Mexico City feels downright magical in November. You get perfect weather, fewer crowds, and the city’s biggest cultural celebrations all at once. Honestly, I think November strikes the best balance—comfortable temps, deep-rooted traditions, and a vibe you just can’t find any other time.
November kicks off with Day of the Dead, and suddenly the whole city bursts with color, parades, and rituals that mean something. The weather? It hangs around 70°F, which makes it so much easier to wander the old neighborhoods or hit outdoor sites.
Hotel prices dip, tourists disappear, and suddenly you have more room to breathe and experience the city’s real pulse.
This month brings a unique mix of festivals, art events, and food fairs that just don’t show up at other times. You can climb ancient pyramids without melting in the heat, or join locals for ceremonies that reveal the heart of Mexican culture.
Let’s dive into why November turns Mexico City into a cultural paradise—and how you can make the most of every moment.
The Magic of November in Mexico City
Mexico City changes in November. Temperatures hover between 65 and 75°F, the tourist rush fades, and hotel rates drop by as much as 30%.
The rainy season wraps up in October, so everything feels fresh just as the city gears up for its most important holidays.
Perfect Weather and Atmosphere
November weather in Mexico City? Pretty close to ideal. Daytime highs settle around 72°F.
I love those crisp, sunny days—they’re perfect for getting lost in historic streets. Humidity drops off compared to the sticky summer months.
- Daytime temps: 65-75°F
- Low humidity
- Hardly any rain
- Blue, sunny skies
With weather like this, outdoor adventures just feel easier. Walking around Teotihuacán without breaking a sweat? Yes, please.
Evenings cool off, which is perfect for street food crawls or grabbing dinner outside.
Ideal Crowd Levels and Travel Costs
November shrinks the crowds. Attractions and restaurants feel less hectic.
Hotels slash prices by 20-30%. If you’re watching your wallet, this might be the best budget-friendly month to visit.
Cost Savings in November:
- Hotels: 20-30% cheaper
- Flights: Lower fares
- Restaurants: Easier to get a table
- Attractions: Shorter lines
With fewer people, museums and historic spots become way more enjoyable. Even the Frida Kahlo Museum feels accessible.
You can actually get into the city’s top restaurants without a weeks-long wait.
Transition from Rainy Season to Festivities
Rainy season ends in October, so November feels fresh and clean. Parks and gardens look extra vibrant from all that rain.
November also marks the start of the holiday season. Markets and street vendors roll out tamales and atole.
The city’s event calendar fills up fast. Art Week brings in international artists, and the Day of the Dead celebrations spill into early November.
Decorations and special events pop up everywhere. Every neighborhood seems to join in.
Day of the Dead: Mexico City’s Signature November Celebration
As November begins, Día de los Muertos takes over Mexico City. Parades fill Reforma Avenue, altars appear in every neighborhood, and families gather in cemeteries with marigolds and food to honor their loved ones.
Día de los Muertos Traditions Across the City
From October 31 to November 2, Mexico City explodes with color and scent. Marigolds and copal incense drift through the streets.
Neighborhoods set up intricate altars—public spaces, museums, and cultural centers all join in. Coyoacán always impresses with its displays, and the Palace of Fine Arts goes all out.
Best spots for altar viewing:
- Palace of Fine Arts
- Coyoacán squares
- Kaluz Museum courtyard
- Local markets and schools
Families welcome spirits back with flowers, music, and traditional food. November 1st honors children (Día de los Angelitos), and November 2nd remembers adults (Día de los Fieles Difuntos).
Markets overflow with pan de muerto, sugar skulls, and all sorts of ceremonial goodies. Vendors sell marigolds, candles, and papel picado for home altars.
International Day of the Dead Parade in the Historic Center
Every November, the official Day of the Dead parade draws thousands to the Historic Center. Floats, dancers, mariachi bands, and costumed revelers turn Reforma Avenue into a moving festival.
The parade starts at Puerta de los Leones in Chapultepec Park and winds down to the Zócalo. If you want a good view, show up at least 90 minutes early.
Parade highlights:
- Giant Catrina figures
- Traditional music and dance
- Floats celebrating life and death
- Street vendors with face painting and accessories
The Great Catrina Parade, a separate procession, moves from the Angel of Independence to the main square. Hundreds dress as Mexico’s iconic skeleton lady.
Artists line Reforma Avenue offering Day of the Dead makeup for 200-300 pesos. Flower crowns and accessories complete the look—why not join in?
All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day in the Zócalo
On November 1st and 2nd, the Zócalo becomes the heart of Day of the Dead. Cultural performances, live music, and huge altar displays fill the main square.
November 1st focuses on children, November 2nd on adults. Families gather to share food and take part in ceremonies.
Vendors around the Zócalo sell all kinds of traditional treats:
| Item | Price Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Pan de muerto | 15-50 pesos | Sweet bread with orange blossom |
| Sugar skulls | 20-100 pesos | Decorative candy skulls |
| Marigolds | 10-30 pesos | Bundles of cempasúchil flowers |
Music, dance, and stories fill the square well into the night. The energy is contagious.
Altars, Marigolds, and Symbolic Cuisine
Altars pop up everywhere, each one layered with meaning. Marigolds, candles, incense, photos, and favorite foods welcome spirits home.
Altar must-haves:
- Cempasúchil marigolds
- Candles and copal incense
- Pan de muerto and sugar skulls
- Photos and personal mementos
- Water and salt for cleansing
Markets fill with Day of the Dead foods. Pan de muerto, that soft, orange-scented bread, appears all over town.
Food stalls and restaurants serve mole, tamales, and hot chocolate. Sugar skulls, decorated in bright icing, make great gifts or altar offerings.
These foods connect families with the departed. People believe spirits come back to enjoy the essence of these offerings during the holiday.
Essential November Events and Festivals
November turns Mexico City into a festival hotspot. Revolution Day brings parades and national pride, art festivals light up galleries, and craft fairs put Mexico’s artisan traditions front and center.
Revolution Day Commemorations
November 20th is Revolution Day, a major national holiday. The official parade through the city center is worth seeing at least once.
The Zócalo hosts the main festivities. Military groups, folk dancers, and students march by as crowds cheer. Schools close, families gather, and the city feels extra patriotic.
Revolution Day highlights:
- Military parade at 10 AM
- Folk dances in big plazas
- Historical exhibits in museums
- Ceremonies at government buildings
Chapultepec Park usually adds its own events. Food vendors serve tamales and hot chocolate. The whole city buzzes with pride and celebration.
Art and Music Festivals
November is peak season for art in Mexico City. Palacio de Bellas Artes puts on special shows, and galleries all over town stay open late.
Music festivals range from classical to indie. Outdoor concerts pop up thanks to the great weather, and tickets are often cheaper than in high season.
Top November arts events:
- Contemporary art shows downtown
- Classical concerts at major theaters
- Street art festivals in Roma Norte
- Indie film screenings citywide
Museums sometimes offer free admission days in November. Cooler weather makes art hopping a breeze.
Textile and Artisan Fairs
Traditional craft fairs set up shop all over the city in November. Artisans bring in textiles, pottery, and handmade goods from every corner of Mexico.
The biggest fairs land in central neighborhoods and parks. I’ve noticed the quality is higher than in typical tourist markets—many artisans come straight from rural villages.
What you’ll find at November fairs:
- Oaxaca’s handwoven textiles
- Puebla’s Talavera pottery
- Silver jewelry from Taxco
- Embroidered clothes from Chiapas
Prices stay reasonable because locals shop here too. Artisans are usually happy to chat about their work, and many speak some English. Most fairs run on weekends and often feature music or food stalls.
Neighborhoods and Landmarks That Shine in November
Mexico City’s neighborhoods each bring something special in November. You’ll find everything from historic streets and floating gardens to sprawling parks.
Exploring Coyoacán’s Cultural Offerings
Coyoacán buzzes in November. Cobblestone streets fill with Day of the Dead altars and art events.
The Frida Kahlo Museum feels especially moving this time of year. Special altars and exhibits honor Mexican traditions, and the gardens overflow with marigolds.
Casa de León Trotsky gives guided tours about the revolutionary’s last years. November’s cool weather makes it easy to stroll between sites.
On weekends, the main square hosts craft markets. Street performers gather near the Parroquia de San Juan Bautista, whose colonial architecture is a real showstopper.
Local cafés serve up champurrado and hot chocolate. Don’t miss the tamales from street vendors—they’re a November staple.
Xochimilco: Canals, Legends, and Nightlife
Xochimilco’s floating gardens offer a one-of-a-kind November outing. Trajineras (colorful boats) glide along the canals, with mariachi bands playing nearby.
The Island of the Dolls gets extra spooky during Day of the Dead. Guides share eerie legends as you float past hanging dolls.
Floating markets sell seasonal flowers and snacks. Vendors paddle up to your boat with fresh fruit or elote. I always grab an agua fresca.
Evenings on the canals feel magical, especially in November’s mild weather. Special events and night tours bring a different energy.
Weekend festivals feature folk music and dancing. The chinampas (man-made islands) still use ancient farming techniques—pretty cool to see in action.
Chapultepec Park’s Natural and Artistic Attractions
Chapultepec Park turns into a cultural playground in November. Museums, gardens, and lakes all shine this time of year.
The National Museum of Anthropology goes big with Day of the Dead displays. I can spend hours exploring ancient artifacts and modern art.
Chapultepec Castle offers sweeping views and fascinating history. November’s clear skies make it perfect for photos, and the gardens bloom with native plants.
Families flock to the park’s lakes for boat rides and picnics. The weather invites you outside without the summer heat.
The Modern Art Museum and Rufino Tamayo Museum host special exhibitions. November’s cultural calendar always brings something new to these venues. Art Week events often spill into the park too.
Unique November Experiences Beyond Downtown
Ever climbed the ancient pyramids of Teotihuacan on a crisp November morning? The air feels fresh, and the views stretch for miles under those clear skies. Over in Xochimilco, the floating gardens turn into these dreamy, lantern-lit adventures as the sun sets—honestly, November just brings out the magic.
Day Trips to Teotihuacan
November brings ideal conditions for exploring Mexico’s most iconic archaeological site. Cool mornings hover between 65-70°F, so climbing the Pyramid of the Sun actually feels doable.
If you can, get there by 8 AM. You’ll dodge the crowds and catch those jaw-dropping views from the top while the sky’s still crystal clear.
Best November Features:
- Temperature: Crisp mornings, gentle warmth by noon
- Visibility: Clean air, barely any haze
- Crowds: About 30% fewer people than during peak months
- Photography: Gorgeous, soft light—your photos will thank you
The Avenue of the Dead just glows in that bright November sunlight. Most people skip the Museum of Teotihuacan Culture, but honestly, it’s a must if you want to really get the story behind those stones.
Bring a few layers, since it can jump to 75°F by afternoon. There’s almost no shade up on the pyramids, so trust me—morning visits make all the difference.
Boating Adventures and Nighttime Spectacles
Xochimilco really comes alive in November evenings. There’s just something about those floating gardens after dark—the vibe totally shifts from the daytime buzz.
If you want that classic Xochimilco feel, hop onto a traditional trajinera boat. Personally, I always try to catch a sunset tour; starting around 5 PM, the air cools off and the water glows with the fading sunlight.
November is when things get extra special. Locals put on nighttime shows with live music and traditional dances. The boats light up, and all those colors shimmer on the water—honestly, it’s hard not to stop and stare.
November Xochimilco Highlights:
- Day tours: 10 AM – 4 PM, usually with lively mariachi bands
- Sunset rides: 5 PM – 7 PM, some boats serve dinner (and it’s worth it)
- Night spectacles: Weekend light shows and performances that draw big crowds
As the sun goes down, the cool evening air makes those longer boat rides feel just right. I’ve grabbed hot chocolate from local vendors, and it hits the spot—especially paired with traditional snacks.
Some boats even hand out blankets for the evening rides. Sipping something warm, wrapped up, drifting along with music in the background… it’s honestly a memory that sticks with you.
