Things to Do in Mexico City in October
October weather, activities, events & insider tips
October Weather in Mexico City
Is October Right for You?
Advantages
- Day of the Dead celebrations (late October through early November) transform the city into one massive cultural experience - altars in every neighborhood, special markets selling cempasúchil flowers and sugar skulls, and locals actually welcoming you to participate rather than just observe
- Post-rainy season means the city's parks and surrounding mountains are incredibly green, air quality is typically better than the dry months, and you get these dramatic afternoon cloud formations that make for spectacular photography around sunset
- Shoulder season pricing kicks in after Mexican Independence Day crowds leave - hotel rates drop 20-30% compared to September, flights from the US are cheaper mid-week, and you'll actually get tables at top restaurants without booking weeks ahead
- Weather sits in this perfect sweet spot where mornings are crisp enough for walking tours (15-18°C or 59-64°F), afternoons warm up nicely for outdoor markets, and evenings cool down just enough that sitting in rooftop bars feels comfortable rather than sweltering
Considerations
- Tail end of rainy season means you're still getting afternoon showers about every third day - they typically hit between 3pm and 6pm, last 30-45 minutes, and can completely flood street-level areas in neighborhoods like Roma and Condesa where drainage is questionable
- Day of the Dead week (October 28-November 2) drives prices back up and creates crowds at cemeteries and major celebration spots - if you're coming specifically for this, book accommodations at least 8 weeks ahead, but if you're trying to avoid crowds, the last week of October is actually the worst time
- Temperature swings of 11°C (20°F) between day and night catch first-timers off guard - you'll see tourists sweating in jackets at 2pm because they dressed for the 53°F morning, then freezing at outdoor dinner because they only packed t-shirts
Best Activities in October
Teotihuacan Pyramid Sunrise Visits
October mornings are cool enough (12-15°C or 53-59°F) that climbing the Pyramid of the Sun at sunrise actually feels pleasant rather than brutal. The rainy season has cleared the usual smog, so visibility from the top extends 40-50 km (25-31 miles) on clear days. Crowds are manageable on weekdays - you might share the Sun Pyramid with 30-40 people instead of the 200+ you'd see in December. The surrounding valley is still green from rains, which makes the 45-minute drive northeast visually interesting rather than the brown dustbowl you get March through May.
Centro Historico Walking Food Tours
October weather is ideal for the 3-4 hour walking food tours through the historic center - not too hot for eating heavy foods like tamales and carnitas, and afternoon showers usually hold off until 4pm so morning tours (9am-1pm) stay dry. This is peak season for seasonal ingredients like huitlacoche (corn fungus), fresh tejocotes, and the first batch of ponche (hot fruit punch) appearing at street stalls. The post-Independence Day lull means markets like Mercado San Juan and Mercado de la Merced are busy with locals but not overwhelmed with tour groups.
Xochimilco Trajinera Boat Tours
The canals are full from rainy season, water levels are high, and the chinampas (floating gardens) look actually impressive rather than the sad, dried-out versions you see in April. October weekends get the full party boat experience with mariachi bands floating between trajineras, but weekday afternoons (2pm-5pm) offer a mellower vibe. Temperature is perfect for being on the water - warm enough to enjoy it but not so hot that sitting in direct sun becomes miserable. You might catch some late-season flowers still blooming on the agricultural islands.
Coyoacan and Frida Kahlo Museum Visits
October's cooler mornings make walking around Coyoacan's cobblestone streets comfortable, and the jacaranda trees are starting their second bloom of the year. The neighborhood gets decorated for Day of the Dead starting mid-October, with elaborate altars in cafes and shops. Casa Azul (Frida Kahlo Museum) is less crowded on weekday mornings, though you still need advance tickets. The surrounding market and plaza area are perfect for afternoon wandering when temperatures peak at 23°C (74°F).
Lucha Libre Wrestling Nights
Arena Mexico hosts Friday night matches that are perfect for October evenings when you want indoor entertainment with local flavor. The arena gets packed with families, the energy is genuinely fun rather than touristy, and October doesn't conflict with any major holidays that would cancel regular programming. Evening timing (8:30pm starts) means you avoid any afternoon rain and the cool night air makes the walk to/from the arena pleasant despite the neighborhood being slightly sketchy.
Day of the Dead Cemetery and Market Experiences
If you're visiting the last week of October, the buildup to Day of the Dead offers incredible cultural access. Neighborhood markets sell supplies for home altars, workshops teach traditional papel picado cutting and sugar skull decorating, and some cemeteries open for overnight vigils October 31-November 1. Mixquic (90 minutes south) hosts one of the most authentic cemetery celebrations, while San Andres Mixquic offers a less crowded alternative. The weather cooperates - cool evenings around 12°C (53°F) make overnight cemetery visits comfortable with a jacket.
October Events & Festivals
Day of the Dead Preparations and Celebrations
While the main celebrations happen November 1-2, the entire last week of October sees the city transform with altar building, special markets opening (Mercado de Jamaica becomes a massive flower market), and neighborhoods hosting preparatory events. Many museums and cultural centers create elaborate altars open for viewing. October 28 onward, families begin decorating graves and some cemeteries allow visitors to observe. This is genuinely participatory culture - locals invite you to learn about their traditions rather than performing for tourists.
Festival Internacional Cervantino Spillover Events
While the main festival happens in Guanajuato, Mexico City hosts affiliated performances throughout October at venues like Palacio de Bellas Artes and Teatro de la Ciudad. International theater, dance, and music performances attract serious culture enthusiasts. Check the official Cervantino website for Mexico City programming - typically 8-12 events scattered through the month.