Month guide · Oaxaca · Mexico
Oaxaca in January
What January is really like in Oaxaca: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Comisión Mexicana de Filmaciones from México D. F., México, CC BY-SA 2.0
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Quick answer
January is one of the best months to visit Oaxaca. Expect average highs of 27°C (81°F), lows of 9°C (48°F), about 1 rainy days and roughly 11.2 hours of daylight. Dry and sunny with chilly nights; the first week is busy with Mexican holiday visitors, then the city quietens.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 27°C (81°F) / 9°C (48°F)
- Rainy days
- About 1
- Daylight
- About 11.2 hours
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Hotel prices
- Average
Weather in January
January is the 8th-warmest month in Oaxaca: days average 27°C (81°F) against a yearly average high of 29°C (84°F), and nights fall to about 9°C (48°F). Rain falls on roughly 1 of its 31 days. Compared with December (27°C (81°F)), January is about as warm; by February highs climb to around 29°C (84°F).
- Sunrise (15 January)
- About 06:59
- Sunset (15 January)
- About 18:12
- Daylight
- About 11.2 hours
Late season (October). Rains taper off, marigolds bloom and altars appear as the city builds towards Día de Muertos at the end of the month.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, January rates 3 for crowds (the peak is July at 5) and 3 for hotel prices (highest in July). Prices sit in the middle of the year's range.
Events in January
- Día de Reyes — rosca de reyes bread shared on 6 January
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in January
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Garden · Santo Domingo and the Andador
Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca
Book the English-language tour if you need it; Spanish tours run more often, and the content is excellent either way.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Nature
- Outdoors
- Photo spot
- Off the beaten path
Historic site · Monte Albán
Monte Albán
The Zapotec capital was built on a levelled mountaintop about 400 metres above the valley, around 9 km west of the city, from roughly 500 BC.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Iconic
- History
- Views
- Outdoors
- Photo spot
Viewpoint · Barrio de la Soledad
Cerro del Fortín
Climb in the late afternoon for sunset views, and come down before dark; take a taxi up if you want to save your legs.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Views
- Outdoors
- Active
Religious site · Santo Domingo and the Andador
Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán
Oaxaca's most spectacular church was built by Dominican friars from the late 16th century and is covered inside with gilded and polychrome stucco.
- Time needed
- 30–45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Architecture
- History
- Free
- Photo spot
What to pack
For highs near 27°C, lows near 9°C and 1 wet days: light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; comfortable walking shoes.
Is January a good time to visit Oaxaca?
One of the best months to visit Oaxaca, with a notable event on the calendar. The other best months are February–March and October–December. Compare every month.
Oaxaca in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is January a good time to visit Oaxaca?
It is one of the best months to visit Oaxaca. Dry and sunny with chilly nights; the first week is busy with Mexican holiday visitors, then the city quietens.
+How warm is Oaxaca in January?
Average highs are around 27°C (81°F) and lows around 9°C (48°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Oaxaca in January?
Expect rain on about 1 days of the month, so it is usually dry.