Mexico City - Things to Do in Mexico City in February

Things to Do in Mexico City in February

February weather, activities, events & insider tips

February Weather in Mexico City

23°C (75°F) High Temp
9°C (49°F) Low Temp
5 mm (0.2 inches) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

  • Perfect dry season weather with comfortable 23°C (75°F) highs and minimal 5mm (0.2 inches) rainfall, making it ideal for walking the city's extensive neighborhoods
  • Crystal clear air quality - February has the cleanest skies of the year due to reduced pollution and no wildfire smoke, perfect for photography at viewpoints like Cerro de la Estrella
  • Jacaranda season begins late February, with purple blooms starting to appear along Paseo de la Reforma and in Roma Norte, creating stunning photo opportunities
  • Shoulder season pricing for accommodations drops 30-40% compared to December-January holiday rates, with excellent availability in boutique hotels

Considerations

  • Significant temperature swings from 9°C (49°F) mornings to 23°C (75°F) afternoons require layered clothing and make packing challenging
  • February is peak allergy season for jacaranda and cypress pollen - locals avoid early morning outdoor activities and many wear masks
  • Altitude adjustment hits harder in cooler weather - the 2,240m (7,349 ft) elevation combined with morning chill can cause headaches and fatigue for 2-3 days

Best Activities in February

Historic Center Walking Tours

February's cool mornings and warm afternoons make it perfect for exploring the massive Centro Histórico. Start at 9am when it's 12°C (54°F) and comfortable for walking, finishing by 2pm before afternoon heat peaks. The clear February air provides stunning views of the cathedral and Templo Mayor without summer haze. Crowds are manageable compared to holiday season.

Booking Tip: Book guided tours 5-7 days ahead through certified cultural guides. Tours typically cost 800-1,200 MXN per person for 3-hour experiences. Look for tours that include rooftop access for photography. See current options in booking section below.

Xochimilco Trajinera Rides

February's dry weather ensures the canals are at optimal levels without rainy season runoff. Morning temperatures around 15°C (59°F) are perfect for the 2-3 hour boat rides, and you'll avoid the intense UV that peaks in March-May. The clear skies provide perfect lighting for photos of the colorful boats and floating gardens.

Booking Tip: Book weekend slots 10-14 days ahead as locals heavily use this in good weather. Weekday rates are 400-600 MXN per boat (holds 10-12 people), weekends are 600-800 MXN. Choose morning departures between 10am-12pm for best weather conditions.

Teotihuacan Pyramid Climbing

February offers the best conditions for climbing the Pyramid of the Sun's 248 steps - cool 10°C (50°F) mornings mean less fatigue, and clear skies provide 50km+ (31+ mile) visibility from the top. The dry season eliminates mud around the site and makes the 2km (1.2 mile) walking circuit comfortable.

Booking Tip: Book early morning tours departing Mexico City at 7am to arrive when gates open at 8am. Full-day tours typically cost 1,200-1,800 MXN including transport and guide. Avoid afternoon tours - even February temperatures reach 23°C (75°F) making the climb exhausting.

Roma Norte and Condesa Neighborhood Food Tours

February's comfortable walking weather is perfect for exploring these food-focused neighborhoods. The 4-5 hour walking tours cover 2-3km (1.2-1.9 miles) and are ideal in February's mild temperatures. Local seasonal ingredients like quelites (wild greens) and early spring produce are featured in restaurants during this month.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead for weekend tours. Food tours typically cost 1,500-2,200 MXN per person including 6-8 tastings. Choose tours starting at 11am - late enough for restaurants to prep fresh ingredients but early enough to avoid afternoon crowds.

Chapultepec Park Cultural Circuit

February's clear air provides stunning views from Chapultepec Castle, and the 686-hectare (1,695-acre) park is comfortable for the 3-4km (1.9-2.5 mile) walking circuit between museums. Morning temperatures around 12°C (54°F) are perfect for the uphill walk to the castle, and afternoon warmth makes outdoor museum gardens enjoyable.

Booking Tip: Buy museum combo tickets online 3-5 days ahead - castle plus anthropology museum packages cost 150-200 MXN. Start at the castle at 9am when it opens, work downhill to avoid climbing in afternoon heat. Free park entry but paid parking costs 30 MXN per hour.

Coyoacán Frida Kahlo District Walking

February's pleasant weather makes the cobblestone streets of Coyoacán comfortable for walking. The 2-3 hour circuit covering Casa Azul, markets, and plazas is ideal in 18-20°C (64-68°F) afternoon temperatures. February crowds are lighter than peak season, making museum visits more enjoyable.

Booking Tip: Book Frida Kahlo Museum tickets online exactly 30 days ahead - they sell out daily. Museum entry costs 250 MXN weekdays, 270 MXN weekends. Combine with neighborhood walking tours for 800-1,200 MXN total. See current tour options in booking section below.

February Events & Festivals

Throughout February

Festival del Centro Histórico

Mexico City's premier cultural festival transforms historic buildings into performance venues with classical music, dance, and theater. Many events are free, and February's pleasant evenings make outdoor performances comfortable. Over 100 events across 40 venues in the historic center.

February 2

Día de la Candelaria

February 2nd celebration where families who found the baby Jesus in their Rosca de Reyes must provide tamales. Street vendors sell traditional tamales throughout the city, and many restaurants offer special tamale menus. Experience authentic local tradition through food.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system essential - bring light merino wool base layer, cotton t-shirts, and medium-weight jacket for 14°C (25°F) daily temperature swings
Comfortable walking shoes with good arch support for cobblestone streets and 10,000+ daily steps exploring neighborhoods
SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and altitude at 2,240m (7,349 ft) intensifies sun exposure even in February
Light scarf or shawl for evening temperatures dropping to 9°C (49°F) and for visiting churches with dress codes
Reusable water bottle - altitude dehydration is worse in cool weather when you don't feel thirsty
Anti-allergy medication if sensitive to pollen - jacaranda and cypress bloom in late February
Portable phone charger - cold morning temperatures drain batteries faster
Cash in small bills - many street vendors and markets don't accept cards, ATMs dispense large denominations
Light rain jacket - brief afternoon showers occur about 10 days in February lasting 15-20 minutes
Compression socks for flights - altitude adjustment is harder when arriving in cooler weather

Insider Knowledge

Take altitude adjustment seriously - spend your first afternoon at ground level in Roma Norte or Condesa rather than climbing pyramids or castle hills. Locals recommend light activity and extra water for 48 hours.
February mornings are when locals exercise in parks - join free Zumba classes in Parque México at 8am or rent Ecobici bikes when air quality is cleanest and temperatures comfortable.
Street food vendors start serving warm items like esquites and tamales earlier in February due to cool mornings - best selection is 9-11am rather than typical lunch hours.
Book weekend restaurant reservations 7-10 days ahead in February - locals dine out more in pleasant weather after staying home during January cold snaps, especially in Roma Norte and Polanco.

Avoid These Mistakes

Underdressing for morning temperatures - tourists pack for 23°C (75°F) highs but freeze in 9°C (49°F) early morning museum lines and market visits
Scheduling too many outdoor activities on arrival day - altitude adjustment combined with February's temperature swings causes fatigue that takes 2-3 days to resolve
Assuming February is warm and dry like beach destinations - those 10 rainy days often catch tourists without jackets during sudden afternoon showers

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