Overview
🌤️ Weather
- Average High Temperature: Around 27°C (81°F)
- Average Low Temperature: Approximately 13°C (55°F)
- Rainfall: Typically 52–57 mm (2–2.2 inches) over 10–15 days
- Sunshine: Around 6–10 hours per day
While May marks the transition into the rainy season, precipitation is usually light and occurs in short bursts, often in the late afternoon or evening. Humidity levels are moderate, averaging around 49%.
🌞 Daylight & Sunshine
- Daylight Hours: Approximately 13 hours per day
- Sunrise/Sunset Times:
- May 1: Sunrise at 6:07 AM, Sunset at 6:59 PM
- May 31: Sunrise at 5:57 AM, Sunset at 7:11 PM
The extended daylight hours provide ample time for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
🌇 Travel Tips
- Clothing: Light, breathable clothing is recommended, along with layers for cooler evenings.
- Sun Protection: With a moderate to high UV index, it’s advisable to use sunscreen, wear sunglasses, and a hat.
- Rain Gear: Carry a compact umbrella or light rain jacket for unexpected showers.
- Hydration: Stay hydrated, especially when engaging in outdoor activities.
5 de Mayo
🇲🇽 What Is Cinco de Mayo?
Cinco de Mayo (May 5) commemorates the Battle of Puebla, which took place in 1862 during the Second French Intervention in Mexico.
🎖️ The Historical Background
- In the 1860s, Mexico was in financial ruin after years of internal conflict and civil war.
- President Benito Juárez declared a moratorium on foreign debt payments.
- In response, France, Britain, and Spain sent naval forces to collect debts.
- Britain and Spain eventually withdrew, but France (under Napoleon III) decided to invade Mexico and install a puppet regime under Maximilian I.
🛡️ The Battle of Puebla – May 5, 1862
- A small, poorly equipped Mexican army of about 4,000 troops, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, defeated a much larger, better-armed French force of 6,000+ at the town of Puebla.
- It was a symbolic victory—France eventually captured Mexico City and installed Maximilian—but the win at Puebla became a potent symbol of Mexican resistance and unity.
🇺🇸 Why Is Cinco de Mayo More Popular in the U.S.?
1. Chicano & Civil Rights Movement (1960s–70s)
- Mexican-Americans in California revived and promoted Cinco de Mayo as a source of ethnic pride and identity.
- The holiday became a way to celebrate Mexican heritage and highlight resistance against oppression, drawing parallels with struggles for civil rights.
2. Commercialization
- In the 1980s–1990s, beer and liquor companies aggressively marketed Cinco de Mayo to Latino and non-Latino audiences alike.
- It became associated with partying, drinking, and Mexican-themed festivities, especially in cities with large Latino populations like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Houston.
3. Media Influence
- Media and pop culture simplified the holiday, turning it into a generic “Mexican celebration” with little context about the actual history.
🇲🇽 How Is It Celebrated in Mexico?
- In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is primarily celebrated in Puebla, where the battle took place.
- Events include military parades, reenactments, and cultural festivals.
- It is not a national holiday and is not widely observed in the rest of Mexico.
Cerveza Mexico 2025
🍻 Cerveza México 2025 – The Ultimate Craft Beer Experience
What:
Cerveza México is Latin America’s largest and most influential craft beer festival, bringing together breweries, homebrewers, beer lovers, and industry professionals under one roof. This annual event offers an immersive experience featuring over 500 craft beer labels, live tastings, brewing workshops, and expert talks. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or curious newcomer, it’s the perfect place to discover new flavors and learn directly from the masters of the craft.
📅 When:
May 16–18, 2025
📍 Where:
World Trade Center Mexico City
Filadelfia S/N, Nápoles, Benito Juárez, CDMX
💸 How Much:
- General Admission: Starting at $250–$400 MXN per day
- VIP Tickets: Available with perks like early entry, premium tastings, and a commemorative glass
🎯 Why Go:
Cerveza México is more than just a beer festival—it’s a celebration of brewing culture and innovation. Enjoy guided tastings, meet craft brewers, explore the National Homebrewing Competition, and indulge in gourmet food pairings and live music in one of the city’s liveliest gatherings.
The Impressionist Revolution: From Monet to Matisse – A Journey Through Light and Color
What:
Step into the luminous world of Impressionism with this major exhibition at Mexico City’s iconic Palacio de Bellas Artes. The Impressionist Revolution: From Monet to Matisse brings together a stunning collection of original works from legendary artists such as Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Berthe Morisot, and Henri Matisse. This carefully curated show highlights the bold colors, innovative brushwork, and emotional depth that redefined art in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
From quiet countryside scenes to vibrant Parisian life, this exhibit offers a rare opportunity to witness the evolution of one of the most beloved movements in Western art—right in the heart of Mexico City.
📅 When:
March 25 – July 27, 2025
📍 Where:
Palacio de Bellas Artes
Av. Juárez, Centro Histórico, CDMX
💸 How Much:
- General Admission: Approximately $90–$120 MXN
- Discounts: Available for students, teachers, and senior citizens with valid ID
- Free Entry: Sundays for Mexican residents
🎯 Why Go:
This is more than just an art exhibit—it’s a visual masterclass in the evolution of modern painting. Whether you’re an art lover, a student, or simply seeking a culturally enriching experience, this exhibition offers a serene escape into the luminous and expressive world of Impressionism. The historic setting of Bellas Artes adds a majestic backdrop to the experience, making it an unmissable cultural highlight this spring and summer.
Barbacoa Fest 2025 at Xochimilco
What:
The Barbacoa Fair in Xochimilco is one of Mexico City’s most anticipated culinary events. From May 1 to 11, 2025, this vibrant festival celebrates traditional Mexican cuisine, bringing together more than 80 vendors offering barbacoa tacos, birria, consomé, cochinita pibil, mixiotes, and pulque. Beyond the food, the fair also features cultural performances, a community stage, live music, a petting zoo, and activities for kids—making it a fun outing for all ages.
📅 When:
May 1–11, 2025
📍 Where:
Next to Preparatoria 1 “Gabino Barreda” in the Potrero de San Bernardino neighborhood, Xochimilco, Mexico City
💸 How Much:
Free entry! Food prices vary by vendor, but it’s a budget-friendly experience perfect for families, friends, and food lovers.
🎯 Why Go:
This fair is a flavorful dive into the heart of Mexican food culture. From slow-cooked barbacoa made using traditional underground ovens to refreshing pulque, every bite tells a story. Combined with music, performances, and a family-friendly vibe, it’s one of the best ways to experience authentic local flavor in Mexico City this May.
Feria de los Museos del Centro Histórico 2025 – A Cultural Celebration in the Heart of CDMX
What:
The Feria de los Museos del Centro Histórico is a vibrant cultural event celebrating the International Museum Day. This year, the fair will feature 32 participating museums offering a variety of free activities, including interactive workshops, giant games, live music, and artistic performances. It’s a unique opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage of Mexico City in a festive and family-friendly environment.
📅 When:
Saturday, May 17, 2025
🕛 Time: 12:00-5:00PM
📍 Where:
Plaza Tolsá & Palacio de Minería
Tacuba 8, Centro Histórico, CDMX
💸 How Much:While the event itself is free, please note that some museums may charge for special exhibitions or activities. It’s advisable to check the specific museum’s website or contact them directly for detailed information on any additional costs.
🎟️ Free Entry – No registration required.
🎯 Why Attend:
This fair offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in Mexico City’s vibrant cultural scene. With a diverse range of activities and the chance to visit multiple museums in one day, it’s an event not to be missed for art lovers, families, and anyone interested in exploring the city’s rich history and culture.
Free Jazz Concerts Every Friday of May!
What:
Get ready for smooth sounds and soulful vibes every Friday in May! The National Center for the Arts (CENART) will host a series of free jazz performances featuring talented ensembles from the Jazz Academy of the Escuela Superior de Música. Each show offers a unique blend of improvisation, rhythm, and artistry from some of Mexico’s most promising young jazz musicians.
📅 When:
Fridays – May 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30, 2025
⏰ Time:
6:00 PM
📍 Where:
Centro Nacional de las Artes (CENART)
Río Churubusco 79, Churubusco Country Club, Mexico City
🎟️ Free Entry – Open to the public, no registration required
🎯 Why Go:
Whether you’re a longtime jazz enthusiast or simply looking for a relaxing cultural evening, this free concert series is a great way to experience live music in an artistic setting. Bring a friend, grab a seat, and let the music take you into the weekend.
Spring Orchid Expo 2025 – A Floral Celebration at Casa del Risco
What:
The Spring Orchid Expo is an annual event hosted by the Mexican Orchidology Association (AMO), showcasing a dazzling variety of orchids while promoting their cultivation, appreciation, and conservation. Visitors can enjoy exhibitions, orchid sales, workshops, and even a special “Orchid Hospital” where experts provide advice and care tips for your plants. Whether you’re a hobbyist or just a nature lover, this event is a true celebration of botanical beauty.
📅 When:
May 23–27, 2025
⏰ Time:
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
📍 Where:
Casa del Risco – Museo Isidro Fabela
Plaza San Jacinto 5, San Ángel, Álvaro Obregón, Mexico City
💸 How Much:
🎟️ Free Entry
Why Go:
Explore rare and exotic orchids, learn from cultivation experts, and take part in engaging activities—all set in the picturesque and historic neighborhood of San Ángel. Whether you’re looking to buy your first orchid or expand your collection, this expo offers a perfect mix of education, beauty, and inspiration for the whole family.
