Things to Do in Mexico City in November

November Weather in Mexico City

23°C (73°F) High Temp

9°C (49°F) Low Temp

18 mm (0.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect post-Día de los Muertos timing - altars still up at major sites like Xochimilco through mid-November, with significantly fewer crowds than October 31-November 2
Ideal hiking weather for Teotihuacán and surrounding areas - morning temperatures of 9-12°C (49-54°F) make the 2.3 km (1.4 mile) climb to Pyramid of the Sun comfortable before afternoon heat
Chrysanthemum season peaks in Xochimilco floating gardens - cempasúchil (marigold) fields are at maximum bloom for the most photogenic trajinera rides of the year
Restaurant patio season begins - November marks when locals return to rooftop dining and street food markets operate at full capacity without summer heat concerns

Considerations

Unpredictable temperature swings require layered packing - you'll need both shorts for 23°C (73°F) afternoons and warm layers for 9°C (49°F) mornings
Brief but frequent rain showers - while only 18 mm (0.7 inches) total, rain occurs on 10 days and typically hits during prime sightseeing hours (2-4 PM)
Air quality deteriorates mid-month - thermal inversions trap pollution more frequently in November, occasionally reaching unhealthy levels for sensitive individuals

Best Activities in November

Teotihuacán Archaeological Zone Early Morning Tours

November's cool mornings (9-12°C/49-54°F) make the 65-meter (213-foot) Pyramid of the Sun climb comfortable before afternoon heat. Clear November skies provide exceptional views across the 83-square-kilometer (32-square-mile) site. Post-Day of the Dead crowds dissipate, giving you space for photography without tour group congestion.

Booking Tip: Book sunrise tours departing CDMX at 6 AM through licensed operators - typically 1,200-1,800 pesos including transport and guide. Reserve 7-10 days ahead as November is peak climbing season. Look for tours including Tlatelolco stop for cultural context.

Xochimilco Trajinera Floating Garden Tours

November is peak cempasúchil (marigold) blooming season in the chinampas - these traditional floating gardens display vibrant orange carpets impossible to see other months. Comfortable 15-20°C (59-68°F) afternoon temperatures make the 2-3 hour boat rides pleasant. Weekend trajinera traffic decreases significantly after Day of the Dead celebrations end.

Booking Tip: Traditional trajineras cost 350-500 pesos per hour for up to 20 people. Book weekday afternoon slots (1-4 PM) through embarcadero operators for best flower viewing and fewer crowds. Avoid Saturday/Sunday when local families dominate waterways.

Centro Histórico Walking Food Tours

November's moderate temperatures make 3-4 hour walking food tours comfortable - summer heat no longer wilts ingredients at street stalls. This is peak season for seasonal specialties like chiles en nogada (available until mid-November) and fresh tejocotes appearing at markets. Reduced humidity keeps outdoor seating areas at taquerías operational all day.

Booking Tip: Group food tours typically cost 800-1,200 pesos per person including 6-8 tastings. Book through certified guides who focus on family-run establishments in neighborhoods like Doctores or Roma Norte. Reserve 5-7 days ahead as November is popular for food tourism.

Chapultepec Park and Castle Exploration

November offers ideal conditions for exploring the 686-hectare (1,695-acre) park - cool mornings for the uphill walk to Chapultepec Castle, warm afternoons for lakeside picnics. The 2.3 km (1.4 mile) main circuit becomes pleasant with 15-18°C (59-64°F) temperatures. Autumn light provides excellent photography conditions for the castle's panoramic city views.

Booking Tip: Castle entry is 85 pesos; guided tours cost 200-350 pesos additional. Book weekend castle tours online 3-5 days ahead to avoid 1-hour entry queues. Tuesday closures affect planning - verify current schedules. Combine with nearby Anthropology Museum for full-day cultural immersion.

Coyoacán and Frida Kahlo Museum District Tours

November's comfortable walking weather makes the 1.5 km (0.9 mile) Coyoacán historic center loop enjoyable for hours. Casa Azul gardens showcase autumn plantings Frida cultivated specifically for November blooms. Reduced tourist crowds post-Day of the Dead mean better access to smaller museums like Casa Leon Trotsky and Anahuacalli.

Booking Tip: Frida Kahlo Museum tickets cost 250 pesos and sell out weeks ahead - book online immediately. Combined neighborhood walking tours cost 400-600 pesos and include 3-4 house museums. Tuesday museum closures require careful itinerary planning.

Mercado Medellín International Food Market Tours

November brings peak season for imported South American fruits and traditional Mexican winter produce like tejocotes and guayabas. The covered market provides shelter during afternoon rain showers while maintaining the authentic local shopping experience. Cooler temperatures mean vendors can display temperature-sensitive items like artisanal cheeses throughout the day.

Booking Tip: Self-guided market exploration is free; guided tastings cost 300-500 pesos per person. Visit Tuesday-Thursday 10 AM-2 PM for freshest selections and vendor interaction. Bring cash - most stalls don't accept cards. Allow 2-3 hours for comprehensive tasting.

November Events & Festivals

Mid November

Festival Internacional de Cine de Morelia Extension in CDMX

Select screenings and filmmaker events extend to Mexico City venues like Cineteca Nacional in mid-November. Features Latin American cinema premieres and director Q&As with English subtitles available for major screenings.

Late November

Autumn Book Fair at Zócalo

Annual outdoor book market transforms the main square with 200+ vendor stalls featuring Mexican publishers, independent authors, and rare book dealers. Evening author readings occur under string lights with food vendors surrounding the plaza.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight merino wool base layer - essential for 14°C (25°F) morning-to-afternoon temperature swings that make cotton uncomfortable

Packable rain jacket with hood - November's 10 rainy days feature brief but intense downpours during 2-4 PM peak sightseeing hours

SPF 50+ sunscreen in stick form - UV index reaches 8 at 2,240m (7,350 ft) altitude, stronger than sea-level destinations

Comfortable walking shoes with ankle support - cobblestone streets in Centro Histórico become slippery when wet, which happens frequently

Portable phone charger/power bank - cold morning temperatures drain batteries 30-40% faster than summer conditions

Layerable cardigan or zip-up hoodie - perfect for 15-20°C (59-68°F) indoor temperatures in museums and restaurants

Compact umbrella under 200g (7 oz) - essential for sudden afternoon showers that can last 30-45 minutes

Breathable cotton or linen shirts - avoid polyester in 70% humidity conditions that make synthetic fabrics uncomfortable

Light scarf or neck warmer - useful for early morning Teotihuacán tours when temperatures start at 9°C (49°F)

Insect repellent with DEET - November's humidity increases mosquito activity in parks like Chapultepec and Xochimilco

Insider Knowledge

November mornings are peak traffic times for tourists - start major attractions like Anthropology Museum at 9 AM opening to avoid 11 AM-1 PM tour bus crowds that arrive after hotel breakfast service

Local families use November weekends for quinceañera photoshoots at Chapultepec Castle and Bellas Artes - weekday visits provide dramatically better photo opportunities at iconic spots

Afternoon rain showers follow predictable patterns - seek shelter in covered markets like Mercado San Juan or major museums around 2 PM when clouds typically build up

November is cuando los chilangos (Mexico City locals) return to rooftop dining - make reservations at terrace restaurants like those in Roma Norte for the best seasonal atmosphere

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only summer clothes - November mornings at 9°C (49°F) catch visitors off-guard who expect consistent warmth based on afternoon temperatures

Scheduling outdoor activities from 2-4 PM - this window sees the most frequent rain showers and should be reserved for museums or covered markets

Booking Day of the Dead tours after November 5th - authentic altar displays and cemetery celebrations end by November 3rd, leaving only tourist-focused recreations