Things to Do in Mexico City in December

December Weather in Mexico City

22°C (72°F) High Temp

8°C (47°F) Low Temp

5 mm (0.2 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect weather window - December hits the sweet spot with daytime temperatures around 22°C (72°F) and crystal-clear skies on most days. The rainy season is completely over, meaning outdoor activities rarely get cancelled
Peak season for Day of the Dead aftermath tourism has passed, but Christmas markets and posadas are in full swing. You'll experience authentic Mexican holiday traditions without fighting October/November crowds at cemeteries
Hotel prices drop 30-40% compared to New Year's week, but Christmas decorations are already up in Zócalo and neighborhoods like Coyoacán. Book before December 20th to avoid holiday surcharges
Air quality is typically at its annual best due to winter wind patterns and reduced industrial activity during holiday season. The 2,240 m (7,349 ft) altitude feels less oppressive in cooler temperatures

Considerations

Nights get genuinely cold at 8°C (47°F) - most accommodations don't have proper heating since Mexico City is technically subtropical. You'll need layers even indoors
Many museums and cultural sites have reduced hours December 24-26 and January 1st. Some smaller galleries and restaurants in Roma Norte close entirely for week-long vacations
Afternoon temperature swings of 14°C (25°F) daily mean you're constantly adjusting clothing. What feels perfect at 2pm becomes uncomfortably chilly by 6pm

Best Activities in December

Historic Center Walking Tours

December's dry weather and moderate temperatures make this the ideal time to explore Zócalo, Templo Mayor, and Palacio Nacional on foot. Early morning tours (8-10am) avoid both crowds and afternoon heat buildup. Christmas decorations transform the colonial architecture into something magical, while street vendors sell seasonal treats like ponche caliente.

Booking Tip: Book group walking tours 5-7 days ahead through licensed operators. Expect to pay 400-600 MXN for 3-hour tours. Look for operators that include museum entry fees and provide earpieces for groups. Reference booking widget below for current tour availability.

Xochimilco Trajinera Rides

The famous floating gardens are at their most comfortable in December's mild weather. Water temperatures are cool but not cold, and the lack of summer crowds means better photo opportunities and more authentic mariachi interactions. December weekends feature special Christmas-themed trajineras with decorations and seasonal food vendors.

Booking Tip: Weekend afternoon slots (2-5pm) are optimal for weather and atmosphere. Private trajineras typically cost 350-500 MXN per hour for up to 20 people. Book through established operators near the main dock to ensure boat safety and fair pricing. See current options in booking section below.

Teotihuacán Pyramid Climbing

December offers the best conditions for climbing the Pyramid of the Sun - cool morning air makes the 248-step ascent manageable, while clear winter skies provide unobstructed views across the valley. By 11am, you'll appreciate the moderate temperatures that summer visitors never experience.

Booking Tip: Book early morning tours (6-7am departure from Mexico City) to reach pyramids by 9am. Day tours range from 800-1,200 MXN including transport and guide. Avoid tour groups larger than 15 people for better pyramid access. Current tour options available in booking widget below.

Roma Norte Food Market Tours

December brings seasonal specialties like romeritos, bacalao, and fresh tamales to neighborhood markets. The cooler weather makes market walking more pleasant, and holiday preparations mean vendors offer tastings of traditional Christmas foods you won't find other times of year. Local mercados are less touristy than Mercado de San Juan.

Booking Tip: Morning food tours (9am-12pm) catch markets at peak activity and freshness. Expect 600-900 MXN for guided tours including 8-10 tastings. Look for tours that visit 2-3 different markets and include both street food and sit-down tastings. Check booking section for current food tour options.

Chapultepec Park Museums

December's comfortable temperatures make the 686-hectare (1,695-acre) park ideal for combining outdoor walks with indoor museum visits. The Anthropology Museum and Chapultepec Castle are less crowded pre-Christmas, and you can easily walk between attractions without summer heat exhaustion.

Booking Tip: Tuesday-Sunday visits recommended (many museums closed Mondays). Museum entry is typically 75-85 MXN each. Skip-the-line museum passes range from 300-500 MXN for multiple venues. Allow full day for park plus 2 major museums. See current guided museum tour options in booking widget.

Coyoacán Christmas Market Exploration

December transforms this artistic neighborhood with traditional posadas, artisan Christmas markets, and special holiday performances in the main square. The colonial streets are perfect for evening strolls in December's mild temperatures, and you'll find unique Mexican Christmas crafts not available in tourist markets.

Booking Tip: Weekend afternoons (3-7pm) offer the best market atmosphere and live performances. Self-guided exploration is free, while cultural walking tours cost 350-500 MXN. Look for tours that include traditional cantina stops and artisan workshop visits. Current Coyoacán tour options in booking section below.

December Events & Festivals

Mid December

Las Posadas Tradicionales

Nine-day Christmas celebration (December 16-24) featuring neighborhood processions, traditional songs, and community gatherings. Each night, different colonias host posadas with authentic Mexican Christmas foods, piñatas, and religious ceremonies. Coyoacán and Xochimilco offer the most tourist-accessible celebrations.

Early December

Zócalo Christmas Tree and Ice Rink

Mexico City's main square transforms into a winter wonderland with a massive Christmas tree, free ice skating rink, and nightly light shows. The temporary ice rink operates until early January and is free to use (skate rental 50 MXN). Evening light displays run every hour from 6-10pm.

Early December

Mercado de Navidad en el Zócalo

Traditional Christmas market surrounding the cathedral featuring Mexican holiday crafts, seasonal foods, and artisan goods. Over 100 vendors sell everything from handmade nativity scenes to traditional Christmas ponche. Open daily with extended evening hours for holiday shopping.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Warm jacket or fleece - nighttime temperatures drop to 8°C (47°F) and most buildings lack heating

Layering pieces - daily temperature swings of 14°C (25°F) mean you'll add/remove clothing constantly

Comfortable walking shoes with ankle support - cobblestone streets in Centro Histórico become slippery with morning dew

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 even in winter due to 2,240 m (7,349 ft) altitude

Light scarf or pashmina - essential for evening restaurant patios and outdoor markets

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains batteries faster, especially during long sightseeing days

Small umbrella - while December is dry, occasional light showers occur on 10 days throughout the month

Lip balm with SPF - high altitude and dry air cause chapping quickly

Cash in small bills - many vendors and traditional markets don't accept cards, especially during holiday celebrations

Reusable water bottle - staying hydrated at altitude is crucial, and tap water is safe in most areas of the city

Insider Knowledge

December mornings (7-9am) offer the best air quality and clearest mountain views. Locals call this 'hora dorada' and it's when you'll get your best photos of Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl volcanoes from rooftop bars

Most chilangos (Mexico City locals) take vacation December 20-January 6, so popular neighborhoods like Roma Norte and Condesa feel authentically quiet. This is actually the best time to discover neighborhood gems without tourist crowds

The peso typically weakens 3-5% in December due to holiday spending, making it an excellent time for foreign visitors. Exchange money at airport banks rather than tourist areas for better rates

Metro Line 12 (Golden Line) has been fully operational since late 2024 after years of repairs. It now connects Mixcoac to Tláhuac efficiently, cutting travel time to southern attractions like Xochimilco by 20 minutes

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming December is warm because it's Mexico - pack serious cold-weather clothing for evenings. Many tourists end up buying overpriced jackets at tourist shops

Planning outdoor activities after 6pm without layers - the temperature drop is dramatic and sudden once the sun sets behind the mountains

Booking accommodation in Centro Histórico without confirming heating - many colonial buildings have beautiful courtyards but terrible insulation and no climate control