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.
Photo by Daniel Lloyd Blunk-Fernández on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Mexico City
- 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.
- 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.
- 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-on18
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's 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
Travel neck pillow for the grown-ups
Kids' travel pillow
Light blanket or large scarf for the plane
Change of shirt for the grown-upsSpills on a kid mean spills on you.
Baby wipes, even for big kids
Kids' backpack for their own things
Coloring book, sticker book, or activity pad
A new book or two
Gum or mints
Crossbody bagKeeps phones and cards close in crowded markets.
Clothing15
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Light sweater or sweatshirt per personPlanes, restaurants, and evenings run cool.
Light rain jacket per person
Leggings or comfy travel pants for the flight
Shorts and skirts
Belt
Sports bra or workout clothes
Socks for closed shoes, plus a spare pair
Pajamas for the first night in the carry-onIf a bag is late, bedtime still happens.
Compact umbrellaKristina's 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.
Shoes3
Broken-in walking sneakersKristina's pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
Flip-flops or slides for the pool and shower
Dress shoes or nicer sandals
Beach & pool1
Mineral sunscreen
Little ones13
Lightweight travel strollerKristina's pick
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Sippy cup or straw cup
Bibs and a few spoons
Portable changing pad
Diaper cream
Baby monitor
Fitted crib sheet from homeA familiar smell helps babies sleep in a new crib.
Outlet covers
Potty seat or folding potty
Little things18
AirTag in each checked bagKristina's pickYou'll know your bag made the connection before you do.
Stain remover penGelato happens. Photos still look great.
Laundry detergent sheetsOne sink wash halfway through means packing half the clothes.
Gallon zip bags, a handfulWet swimsuits, sandy shoes, and the occasional car-sick emergency.
Pen in your carry-onFor arrival forms, so you're not borrowing one in the immigration line.
Hair ties and a small detangling brush
Hand sanitizer wipes and pocket tissues
Lollipops or gum for takeoff and landingSwallowing helps little ears pop.
A few wrapped surprise toys for the flightUnwrapping buys you twenty minutes. Unwrapping slowly buys thirty.
Stick-on battery night lightHotel rooms are pitch dark, and the bathroom is never where they expect.
Kids' nail clippers and tweezersSplinters from boardwalks and docks are a vacation classic.
Earplugs and an eye mask for the grown-ups
Small foldable tote for souvenirs and laundry
Sewing kit and safety pins
Luggage tags
Collapsible water bottle for the grown-ups
Sunglasses for the grown-ups
Small umbrella
Health & toiletries19
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Hanging toiletry bag
Electrolyte packetsHelpful for hydration at altitude.
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
Deodorant
Hairbrush, comb, and hair ties
Face wash and moisturizer
Makeup and makeup remover
Razor
Contact lenses, solution, and glasses
Prescription medicines in original bottlesKeep them in your carry-on, never in checked bags.
Bandages and blister pads
Kids' thermometer
Anti-itch cream
Hand lotion and SPF lip balm
Feminine products
Clear quart bag for liquids
Documents & tech18
Phone lanyard or crossbody case
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Kids' ID bracelet with your phone number
Driver's licenses and kids' IDs
Health insurance cards
Travel insurance details
Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
Some cash in small billsFor tips, taxis, and markets.
Photos of passports and IDs on your phone
Booking confirmations saved offline
Phone chargers and cables for everyone
Multi-port wall chargerOne outlet, every device charged by morning.
Tablet chargers and kids' headphones adapter
Wireless earbuds for the grown-ups
Airplane Bluetooth adapter for seatback screens
Camera and memory card
E-reader
Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip
The outfit edit
City neutrals
Navy, cream, camel, olive
For photos
- Neutrals plus one red scarf or hat
- Overcast days flatter everyone
Tap any piece to shop the look.
Month by month
Mexico City weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 72°F 22°C | Dry and sunny, with mild days and cold mornings. | Monarch butterflies winter in sanctuaries a few hours west of the city. |
| February | 75°F 24°C | Dry 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. |
| March | 79°F 26°C | Warmest 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. |
| April | 81°F 27°C | Warmest stretch: dry, sunny, and sometimes hazy. | Jacaranda trees bloom purple across the city. |
| May | 81°F 27°C | Warmest stretch: dry, sunny, and sometimes hazy. | |
| June | 78°F 26°C | Rainy season: mild days with afternoon or evening storms. | |
| July | 75°F 24°C | Rainy season: mild days with afternoon or evening storms. | |
| August | 75°F 24°C | Rainy season: mild days with afternoon or evening storms. | |
| September | 74°F 23°C | Rainy season: mild days with afternoon or evening storms. | Independence celebrations in the Zócalo on September 15–16. |
| October | 73°F 23°C | Rains taper off and skies start to clear. | Day of the Dead brings ofrendas, marigolds, and a big parade. |
| November | 73°F 23°C | Dry 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. |
| December | 71°F 22°C | Dry 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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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.