Oaxaca Weather
A month-by-month look at temperature, rainfall and what to pack in Oaxaca. The annual average is 29°C high / 12°C low — hottest in March (32°C) and coldest in January (8°C).
Oaxaca Weather at a Glance
As of 2026A quick summary of Oaxaca's year-round climate and the best time to visit.
- Annual average
- 29° / 12°
- Best time to visit
- January, February, October
- Hottest month
- March (32°C)
- Coldest month
- January (8°C)
- Wettest month
- September (130mm)
- Driest month
- January (5mm)
As of 2026, Oaxaca's weather averages 29°C high / 12°C low across the year, and the best time to visit for stable temperatures, rainfall and crowds is January, February, October. The hottest month is March (32°C), the coldest is January (8°C), and the wettest is September (130mm).
Best Time to Visit Oaxaca
January in Oaxaca is the heart of the dry season — sunny, mild, and one of the best months to visit. It averages 28°C by day and a cool 8°C at night, with almost no rain (5mm). Clear blue skies and warm afternoons make January ideal for Monte Albán, Hierve el Agua, and the valley craft villages. The high-altitude sun is strong even when the air feels mild — a hat and sunscreen matter. The big swing between warm days and cool nights is the thing to plan for: light clothes by day, a sweater after sunset. Mornings can be crisp. The New Year holiday keeps the first week busy, and Three Kings' Day (Jan 6) brings the traditional Rosca de Reyes bread. The post-Christmas high season tapers through the month, so hotels stay in demand but ease from the December peak.
February is one of Oaxaca's driest, sunniest months — warm afternoons near 30°C, cool nights around 9°C, and barely any rain (5mm). This is prime weather for everything outdoors: Monte Albán, Hierve el Agua's pools, the mezcal villages, and long walks through the historic center under clear skies. The air is at its driest, so stay hydrated and pack lip balm. With the New Year crowds gone and the rains months away, February is a relaxed, good-value shoulder month — easier to book and a touch cheaper than the December-January peak. Candelaria (Feb 2) brings tamales and processions, and some valley villages hold lively Carnival celebrations (dates vary). The big day-to-night temperature swing remains, so carry a layer for the evening.
October is a turning point — the rains taper through the month and the dry-season clarity returns, with warm days around 27°C and cooler nights near 12°C. Rainfall drops to about 60mm. The defining event is Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), which builds from around Oct 28 into early November. Marigolds, candlelit ofrendas, sand tapestries, and costumed comparsas fill the city and the cemeteries — one of Mexico's most atmospheric celebrations. Demand surges for the festival: hotels book out three to six months ahead at three-to-four-times prices, and the city is busy and lively in the final days of the month. Weather-wise, late October is excellent — drier, sunny, and pleasantly warm. If you're not coming for Day of the Dead, early-to-mid October offers good weather with far smaller crowds.
Oaxaca Weather Month by Month
Tap any month for a detailed guide with what to wear, sunrise/sunset and air quality.
| Month | High/Low | Rain | Rainy days | Crowds | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28° / 8° | 5mm | 1 | Busy | Details → |
| February | 30° / 9° | 5mm | 1 | Moderate | Details → |
| March | 32° / 11° | 10mm | 2 | Moderate | Details → |
| April | 32° / 13° | 25mm | 4 | Busy | Details → |
| May | 31° / 14° | 60mm | 9 | Quiet | Details → |
| June | 28° / 14° | 110mm | 16 | Quiet | Details → |
| July | 28° / 14° | 95mm | 15 | Busy | Details → |
| August | 28° / 14° | 110mm | 16 | Moderate | Details → |
| September | 27° / 14° | 130mm | 17 | Quiet | Details → |
| October | 27° / 12° | 60mm | 9 | Very busy | Details → |
| November | 28° / 10° | 15mm | 3 | Busy | Details → |
| December | 27° / 9° | 5mm | 1 | Very busy | Details → |
What to Wear in Oaxaca by Season
Hot and mostly dry, with the first occasional showers late in the month — days around 32°C, nights near 13°C. Light clothing and water by day; an umbrella for late-April afternoons. Strong sun (UV 10) — hat and high SPF.
Warm, green, and rainy — days around 28°C with afternoon storms, but the Guelaguetza festival fills the city. Light clothing, an umbrella, and quick-dry shoes. Sunny mornings mean a hat and SPF; a layer for cool evenings.
The rains ease and Día de los Muertos arrives late in the month — warm days around 27°C, cooler nights near 12°C. Light clothing with a layer for evenings, plus an umbrella for the tapering rains. Hat and SPF for the strong sun.
Warm, dry, and sunny — days around 30°C, nights near 9°C. Light, breathable clothing by day with a layer for the cool evenings. The air is at its driest, so lip balm and moisturizer help. Strong sun: hat, sunglasses, SPF.
Oaxaca Weather FAQ
What is the best time to visit Oaxaca? +
For weather, January, February, October are the most comfortable months. Highs sit around 28°C with relatively stable rainfall and crowds.
What are the hottest and coldest months in Oaxaca? +
The hottest month is March with an average high of 32°C, and the coldest is January with an average low of 8°C. The annual average is 29°C high / 12°C low.
When does it rain most in Oaxaca? +
The wettest month is September (130mm over about 17 rainy days) and the driest is January (5mm). Total annual rainfall is roughly 630mm.
What should I pack for Oaxaca? +
Spring (Mar–May) averages 32/13°C — Hot and mostly dry, with the first occasional showers late in the month — days around 32°C, nights near 13°C. Light clothing and water by day; an umbrella for late-April afternoons. Strong sun (UV 10) — hat and high SPF. Summer (Jun–Aug) averages 28/14°C — Warm, green, and rainy — days around 28°C with afternoon storms, but the Guelaguetza festival fills the city. Light clothing, an umbrella, and quick-dry shoes. Sunny mornings mean a hat and SPF; a layer for cool evenings. Autumn (Sep–Nov) averages 27/12°C — The rains ease and Día de los Muertos arrives late in the month — warm days around 27°C, cooler nights near 12°C. Light clothing with a layer for evenings, plus an umbrella for the tapering rains. Hat and SPF for the strong sun. Winter (Dec–Feb) averages 28/9°C — Warm, dry, and sunny — days around 30°C, nights near 9°C. Light, breathable clothing by day with a layer for the cool evenings. The air is at its driest, so lip balm and moisturizer help. Strong sun: hat, sunglasses, SPF.
What is the weather in Oaxaca this month (June)? +
June averages 28°C high / 14°C low with 110mm rainfall over about 16 rainy days. Crowds are quiet and prices are low.
Keep Planning Your Oaxaca Trip
Why you can trust weather guide
Based in Chiang Mai for 8+ years, with 30+ countries visited across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe. Every detail in this guide is primary-source verified as of April 2026, with prices auto-refreshed via live exchange rate APIs. This isn't AI-generated boilerplate — it's written from the perspective of someone who has actually been there.