peak jacaranda season transforms these neighborhoods into purple wonderlands. April's cool evenings (15-18°C/59-64°F) perfect for the famous cantina and mezcaleria crawls. Art Deco buildings look spectacular framed by blooming trees.

Booking Tip: Self-guided works well, but food tours offer insider access to traditional pulquerías. Food tours typically $35-55 USD. Evening tours (6-9pm) showcase neighborhood nightlife after afternoon storms pass.

Frida Kahlo Museum and Coyoacán Tours

April's pleasant weather perfect for exploring cobblestone streets of Coyoacán. Museum gardens bloom with April flowers. Outdoor markets thrive in moderate temperatures. Morning visits avoid both crowds and afternoon storms.

Booking Tip: Museum tickets sell out weeks ahead in April - book online immediately. Combined tours typically $40-65 USD. Morning slots (9-11am) offer better lighting and smaller crowds before tour groups arrive.

Mercado Tours and Street Food Walks

April brings seasonal specialties like flores de calabaza (squash blossoms) and fresh quelites. Covered markets provide perfect refuge during afternoon storms. Morning tours (10am-1pm) offer peak freshness and vendor energy before siesta time.

Booking Tip: Morning tours capture markets at their liveliest. Street food tours typically $25-45 USD for 3-4 hour experiences. Look for guides who explain seasonal ingredients and cultural context, not just food sampling.

April Events & Festivals

Throughout April

Festival de México en el Centro Histórico

Major cultural festival featuring opera, classical music, and theater in historic venues like Palacio de Bellas Artes. Many free outdoor concerts take advantage of April's pleasant evening weather.

March 24-31, 2025

Semana Santa (Holy Week) Celebrations

Elaborate religious processions through Historic Center, traditional food markets selling capirotadas and torrijas, and massive crowds at Metropolitan Cathedral. Authentic cultural immersion but expect closures.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or packable umbrella - afternoon storms dump 10-15mm (0.4-0.6 inches) in 30 minutes with zero warning

Layers for 14°C (25°F) temperature swings - linen shirt for 27°C (81°F) afternoons, light sweater for 13°C (55°F) evenings

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - cobblestones in Roma Norte and Coyoacán get slippery when wet

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 at 2,240m (7,349ft) altitude burns skin in 15 minutes

Air pollution mask (N95) - April agricultural burning creates hazardous air quality days with IMECA over 150

Portable phone charger - afternoon storms can cause power outages in older neighborhoods

Quick-dry pants or leggings - getting caught in storms is inevitable, synthetic fabrics dry faster

Light scarf - many churches require covered shoulders, plus useful for dusty pyramid visits

Cash in small bills - street vendors and small restaurants don't make change for 500 peso notes

Electrolyte tablets - altitude plus walking in dry air causes dehydration faster than expected

Insider Knowledge

Time activities around 4-6pm storm window - most rainfall happens precisely during this window, plan indoor activities or early dinner

Metro Line 1 now extends to Santa Fe (opened January 2025) making western neighborhoods much more accessible for visitors

Locals eat seasonal quelites and flores de calabaza in April - ask for them at traditional fondas for authentic spring flavors

Book restaurants for Holy Week by mid-March - many close Thursday-Sunday but those staying open get completely booked

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor activities from 4-6pm when afternoon storms hit - this ruins more tourist plans than anything else

Underestimating altitude effects - 2,240m (7,349ft) causes fatigue and dehydration, drink 3+ liters water daily

Not checking Holy Week dates - March 24-31 creates massive crowds and closures that completely change the city dynamic