Mexico City In September: Weather & Travel Tips

Some people will tell you not to visit Mexico City in September as it’s not the best time to visit Mexico City since it is the rainiest month of the year. However, as part-time residents of Mexico City, we would argue that there are lots of benefits to visiting CDMX in September.

That’s why we wrote this article so you’ll know what to expect on a September trip to the capital. We include accurate weather information, the pros and cons of an Autumn visit, what essentials to pack plus our tried and tested tips on things to do on a rainy day. 

Our in-depth local experience will help you plan a perfect trip to Mexico City – no matter what time of year you choose to visit. 

Is It Worth Visiting Mexico City In September? Our Opinion

If you want culture, quieter attractions, less crowded museums, plus affordable prices, we think it’s worth visiting Mexico City in September – as long as you come prepared for the weather. 

If you want to sunbathe on your vacation, CDMX in September is not for you. But, as most people visit CDMX for its culture, not its rays, this won’t be a problem for the majority of tourists! 

As long as you’re prepared for the rain showers, you can enjoy Mexico City at a calmer, cheaper time of year. Plus, the rain helps improve the air quality which is a big bonus if you suffer from respiratory issues and have been reluctant to visit CDMX because of air pollution.  

Pros & Cons Of Visiting In September

Before you book your perfect trip, it’s important to be aware of the pros and cons of a September vacation in CDMX. 

Pros Of Visiting Mexico City In September:

✅ Fewer crowds. As most tourists tend to chase the sun (particularly those from cooler European countries), the cooler, wetter weather in September puts many people off visiting Mexico City at this time of year. If you visit in September, you’ll enjoy fewer crowds at attractions, quieter public transport, small or non-existent queues and less waiting time in restaurants and bars. 

✅ Travel bargains. Fewer visitors means that accommodation providers have to slash their prices in order to attract visitors. September is a great time to find good discounts and hotel deals ranging from 5 star hotels through to low budget lodgings. It’s also an ideal time for anyone looking for a long term stay in the city. 

✅ Mild temperatures. Peak temperatures from March to June can get uncomfortably hot for sightseeing, but the cooler Mexico City temperature in September is much more pleasant for long days when exploring everything that the capital has to offer.

Cons Of Visiting CDMX In September:

⚠️ September is wet. In fact, it’s the wettest month of the year in Mexico City. However, it’s important to know that you won’t get rain all day every day. Instead, you should expect heavy but short downpours in the afternoons or evenings on 2 out of 3 days. Locals like us find that it’s easy to avoid the rain by carefully timing a museum visit, shopping trip or dinner to avoid the worst of the downpours. 

⚠️ There are fewer festivals and events. Due to the wet weather – and the lack of visitors – there are fewer festivals, events or fiestas in September. 

⚠️ Humidity levels. September experiences the highest humidity levels of the year (though, in our experience, CDMX in September doesn’t feel as uncomfortably humid as the coastal areas that tourists flock to). You can combat the humidity by wearing appropriate clothing, planning your day to avoid rushing around and drinking plenty of fluid. Seek out air conditioning in restaurants and attractions, and it’ll become your best friend! 

Mexico City Weather In September

If you’re wondering what Mexico City weather in September is like, the answer is mixed. 

September isn’t the sunniest or hottest month of the year in Mexico City, but it is only a few degrees below the peak temperatures of April and May. Those few degrees mean the weather is cooler but still warm. 

September has the lowest amount of sunshine hours per month, but it still averages a respectable – and comfortable – 150 hours of sunshine.

☀️ Temperature In Mexico City In September

As you can see, the average temperature in September is 12 to 24 degrees Celsius (54 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit). The daytime weather is mild to warm and is followed by cooler nights. In our experience, these are perfect temperatures for sightseeing in Mexico City. 

☔ Rainfall

As this graph shows, there’s no getting around the fact that CDMX in September is wet. 

However, when you look at the number of rainy days during each month, the numbers are much closer. This means that you’ll experience a similar number of rainy days in September than you would in June, July and August but the rain showers you get in September are likely to be heavier or more prolonged. 

In our experience of living in CMDX in September, it doesn’t rain all day every day. We tend to get short, sharp afternoon or evening showers. Sometimes, the timings of the rain showers are so predictable you could set your watch on them. This makes it easy for visitors to plan their day around the rain.

Just make sure you check the weather forecast before setting out for the day and use it to plan your day’s activities. 

🥵 Humidity

Again, there’s no hiding that September in Mexico City is humid; it often sees peak humidity levels for the year. 

Plan for the humidity by wearing appropriate clothing, pacing your sightseeing, drinking plenty of water and make sure you book accommodation with air-conditioning. 

4 Best Things To Do In Mexico City In September

📍Dine At Pujol

For the ultimate splurge in CDMX, make a reservation to dine at Pujol. Founded by chef Enrique Olvera in 2000, the restaurant features in the top 10 of The World’s Top 50 Restaurants list and was voted Best Restaurant in North America in 2021. 

You can choose between a seven-course tasting menu or an Omakase dining experience. Both are pricey compared to usual CDMX prices but are a fraction of the price of other similarly ranked restaurants in other global destinations. 

The food is simply out of this world. Options include snail ceviche served with purée of parsnip and heart of palm juice and a mole madre aged for nearly 3000 days! The changing seasonal menu features locally sourced products with new twists on traditional Mexican cuisine. 

This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience (and not just for foodies), but it must be pre-booked well in advance of your visit. 

📍Take A Taco Tour

We guarantee that if you take a taco tour, you will never look at the humble taco in the same light again. 

Tacos are a Mexican staple dish but are so much more than the bland varieties you get abroad. Try the delicious taco al pastor filled with roast pork or the hot and filling tacos de guisados, which are filled with beef or sausage stews. 

Of course, you can try tacos wherever you see them in Mexico City, but an organized tour will bring you to the best taco vendors and teach you about the taco’s place in Mexican culture and history. Some tours even allow you the chance to make your own tasty taco. 

📍Anthropology Museum

If you’re wondering what to do in Mexico City in September when it rains, we recommend visiting the awesome National Museum of Anthropology in Chapultepec Park. It’s the largest museum in Mexico, and you can easily spend a whole day there for the small 90 pesos entry fee. We have visited countless times, and there is always something new to see. 

The museum is home to an extensive collection of pre-Hispanic artefacts covering thousands of years of Mesoamerican culture. You can see the famous Aztec Stone of the Sun, huge Olmec heads, Zapotec jade masks, and reproductions of Mayan tombs and sites.

If you’re planning to visit ancient Mayan sites around Mexico (including Teotihuacan) or embark on a Mexico road trip, this museum is a must-visit. It’ll help you understand more about the sites you will visit. 

📍Lucha Libre Show

We recommend attending a Lucha Libre show at any time of year when you visit CDMX. It’s a unique and raucously fun slice of modern Mexican culture and a perfect way to spend a rainy evening in the capital. We think it’s one of the best things to do in Mexico City in September. 

This colourful and entertaining style of wrestling dates back to the 1800s and is famous for its acrobatic, high-flying moves, masked fighters and elaborate costumes. 

You can attend Arena México, the largest Lucha Libre arena in Mexico seating 13,700 fans, or the more intimate Arena Coliseo. You can organise a visit yourselves but to get the most out of your trip, we recommend joining an organised tour. It will save time and hassle, and your guide can explain what is happening and why at each stage of the event.

Fights usually take place on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 7.30 pm or 8.30 pm and on Sundays at a family friendly 5 pm. 

What To Wear In Mexico City In September

The weather in Mexico City in September can be wet and humid but Mexico City September weather is still pleasantly warm and much cooler for sightseeing than the soaring temperatures of April and May. You’ll need to pack for all weather.

But, as the saying goes, there’s no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing. So, if you’re wondering what to wear in CDMX in September, these are our tried and tested top recommendations. 

✅ Wear light, quick drying clothing. September daytime temperatures are warm but humidity levels can make you feel hot and sticky if you’re outside. To counteract this, wear loose fitting skirts, T-shirts, shorts or dresses, ideally made from cotton or linen. These fabrics are cool to wear and allow your skin to sweat but also dry quickly should you get caught in a rain shower.

✅ Long trousers and a jumper. It’s possible for evening temperatures in September to dip down to a 12 degrees (54 degrees Fahrenheit) which is a significant drop from the daytime temperature. We recommend packing at least one pair of long trousers and one warm jumper or jacket, especially if you plan on going out at night. 

✅ A Waterproof Jacket. It’s inevitable that at some point during your September visit, you’ll get caught in an afternoon or evening rain shower. We always bring a lightweight, quick drying raincoat or poncho out when we go out, just in case. 

✅ Closed Toe Shoe We don’t know about you but we hate getting our feet wet, especially when sightseeing. Alongside your flip flops or sandals, pack a least one pair of closed toe shoes, especially if you plan on going out in the evening. Even better, find a walking shoe or sneaker which is waterproof. 

Events In Mexico City In September

The main event in CDMX in September is Independence Day (Gritos de Dolores) on September 16th. 

This nationwide festival marks the start of the 1810 revolt against Spanish rule, which eventually led to independence from Spain in 1821.

It starts on the eve of September 15th when thousands fill the Zócalo to hear the President issue the ‘Cry of Dolores’ from the Palacio National balcony. This is followed by the national anthem and a fireworks display.

Daytime September 16th celebrations include a parade from the Zócalo along Paseo de la Reforma, as well as music performances, outdoor dancing and green, white and red-coloured food. You’ll see lots of people in national costumes or wearing the colours of the flag. 

Best of all, all events are free to attend.  

When Is It Rainy Season In Mexico City?

The rainy season in CDMX runs from mid-May until mid-October. The weather in Mexico City in September is particularly wet, and, on average, you’ll experience a rain shower on 20 days of the month. 

Looking on the positive side, this means every third day of your visit may be dry and sunny! Plus, in our experience, the ‘rainy days’ do not mean it rains all day every day. The skies quickly clear after a short shower.

Just remember to pack a waterproof jacket in your daypack and, if you’ve got room, a small umbrella. 

What To Do In Mexico City When It Rains?

Don’t worry about a rain shower in September spoiling your trip, as there are loads of indoor attractions to visit. Whether you want history, culture or pure relaxation, there’s a rainy day activity in CDMX to suit everyone. 

These are some of the things we like to do when it rains in our hometown. 

📍Visit one of the cool rooftop bars in Mexico City

A rooftop bar might not immediately spring to mind as something to do on a wet day, but as many of our favourite hangouts have a roof or a retractable roof, you can stay dry whilst sipping your cocktail and admiring the city views. 

We think gazing out over the newly washed rooftops of CDMX is an atmospheric way to pass the time during a rain shower. Plus, it’s a great place to meet locals who pop in to get out of the rain. 

Our favourite rooftop bars in CDMX include the stylish Cityzen in the 5-star Sofitel, which has incredible views of Paseo de la Reforma, Angel of Independence and Chapultepec Castle. It also serves lunch and dinner, and kids are allowed to stay until 6 pm.

Alternatively try the Carlotta Reforma on the 38th floor of the Ritz-Carlton or, for a view of the Zocalo, we think La Casa de Las Sirenas has the best vantage point. This restaurant and bar dates back to 1754 and boasts over 200 drinks of Mexican origin! 

If you like to party in the rain, head to Balmori (which boasts a retractable roof and a DJ), Skybar Condesa or Supra Roma. Supra Roma is great for vegetarians as 50% of its menu is plant-based. It also boasts a 360-degree view of Mexico City. 

📍Visit one of the fantastic museums in Mexico City

Whatever you’re interested in, there’s a museum in Mexico City for you.

If you’re an art lover, visit the Frida Kahlo Museum, the Jumex Museum (our personal favourite), the Museum of Modern Art or the impressive Diego Rivera Mural Museum. 

Alternatively, learn about Mexico’s past at the National History Museum or the Anthropological Museum.

Foodies should head to MUCHO Chocolate Museum whilst culture lovers should visit the Folk Art Museum (Museo de Arte Popular). If you’ve got kids in tow, the interactive Papalote Museo Del Nino is a must visit on a rainy day. 

Of course, no visit to Mexico City would be complete without a trip to the Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes), which houses some of the best murals in the city, including famous works by Deigo Rivera and José Clemente Orozco. 

You’ll find museums in Mexico City are low – cost and some are free or offer free entry on Sundays. 

📍Eat at Mercado Roma

This lively public market in Colonia Roma Norte is a must-visit for foodies.

It’s a massive undercover gourmet food hall and a great place to taste a range of locally produced artisanal products. It’s one of our favourite hangouts. 

Try a pozole (a soupy stew made with meat and topped with shredded lettuce or cabbage), a range of tacos and some Que Bo! Chocolates. Sample a beer from Robles Brewery or a glass of wine from Cava Roma, and don’t miss the delicious churros from Xurreria Roma. 

There are long communal tables for dining so it’s a good spot to meet fellow foodies, both local and travelers. 

The ground floor patio opens from 9 am whilst the upper floor restaurants and bars stay open until 2 am (or later on busy weekends). We guarantee you will plan a return trip as there are too many delectable foods to try in one rainy day visit! 

What Is The Best Time To Visit Mexico City?

This depends on what you want to get out of your visit. 

If you want cooler temperatures, lower prices and quiet attractions, we recommend visiting Mexico City in September or in July. 

If you want to immerse yourself in the cultural festivals that Mexico City is famous for, you’ll need to visit during peak season (March to May) or at the end of October/ start of November for the infamous Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).

One of our favorite months to be in CDMX is March as that’s when the stunning purple jacaranda trees are in full bloom. But the blossoms bring the crowds and, therefore, higher prices.  

What Is The Worst Time To Visit CDMX?

As passionate residents of CDMX, we think there isn’t a bad time to visit our city. Each month offers something different. 

The wet and humid Mexico City weather in September does put people off visiting, but we think it’s also easy to combat the weather, and the benefits of visiting in September outweigh the drawbacks. 

For complete transparency, it’s important to note that September is also hurricane season in Mexico, and occasionally, consistent heavy rain can cause disruption to roads and public transport. But in our experience, this is only an issue if you are planning on leaving the city to visit other locations. 

Mexico City In September: The Wrap-Up

We hope this article has shown you that whilst visiting Mexico City in September is not straightforward, the few negatives are outweighed by the positives. 

Whenever you visit, we guarantee you’ll fall in love with CDMX, just like we did.