Things to Do in Mexico City in January

January Weather in Mexico City

22°C (72°F) High Temp

8°C (47°F) Low Temp

13 mm (0.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Coolest temperatures of the year make walking tours and outdoor exploration comfortable - no afternoon heat exhaustion unlike March-May when temperatures reach 28°C (82°F)
Minimal rainfall with just 13mm (0.5 inches) means outdoor markets, rooftop dining, and street food tours proceed without weather interruptions
Post-holiday season pricing drops 30-40% from December peaks - hotels in Roma Norte average $80-120 vs $150-200 in December
Perfect weather for high-altitude activities - at 2,240m (7,350ft) elevation, January's crisp air makes climbing Teotihuacán pyramids and walking Xochimilco much more pleasant than summer months

Considerations

Evening temperatures drop to 8°C (47°F) requiring layers and jackets - many rooftop bars close early or have limited outdoor seating
Smog levels can be higher due to thermal inversion patterns common in January, reducing visibility of surrounding volcanoes on 40% of days
Some outdoor swimming venues like natural pools in nearby Grutas Tolantongo may be too cold for comfortable swimming without thermal springs

Best Activities in January

Teotihuacán Archaeological Complex Tours

January's cool mornings (8-15°C/47-59°F) make climbing the 65m (213ft) Pyramid of the Sun comfortable without overheating. Clear winter air provides better visibility of the entire complex. Start at sunrise (7am) to avoid crowds and afternoon haze that builds up from the city.

Booking Tip: Book full-day tours 5-7 days ahead, typically 800-1,200 pesos including transport and guide. Early morning departures (6:30am) offer best weather and lighting. Look for tours including hot air balloon options - January's stable air conditions are ideal for flights.

Historic Center Walking Tours

Perfect weather for exploring the 9km² (3.5 sq miles) UNESCO site on foot. January's mild temperatures mean comfortable walking from dawn to dusk. The dry season ensures cobblestone streets in areas like Regina and Regina are safe and pleasant for extended exploration.

Booking Tip: Free walking tours run daily at 10am and 2pm from Zócalo. Private guided tours cost 1,500-2,500 pesos for 3-4 hours. Book food-focused tours 2-3 days ahead - January is peak season for street food as vendors don't deal with summer heat and rain.

Xochimilco Trajinera Tours

January offers the most comfortable trajinera experience - no scorching sun or heavy rains that plague other months. The 180km (112 miles) of canals are at their most pleasant with cool breezes and clear skies. Wildlife viewing is excellent as migratory birds are present.

Booking Tip: Weekend trajinera rentals cost 400-600 pesos per hour for up to 20 people. Weekday rates drop to 300-400 pesos. Book through official embarcaderos, not street touts. January requires light jackets for evening tours as temperatures drop quickly after sunset.

Roma Norte and Condesa Neighborhood Tours

January's cool, dry weather is perfect for exploring these trendy neighborhoods on foot or bike. Tree-lined streets like Avenida Amsterdam in Condesa are most enjoyable without summer heat. Art deco architecture photography benefits from January's clear, crisp light.

Booking Tip: Bike tours run year-round, 600-900 pesos for 3-4 hours. January requires no weather contingencies. Food tours in these neighborhoods peak in January when outdoor terraces are comfortable. Book 3-5 days ahead, especially for weekend tours.

Day of the Dead Museum and Frida Kahlo House Tours

Indoor cultural attractions are perfect for January's variable weather days. The Museo Dolores Olmedo and Casa Azul benefit from smaller crowds and shorter lines compared to October-November peak periods. Cool weather makes the walk through Coyoacán market more pleasant.

Booking Tip: Casa Azul tickets must be purchased online in advance, 250 pesos weekdays, 270 weekends. January typically has same-day availability except weekends. Combined museum and neighborhood tours cost 1,200-1,800 pesos including transport from central areas.

Volcanic Peak Day Trips

January offers the best conditions for trips to nearby volcanic peaks like Nevado de Toluca (4,680m/15,354ft). Clear winter skies provide stunning views, and cool temperatures make high-altitude hiking comfortable. Snow may be visible on peaks, creating dramatic photography opportunities.

Booking Tip: Full-day volcanic tours cost 2,000-3,000 pesos including transport and guide. Book 7-10 days ahead as January weather windows are highly sought after. Tours typically depart at 5am to maximize clear weather window before afternoon clouds form.

January Events & Festivals

January 6th

Día de los Reyes (Three Kings Day)

January 6th celebration bigger than Christmas for many Mexican families. Traditional Rosca de Reyes bread appears in every bakery and market. Experience authentic celebrations in Xochimilco where families gather for elaborate picnics and traditional foods.

Mid January

Zona Maco Art Fair

Latin America's premier contemporary art fair transforms Mexico City into an international art destination. Galleries across Roma Norte, Juárez, and Centro host special exhibitions and events throughout the month coinciding with the fair.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system essential - morning temperatures of 8°C (47°F) require warm jacket, but afternoons reach 22°C (72°F) needing just t-shirt

Closed-toe walking shoes with good grip - cobblestone streets in Centro Histórico can be slippery during brief January showers

Light rain jacket or compact umbrella - 10 rainy days average but showers typically last under 30 minutes

SPF 50+ sunscreen crucial - UV index of 8 at 2,240m (7,350ft) altitude causes burns even on cloudy days

Warm hat and scarf for early morning tours - Teotihuacán sunrise tours start at 6:30am when temperatures are 5-8°C (41-47°F)

Breathable cotton or merino wool layers - avoid synthetic fabrics that trap moisture in 70% humidity

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains batteries faster, especially during long walking tours

Cash in small bills - many street food vendors and market stalls don't accept cards, especially for items under 100 pesos

Light evening jacket - rooftop bars and restaurants get chilly after sunset with temperature drops of 10-15°C (18-27°F)

Comfortable day pack - for carrying layers as you shed/add clothing throughout temperature changes

Insider Knowledge

January is pozole season - this hominy soup appears on menus everywhere as comfort food during cooler weather, especially at traditional cantinas in Centro

Smog is worst during thermal inversions (usually 3-4 days in January) - check air quality apps and plan indoor museum days when AQI exceeds 150

Many locals vacation from January 2-6 for extended New Year break - some neighborhood restaurants close but tourist areas remain fully operational

Metro Line 12 (Gold Line) remains partially suspended through 2025 - add 20-30 minutes extra travel time to southern destinations like Xochimilco and Coyoacán

Avoid These Mistakes

Underdressing for morning tours then overheating by noon - temperature swings of 14°C (25°F) catch visitors off-guard

Planning intensive walking tours after 2pm when smog builds up - mornings offer better air quality and visibility

Assuming all rooftop venues are open - many close outdoor sections during January evenings when temperatures drop below 10°C (50°F)