Oaxaca Weather: Month-by-Month Climate Guide for Travelers

One of the best things about planning a trip to Oaxaca City is learning that the weather is on your side almost year-round.

Sitting at 1,550 meters (5,085 feet) above sea level in a high valley surrounded by the Sierra Madre, Oaxaca enjoys a semi-arid subtropical climate that feels like eternal spring. Daytime temperatures hover between 25 and 30 C (77 to 86 F) for most of the year, while evenings cool enough to make a light jacket welcome.

Unlike the sweltering coast or the unpredictable extremes of Mexico City, Oaxaca offers a balanced climate that makes sightseeing, eating, and exploring comfortable in every season. That said, there are meaningful differences between months — in rainfall, crowd levels, hotel prices, and cultural events — that can shape your trip planning.

This guide breaks down each month so you can decide exactly when to visit.

Dry Season vs. Rainy Season: The Big Picture

Oaxaca’s year divides neatly into two seasons:

Dry season (October through May): Clear blue skies, very little rainfall, and comfortable humidity. This is the most popular time for tourism, especially November through March.

Rainy season (June through September): Afternoon thunderstorms roll in most days, typically between 3:00 and 6:00 PM, but mornings are almost always clear and sunny. The rain turns the surrounding mountains lush and green. Prices drop significantly.

Even during the rainiest month, it rarely rains all day. Expect sunny mornings, cloud buildup after lunch, a downpour for an hour or two, and clearing skies by evening. With a bit of planning, the rainy season is still a perfectly good time to visit.

Month-by-Month Weather Guide

January

Average high: 27 C (81 F)
Average low: 7 C (45 F)
Rainfall: Very low — one of the driest months
Major events: Three Kings Day (January 6), Tamales Festival (February 2 preparations)
Crowd level: Medium
Visiting rating: Excellent

January is one of the most pleasant months in Oaxaca. Days are warm and sunny with crystal-clear skies, while nights drop into the single digits — perfect sleeping weather. The holiday rush from December has tapered off, so you get great weather without peak-season prices. Pack a warm layer for evenings.

February

Average high: 29 C (84 F)
Average low: 8 C (46 F)
Rainfall: Very low
Major events: Carnival (date varies, usually mid-to-late February), Dia de la Candelaria (February 2)
Crowd level: Medium (spikes during Carnival week)
Visiting rating: Excellent

February marks the beginning of warming temperatures while remaining firmly in the dry season. Carnival brings parades, music, and vibrant costumes to the streets. The city remains less crowded than peak season, and hotel rates stay reasonable outside Carnival weekend.

March

Average high: 31 C (88 F)
Average low: 10 C (50 F)
Rainfall: Very low
Major events: Spring equinox celebrations at Monte Alban
Crowd level: Medium to high (Spring Break)
Visiting rating: Very good

March brings hotter daytime temperatures and Spring Break travelers. The weather is reliably sunny and dry, ideal for day trips to Monte Alban and Hierve el Agua. Book early if your dates overlap with Semana Santa, which sometimes falls in late March.

April

Average high: 32 C (90 F)
Average low: 12 C (54 F)
Rainfall: Minimal, possibly a stray shower late in the month
Major events: Semana Santa / Easter (date varies between March and April)
Crowd level: High during Semana Santa, low otherwise
Visiting rating: Very good (hot but festive)

April is typically the hottest month, but the dry air keeps it from feeling oppressive. Semana Santa (Holy Week) is one of Mexico’s biggest travel periods — expect packed hotels, higher prices, and streets filled with religious processions. After Easter, the city empties out and prices drop.

May

Average high: 31 C (88 F)
Average low: 14 C (57 F)
Rainfall: Light — the first isolated showers may appear
Major events: Mothers Day (May 10, widely celebrated in Mexico)
Crowd level: Low
Visiting rating: Good

May sits in a sweet spot for budget-conscious travelers. It is still mostly dry, tourist numbers are among the lowest of the year, and you may see an occasional late-afternoon shower toward month’s end as the rainy season approaches. Hotel and tour prices begin their low-season drop.

June

Average high: 29 C (84 F)
Average low: 15 C (59 F)
Rainfall: Moderate — afternoon showers become regular
Major events: No major festivals
Crowd level: Low
Visiting rating: Good (best value for money)

June officially marks the start of the rainy season, but the pattern is predictable. Mornings are warm, sunny, and perfect for exploring the Zocalo, markets, and museums. Rain typically arrives mid-afternoon. This is one of the cheapest months to visit, with significant discounts on hotels and tours. The landscape transforms from brown to emerald.

July

Average high: 28 C (82 F)
Average low: 14 C (57 F)
Rainfall: Moderate to heavy — daily afternoon storms
Major events: Guelaguetza festival (third and fourth Mondays of July)
Crowd level: High during Guelaguetza, low otherwise
Visiting rating: Excellent (for culture lovers)

July is the cultural crown jewel of Oaxaca’s calendar. The Guelaguetza, held on the third and fourth Mondays of July, is the state’s most important cultural festival. Indigenous communities from across Oaxaca’s eight regions gather to perform traditional dances and celebrate their heritage at the Cerro del Fortin amphitheater. The city fills with parades, food festivals, and concerts throughout the month. Book months in advance — hotels sell out quickly.

August

Average high: 28 C (82 F)
Average low: 14 C (57 F)
Rainfall: Heavy — one of the wettest months
Major events: No major festivals
Crowd level: Low
Visiting rating: Good (for budget travelers and photographers)

August brings consistent daily rain, but mornings remain clear and warm. The landscape is at its greenest, and light after afternoon storms creates dramatic skies. This is true low season — you will find the best prices of the year on accommodations and tours. Morning hours are perfect for walking through the historic center and visiting Santo Domingo Church.

September

Average high: 27 C (81 F)
Average low: 14 C (57 F)
Rainfall: Heavy — the rainiest month of the year
Major events: Mexican Independence Day (September 15-16)
Crowd level: Low (brief spike for Independence Day)
Visiting rating: Fair to good

September is the wettest month, with rain sometimes lingering into the evening. Road conditions for day trips can be affected. However, the Independence Day celebrations on September 15 and 16 bring incredible energy, with the famous “Grito de Independencia” ringing out from the Zocalo at 11:00 PM on September 15, followed by fireworks, music, and street food.

October

Average high: 28 C (82 F)
Average low: 12 C (54 F)
Rainfall: Decreasing — rains taper off through the month
Major events: Dia de Muertos preparations begin (altars, markets fill with cempasuchil marigolds)
Crowd level: Medium (increasing toward month’s end)
Visiting rating: Very good

October is a transitional month and one of Oaxaca’s best-kept secrets. The rains diminish week by week, the landscape is still brilliantly green, and the city begins its transformation for Dia de Muertos. By late October, markets overflow with marigolds, copal incense, chocolate, and pan de muerto. Prices remain moderate but begin climbing toward month’s end.

November

Average high: 28 C (82 F)
Average low: 9 C (48 F)
Rainfall: Very low — dry season returns
Major events: Dia de Muertos (October 31 through November 2), food festivals
Crowd level: High (especially first week)
Visiting rating: Excellent

November is widely considered the single best month to visit Oaxaca. The dry season returns with warm, sunny days and cool nights. Dia de Muertos, celebrated from October 31 through November 2, turns the city and surrounding villages into an extraordinary tribute to departed loved ones. Cemeteries glow with candles, altars fill homes and public spaces, and streets come alive with comparsas (costumed parades) and music. Hotels fill up weeks in advance — book early.

After the first week, crowds thin but the glorious weather continues. November also brings food festivals celebrating mole, chocolate, and mezcal.

December

Average high: 27 C (81 F)
Average low: 7 C (45 F)
Rainfall: Very low
Major events: Noche de Rabanos (December 23), Christmas, Posadas, Calendas
Crowd level: High (especially mid-December through New Year)
Visiting rating: Excellent

December in Oaxaca is magical. Warm days are perfect for walking and cool evenings ideal for hot chocolate at a sidewalk cafe. The Noche de Rabanos (Night of the Radishes) on December 23 features artisans carving intricate scenes from oversized radishes — a tradition dating back to the colonial era. The Calendas (neighborhood processions with music, fireworks, and giant puppets called monos de calenda) fill streets throughout the month. Expect peak pricing and full hotels during the last two weeks of the year.

Best Time to Visit by Interest

Here is how to choose the right month based on what matters most to you:

Cultural festivals: July for Guelaguetza, late October through early November for Dia de Muertos, and December for Noche de Rabanos and Christmas Calendas.

Photography: November and December offer golden light, clear skies, and festive decorations. June through August reward photographers with dramatic storm clouds and lush green landscapes.

Budget travel: June, August, and September deliver the lowest prices on hotels, tours, and flights — 30 to 50 percent off peak season.

Food and cooking classes: Oaxacan cuisine is spectacular year-round, but November is food festival season, with events celebrating mole, chocolate, and mezcal. Cooking classes operate throughout the year.

Day trips to the coast: The dry season (November through May) is best for road trips to Puerto Escondido and Huatulco. Mountain roads can become hazardous during heavy rains in July through September.

Avoiding crowds: May, June, August, and September offer the most tranquil experience in the city.

What to Pack for Oaxaca

Packing for Oaxaca requires thinking in layers. The elevation creates a significant temperature swing between day and night — you can go from t-shirt weather at noon to needing a jacket by 8:00 PM.

Year-round essentials:

Lightweight, breathable clothing for warm days
A jacket or sweater for evenings (essential December through February when nights drop to 5 C / 41 F)
Comfortable walking shoes — cobblestone streets demand sturdy footwear
Sunscreen and sunglasses — altitude means stronger UV exposure
A hat for sun protection during midday

Rainy season additions (June through September):

A compact rain jacket or packable umbrella
Quick-dry clothing
Waterproof bag or phone case for afternoon downpours
An extra pair of shoes in case one pair gets soaked

Dry season additions (October through May):

Lip balm and moisturizer — the air can be quite dry
A warmer layer for December and January evenings

Oaxaca City vs. Coast Weather

Many travelers combine Oaxaca City with a beach trip, and it helps to understand how the weather changes between the two.

Oaxaca City (1,550 m / 5,085 ft): Mild temperatures, low humidity, cool nights. Averages 25 to 30 C (77 to 86 F) during the day year-round.

Puerto Escondido (sea level): Hot and humid year-round. Daytime temperatures reach 32 to 35 C (90 to 95 F) with high humidity. Rainy season brings heavier rainfall than the city. Peak surf season runs May through September.

Huatulco (sea level): Similar to Puerto Escondido but slightly drier. Temperatures average 30 to 33 C (86 to 91 F) year-round with warm ocean water perfect for snorkeling.

The drive to the coast takes approximately six hours and descends over 1,500 meters. You will feel the temperature and humidity increase noticeably as you drop toward sea level. During rainy season, check road conditions before departing — mountain roads can experience landslides after heavy storms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it rain every day during the rainy season?

Not every single day, but rain is likely on most afternoons from June through September. The pattern is predictable: mornings are almost always sunny, rain arrives mid-to-late afternoon, and evenings typically clear up. A full day of continuous rain is uncommon. Plan outdoor activities for the morning and save museum visits or cooking classes for the afternoon.

Is Oaxaca cold at night?

It can be surprisingly cool, especially from November through February. Nighttime temperatures during December and January can drop to 5 C (41 F), which catches many visitors off guard. Even during warmer months, evenings cool to around 14 C (57 F), making a light jacket necessary for outdoor dining or evening strolls.

When is hurricane season?

Hurricane season in the eastern Pacific runs from May 15 through November 30, with peak activity between August and October. However, Oaxaca City’s inland location and high elevation protect it from direct hurricane impacts. Hurricanes primarily affect the coast (Puerto Escondido, Huatulco). The city may experience heavier-than-usual rainfall when a hurricane passes nearby, but it does not face dangerous winds or storm surge.

What altitude is Oaxaca City?

Oaxaca City sits at approximately 1,550 meters (5,085 feet) above sea level in the Valley of Oaxaca. This is high enough to create its pleasant, mild climate but not high enough to cause altitude sickness for most travelers. For reference, it is significantly lower than Mexico City (2,240 m / 7,350 ft). You may notice easier sunburn due to stronger UV rays at this elevation.

When is the cheapest time to visit Oaxaca?

The most affordable months are June, August, and September, when hotels can be 30 to 50 percent cheaper than peak season. May and October also offer good value as shoulder months. The absolute cheapest time is usually early September, when rainfall is heaviest and tourist numbers lowest. If you are flexible and do not mind afternoon rain, low season offers outstanding value with the same world-class food, culture, and architecture.

Now that you know what to expect from Oaxaca’s weather in every month, you can plan your trip with confidence. Whether you choose the dry warmth of November, the cultural fireworks of July, or the budget-friendly quiet of June, Oaxaca rewards visitors in every season.

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