10 sun-soaked activities to do in Mexico City this summer

Make the most of Mexican City in summer and embrace the great outdoors. With Aztec archaeological sites and sun-soaked mountains to explore, summer in Mexico City is the perfect season to experience the best of the country’s nature. For those staying urban, there are plenty of things to do in Mexico City; the nightlife pulsates with the warmer nights, whether you are sipping mezcal in a bar or watching a Lucha libre wrestling match.

Mexico City’s best summer activities at a glance

The best outdoor activities in Mexico City in the summer: Take a hot air balloon ride over Teotihuacán Valley or sail the Xochimilco borough.

Best things to do when you need a break from the sun: Visit the Chapultepec Castle or the Frida Kahlo Museum.

The best places to see summer gardens in Mexico City: Take in the flower-filled courtyards and gardens of Desierto de los Leones.

1. Take a hot air balloon ride over Teotihuacán Valley

Get a completely new perspective on a Teotihuacán air balloon flight. Floating several meters above the most important archeological site in the world, you’ll have a bird’s eye view of a 2000-year-old settlement built long before the Aztecs even arrived in the city. Once you land, you can explore the ruins from ground level in the summer sun.

Why do it in summer?

The lush green landscape in the summer months contrasts beautifully with the ancient ruins, offering a striking visual experience.

Address and opening hours:

Meet at Francisco Villa 24, 55850 San Martín Centro, Méx., Mexico. Tours start at 6:00 AM.

2. Eat like a local at the city’s famous food markets

Mexico City is famous for its delicious street food and vibrant markets. In the summer, many of them come alive with an abundance of fresh, seasonal produce and traditional dishes that reflect the flavors of the season.

Why do it in summer?

Summer in Mexico City will provide the best seasonal produce. Whether it’s the chile de arbol and tomatillos at La Merced Market or fresh seafood, mangoes and lychees at Mercado de San Juan, your tacos and tamales will be the freshest of the fresh.

3. Party hard with mezcal at a Mezcalería

Savor the national flavors of Mexico and follow up your market visit with a drink at a Mezcalería. Mezcal, the smoky, agave-based spirit from Oaxaca and other regions of Mexico, is the perfect drink to wash down tacos in Mexico City in the summer. Its versatility and rich flavor make it ideal for sipping or mixing into refreshing cocktails.

Why do it in summer?

Summer is the perfect time to visit a rooftop mezcal bar and enjoy the bustling city views in the balmy weather.

4. Watch a lucha libre wrestling match

Get a ringside seat to a colorful and acrobatic Lucha Libre wrestling match. Home to comic book-style characters and plenty of theatrics, Mexican wrestling is second only to soccer in popularity.

Why do it in summer?

Summer nights are perfect for this exciting and uniquely Mexican form of entertainment, where the matches are just as much about the spectacle as they are about the sport.

Address and opening hours:

Av. de las Granjas 800, Santa Barbara, Azcapotzalco, 02230 Ciudad de México. Open Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday. Matches start at 7:30 PM.

5. Explore Chapultepec Castle and the National Museum of Anthropology

With stunning Neoclassical architecture and marble stairways, Chapultepec Castle stands in stark contrast to modern Mexico City. Tour the castle and the National Museum of Anthropology to see how former Mexican monarchs and presidents lived.

Why do it in summer?

See the Aztec Sun Stone come to life and marvel at the Aztec Calendar while visiting Mexico City in summer.

Address and opening hours:

Av. P.º de la Reforma s/n, Polanco, Bosque de Chapultepec I Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11560 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico. Open Tuesday-Sunday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM.

6. Visit Six Flags México for a day of family fun

Ride Latin America’s fastest rollercoaster ride at Six Flags México. You’ll find more than 100 cartoon-themed attractions and summer activities in the Six Flags theme park, with new attractions every season and various themed areas, including a Polynesian Village, French Village, and Mexican Village.

Why do it in summer?

The kids will love escaping the summer heat of Mexico City on the park’s many water attractions, while the extended summer opening hours ensure they have even more time to play.

Address and opening hours:

Carr. Picacho-Ajusco Km 1.5, Jardines del Ajusco, Tlalpan, 14200 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-10:00 PM. Hours are subject to change, be sure to check the schedule at least two days in advance.

7. Sail the ancient Xochimilco borough on a trajinera

Experience the magic of floating down the ancient Xochimilco canals in the summer sunshine. During a Xochimilco boat tour, you can sip tequila, margaritas, or soft drinks with plenty of ice.

Why do it in summer?

Mexican summer brings vibrant flora and fauna to the Xochimilco borough. Plus, you can experience summer festivals like the Día de la Virgen de la Asunción, when the canal boats will be filled with offerings and celebrations.

Address and opening hours:

Meet at Canal 237, San Jerónimo, Xochimilco, 16420 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico.

8. Have an adventure-filled day at the Las Estacas Natural Park

If swimming, snorkeling, and diving in clear natural waters sound like your idea of a fun family summer vacation, you should visit the Las Estacas Natural Park. Located about 90 minutes south of the capital, in the state of Morelos, Las Estacas is a natural paradise renowned for its crystal-clear freshwater rivers, lush vegetation, and diverse recreational activities

Why do it in summer?

Visiting Las Estacas Natural Park in the summer is a fantastic way to enjoy nature and adventure, offering a refreshing and peaceful retreat from the heat of Mexico City.

Address and opening hours:

Isabel La Católica 61, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06000 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico. Open Monday-Sunday, 8:00 AM-6:00 PM.

9. Visit Frida Kahlo’s Blue House

Frida Kahlo’s Blue House in Coyoacán is a must-see for art lovers visiting Mexico City in summer. Here, you can see her works, personal items, and the space where she created some of her most iconic pieces. Plus, the house itself is a beautiful space that reflects Frida’s unique personality and artistic style.

Why do it in summer?

Frida’s garden is full of color in the summer months, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy the weather. You can also explore the Coyoacán neighborhood, which is bustling with food markets and outdoor cafes in the summer.

Address and opening hours:

Londres 247, Del Carmen, Coyoacán, 04100 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico. Open Tuesday 10:00 AM-6:00 PM; Wednesday 11:00 AM-6:00 PM; Thursday-Sunday 10:00 AM-6:00 PM. Closed Mondays.

10. Move your hips at a Salsa club

Summer in Mexico City wouldn’t be complete without dancing at a classic Salsa club. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or a beginner, Mexico City offers the perfect environment to enjoy salsa and immerse yourself in the local dance scene. Popular spots for outdoor salsa events include Plaza de la Condesa, Plaza Garibaldi, and Parque México in Condesa.

Why do it in summer?

Salsa dancing in Mexico City during the summer is a vibrant and exhilarating experience. It combines the city's energetic nightlife, warm weather, and passionate Latin dance culture.

FAQs

Is summer a good time to visit Mexico City?

Summer can be a fantastic time to visit Mexico City, especially if you enjoy vibrant festivals, fewer crowds, and pleasant temperatures. The combination of cultural events, lush green spaces, great food, and the chance to explore outdoor attractions like Chapultepec Park and Xochimilco make it an exciting season for travelers.

Are there any great summer festivals in Mexico City?

Great summer festivals in Mexico City include the Ambulante Film Festival, Festival del Centro Histórico, and the Zona MACO Fair.

What are the must-visit outdoor attractions in Mexico City?

Must-visit outdoor attractions in Mexico City are the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Chapultepec Castle. Aztec ruins like Cholula, Templo Mayor, and Tepozteco also take on a magical quality in the summer sunshine.

What are some great day trips to take from Mexico City in the summer?

Great day trips from Mexico City in the summer include Teotihuacan and the Guadalupe Shrine for archeological splendor, while the Tolantongo Caves and Canyon are perfect for getting back to nature.

What are some fun activities with kids in Mexico City in summer?

The top fun things to do in Mexico City with your kids in summer include riding the rollercoasters at Six Flags theme park and soaring over the Teotihuacán valley in a hot air balloon.