What to Wear in Mexico City: Ultimate Packing List

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Packing for your upcoming trip and wondering what to wear in Mexico City? CDMX, as Mexico City is known, is a massive city that is a mix of modernity and history and is bursting at the seams with culture. When you’re building your Mexico City packing list, you’ll want to consider the time of year you’re visiting as well as the activities you’re planning on doing.

We recently visited Mexico City and followed this itinerary for 4 days in CDMX. I packed only a carry-on suitcase and backpack and managed to still massively overpack. This might have been a good thing since I didn’t have room to bring home all of the Mexican pottery I would have dropped a small fortune on.

This packing list for Mexico City can be followed if you’re planning to spend up to a week in the area and you should be able to pack it all in a carry-on without worrying about checking a bag.

Here’s everything you need to know about what to wear in Mexico City, along with tips to make your travel wardrobe versatile and stylish.

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Climate and Weather in Mexico City

Mexico City has a temperate climate year-round, thanks to its elevation at 7,350 feet above sea level. Don’t be like me and not realize how high above sea level Mexico City actually is. Or that they have earthquakes. (I’ve been more prepared for other trips in the past, I’ll admit).

The weather is typically mild, with daytime temperatures ranging from 70-80°F (21-27°C) and cooler evenings in the 50-60°F range (10-15°C). While the dry season runs from November to April, May to October brings sporadic rain, especially in the afternoons. Keep this in mind when curating your Mexico City packing list.

Clothing Essentials

Tops: 5-7

Lightweight Blouses or Shirts: Bring a mix of short-sleeve and long-sleeve options for layering. You’ll want a variety of options based on all of the different things there are to do in Mexico City.
Casual T-Shirts: Solid colors or fun prints are perfect for daytime exploring. If you’re planning to do an excursion out of the city, make sure you’re packing something athletic and breathable.
Dressier Tops: Pack 1-2 for dinners or nights out. You won’t run into a ton of people wearing tank tops or showing a ton of shoulder, so I’d leave the spaghetti straps at home.
Sweaters or Cardigans (Optional): Great for layering during cooler evenings or in air-conditioned venues. If the forecast is warmer, you can get away without these and just pack a lightweight shawl or scarf.

Bottoms: 3-5

Jeans or Trousers: 1-2 pairs for cooler weather or casual outings. I brought along a pair of blue jeans and a pair of black jeans. I barely fit into them after our taco tour where we tried all of Mexico City’s best foods.
Skirts or Shorts (Optional): Unless you’re going in the middle of the heat wave, I would generally advise not packing shorts for Mexico City as you’ll stick out like a sore thumb. The same applies for men.
- Midi skirts, however, are especially versatile and stylish. This one would pair well with several different tops.
- I also packed a romper that I could pair with a light jacket and sneakers when the temperature changed.
Leggings: Perfect for flights, lounging, or pairing with tunics. I try not to wear them while sightseeing or walking around as it’s usually a dead giveaway that you’re a tourist (from America). Land of the free and home of the athleisure.

Dresses: 1-2

Solid Colored Casual Day Dress: Comfortable and easy to wear for sightseeing. I wore my black maxi dress with a light jacket in the evenings but paired it with sneakers during the day.
- This black dress is super comfortable and won’t go out of style easily so you should get years of use out of it.
Evening Dress: A versatile option for more formal outings or a fancy dinner. Make sure to pack something that isn’t going to show wrinkles.

Outerwear: 1-2

Light Jacket or Sweater: Essential for mornings and evenings. I wore a white corduroy jacket several different days.
Rain Jacket or Compact Umbrella: Handy during the rainy season. When we visited Mexico City, we both brought rain jackets because October is known to have afternoon showers. And while it was generally a light rain, it did occur every day we were there.

Undergarments and Sleepwear

Pack enough for each day of your trip plus a couple of extras.
Comfortable sleepwear that’s suitable for varying temperatures.

Footwear: 2-3 Pairs

Comfortable Walking Shoes: Essential for exploring Mexico City’s sprawling streets and historic sites. Sneakers like these Puma ones or supportive flats work well. I brought my white Vans along as well.
Dressier Shoes: Lightweight sandals or loafers for evenings out.
Rain-Resistant Footwear (Optional): Consider water-resistant shoes or boots during the rainy season if you’re planning to do excursions outside of the city.

Accessories

Scarf or Shawl: Useful for layering, religious sites, or unexpected chilly weather. I bring along my pashmina scarf on most trips because it packs down so nicely.
Sunglasses and Hat: The sun can be strong, even on cooler days.
Crossbody Bag or Backpack: Choose something secure and stylish for carrying essentials. This one is my favorite because it fits both of those criteria.

Packing List for Mexico City: Toiletries

Sunscreen: A must-have, even on cloudy days. I like to bring along this sunscreen when I travel because it’s small, but more importantly, doesn’t irritate my skin like most sunscreens do.
Lip Balm with SPF: To prevent chapping at high altitudes. Like I detail in my things to know before visiting Mexico City list, be prepared for the altitude.
Travel-Size Shampoo and Conditioner: Many accommodations provide these, but pack your own if you’re particular or unsure (eg. an Airbnb).
Deodorant: Opt for a travel-sized option to save space.
Basic Makeup: Bring versatile products that suit day-to-night transitions. Pack waterproof if you’re visiting from May-October.
Hairbrush or Comb: A compact option is ideal for carry-on travel.
Toothbrush and Toothpaste: Don’t forget the basics.

Health and Safety Essentials

Prescription Medications: Bring enough for your trip, along with copies of your prescriptions if you need them. Pharmacies are plentiful around Mexico City though, so don’t feel like you need to bring your entire medicine cabinet.
First Aid Kit: Include band-aids, pain relievers, and any personal necessities. Again, if you forget anything, just swing into a pharmacy.
Hand Sanitizer: Essential for cleanliness when soap isn’t available, like when you’re having an out of body experience eating a blue corn taco at a street food stand.
Travel Insurance: Always have it for peace of mind. Full disclosure: when I was younger, I never bothered with it. But now I always get it for the peace of mind that comes with knowing I’m covered in the event of any medical emergency that would happen outside of my usual network.
- I recommend purchasing through travelinsurance.com because you can easily compare plans and purchase a plan within 3 minutes.

Electronics and Documents

Phone and Charger: Keep your phone handy for maps, photos, and translation apps.
Portable Power Bank: Great for long sightseeing days.
Travel Adapter: Mexico uses type A and B plugs, like the US, so no need to bring an adapter if that is where you’re coming from.
Passport: Check the expiration date well in advance.
Copies of Important Documents: Keep digital and physical copies of your passport, insurance, and itinerary.

Special Considerations for Activities

Exploring Historic Sites

Wear modest clothing if visiting religious sites like the Metropolitan Cathedral or Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. That typically means no exposed knees or shoulders.
Comfortable walking shoes are a must for uneven streets and cobblestones. And if you’re going to wear high heels and risk spraining an ankle, see my above note on travel insurance.

Dining Out

Mexico City’s dining scene ranges from casual taquerias to Michelin-starred restaurants. Pack a dressy outfit for upscale dining experiences.

Outdoor Adventures

If you plan to visit Xochimilco or hike in nearby areas, pack breathable activewear, a hat, and sturdy shoes.

Tips for Packing Light

Use Packing Cubes: These help you organize and maximize space by actually compressing your clothing down.
Stick to a Color Palette: Choose clothing items that mix and match easily.
Roll Your Clothes: This saves space and reduces wrinkles.
Plan to Do Laundry: If you’re staying for more than a week, doing laundry mid-trip allows you to pack less.

With this detailed Mexico City packing list, you’ll be prepared for everything from tours of famous churches to finding the best street food in the city. Mexico City’s diverse activities and temperate climate make it a fantastic destination that you’ll fall head over heels in love with.

Trust me. You’ll be planning your next trip back before you’ve even boarded the plane home.