Best time to visit · Oaxaca · Mexico
The best time to visit Oaxaca
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Nsaum75, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
The best time to visit Oaxaca is from October to March, when days are dry, sunny and warm and nights are cool. Día de Muertos (late October to 2 November) and the Guelaguetza in late July are the city's great festivals, but both bring the highest prices and crowds, so book well ahead. The rainy season from June to September brings afternoon storms, green landscapes and low prices.
Key facts
- Best months
- October–March
- Shoulder season
- April–May and July
- Warmest month
- April (avg high 32°C (90°F))
- Coldest month
- January (avg high 27°C (81°F))
- Rainiest month
- June (~15 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- February, May–June and August–September
Seasons
Oaxaca's highland valley has a mild, spring-like climate: warm, sunny days all year and cool nights. The dry season runs from about November to April; from June to September afternoon thunderstorms are common but mornings are often clear.
November–February
Dry season
Clear skies, warm afternoons around 27 °C and cold nights near 10 °C, with Día de Muertos and the December festivals.
March–May
Hot season
The warmest and driest months, with dusty valleys and Semana Santa processions; afternoons can reach the low 30s °C.
June–September
Rainy season
Sunny mornings, afternoon storms and green countryside, with the Guelaguetza and mezcal fair in July and quiet, cheaper weeks otherwise.
October
Late season
Rains taper off, marigolds bloom and altars appear as the city builds towards Día de Muertos at the end of the month.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 27°C | 9°C | 1 | 11.2 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| February | 29°C | 10°C | 1 | 11.6 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| March | 31°C | 12°C | 2 | 12 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| April | 32°C | 14°C | 4 | 12.5 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| May | 32°C | 15°C | 8 | 12.9 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| June | 29°C | 16°C | 15 | 13.1 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| July | 28°C | 15°C | 15 | 13.1 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| August | 28°C | 15°C | 15 | 12.7 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| September | 27°C | 15°C | 15 | 12.2 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| October | 27°C | 14°C | 6 | 11.7 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| November | 27°C | 11°C | 2 | 11.3 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| December | 27°C | 9°C | 1 | 11.1 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| January | Día de Reyes — rosca de reyes bread shared on 6 January |
| March | Semana Santa processions (March or April) |
| April | Semana Santa processions (March or April) |
| July | Guelaguetza — regional dance festival on the Cerro del Fortín (usually the last two Mondays of July); Feria Internacional del Mezcal (usually alongside the Guelaguetza) |
| September | Independence Day celebrations on the Zócalo (night of 15 September) |
| October | Día de Muertos altars, comparsas and markets (from late October) |
| November | Día de Muertos — cemetery vigils and parades (31 October–2 November) |
| December | Fiesta de la Virgen de la Soledad (around 18 December); Noche de Rábanos — carved radish displays on the Zócalo (23 December) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in February, May–June and August–September, and the sights are quietest in February, May–June and August–September.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Dry season | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Hot season | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Rainy season | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Late season | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Oaxaca?
The best time to visit Oaxaca is from October to March, when days are dry, sunny and warm and nights are cool. Día de Muertos (late October to 2 November) and the Guelaguetza in late July are the city's great festivals, but both bring the highest prices and crowds, so book well ahead. The rainy season from June to September brings afternoon storms, green landscapes and low prices.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Oaxaca?
Usually in February, May–June and August–September. Warm days, cool nights and clear skies; one of the most pleasant and least crowded months.
+What is the rainiest month in Oaxaca?
June, with about 15 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Oaxaca get?
The warmest month, April, averages highs of 32°C (90°F) and lows of 14°C (57°F).