Mexico City Outfits Inspo: Here’s What to Wear in CDMX
Wondering what to wear in Mexico City?
You’ve come to the right place, as I’ve been living in Mexico since 2018! I’ve also done countless trips to Mexico City, and I even lived there for a while.
When packing your Mexico City outfits, keep these two things in mind: 1) Mexico City weather fluctuates a lot, and 2) there are a variety of things to do in Mexico City.
If you need stylish outfit ideas for Mexico City so you can both climb ancient ruins and lounge at your resort, and enjoy both daytime and nighttime activities — I’m here to help!
Whether you’re going to Mexico City for a romantic getaway, girl’s trip, or spring break, this article has all the Mexico City outfits inspo you need to plan the perfect Mexico vacation wardrobe.
Besides the clothes, I’ll answer common questions about what to wear at a resort in Mexico, typical Mexico City dress codes, and much more — so let’s dive in!
Mexico City Weather: What to Expect
Mexico City has what’s known as the “Eternal Spring” climate, so in general, you can expect pleasant and mild springtime temperatures year-round.
In fact, many restaurants, cafes, CDMX Airbnbs and some smaller boutique hotels don’t have AC or central heating — and it’s usually not an issue.
This pleasant climate also makes packing for and dressing in Mexico City pretty consistent, as mornings and nights are cool or cold, and days are warm or hot.
With weather like this, packing things you can layer is key, as you’ll want a jacket or coat each night, and a T-shirt or sundress during the day.
🌡️ Average Mexico City Weather
With hot summers and cold winters, and sunny days and cool nights, Mexico City weather fluctuates a lot!
As Mexico City has distinct seasons, packing for Mexico City varies greatly depending on when you’re going — so let’s do a deep dive into this topic.
Mexico City Outfits By Season
What to Wear in Mexico City in Spring
🌷 Spring in Mexico City: March to June
- Average Temperature Range: 50-90°F (10-32°C)
- Season: End of Dry Season; Beginning of Rainy Season
Spring tends to be quite hot in Mexico City, especially the month of May. This is usually the hottest month of the year, no matter where you go in the country.
If you want to comfortably sit at a restaurant’s outdoor patio or are planning to walk around a lot, make sure you have on warm weather clothes and sunscreen.
As mentioned earlier, most Mexico City Airbnbs and some hotels don’t have AC, so make sure they provide a fan so you can comfortably sleep at night.
Jeans and a T-shirt or a sundress would work for daytime, as you can expect lots of sunshine and hot temperatures during the day.
At night, some travelers will enjoy the cooler temperatures so much that they might not even want to add a layer.
Others might want to add a cardigan, a pair of leggings, or even switch to a long sleeve shirt.
What to Wear in Mexico City in Summer
☀️ Summer in Mexico City: June to SeptemBer
- Average Temperature Range: 55-85°F (12-29°C)
- Season: Rainy Season
Summer is a bit cooler than Spring and that’s because it’s the rainy season and the rains usher in cooler temperatures. I’ve even experienced hail several times.
While most people associate Mexico weather with sunshine, it can rain a lot during the rainy season — so expect afternoon showers each day for about 1-2 hours.
After that, the sun will probably come back out, so don’t avoid Mexico City summer travel just because of some rain!
Just like Spring, jeans and a T-shirt or a sundress would work for daytime, as you can expect lots of sunshine and hot temperatures during the day.
At night, some travelers will enjoy the cooler temperatures so much that they might not even want to add a layer.
Others might want to add a cardigan, a pair of leggings, or even switch to a long sleeve shirt.
What to Wear in Mexico City in Fall
🍂 Fall in Mexico City: October to December
- Average Temperature Range: 55-75°F (12-23°C)
- Season: End of rainy season; Beginning of dry season
If you’re traveling to Mexico City at the beginning of the Fall/Autumn season, know that it’s a lot warmer than at the end of the season.
In October, expect warmer temperatures and possibly even some afternoon rain showers, but November and December should be cool and dry.
In Fall, jeans and a T-shirt or a sundress with leggings would work for the warm daytime temperatures.
At night in the Fall season, make sure you have a cardigan, light scarf, and/or long sleeve shirt to put on for when the temperatures drop.
For late-Fall, I’d also recommend packing warm socks and pajamas for nighttime, as many buildings don’t have central heating and those will help you sleep comfortably.
What to Wear in Mexico City in Winter
❄️ Winter in Mexico City: December to March
- Average Temperature Range: 40-75°F (4-23°C)
- Season: Dry Season
Mexico City winters are usually cold at night, but very rarely cold enough to snow (though it does snow in Mexico in some places).
As mentioned a few times, most Mexico City Airbnbs and some hotels don’t have central heating, so make sure they provide a space heater.
In winter, jeans and a T-shirt or a sundress with leggings would work for daytime, as you can expect lots of sunshine and warm temperatures during the day.
However, make sure you have a jacket and scarf with you to put on at night. You might even want to pack a pair of Ugg boots (or similar) for nighttime.
I’d also recommend packing warm socks and comfy pajamas for nighttime, as many buildings don’t have central heating and those will help you sleep comfortably.
Daytime Mexico City Outfits
As one of the largest cities in the world, you probably don’t need me to tell you that there are A LOT of things to do in Mexico City within city limits.
As you saw above, you can get away with a similar outfit most of the year when you’re just hanging out in the city (jeans and a T-shirt or a sundress with leggings, and a warmer layer at night).
However, while traveling to CDMX there are popular excursions just outside the main parts of town as well, like seeing ancient ruins and boating on Aztec canals.
For these excursions, it’s important to dress appropriately so let’s go over this more in depth below.
What to Wear to Teotihuacan Pyramids
One of the most fun Mexico City day trips is seeing the ancient Teotihuacan Ruins — a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about an hour from Mexico City.
When visiting, know that there’s very little shade at this site, so this sun hat and sunglasses will be essential.
Also, make sure you have plenty of sunscreen, a good backpack, and a reusable water bottle. I love this Water-To-Go bottle because it has a built-in water filter.
For your outfit, shorts and a tank top will work for your clothing, or any athleisure outfit you feel comfortable in.
You’ll be walking a lot, so opt for comfortable shoes like these Hokas, or your hiking boots if you want sturdier footwear to climb the pyramids.
What to Wear to Xochimilco
Xochimilco (pronounced so-chee-mill-co) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about an hour from Downtown Mexico City.
One of the most interesting historic sites, the canals of Xochimilco are centuries old, and hand dug by the Aztecs to create floating islands they used as farms.
Today, you can take this canoe tour to the farms (which are called chinampas), or you can take a Xochimilco party boat cruise.
Regardless of the tour you take to visit, the Xochimilco dress code is pretty casual and you can basically wear anything you want
Sundresses, jeans, shorts, T-shirts, sneakers or flat shoes will work — just don’t go in a bathing suit!
The temperatures don’t drop much when you’re out on the water, but it never hurts to carry a cardigan or light sweater with you in Mexico City.
Nighttime Mexico City Outfits
Evenings in Mexico City are the perfect time for dressing up — my nighttime outfit is usually a little black dress with a cardigan, tights (in winter), and ballet flats.
In general, think business casual for the evenings, but here are some ideas for what to wear at night in Mexico City depending on where you’re headed:
What to Wear to Dinner in Mexico City
Most Mexico City restaurants don’t have a dress code, so stylish pants and a top or a dress are usually fine no matter where you go.
On vacation in Mexico, you may want to embrace bright colors to go with the country’s vibe, like this vibrant maxi dress with pockets. (#TeamPockets forever)
Accessorize with this popular rattan purse, wedges with embellishments, sandals with rhinestones, or even high heels if you’re feeling fancy.
Just a quick note that the streets in Mexico City aren’t the easiest to walk on in heels or wedges, so if you’re wearing those, plan to Uber around.
What to Wear to Bars in Mexico City
The dress code for Mexico City bars and clubs differs depending on where you’re going — but still, you shouldn’t need to get too fancy unless you want to.
In the most posh areas, like Reforma and Polanco, you’ll find more exclusive bars where the vibe will be a lot more dressy.
However, bars in the trendy parts of town like Roma, Condesa and Coyoacan tend to be more casual.
A little black dress, sandals and this anti-theft crossbody bag will work for women at the majority of clubs and bars in Mexico City.
For men, opt for pants (jeans aren’t always OK), this guayabera shirt, and close-toed shoes when you go out at night.
What to Wear at Mexico City Resorts and Hotels
There aren’t many resorts in Mexico City — though there are plenty of high-end luxury hotels in Mexico City.
At these, resort casual attire or business casual attire is acceptable both in common areas at the bars and restaurants.
At pool and spa areas, you’d want to wear a cover up when moving around and sandals. I own and love these Havaianas.
Mexico City Dress Codes
There’s no official dress code in Mexico City or Mexico, but as a general statement from someone who has lived in Mexico since 2018, Mexicans tend to dress conservative.
However, Mexico City is a big city, and people who want to stand out from the crowd often do so through their physical appearance and unique style of dress.
The truth remains though that dressing in a unique way that makes you stand out — so let’s examine what that could mean.
Dressing for Safety
Let me start by saying that I’m not telling anyone how to dress, and that you should wear what makes you feel good and comfortable.
However, as a Mexico blogger, the topic of safety comes up for me A LOT — and blending in with the crowds is one way to garner less attention for yourself.
One of my tips for safety in Mexico City is to call as little attention to yourself as possible, so for me, dressing similar to the locals has always worked.
Personally, I’ve always felt safe in Mexico City, and I want you to as well. To help you achieve that end, I always offer my readers what has worked for me.
How to Not Be Flashy on Accident
When people think of conservatism in dress, they often think of not wearing revealing clothing. However, this extends to another area in Mexico City — designer labels.
While designer labels are a status symbol, in Mexico, they can make you an easy target, so I’d recommend clothing and sunglasses without labels.
As it’s super easy to lose jewelry when traveling, I’d also recommend leaving expensive jewelry at home; ie. your wedding ring and anything with diamonds.
Now, I’m by no means telling you not to wear jewelry (in fact, most people are wearing some), but I am suggesting that you stay inconspicuous with it.
As a general travel safety rule that applies to any country on Earth, if you’re thinking of taking something you can’t bear to lose, then just leave it at home so you don’t.
Camera and Cell Phone Safety
I think Mexico City is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and I’m not alone, so you’ll see people going around using professional cameras like DSLRs.
While not all neighborhoods in Mexico City are equally safe, the ones frequented by tourists tend to be, like Roma, Condesa, Polanco, Coyoacan, and Reforma.
In these areas, if you’re mindful of your surroundings and your belongings, you should be fine with a camera — but pay extra attention to your cell phone and wallet.
Anti-Theft Purses and Backpacks
- No front zippers! With an improved anti-theft design, it opens from the back so thieves cant steal your belongings.
- Made of soft waterproof PU leather and water-resistant nylon fabric.
- Adjustable shoulder straps for carrying it like a book bag (rucksack) or purse.
- Interior and exterior pockets fit an iPad, books, smartphone, wallet, cosmetics, and on-the-go essentials.
Pickpocketing in Mexico City isn’t a huge problem, but it can happen in places like crowded markets, the Metrobus, Mexico City subway, and other public transportation.
Rather than keeping things in your pockets (especially your back pocket), invest in an anti-theft purse or this top-rated anti-theft backpack for your trip.
They have various measures like concealed zippers, slash-proof fabric, hidden compartments, and locking zippers that make theft a lot more difficult.
Mexico City Packing Checklist: What to Pack for Mexico City
👗 Sundresses: Maxi dresses and sundresses are the easiest item to pack for Mexico City that go from day to evening.
🥵 Linen Clothing: Linen is a great material because it’s moisture-wicking (meaning it quickly moves sweat to the fabric’s outer surface), and keeps you cool.
🧣 Cardigan Sweater or Light Jacket: You’ll want to have layers because the temperature usually drops by 10-20°F (approx. 5-11°C) from day to night.
🧥 Jacket or Coat: In late-Fall and Winter, you’ll need a heavier jacket at night because it’s often 40-50°F (4-10°C) during in the coldest months of the year.
👚 T-shirts: Cotton T-shirts, tank tops and workout style shirts always come in handy, so pack a few.
🩳 Shorts: Comfy shorts are a great item to pack for walking around your resort, any of these best Mexico City tours and excursions, or even a casual meal.
Now, there is a common misconception that you can’t or shouldn’t wear shorts in Mexico City (or really, all Mexico).
This isn’t necessarily true, though shorts aren’t common for locals outside of athletic activities like playing soccer or going to the gym.
When you wear them, it will be obvious you’re not from Mexico — but that was probably obvious anyway, so if shorts make you comfortable, then wear them.
Best Shoes for Mexico City
👟 Sneakers: These Hoka sneakers, known as some of the most comfortable shoes for travel, are ideal for walking around Mexico City and Mexico City day trips.
👡 Evening Shoes: For evening time flats, these black strappy sandals make any outfit look dressed up, and these espadrille wedges take it to the next level.
👢 Boots: In late-Fall and Winter, you might want a pair of boots to wear at night, especially a pair of Ugg boots.
Best Dresses for Mexico City
For me, these dresses with pockets are an absolute must when traveling because pockets always come in handy.
A few short sundresses, a few maxi sundresses, and a few rompers should be all you need in Mexico City, so choose your most comfortable pieces and only pack those.
Best Sunscreen for Mexico City
- This totally invisible, weightless, scentless formula provides oil-free sunscreen protection for all skin types and tones.
- A great make-up primer, the unique formula glides onto skin, provides shine control and leaves a velvety, makeup-gripping finish.
- No oxybenzone, octinoxate, sulfates, parabens, or synthetic frangrances EVER!
- Hydrating meadowfoam seed nourishes and protect even the most sensitive skin.
A best seller on Amazon, we also love this Supergoop SPF 40 Invisible Sunscreen for many reasons — but especially because it’s cruelty-free (not tested on animals) and eco-friendly.
One other thing to keep in mind when packing for Mexico City is that you must comply with FAA regulations for liquids in carry-on luggage.
For this, liquids must be less than 3.4 ounces, so at 1.7 ounces, the Supergoop is the perfect size as is and you won’t need these 3.4 ounce containers.
Accessories to Pack for Mexico City
👒 Sun Hat: A hat is an absolute must to keep protected from the sun in Mexico City, and I love these fun straw hats with cute saying on them like “Out of Office.”
👜 Anti-Theft Purse: This crossbody anti-theft purse makes it a lot more difficult for thieves to steal your belongings with several theft-preventing measures.
😎 Sunglasses: A must for any Mexico vacation — though I always leave my expensive pairs at home because sunnies are so easy to lose, and instead, I opt for cheap sunglasses from Amazon.
🧴 Sunscreen: Pack your favorite light-weight sunscreen because stores in Mexico City have limited options, and sunscreen there is more expensive than in the U.S.
🦟 Bug Spray: Mosquitos can be an issue in Mexico City, especially during the rainy season from about June to October, so I recommend this eco-friendly bug spray that has a nice lemon smell.
What NOT to Pack for Mexico City
🤑 Valuables: While I’ve never had any issues with theft in Mexico, it can absolutely happen, so mitigate this risk by simply leaving your valuables at home.
💵 Dollars/Foreign Currency: The cheapest and easiest way to get Mexican pesos is by using the ATMs in Mexico — so don’t bring a lot of cash with you because the currency conversion services take a hefty fee to change money.
Instead, just get money from any of the numerous Mexico City Airport ATMs. While there will be ATM fees, they’re cheaper than at the currency conversion kiosks.
💊 Your Whole Medicine Cabinet: There are plenty of pharmacies in Mexico City (called farmacias), so you don’t need to pack a ton of meds.
If you have prescription meds, of course bring those, but know you can easily get over the counter medicines like Tylenol (it’s called paracetamol in Mexico though).
🍓 Foods: It’s actually illegal to bring fresh fruits and veggies across borders, so make sure you don’t have those with you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mexico City Outfits
What’s the weather like in Mexico City?
Temperatures average about 50-75°F (10-21°C) for much of the year, but can sometimes feel a bit hotter because of the humidity in Mexico City.
How should I dress for Mexico City?
As someone who lived in Mexico City for about two years, I pretty much wore a sundress and cardigan each day. At night, I’d layer on tights and a light scarf.
In the colder months of the year, go for a pair of jeans and long sleeved shirt during the day, and add a jacket or coat and scarf at night.
Should I dress conservatively in Mexico City?
I’ll never tell anyone how to dress, but I will say that as a general statement from someone who has lived in Mexico since 2018, Mexicans tend to dress conservative.
As a Mexico blogger and expat, one of my top Mexico City safety tips is to dress similarly to the locals so you call as little attention to yourself as possible.
I’ve always felt safe in Mexico City, and I want you to as well, which is why I offer my readers the same tips that I use — but in the end, how you dress is up to you.
What kind of clothes should I wear to Mexico City?
For the most part, a resort casual or business casual look will work anywhere you’re going when traveling to Mexico City.
With this style of dress, you can go from day to night in all types of places, including restaurants, museums, bars, local markets, and shops.
Can I wear shorts in Mexico City?
There is a common misconception that you can’t or shouldn’t wear shorts in Mexico City (or really, all Mexico).
This isn’t necessarily true, though shorts aren’t common for locals outside of athletic activities like playing soccer or going to the gym.
When you wear them, it will be obvious you’re not from Mexico — but that was probably obvious anyway, so if shorts make you comfortable, then wear them.
What shoes to wear in Mexico City?
These Hoka sneakers, known as some of the most comfortable walking shoes, are ideal for walking around Mexico City.
In the evenings, casual dress shoes like loafers, ballet flats, huarache sandals or even espadrille wedges will work, or a pair of boots in the winter months.
Do you need a sweater at night in Mexico City?
Yes — You’ll want to have layers because the temperature usually drops by 10-20°F (approx. 5-11°C) from day to night.
In late-Fall, Winter and sometimes early-Spring, you’ll need a heavier jacket at night because it’s often 40-50°F (4-10°C).
Are there mosquitoes in Mexico City?
Yes — You’ll likely encounter mosquitoes, particularly during the Mexico City rainy season in the summer, so come prepared with this eco-friendly bug spray that has a pleasant smell.
The mosquitoes aren’t known to be too terrible in Mexico City, but they can definitely be a nuisance during twilight hours in the wet season.
What to wear to a Mexico City destination wedding?
Always defer to the wedding’s dress code, but tropical sundresses, wedges or dressy flats usually work for women, and guayabera shirts and slacks for men.
Need More Mexico City Travel Tips?
We’ve reached the end of this Ultimate Guide to What to Wear in Mexico City, and I hope it helped you plan all your Mexico City outfits.
However, I have plenty more Mexico City travel tips for you — so check out my other Mexico City blogs to help you plan the vacation of a lifetime.
- Renting a Car in Mexico City
- Ultimate Mexico City Packing List
- Is Mexico City Safe for Travelers?
- Best Luxury Hotels in Mexico City
- 5 Day Itinerary for Mexico City
- 35+ Best Museums in Mexico City
- How to Prevent Mexico City Altitude Sickness
- Ultimate Mexico City Solo Travel Guide
- 50+ Best Tacos in Mexico City