Historico Centro, Queretaro

When is the best time to come to Queretaro?
Anytime in Queretaro is a great time to visit. With its temperate climate and year-round music and activities, it is a vacation wonderland throughout the year. Located in central Mexico at an elevation of 6200 feet, Queretaro has an ideal climate with pleasant breezes throughout the day and temperatures that average 72 degrees. 
January through March is spring time. Though a few cold days may appear in January, temperatures hover around 70 degrees, rising up to the low 80's in the afternoons. Evenings may require a sweater. 
April and May are our summer months when afternnon temperatures can rise into the high the 80's, rarely hitting 90. Recommended are lightweight clothing and a light sweater for cooler nights.  Note that revealing clothing (short blouses, short-short) are inappropriate any time of year in this mostly Catholic population.
June through October is our "rainy season" which has a special meaning here. The rain, if any, usually starts in late afternoon and may continue through the night. Mornings and afternoons are all sunshine and blue skies regardless of time of year. A cloudy day is a rare day anytime of year in Queretaro. Recommended are an umbrella, an older pair of shoes that you don't mind getting wet, and a few different weights of sweaters for cooler nights.
November and December are our "winter" months in which afternoons hover around 70 degrees though mornings and evenings can be on the cool side.  Recommended are a sweater, a medium jacket such as fleece, a scarf and hat (for cold ears) and slippers and robe.
Special Note: There are many concerts and activities throughout the year. You may want to bring some nicer clothing for concerts or dinners out though Queretaro is very casual. The historic center with its several beautiful churches is a conservative, mostly Catholic "town within a city". Short-shorts or revealing clothing would not be appropriate. 
Other things to bring
Certain items may be either hard to find or more expensive in Mexico such as books in English. If you have a Kindle, be sure to load it up and  and check your magazine and newspaper subscriptions so they will continue while you're in Mexico. Good chocolates (a necessity for some of us) and medications. We highly recommend bringing papaya tablets and acidopholis (great for upset tummies adjusting to different foods).   

Your Passport and Visa
The American Consulate in San Miguel de Allende advises that travelers take special care not to carry their passports when sight-seeing which can be kept in your in-room safe. However, it is advisable to carry copies of your proof of your citizenship and visa. They tell us that passports are very difficult to replace while in Mexico. 

Making Purchases in Mexico
ATM TIP  Your ATM pin must be four digits and not starting with zero. You may want to check with your home bank to see if they are associated with a Mexican bank. For example, Bank of America is associated with Santander and charges very little to exchange money with your ATM card.
CREDIT CARD TIP  Please note that many merchants in Mexico do not take credit cards and are on a cash basis only so be prepared by carrying pesos. Also, be prepared for credit card fees for purchases made out of the county. 
TRAVELER's CHECKS are difficult to use in Mexico. We don't recommend using them unless you don't mind long waits in banks and you speak Spanish well.