Things to Do in Mexico City in February
February weather, activities, events & insider tips
February Weather in Mexico City
Is February Right for You?
Advantages
- Dry season comfort with minimal rain - those 10 rainy days typically bring brief morning drizzles rather than all-day downpours, and you'll actually get more sunshine hours than most other months. The 5 mm (0.2 inches) total rainfall for the entire month is negligible.
- Perfect temperature swings for all-day exploring - mornings start crisp at 9°C (49°F), ideal for walking through markets and neighborhoods before the crowds arrive, then warm to a comfortable 24°C (75°F) by afternoon. You can layer down as the day progresses rather than melting in summer heat.
- Post-holiday pricing drops significantly - accommodations in Roma Norte and Condesa typically run 20-30% cheaper than December/January rates, and you'll find better availability at popular restaurants that were booked solid during the holiday season. Flight prices from the US and Canada also dip after Valentine's Day.
- Jacaranda season begins late month - if you time it right for the last week of February, you'll catch the early jacaranda blooms starting to purple-up the city streets, particularly along Avenida Amsterdam in Condesa. It's not peak bloom yet (that's March-April), but you'll get previews without the Instagram crowds.
Considerations
- Temperature swings require strategic packing - that 15°C (27°F) difference between morning and afternoon means you can't just throw on shorts and a t-shirt. You'll need layers you can shed, which is annoying if you're trying to pack light. Locals call this 'eternal spring' but it's really more like four seasons in one day.
- Air quality can be problematic mid-month - Mexico City sits in a valley at 2,240 m (7,350 ft) altitude, and February's dry conditions combined with thermal inversions tend to trap pollution. The city's air quality index often hits 'moderate' to 'unhealthy for sensitive groups' levels, especially during weekday rush hours. If you have respiratory issues, this matters.
- Altitude adjustment hits harder in dry conditions - that 2,240 m (7,350 ft) elevation combined with 70% humidity and dry air means you'll likely feel winded climbing stairs for your first 2-3 days. The low oxygen affects alcohol tolerance too, so that mezcal will hit differently than expected.
Best Activities in February
Teotihuacan Pyramid Climbing
February's cooler mornings make the 248-step climb up the Pyramid of the Sun actually manageable - you'll want to arrive by 8am when it's still 12°C (54°F) rather than attempting this in April heat. The dry season means clear views from the top across the entire archaeological site, and the UV index of 8 is intense at this altitude but not the brutal 11+ you'd face in summer. The site is 48 km (30 miles) northeast of the city center, about 1 hour by car or bus.
Centro Historico Walking Tours
The historic center is absolutely perfect in February weather - you'll cover 5-8 km (3-5 miles) of walking through Zocalo, Templo Mayor, Palacio de Bellas Artes, and the side streets without the June-September afternoon thunderstorms cutting your exploration short. The low rainfall means outdoor cafe seating is reliably available, and the 24°C (75°F) afternoon temps are ideal for ducking into pulquerias and cantinas. February also means fewer school groups mobbing the major sites on weekdays.
Xochimilco Trajinera Boat Tours
The ancient canal system in Xochimilco is considerably more pleasant in February's dry conditions - water levels are stable, and you won't be dealing with the rainy season's occasional flooding or murky water. The 24°C (75°F) afternoon temperature is perfect for the 2-3 hour boat rides through the canals, and the lower humidity means the mariachi bands and floating food vendors are out in full force on weekends. It's about 28 km (17 miles) south of the city center, roughly 45 minutes by car or 1.5 hours by metro plus light rail.
Chapultepec Park and Museum Circuit
Mexico City's massive urban park - at 686 hectares (1,695 acres), it's twice the size of Central Park - is absolutely ideal in February's mild weather. You can easily spend a full day walking between the National Museum of Anthropology, Chapultepec Castle, and the Modern Art Museum without overheating. The dry season means the park's pathways are in good condition for walking or renting bikes, and the 9°C (49°F) mornings are perfect for jogging the park's 8 km (5 mile) main loop before the afternoon crowds arrive.
Street Food Market Tours
February's dry weather means the outdoor markets and street food stalls are operating at full capacity without rain disruptions. The cooler morning temperatures make market walking more comfortable, and you'll find seasonal ingredients like huitlacoche (corn fungus) and fresh nopales at their peak. Markets like Mercado de San Juan, Mercado Roma, and the weekend Bazaar Sabado in San Angel are less crowded than during December holidays but still fully stocked. The 70% humidity is actually helpful here - it keeps tortillas from drying out at the stands.
Day Trips to Puebla
The colonial city of Puebla, 129 km (80 miles) southeast, is phenomenal in February's clear, dry weather. You'll get sharp views of Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl volcanoes during the 2-hour drive, and the city's famous Talavera tile facades photograph beautifully in the bright, low-humidity conditions. The 24°C (75°F) temps are perfect for walking Puebla's historic center, and February means you'll avoid the Easter week crowds that pack the city in March-April. The altitude here is slightly lower at 2,135 m (7,005 ft), which some visitors find easier to handle.
February Events & Festivals
Zona MACO Contemporary Art Fair
Latin America's leading contemporary art fair takes over Centro Citibanamex in early February, bringing 200+ galleries from 25 countries. Even if you're not buying six-figure artwork, the fair offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's art scene, and many galleries in Roma and Condesa host opening parties and exhibitions during the same week. Day passes run around 250-300 pesos. The fair typically draws international collectors, which means upscale restaurants and hotels in Polanco get notably busier this week.
Carnaval Celebrations
While Mexico City's Carnaval isn't as massive as Veracruz or Mazatlan, you'll still find neighborhood celebrations, particularly in Coyoacan and certain colonias. There's usually a parade along Paseo de la Reforma with floats, costumes, and street parties. It's worth catching if you're in town, though it's not a destination event on its own. The exact dates shift based on Easter timing, but Carnaval typically falls in mid-to-late February, the weekend before Ash Wednesday.