Things to Do in Mexico City in September

September Weather in Mexico City

23°C (74°F) High Temp

13°C (55°F) Low Temp

157 mm (6.2 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is September Right for You?

Advantages

Peak rainy season creates dramatic afternoon thunderstorms (4-6pm) that clear for stunning sunsets - perfect for photography at Chapultepec Castle
Green season transforms the city - Xochimilco canals are lush, air quality improves 30-40% from summer dust, and parks like Alameda Central are at their most beautiful
Independence Day celebrations September 15-16 offer authentic cultural experiences with El Grito ceremony, street festivals, and traditional pozole verde made with seasonal corn
Moderate temperatures 13-23°C (55-74°F) mean comfortable walking during morning and evening hours when most attractions have shorter lines

Considerations

Daily afternoon thunderstorms 60% of days can disrupt outdoor plans between 3-6pm, requiring indoor backup activities
Independence Day weekend (September 15-16) brings massive crowds to Centro Histórico - hotel prices increase 40-60% and many restaurants require reservations
High humidity 70% makes metro stations uncomfortable during rush hours (7-9am, 6-8pm) - plan museum visits during these times instead

Best Activities in September

Teotihuacán Pyramid Tours

September's cooler mornings and reduced crowds make this the ideal month for climbing the Pyramid of the Sun. Start at 8am to avoid afternoon storms and intense UV. The rainy season has cleared dust from the ancient stones, making photography exceptional. Morning temperatures around 16°C (61°F) are perfect for the 1.5 km (0.9 mile) walk through the complex.

Booking Tip: Book sunrise tours 7-10 days ahead for best prices (typically $45-65 USD including transport). Look for operators offering covered transport due to afternoon storms. Reference booking section below for current tour options with licensed guides.

Xochimilco Trajinera Boat Tours

The canals are at their most beautiful in September - chinampas (floating gardens) are lush green, and afternoon rains create a mystical atmosphere. Traditional mariachi boats still operate despite brief showers. The season brings cheaper weekday rates and authentic local atmosphere as tourists avoid the rainy season.

Booking Tip: Visit weekday mornings (9am-1pm) before storms hit. Private trajineras cost 400-600 pesos for 1 hour, shared boats 150-250 pesos per person. Book through official operators at the main dock to avoid overcharging.

Indoor Market Food Tours

September brings seasonal ingredients - fresh corn for esquites, green tomatoes for salsa verde, and chiles en nogada (only available August-October). Indoor markets like Mercado de San Juan offer perfect rainy day activities. Locals do their major shopping during storms, creating authentic cultural experiences.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost $35-55 USD for 3-4 hours. Book morning tours (9am start) to experience peak market activity before afternoon closures. Look for tours including seasonal specialties like chiles en nogada.

Museum Circuit Walking Tours

Museo Nacional de Antropología, Bellas Artes, and Frida Kahlo Museum are perfect September activities. Indoor climate control provides relief from humidity, and rainy afternoons mean shorter lines at major attractions. The city's 150+ museums offer endless rainy day options within walking distance of metro stations.

Booking Tip: Museum passes cost 200-400 pesos per venue. Skip-the-line tours run $25-45 USD. Book afternoon slots (2-5pm) when rain drives crowds indoors but lines move faster. Many museums offer free Sundays for Mexican residents - expect crowds.

Chapultepec Park Cultural Activities

The 686-hectare (1,695-acre) park is spectacular in September - lakes are full, trees are green, and morning temperatures around 18°C (64°F) make the 2 km (1.2 mile) walk to Chapultepec Castle comfortable. Afternoon storms create dramatic photo opportunities from the castle's 2,240 m (7,349 ft) elevation.

Booking Tip: Castle admission 85 pesos, free Sundays for Mexican residents. Arrive by 10am to avoid afternoon storms and crowds. Combo tickets including zoo and anthropology museum available for 300-450 pesos. Book guided castle tours through official channels.

Traditional Cantina and Mezcal Experiences

September's cool evenings are perfect for exploring historic cantinas in Roma Norte and Coyoacán. Rainy season brings cozy atmosphere to traditional bars, and Independence Day celebrations mean special mezcal tastings and traditional music. Evening temperatures around 18°C (64°F) make neighborhood walking tours comfortable.

Booking Tip: Mezcal tours cost $40-70 USD for 3-4 hours including 6-8 tastings. Book evening tours starting 6pm after afternoon storms clear. Look for tours including traditional cantinas over tourist bars. Transportation usually included due to spread-out locations.

September Events & Festivals

September 15-16

Mexican Independence Day Celebrations

September 15-16 features El Grito ceremony at Zócalo with 100,000+ attendees, fireworks, and street festivals throughout the city. Traditional foods like chiles en nogada and pozole verde are served everywhere. The celebration runs from 6pm September 15 through September 16 with parades and cultural events.

Late September

Noche de Museos

Last Wednesday of September features extended museum hours until 10pm with special exhibitions and cultural activities. Over 100 venues participate with free or reduced admission. Perfect rainy day backup plan with indoor cultural activities across the city.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Compact umbrella - afternoon storms hit suddenly and last 30-45 minutes with heavy downpours

Lightweight waterproof jacket - temperatures drop 8-10°C (14-18°F) during storms

Comfortable waterproof walking shoes - cobblestone streets in Centro Histórico become slippery when wet

Layers for temperature swings - mornings start at 13°C (55°F), afternoons reach 23°C (74°F)

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index 8 at 2,240 m (7,349 ft) altitude burns skin quickly despite clouds

Quick-dry clothing - 70% humidity makes cotton take hours to dry in hotel rooms

Portable phone charger - using GPS and translation apps drains batteries faster in humid weather

Small daypack with rain cover - protects electronics and documents during sudden downpours

Cash in small bills - street vendors and markets don't make change during busy storm periods

Altitude sickness medication - September's variable pressure from storms can worsen symptoms at 2,240 m (7,349 ft) elevation

Insider Knowledge

Time outdoor activities 9am-2pm and 6pm-8pm to avoid daily storm window. Locals call this 'horario de lluvia' (rain schedule) and plan accordingly

Independence Day weekend hotel prices spike 40-60% - book by July or stay in neighborhoods like Condesa/Roma instead of Centro Histórico for better rates

Metro Line 1 floods during heavy storms causing 30-60 minute delays. Use Metrobús or Uber during afternoon rain hours instead

Seasonal chiles en nogada only available August-October at upscale restaurants for 300-500 pesos - order at places like Pujol or San Ángel Inn for authentic preparation

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor activities 3-6pm when 60% of September days have thunderstorms - book indoor alternatives during this window

Underestimating Independence Day crowds - September 15-16 sees 2-3x normal crowds at Centro Histórico attractions and restaurants

Not carrying cash during storms - many card readers malfunction in high humidity and vendors go cash-only during weather events