Linen & Luggage
Latin America · Best Oct–Apr

Mexico City packing list for families

Mexico City is a big, walkable city at high altitude, with cool mornings and warm afternoons. Packing smart layers and planning around the rain lets families spend their energy on museums, parks, and great food.

The Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City

Photo by Daniel Lloyd Blunk-Fernández on Unsplash

Kristina's notes on Mexico City

  1. The city sits at about 7,350 feet. Plan an easy first day, keep everyone drinking water, and expect kids to tire a little faster than at home.
  2. Mornings and evenings can be cool even when afternoons are warm, so pack a light jacket for everyone. In the rainy months, storms usually arrive in the afternoon, so I schedule outdoor time early.
  3. Many museums close on Mondays, including the National Museum of Anthropology. On Sundays, part of Paseo de la Reforma closes to cars for bikes and strollers, which is a fun family outing.
Best timeOct–Apr
PlugsUS plugs, no adapter needed
MoneyMexican peso
PassportYes
Your packing edit

Mexico City

This time of year

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    Carry-on9

    Carry-on suitcase per personOur pick
    Packing cubes, one color per personOur pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
    Kids' headphones, volume-limited
    Tablet with downloaded shows
    Snack box with dividers
    Reusable water bottles
    Change of clothes for each kid
    Car seat travel bag
    Crossbody bagKeeps phones and cards close in crowded markets.

    Clothing7

    Daytime outfits8 per person
    Pajamas2 per person
    One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
    Underwear and socks9 per person
    Compact umbrellaOur pickAfternoon downpours are common June–September.
    Light packable jacketHigh-altitude mornings and evenings are chilly.
    Warm winter coat, hats, and glovesEuropean winters are cold and damp.

    Shoes1

    Broken-in walking sneakersOur pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.

    Beach & pool1

    Mineral sunscreen

    Little ones5

    Lightweight travel strollerOur pick
    Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
    Portable sound machineOur pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
    Travel blackout shades
    Favorite lovey, plus a backup

    Health & toiletries4

    Travel first-aid kit
    Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
    Hanging toiletry bag
    Electrolyte packetsHelpful for hydration at altitude.

    Documents & tech4

    Phone lanyard or crossbody case
    Portable phone chargerOur pick
    Kids' ID bracelet with your phone number
    Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip
    The outfit edit

    City neutrals

    Navy, cream, camel, olive

    For the grown-ups

    • A trench or chore jacket
    • White sneakers
    • One dinner outfit that packs flat

    For the kids

    • Cozy knits that layer
    • Navy or olive leggings and joggers
    • A raincoat with a hood

    For photos

    • Neutrals plus one red scarf or hat
    • Overcast days flatter everyone
    Month by month

    Mexico City weather and what's happening

    Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.

    MonthTypical highWhat it's likeDon't miss
    January72°F 22°CDry and sunny, with mild days and cold mornings.Monarch butterflies winter in sanctuaries a few hours west of the city.
    February75°F 24°CDry and sunny, with mild days and cold mornings.Jacaranda trees bloom purple across the city. Monarch butterflies winter in sanctuaries a few hours west of the city.
    March79°F 26°CWarmest stretch: dry, sunny, and sometimes hazy.Jacaranda trees bloom purple across the city. Monarch butterflies winter in sanctuaries a few hours west of the city.
    April81°F 27°CWarmest stretch: dry, sunny, and sometimes hazy.Jacaranda trees bloom purple across the city.
    May81°F 27°CWarmest stretch: dry, sunny, and sometimes hazy.
    June78°F 26°CRainy season: mild days with afternoon or evening storms.
    July75°F 24°CRainy season: mild days with afternoon or evening storms.
    August75°F 24°CRainy season: mild days with afternoon or evening storms.
    September74°F 23°CRainy season: mild days with afternoon or evening storms.Independence celebrations in the Zócalo on September 15–16.
    October73°F 23°CRains taper off and skies start to clear.Day of the Dead brings ofrendas, marigolds, and a big parade.
    November73°F 23°CDry and sunny, with mild days and cold mornings.Day of the Dead brings ofrendas, marigolds, and a big parade. Monarch butterflies winter in sanctuaries a few hours west of the city.
    December71°F 22°CDry and sunny, with mild days and cold mornings.Posadas, piñatas, and holiday lights before Christmas. Monarch butterflies winter in sanctuaries a few hours west of the city.
    Questions families ask

    Mexico City with kids, answered

    When is the best time to visit Mexico City with kids?

    The best time is Oct–Apr. Dry and sunny, with mild days and cold mornings.

    What's the weather like in Mexico City?

    Typical daytime highs range from about 71°F (22°C) in December to about 81°F (27°C) in April. See the month-by-month table on this page.

    Do I need a passport for Mexico City?

    Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.

    What kind of plug adapter do I need for Mexico City?

    None. Mexico City uses the same plugs as the US.

    What's your top tip for Mexico City with kids?

    The city sits at about 7,350 feet. Plan an easy first day, keep everyone drinking water, and expect kids to tire a little faster than at home.

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    Want the whole trip handled?

    I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.

    As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.

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