Suitcase Sessions: What to Pack for Mexico City
Hey! I’m Emilia, and I’m a Mexican who will talk your ear off about Mexico City if you let me.
I adore this place. It’s where my dad grew up, where my sisters lives, where I’ve spent countless summers at…a wonderful city that is one of my favorite places on Earth.
So much so, that I’m co-author of the Solo Girl’s Travel Guide to Mexico City. A travel guide written by the OG solo traveler, Alexa West, and myself.
But before we dive in, let’s talk about the weather, because it truly shapes how you explore the city.
The Weather:
Mexico City has a rare, magical climate that feels like perpetual spring. Mornings and evenings are cool, usually around 12–15°C, so you’ll want a light jacket or sweater. By midday, the city warms up to a comfortable 20–24°C, perfect for walking, eating outdoors, or wandering through neighborhoods.
If you’re visiting between June and October, expect rain. But it’s usually a quick, dramatic late-afternoon shower that comes and goes pretty quickly. like wet earth and jacarandas, and cafés fill with people waiting out the sprinkle.
During the winter months, it does get chillier. But the weather remains very friendly.
What to Pack
for Mexico City
Clothing Essentials
As in most great capitals, fashion in Mexico City is on point. Because it’s such an international hub, people here dress so cool that people-watching feels like a sport.
Which means this is a destination where you actually get to have fun with what you pack. Those shiny pants that feel “too much” for most trips? This is their moment.
Of course, you’ll still want comfortable pieces for wandering museums, neighborhoods, and markets. But the best packing advice I can give you for CDMX is simple:
Layers, layers, layers.
The weather shifts throughout the day, so pack light, flexible layers you can add or peel off—a good overshirt, a light jacket, maybe a sweater thrown over your shoulders just in case.
Now…let’s pack.
Tops ( 5-7 pieces)
Pack a mix of lightweight tops and T-shirts for daytime exploring, a couple of dressier blouses for evenings out, and light overshirts or cardigans for layering when the temperature dips.
Bottoms (3-5 pairs)
Jeans or trousers, and maybe a skirt if that’s your vibe. I’d skip shorts unless they’re a dressier pair — Mexico City isn’t much of a shorts city.
Dresses (1-2 pieces)
Easy, comfortable dresses that can go from morning markets to mezcal bars with a quick change of shoes.
Outerwear (1-2 pieces)
If you’re visiting in winter, bring a warmer jacket. For spring and summer, a light overshirt, blazer, or shawl is more than enough for cool mornings and breezy nights.
Shoes (2-3 pairs)
Nothing will ruin a travel day as uncomfortable shoes will.
Comfortable Walking Shoes. Your favorite pair of tennis shoes, or walking sandals for the summer. During warmer months I never travel without my black Birkenstock Arizonas.
Dressier Shoes. For nights out or fancy dinners.
Accesories
Cross-body Bag
I wear my Vogyr 1 camera bag from Voygrs Bags even if I’m not carrying my camera. It’s sturdy, it fits everything, and you can adjust the strap to wear it cross-body or over your shoulder.
Scarf or Shawl
Perfect for cool mornings, breezy evenings, or when you need a little extra warmth without the bulk. Plus, a colorful silk scarf is the best way to dress up an outfit.
A Tote Bag
I always have an extra tote bag with me to carry the layers I’ve taken off…or for any impromptu shopping that might happen throughout the day. And in Mexico City, that will happen, trust me!
Skin
Moisturizing Cream
My skin gets super dry in Mexico City, so a moisturizing cream is a must. La Roche-Posay’s Cicaplast Balm is my travel go-to, for face, hands, everything.
Chapstick
Same for lips! Have a chapstick at hand because you’ll be re-applying it all day. Lately, Burt Bee’s Salted Caramel lip balm has been my obsession.
Hydrating Face Mist
I always carry a travel-sized hydrating face mist in my purse to refresh my skin and my face throughout a travel day. I love, love, love this rose water, honey and aloe vera face mist by Mexican brand Abeja Reyna. You can find it in their Polanco store in Mexico City.
Other Essentials
Umbrella
A travel-sized umbrella, especially if you’re coming during the summer, as it rains often.
Water Bottle
You can’t drink the tap water in Mexico, so be sure to bring a re-usable water bottle you can refill to avoid buying plastic bottles!
Altitude Sickness SOS Kit
Most people don’t realize this, but Mexico City sits over 2,200 meters above sea level. That extra elevation can sneak up on you and cause mild headaches, a little dehydration, or feeling surprisingly out of breath after one flight of stairs. Nothing dramatic, just your body adjusting to thinner air.
These three items can help a lot with any altitude sickness symptoms:
1. Electrolytes (single packets)
Choose ones without tons of sugar, like DripDrop, or even simple oral rehydration salts. Sip throughout your first couple days.
2. Ibuprofen, paracetamol, or whatever you take for headaches.
Because the altitude can cause slight headaches at first. Know that it’s normal, but better to be prepared. Ps. You can also get some at local pharmacy!
3. Peppermint of Mint Essential Oil
Put a dab on your temples, or just the smell of it can be a great pick-me-up. I always have DoTerra’s peppermint oil in my toiletries bag.
DigestZen Essential Oil
And talking about DoTerra, their DigestZen oil is one of my absolute musts when traveling. It’s an oil blend designed for aiding digestion after a big meal, and for settling an upset stomach. It’s your best ally for going on a street food crawl.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is a must, no matter your destination. Accidents and incidents can happen anywhere and anytime. Unexpected medical bills, stolen items, missed flights…make sure you and your belongings are protected abroad.
Want the full scoop — neighborhoods, restaurants, safety tips, hidden gems? Get The Solo Girl’s Travel Guide to Mexico City here.
Some of the links in this blog are affiliate links. If you purchase something using these links, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. By using these affiliate links, you’re directly supporting my work and my ability to continue creating for you! ♥ love, Emilia
