September is the month Mexico City dresses in its flag and eats it too.
Weather#
| Typical | |
|---|---|
| Days | ~23°C / 73°F |
| Afternoons | Storms most days, easing late |
| Nights | ~12°C / 54°F |
| Air | Clean |
Independence#
- All month: the Zócalo and Reforma lit and decorated; bunting everywhere; chiles en nogada on every menu.
- 15 September, ~11pm: El Grito from the National Palace, a packed Zócalo, fireworks. Arrive by late afternoon for the square, or watch from a Centro rooftop bar (booked) or any neighbourhood plaza, where the local mayor does the same.
- 16 September: the military parade down Reforma and through the Zócalo in the morning; a national holiday; many closures.
- Pozole, chiles en nogada, tequila: the night's menu at any Mexican table.
19 September#
The national earthquake drill at 11am, marking the 1985 and 2017 quakes; sirens citywide. Don't be alarmed; do follow people out of buildings.
The rest of the month#
Quiet, well priced, rainy afternoons easing. Things to do, day trips, the 5-day itinerary.
Prices#
High around the 15th and 16th; low otherwise. Neighbourhoods, on a budget.
Pack#
A jacket, an umbrella, something green, white or red. First time in Mexico City.
The Grito with a chilango#
Independence night is a family night, and the best Grito is in someone's neighbourhood plaza with pozole after. Post your dates on Roavi Community and a Local Friend can bring you.
Mexico City for Independence? Shout the Grito with someone who lives there.
Meet a Local FriendFrequently Asked Questions
What is El Grito in Mexico City?
At around 11pm on 15 September the president rings the bell on the National Palace balcony and shouts the Cry of Independence to a packed Zócalo, followed by fireworks. Arrive hours early for the square, or watch from a Centro rooftop or any plaza, where every town hall does its own Grito.What is the weather like in Mexico City in September?
Mild and rainy: highs around 23°C (73°F), lows around 12°C (54°F), afternoon storms most days, easing in the last week as the dry season approaches. A jacket and an umbrella.Is Independence Day a good time to visit Mexico City?
If you want the spectacle, yes: the Grito, the parade, the decorations, the food. Book hotels early for the 15th and 16th and expect closures on the 16th. For a calm visit, the second half of the month is quiet and well priced.What are chiles en nogada?
Poblano chiles stuffed with picadillo and fruit, covered in walnut cream sauce and pomegranate seeds, in the colours of the flag. In season only from about August to September; every good restaurant has them this month.
This article was written with the help of AI and reviewed by the Roavi team.
