Things to Do in Mexico City in October

October Weather in Mexico City

23°C (74°F) High Temp

12°C (53°F) Low Temp

71 mm (2.8 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is October Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect Día de Muertos season - October 28-November 2 transforms the city with elaborate altars, markets selling cempasúchil flowers, and neighborhood processions that tourists rarely see
Crisp mornings (12°C/53°F) ideal for walking Chapultepec Park's 686 hectares (1,695 acres) before afternoon warmth hits 23°C (74°F)
Rainy season ends mid-October - only 10 rain days total, mostly brief 20-30 minute afternoon showers that clear quickly
Post-Independence Day crowds thin out but weather remains excellent - hotel rates drop 20-30% from September peaks while maintaining ideal touring conditions

Considerations

Air quality deteriorates in late October as thermal inversion traps pollution - AQI often exceeds 150, making outdoor activities challenging for sensitive individuals
Día de Muertos popularity means cemetery tours and traditional events get overcrowded October 28-31 - book cultural experiences 3-4 weeks ahead
Unpredictable afternoon thunderstorms can disrupt outdoor markets and rooftop dining - always carry a compact umbrella after 2pm

Best Activities in October

Historic Center Walking Tours

October's cool mornings (12°C/53°F) make the 4-5 hour walks through Zócalo, Templo Mayor, and surrounding colonial streets comfortable before afternoon heat. The UNESCO World Heritage site spans 9.1 square km (3.5 square miles) and is best explored when crowds are lighter post-Independence season.

Booking Tip: Book morning tours (8am-12pm) to avoid afternoon humidity spikes. Tours typically cost 800-1,500 pesos ($45-85) and should include Templo Mayor archaeological site. Book 7-10 days ahead through certified guides. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Xochimilco Trajinera Tours

October's moderate temperatures and reduced rainfall make floating through the ancient canal system ideal. The 170 km (106 mile) waterway system is most enjoyable when it's not scorching hot or heavily raining. Mariachi boats and floating food vendors are most active on weekends.

Booking Tip: Weekend tours cost 400-600 pesos ($22-34) per trajinera (holds 8-10 people). Weekday rates drop to 300-450 pesos ($17-25). Book through official cooperatives at designated docks. See current options in the booking section below.

Teotihuacán Pyramid Tours

Cool October mornings allow comfortable climbing of Pyramid of the Sun (65m/213ft high) before UV index peaks at 8 around noon. The 25 sq km (9.7 sq mile) archaeological site requires significant walking on uneven terrain - October's weather makes this manageable.

Booking Tip: Start tours by 7am to avoid crowds and heat. Full-day tours cost 1,200-2,200 pesos ($67-123) including transport from CDMX (50km/31 miles each way). Book with transportation included as public transit takes 2+ hours. See current tours in the booking section below.

Chapultepec Castle and Park Exploration

October's perfect weather showcases Mexico's largest city park (686 hectares/1,695 acres) at its best. The castle sits 2,325m (7,628ft) above sea level with panoramic city views. Cool mornings make the uphill walk to Castillo de Chapultepec comfortable, while afternoon warmth is perfect for lakeside strolls.

Booking Tip: Castle entry costs 85 pesos ($4.75) - buy tickets online to skip lines. Guided tours cost 300-600 pesos ($17-34). Visit Tuesday-Sunday (closed Mondays). Combine with nearby Anthropology Museum for full day. See current guided options in the booking section below.

Roma Norte and Condesa Neighborhood Food Tours

October's pleasant evenings (staying around 18°C/64°F until 10pm) are perfect for progressive dining tours through these trendy neighborhoods. The 2-3 km (1.2-1.9 mile) walking routes between restaurants are comfortable in October's moderate temperatures.

Booking Tip: Evening food tours cost 1,500-2,800 pesos ($84-157) and typically last 3-4 hours. Book tours starting 6-7pm to avoid afternoon heat. Weekend tours book up fastest - reserve 10-14 days ahead. See current culinary tours in the booking section below.

Day of the Dead Market and Workshop Tours

October is preparation season for Día de Muertos - markets overflow with cempasúchil (marigold) flowers, sugar skulls, and papel picado. Workshops teaching altar-making and traditional crafts run throughout October, culminating in the October 31-November 2 celebrations.

Booking Tip: Cultural workshops cost 600-1,200 pesos ($34-67). Market tours cost 400-800 pesos ($22-45). Book Day of the Dead experiences 3-4 weeks ahead as this is peak cultural tourism season. Morning tours avoid afternoon crowds. See current cultural experiences in the booking section below.

October Events & Festivals

All of October, intensifying October 28-31

Día de Muertos Preparations and Markets

Throughout October, markets transform with cempasúchil flower vendors, sugar skull artisans, and families shopping for altar supplies. The real cultural experience happens in neighborhood markets like Mercado de Sonora and Mercado Medellín, not tourist areas.

Mid to Late October

Festival Internacional Cervantino Satellite Events

While the main festival occurs in Guanajuato, Mexico City hosts satellite performances throughout October at venues like Palacio de Bellas Artes and Centro Cultural Universitario. International theater, music, and dance performances run most weekends.

October 31

Noche de Altares

The night of October 31, neighborhoods across CDMX create elaborate Day of the Dead altars in public spaces. Coyoacán, San Ángel, and Mixquic offer the most authentic experiences with processions, traditional foods, and family celebrations.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight merino wool or cotton layers - October mornings start at 12°C (53°F) but reach 23°C (74°F) by afternoon

Compact umbrella or packable rain jacket - afternoon showers last 20-30 minutes on 10 days of the month

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - Mexico City's uneven sidewalks and occasional wet surfaces from rain require sturdy soles

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 at 2,240m (7,349ft) elevation, making sun exposure intense even on cloudy days

Small daypack or crossbody bag - for carrying layers as temperature fluctuates 11°C (20°F) throughout the day

Portable water bottle - October's 70% humidity and walking-intensive sightseeing requires constant hydration

Light scarf or shawl - for air-conditioned museums, restaurants, and cool morning starts

Comfortable pants or long skirts - many churches and cultural sites require covered legs, plus protection from UV

Breathable cotton or linen shirts - avoid polyester in 70% humidity conditions

Warm layer for evenings - temperatures drop to 15°C (59°F) after sunset, especially in outdoor restaurants

Insider Knowledge

October is altar-shopping season - visit Mercado de Sonora or Mercado Medellín mid-month when vendors stock up on Day of the Dead supplies at wholesale prices before tourist markup

Rainy afternoons (typically 2-4pm) are perfect for museum hopping - Mexicans know this so book timed entries for Frida Kahlo Museum and National Anthropology Museum for rainy day backup

Air quality worsens late October due to seasonal weather patterns - download the AIRE app to monitor daily AQI and plan outdoor activities on green days (AQI under 100)

Metro Line 12 and suburban train services often run delays in October due to infrastructure maintenance before holiday season - build 30-45 extra minutes into travel times for day trips

Avoid These Mistakes

Underdressing for morning museum visits - many tourists pack only for afternoon 23°C (74°F) highs and freeze in 12°C (53°F) morning temperatures

Booking Day of the Dead tours too late - authentic cemetery visits and cultural workshops fill up 3-4 weeks ahead, leaving only overpriced tourist versions

Ignoring air quality alerts - October pollution can trigger respiratory issues, but many visitors don't check daily AQI before planning outdoor activities