Tlatilco Archaeological Site
Preclassic Mesoamerican village noted for pottery figurines
Tlatilco refers to a Preclassic archaeological culture in the Basin of Mexico noted for clay figurines and dual-faced ceramics; researchers and museum visitors study its pottery and burial assemblages.
Tlatilco at a Glance#
About Tlatilco#
Tlatilco is a Preclassic archaeological site in the Valley of Mexico, within the modern State of Mexico, associated with a formative-period village and cemetery that produced distinctive pottery and figurines.
The site is best known for its ceramic vessels and clay anthropomorphic figurines, including examples with facial deformation or dual heads, which have been widely studied by archaeologists of Mesoamerican prehistory.
Excavations at Tlatilco revealed domestic remains and burial deposits dating to the Middle and Late Formative periods, indicating a settled agricultural community engaged in local craft production.
The site lies in the central highlands of Mexico, within the greater basin surrounding Mexico City, and was part of the dense network of Formative-period settlements in the Valley of Mexico.
- Material culture: Archaeological material from the site is associated with the Formative (Preclassic) cultures of the Valley of Mexico and includes distinctive pottery and clay figurines.
Best Time to Visit Tlatilco#
Plan a visit to Tlatilco during the dry season (November-April) for the most comfortable, reliably dry conditions for exploring the site.
Weather & Climate near Tlatilco#
Tlatilco's climate is classified as Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) - Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) climate with mild summers (peaking in May) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 4°C to 27°C. Moderate rainfall (822 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Excellent | 4° - 22° | 13° | 7 mm | mostly sunny | 61% | 2.1 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.0h |
| February | Ideal | 5° - 23° | 14° | 8 mm | mostly sunny | 55% | 2.3 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 11.4h |
| March | Ideal | 7° - 26° | 16° | 11 mm | mostly sunny | 50% | 2.5 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 11.9h |
| April | Excellent | 9° - 27° | 18° | 26 mm | some cloud | 48% | 2.4 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 12.5h |
| May | Excellent | 10° - 27° | 19° | 61 mm | some cloud | 55% | 2.3 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.9h |
| June | Good | 11° - 25° | 18° | 150 mm | partly cloudy | 69% | 2.3 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 13.2h |
| July | Good | 11° - 23° | 17° | 179 mm | overcast | 77% | 2.2 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 13.1h |
| August | Good | 11° - 23° | 17° | 168 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 2.2 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.7h |
| September | Good | 11° - 23° | 17° | 136 mm | overcast | 82% | 2.2 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 12.1h |
| October | Excellent | 9° - 23° | 16° | 61 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 2.1 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.6h |
| November | Ideal | 6° - 23° | 15° | 8 mm | mostly sunny | 71% | 2.0 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.1h |
| December | Excellent | 5° - 22° | 13° | 7 mm | mostly sunny | 64% | 1.9 m/s | 1.5 high | 10.9h |
