what to wear in san miguel de allende in february

When I was packing for our twelvemonth-long trip and deciding what to wearable in Mexico City and San Miguel de Allende, I packed with the mistaken idea that all of United mexican states is warm all yr round. Later on all, it'due south southward of the US! It has beaches with palm trees, rainforest, and desert with cacti. A tropical paradise, right?

Wrong.

While United mexican states doesn't get as cold equally, say, New York City, it was a shock when we arrived the evening of December 9th and walked outside of the airport terminal into 36-degree weather. That is 36 degrees Fahrenheit.

I was in a panic. I didn't plan or pack for common cold weather! I had a suitcase total of resort wear! And I had iii weeks in this chilly, dry out, and — every bit it turns out — cosmopolitan and stylish climate.

Plus, Mexicans who live in United mexican states City do not apparel similar whatever stereotypes you lot can think of. They dress either like New Yorkers (all black) or like Connecticut WASPs, with puffy vests over striped button-downs and classic jeans.

Being almost completely unprepared was a hard pill to swallow for a fashion writer.

Luckily, because we had come from snowy New York, and because I had packed for a year full of contingencies, I made it work. I also made friends with Mexicans and expats living in both Mexico City and San Miguel de Allende, and got a real sense for the style of both places. (Here'southward where to shop for artisan manner in San Miguel and Mexico Metropolis.)

I'one thousand hither to tell yous, while central Mexico does warm up to about 75 degrees in the day, it gets cold in the winter at night. Also, most restaurants are open-air and the apartments are non heated, then don't think you can just run from the taxi into a warm spot and neglect to wear proper layers!

So if yous are planning to spend the holidays/Christmas in either of these wonderful cities (and information technology is worth information technology, believe me!) then don't brand the same mistake I did. Here'south what to pack for Mexico City and San Miguel de Allende in the winter so that you're comfortable physically, and confident aesthetically.

On the Plane

Black leggings in a natural material – natural fabrics are more comfy and scent-fighting for long travel days
Long-sleeved cotton tee
Packable puffer – Mexicans really similar to vesture their puffy coats, so y'all'll fit right in. You lot'll appreciate something that you can stuff inside your twenty-four hours handbag or backpack during the day when information technology warms up to lxx. When it's on, however, information technology's pretty warm.
Merino wool low-cal sweater – I used this constantly. Black ensures if you layer information technology under a scarf or poncho, no one volition know it'due south likewise for hiking. Simply they have other colors if you lot desire it to pop!
Comfortable undies in natural fabric
Wool socks – I love merino wool specifically considering it feels dainty and wicks away moisture and odor.
Lightweight sneakers
Mini crossbody purse or sling bag – I've started carrying a sling bag when I travel, because information technology gives me quick access to my passport, wallet, and tickets, without me having to take off my haversack.
Poncho/serape in a natural fiber – Of grade, Mexican ladies dear their ponchos and serapes. They tin can be wrapped around your neck as a scarf, thrown on in the morn when you get out of bed, or layered over a nice outfit. Try one of these from Lauren Manoogian or these are a colorful and affordable alternative. (Or, become shopping in CDMX or San Miguel when you arrive!)
Sunglasses
Urban center-style daytime backpack or big pocketbook. I liked a Colombian mochila (pictured above and below) considering it packs flat but holds a lot and is the right vibe.
Passport
Passport case – We like this leather option or this recycled blueprint. I'm and so glad I brought this, because I stuck my visa in here, and still had information technology when I found out that you need to nowadays your copy to leave Mexico, or else pay for a new i at the airport. Pockets for vaccine cards and extra passport photos are crucial.
Phone and charging string
Portable phone charging battery
Grayl purifying water bottle – this goes above and beyond Lifestraw to besides take out viruses and heavy metals. Crucial for Mexico!
SPF chapstick
Earbuds that can plug into the plane'south video console
Hand sanitizer
Portable spork – so y'all don't have to apply disposable one. Make sure it's plastic so it doesn't get confiscated by security.
Pack of tissues – this isn't for your nose, and then don't think I'm advocating this over a reusable handkerchief. If you make up one's mind to route trip anywhere exterior of United mexican states Urban center or San Miguel de Allende, the rest stops do not provide toilet paper. Mexicans often go on a coil of toilet paper in their car for this purpose.

The pyramids exterior of Mexico City are a must-visit! All the same, in that location is goose egg shade, so pack sunscreen, a hat, and something light to cover your shoulders.

In Your Suitcase

Striped or gingham push-downward – because Mexico City people bring the prep.
White, washable push button-down blouse
2 tanks to wear underneath your button-downs
Reversible tie-top – necktie it in front for going out, necktie it in back for a more than modest wait.
Jeans
Casual, wide-leg pants in cotton or washable silk
Midi-skirt
Cozy sweater
Ankle boots
City-style sandals
Leather jacket
Ankle and long socks
Pajamas – washable silk is the easiest and about lightweight to pack
Packable wide-brimmed hat – it'due south sunny and United mexican states City is at a high acme. A friend of mine got a sunburn at the pyramids outside of the city. You'll want to protect your face! Merely you'll want a hat that is more for the urban center than for the embankment in fashion.
Jewelry – go along it minimal and non too flashy. You'll want to save room to purchase some cute things at the market place while you're there
Bathing suit
PurSteam traveling iron/steamer – this thing is tiny, only crucial!
3 bras and 8 pairs of underwear. Here's my 5 rules for packing undies for travel.