Things to Do in Mexico City in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Mexico City
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Day of the Dead celebrations wrap up early November - you'll catch the tail end of altar displays at major museums and cemeteries, plus locals are still in festive spirits. Markets sell leftover sugar skulls and pan de muerto at discounted prices through mid-month.
- Air quality is typically at its best during November, before winter inversions trap pollution in the valley. You'll actually see Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl volcanoes from the city center on clear mornings - something that's nearly impossible in December through March.
- Hotel prices drop 30-40% after Día de Muertos ends on November 2nd, while weather stays pleasant. You're hitting the sweet spot before American Thanksgiving crowds arrive in the final week. Book for November 5-20 for the best value.
- Jacaranda trees bloom their second cycle in November - the city's parks and residential streets turn purple again. It's less dramatic than the spring bloom, but Parque México and Viveros de Coyoacán are particularly photogenic without the usual crowds.
Considerations
- Temperature swings are dramatic - you'll need layers for 9°C (49°F) mornings and might be sweating by 2pm when it hits 23°C (73°F). The altitude at 2,240 m (7,350 ft) makes these swings feel more extreme than you'd expect at sea level.
- Rain patterns are unpredictable as the wet season transitions out. You might get bone-dry weeks or sudden afternoon downpours. When it does rain, the city's drainage struggles - expect flooded intersections in low-lying neighborhoods like Doctores and Valle Gómez.
- Smog can spike unexpectedly on windless days, even though November is generally better than winter months. If you have respiratory issues, check the air quality app AIRE daily and plan indoor activities when PM2.5 levels exceed 100.
Best Activities in November
Teotihuacan Sunrise Tours
November mornings are crisp and clear at 2,300 m (7,545 ft) elevation, making this the best month for volcano views from the Pyramid of the Sun. You'll actually see the snow-capped peaks that are usually hidden by haze. The 9°C (49°F) morning temperature is perfect for climbing the 248 steps without overheating. Crowds thin out significantly after Day of the Dead, so you might have sections of the Avenue of the Dead nearly to yourself by 7am.
Centro Histórico Walking Routes
The variable November weather actually works in your favor here - mornings start cool enough for comfortable walking, and you can duck into museums during afternoon showers. The zócalo is less congested after Day of the Dead, and you'll notice locals reclaiming the space for their daily routines. Street vendors sell seasonal foods like esquites with extra chile to warm you up. The 70% humidity sounds high but feels manageable at this altitude, unlike coastal cities.
Xochimilco Trajinera Rides
The canals are less crowded mid-November, and you'll actually hear the mariachi bands instead of competing with 50 other boats. Water levels are stable after rainy season ends, so navigation is smooth. The temperature range is ideal - not the scorching heat of April-May that makes floating on open water miserable. Locals celebrate birthdays and family gatherings here on November weekends, so Saturday afternoons give you authentic atmosphere without the tourist-heavy vibe of peak season.
Coyoacán Market and Museum Circuit
November is mole season in Mexico City - you'll find fresh mole negro, verde, and amarillo at Mercado de Coyoacán as families prepare for upcoming holiday meals. The neighborhood is walkable in the mild temperatures, and the Frida Kahlo Museum is less mobbed after Day of the Dead tourism subsides. Late afternoon light in November hits the cobblestone streets perfectly around 5pm - that golden hour lasts longer than summer months. The jacaranda trees in the plaza create natural shade during midday heat.
Lucha Libre at Arena México
Tuesday and Friday night matches run year-round, but November has a special energy as wrestlers prepare for December's anniversary events. The indoor arena means weather is irrelevant, making this your perfect backup plan for rainy evenings. Locals pack the stands - you'll be surrounded by families with kids waving foam fingers, not tour groups. The atmosphere is genuinely fun rather than staged for tourists. Matches start at 8:30pm, which gives you time for dinner in Roma Norte beforehand.
Puebla and Cholula Day Trips
The 2-hour drive to Puebla is stunning in November when air quality allows clear views of Popocatépetl volcano along the highway. Puebla's mole poblano is traditionally made fresh in November for upcoming celebrations, so you're eating it at peak season. The Great Pyramid of Cholula is less crowded than Teotihuacan but equally impressive, and the cooler temperatures make the climb to the church on top manageable. You'll avoid the intense sun of spring and the muddy conditions of peak rainy season.
November Events & Festivals
Día de Muertos Aftermath and Museum Exhibitions
While the main Day of the Dead celebrations end November 2nd, major museums keep their elaborate ofrendas (altars) displayed through mid-November. Museo Nacional de Antropología, Museo Dolores Olmedo, and Anahuacalli Museum have particularly stunning installations. You'll also find discounted pan de muerto at panaderías through November 15th as bakeries clear inventory - it's actually fresher than the mass-produced stuff sold during peak celebrations.
Revolution Day (Día de la Revolución)
November 20th is a federal holiday commemorating the 1910 Mexican Revolution. Expect a massive parade along Paseo de la Reforma featuring military displays, charros (Mexican cowboys), and school groups. Banks and government offices close, but museums and restaurants stay open. The zócalo hosts cultural events and concerts. It's worth experiencing if you're in town, but book accommodations early as Mexican families travel for the long weekend.
Formula 1 Mexican Grand Prix
The race at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez typically happens late October or early November. If it falls in November 2026, expect hotel prices to spike 50-100% and restaurants in Polanco and Condesa to be packed with international visitors. The circuit is in the city, so you'll hear engines roaring even if you're not attending. Check the F1 calendar once 2026 dates are announced - if it conflicts with your dates and you're not a racing fan, consider shifting your trip a week later.