10 Things to Do in Mexico City in February
If you plan to visit Mexico City during the winter, February is one of the best months to choose because the capital will offer you a wide variety of cultural offerings and, in addition, a pleasant climate despite the season.
February is one of the best months to visit Mexico City during the winter, mainly because the temperatures are warmer than in January and also because the city offers a wide variety of parties, festivals and cultural events that could be very interesting.
Some of the best things to see and do in Mexico City in February include touring the Taco Festival, taking part in the eclectic Hot Air Balloon Festival, experiencing Carnival in the city, getting to know the romantic side of the capital during Valentine's Day celebrations and discovering the traditional Fiesta de las Culturas Indígenas (Festival of Indigenous Cultures).
1. Discover the local culinary culture at the Taco Festival
The Taco Festival is one of the most anticipated gastronomic events in Mexico City, held every year in February. This festival is a way to spread the local culinary culture, especially because its protagonist is one of Mexico's most emblematic foods.
During the festival you can enjoy a wide variety of tacos, from the most traditional ones like tacos de pastor, carnitas and suadero, to the most innovative ones that fuse ingredients from different cultures. In addition, local chefs and restaurateurs compete in the National Taco Contest, where they present their most original creations to be judged by a panel of experts.
Apart from taco tasting, this festival offers activities such as cooking classes, tasting workshops, live music and cultural activities related to Mexican food. During the festival, it is often included in the gastronomic tours of Mexico City.
2. Participate in the Hot Air Balloon Festival
The Hot Air Balloon Festival is one of the most exciting events held in Mexico City in February and one of the most eclectic activities. This festival offers visitors the opportunity to live a unique experience by flying in a hot air balloon over Mexico City and admire the views of the city from above.
In addition to the balloon flights, the festival features other activities such as live music, light shows, mechanical games and typical food stalls. During the festival, hot air balloon competitions are also held, where pilots compete in navigation skills and precision.
This festival attracts visitors from all over the world and is an excellent opportunity to enjoy a unique experience. Balloon flights offer a completely different perspective of the city and surrounding landscapes, and are an exciting way to explore Mexico's natural beauties, such as the Pyramids of Teotihuacan.
3. Experience Carnival in Mexico City
Carnival is one of the most important and colourful festivals in Mexico and in Mexico City it is celebrated in a big way every year in February. During this time, the city is transformed into an atmosphere full of joy and festivity, and locals and visitors can enjoy a series of events and activities for the whole family that are usually included in the best tours of Mexico City during these dates.
The parades are one of the main attractions of the Carnival, where you can see floats, elaborate costumes and folkloric dances. In addition, there is live music, dance performances, mechanical games, food and drink stalls, and many other attractions for fun and enjoyment.
Carnival in Mexico City is an experience not to be missed if you visit the city in February and is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Mexican culture, meet the locals and enjoy one of the most vibrant celebrations in the country, along with the Day of the Dead. So, put on your most colourful costume, join the party and experience the joy of Carnival in Mexico City.
4. Visit Mexico City's museums at a discount
If you are a lover of art, history and culture, February is an ideal month to visit the best museums in Mexico City. During this month, many of the most important exhibitions offer discounts and special promotions to encourage visitors to explore their exhibits and collections.
Among the museums offering discounts in February are the Casa Azul, the National Museum of Anthropology, the Museum of Modern Art, the Palace of Fine Arts and the National Museum of History. In addition to enjoying the permanent exhibitions, visitors can also attend temporary exhibitions, workshops and special events.
Visiting Mexico City's museums in February is a great way to explore Mexico's rich culture and history. Plus, with discounts and special promotions, you can do so at a more affordable price.
If you are in the city in February, don't miss the opportunity to visit some of the country's most important museums and immerse yourself in its culture.
5. Tour the Chapultepec Garden and take part in the Festival of Light and Life.
In February, one of the most fascinating places to visit in Mexico City is the Chapultepec Garden. This 686-hectare park is one of the largest in Latin America and has a wealth of attractions to explore. From its ample green areas and lakes, to its variety of museums and monuments, the Chapultepec Garden is a place not to be missed.
In addition, in February the Festival of Light and Life is celebrated in the Chapultepec Garden, an event that attracts visitors from all over the world and is one of the best things to do in Mexico City at night.
During this festival, the park is illuminated with thousands of lights and there are a lot of activities such as concerts, dance shows and art exhibitions.
Touring the Chapultepec Garden and participating in the Festival of Light and Life is an unforgettable experience that will allow you to enjoy the natural beauty and the culture of Mexico City at the same time.
6. Attend the Book Fair in El Zócalo
February is a very special month in Mexico City for book lovers, as the Book Fair is held throughout the month in El Zócalo, a cultural event that attracts thousands of visitors and has become one of the most important in Latin America.
This fair, which is one of the main winter activities in Mexico, is a unique opportunity to discover the richness of Mexican literature and culture.
There you can find a variety of titles and authors, from classics to the latest novelties, as well as book presentations, workshops, round tables and conferences with prominent national and international writers.
The festive atmosphere and the wide range of literary offerings make the Book Fair in El Zócalo an unforgettable experience for all book and culture lovers in the heart of Mexico's historic centre.
7. Experience the Festival of Indigenous Cultures
In February, Mexico City celebrates one of the most important and significant festivals in the country, the Festival of Indigenous Cultures. During this event the country honours and celebrates the richness and diversity of pre-Columbian indigenous cultures with exhibitions, dance and music performances, workshops and gastronomy.
This event is a unique opportunity to learn about and appreciate the great variety of cultures and traditions of the indigenous peoples of Mexico. In addition, at this event, you will be able to find unique handicraft objects and textiles, which are a sample of the skill and creativity of the indigenous artisans and it is an alternative to tour the different points of the city with a discount on public transport and on the local tourist bus.
This event, which is mainly held in Mexico City's Zócalo, but also has other venues throughout Mexico City, is a cultural experience not to be missed if you visit Mexico in February.
You can enjoy traditional music and dances, taste typical food from different regions of the country and learn about the rich cultural heritage of pre-Columbian communities.
8. Celebrate Valentine's Day in Mexico City
February is the month of love and friendship and there is no better place to celebrate Valentine's Day than in vibrant Mexico City. This city full of history, culture and gastronomy offers a wide variety of options to enjoy as a couple or with friends.
One of the most popular options to celebrate Valentine's Day is to enjoy a romantic dinner in one of the restaurants with a panoramic view of the city, such as the Bellini restaurant in the World Trade Center or the Mirador in the Torre Latinoamericana.
You can also opt for a boat trip along the canals of Xochimilco, one of the best neighbourhoods in Mexico City, accompanied by live music and a typical Mexican dinner.
If you prefer a more cultural option, you can visit the many museums in the city that offer special exhibitions for the season, such as the National Museum of Anthropology or the Soumaya Museum. You can also enjoy special plays and concerts at the Metropolitan Theatre.
9. Take part in the National Mezcal Fair
If you are a lover of mezcal, which is one of Mexico's typical drinks, the National Mezcal Fair is an event not to be missed. This festival is held in February in Oaxaca, the birthplace of mezcal, but it also takes place in Mexico City, attracting hundreds of visitors from all over the country.
During the fair in Mexico City there are mezcal tastings, conferences and cultural activities to learn more about the history and production of mezcal, as well as to appreciate its flavour and complexity.
The festival also features live music, traditional dances and other cultural activities to celebrate the rich Oaxacan culture and mezcal, which is considered a cultural heritage of Mexico. In addition, if you decide to visit Oaxaca, you can also take the opportunity to visit nearby mezcal-producing villages and take guided tours of the distilleries on a full-day excursion from Mexico City.
10. Attend the Feria Nacional de la Bandera (National Flag Fair)
The Feria Nacional de la Bandera is an annual event held in February in the city of Iguala, in the state of Guerrero, Mexico. This event has been held for more than 50 years in honour of the Mexican flag, a patriotic symbol that represents the unity and identity of the country, and although it is not in Mexico City, it is well worth a visit during your trip to learn more about the local idiosyncrasy.
During the Feria Nacional de la Bandera you will be able to participate in cultural activities such as parades, dance and singing contests, art and handicraft exhibitions, as well as sporting events such as football and boxing tournaments. In addition, you can find stalls of typical regional food and handicrafts, as it is one of the best times to visit Mexico because of the variety of local products.
One of the highlights of the fair is the giant flag-raising ceremony in the city square, which is one of the largest in the country. This ceremony is a solemn act in which civil and military authorities participate and the Mexican national anthem is sung.
Temperatures in Mexico City in February
February is a transitional month in Mexico City, as it is right in between winter and spring. Although temperatures are starting to rise, you can still expect some chilly nights and mornings, but during the day, temperatures average between 20 and 25 °C, while nights can be cool, with temperatures dropping to around 10 °C.
Bear in mind that February is one of the driest months of the year in the city, so always pack sunscreen and sunglasses. I also advise you to wear comfortable shoes, as it is an ideal month to explore the city's parks and gardens such as Bosque de Chapultepec and Parque Mexico.
The number of tourists in Mexico City in February
The number of tourists in Mexico City in February is variable and can depend on the events and festivities that take place in the city during this month. While it is not a peak tourist season like December or July in Mexico City, the city still attracts a large number of visitors looking to enjoy the warmer, drier weather.
Some of the most important events held in February, such as the Book Fair in El Zocalo and the National Mezcal Fair, can attract a large number of national and international tourists. In addition, February is also a popular month for travellers looking to avoid the crowds and high prices of the high season.
Prices in Mexico City in February
February is one of the most popular months to visit Mexico City due to the numerous festivities and cultural events taking place in the city, but this also means that prices can be higher than at other times of the year. Accommodation, flights and restaurants tend to be more expensive, especially during weekends and holidays.
However, you can find affordable options if you plan ahead and book before you arrive in the city. This way you can freeze the price and avoid last-minute price increases that often occur due to high demand.
What to pack for a visit to Mexico City in February?
Although it's part of the Mexican winter, February offers warmer temperatures than January and much drier weather, so I recommend packing the following in your suitcase:
- Warm T-shirt
- Comfortable shoes
- Light jacket
- Lightweight trousers
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Wool jumper
- Lightweight coat