Things to Do in Mexico City in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
Shoulder Season · Good Value
November Weather in Mexico City
Temperature, rainfall and humidity at a glance
73°F (22°C)
High Temp
49°F (9°C)
Low Temp
0.7 inches (18 mm)
Rainfall
70%
Humidity
Is November Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
Advantages
- + November is peak dry season - those afternoon showers are gone, replaced with crystal-clear skies that make the volcanoes Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl visible from most rooftops in Condesa
- + Daytime temperatures hover at that perfect 73°F (23°C) sweet spot where you can walk Roma's tree-lined streets for hours without breaking a sweat, then slip into a sweater when the sun drops behind the western hills
- + Hotel rates are still in shoulder-season territory - you'll likely find availability at colonial mansions converted to boutique properties in Centro Histórico that require three-month advance bookings during December holidays
- + The city's legendary smog clears significantly this month - morning joggers use Chapultepec Park's 2,000 acres instead of gym treadmills, and outdoor terraces stay packed through sunset
Considerations
- − UV index hits 8 by mid-morning - even locals who've lived here decades get caught out, and that altitude of 2,240 m (7,350 ft) makes sunburns sneak up fast
- − Nights drop to 49°F (9°C) but most restaurants keep outdoor seating - you'll eat dinner shivering unless you reserved indoor tables, and taxis get scarce after 9 PM when everyone suddenly wants rides home
- − Daylight savings ended in October, so darkness falls by 6 PM - those perfect afternoon museum hops get cut short, and the golden hour for photography happens during rush hour traffic
Best Activities in November
Top things to do during your visit
Historic Center Walking Tours
November's clear skies and mild temperatures make the 3 km (1.9 mile) walk from the Zócalo to Alameda Park pleasant. The Aztec Templo Mayor ruins are visible from the street level viewing platforms without summer's haze, and you can linger at the Diego Rivera murals in the National Palace without the guides rushing you through.
Booking Tip: Book morning slots starting 9 AM - you'll finish before the midday crowds and have better light for photos of the Metropolitan Cathedral's baroque facade. Licensed guides typically meet at the Zócalo metro exit.
Xochimilco Trajinera Boat Rides
These colorful flat-bottom boats were built for November weather - the canals stay calm without summer's sudden storms, and the 2-hour float through the ancient Aztec chinampa system feels like time travel. Vendors in smaller boats sell corn smothered in mayonnaise, cheese and chili - the kind of snack that tastes better in cool air than summer heat.
Booking Tip: Arrive before 11 AM when mariachi bands are warming up but haven't yet filled every boat. The embarcadero at Nativitas tends to be less crowded than the main tourist docks.
Teotihuacan Pyramids Sunrise Tours
November mornings at 7 AM, when the sun hits the Pyramid of the Sun at a 45-degree angle, create that perfect golden glow Instagram dreams are made of. The 2,000-year-old site's elevation means temperatures start at 50°F (10°C) - bring layers you can peel off as you climb the 248 steps to the summit.
Booking Tip: Beat tour buses by booking the earliest access slots, typically departing Mexico City at 6 AM. The site opens 7 AM but tour companies with special permits get you in during that memorable first hour.
Roma-Condesa Food Market Tours
November's harvest brings wild mushrooms from Hidalgo state to Mercado Medellín, where the produce stands overflow with golden chanterelles that locals sauté with epazote. The covered markets stay warm when outdoor temperatures drop, and you can sample five different moles from Oaxaca without rushing - vendors have time to explain the 30-ingredient difference between negro and coloradito.
Booking Tip: Tuesday through Thursday markets are most active - vendors restock after weekend sales and you'll find the widest selection of seasonal ingredients. Most tours include 8-10 tastings over 3 hours.
Chapultepec Castle and Park Cycling
The 2,000-acre park's tree canopy turns amber and gold in November, creating a natural tunnel for the 5 km (3.1 mile) cycle path that connects nine museums. The castle itself sits 200 m (656 ft) above the city - on clear November afternoons you can spot the snow-capped volcanoes 70 km (43 miles) away from Maximillian's bedroom balcony.
Booking Tip: Sunday mornings before 10 AM, the city closes Paseo de la Reforma to cars - you can cycle the 15 km (9.3 miles) from Chapultepec to the Angel of Independence without stopping for traffic. Bike rentals available at park entrances.
Where to Stay in Mexico City in November
Hand-picked hotels across price tiers for November travellers.
★★★★★
Luxury
Las Alcobas, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Mexico City
From $609 / night
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November Events & Festivals
What's happening during your visit
Early November
Día de Muertos Altars
While November 1-2 marks the official celebration, families keep altars up through mid-month in Mixquic (southeast Mexico City). The church bells ring every hour, and the cemetery glows with thousands of marigolds and candles - it's the kind of scene that makes you understand why UNESCO recognized this tradition.
Mid November
Festival Internacional de Cine
Mexico City's film festival screens 400+ films from 50 countries, with outdoor screenings in the Zócalo that feel like drive-in movies without cars. Bring a blanket - those November nights get cold sitting on stone for three hours. But watching cinema classics projected on a 20-meter screen against the cathedral backdrop is pure magic.
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View Mexico City Packing List →Essential Tips
Insider knowledge and common pitfalls to avoid
Insider Knowledge
Locals eat lunch at 2 PM sharp - restaurants that cater to tourists serve until 4 PM, but the good places in Colonia Doctores close their kitchens at 3:30 PM. Show up hungry at 1:45 PM for the best selection.
The peso typically weakens against the dollar in November - exchange rates at the airport are terrible. But the casas de cambio on Francisco I. Madero street give rates within 1% of the official rate.
Uber works everywhere except the airport - use the authorized taxi stands with fixed zones. The ride to Centro Histórico should cost roughly the same as rideshare. But airport taxis won't get lost in the labyrinthine exit roads.
Street food vendors rotate by neighborhood - Tuesday and Friday you'll find the best tlacoyos (oval blue corn cakes stuffed with beans) outside Mercado San Juan, while Saturday mornings bring the carnitas specialist to Parque México
Avoid These Mistakes
Booking rooftop bars for sunset - with 6 PM darkness, you'll sit in cold shadows drinking overpriced cocktails. Locals meet for drinks at 7:30 PM when heaters come on and the city lights create the real view.
Wearing shorts and tank tops to expensive restaurants - Mexico City's November evenings require long pants and sleeves at places like Pujol and Quintonil. They won't turn you away, but you'll freeze on the patio.
Assuming museums close late - most shut 5 PM sharp in November, cutting short those afternoon cultural visits. The Anthropology Museum's Aztec hall alone needs 90 minutes minimum.
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