T
Tripozi
a large building with a dome and a courtyard with people walking around

Mexico · tool

Best time to visit Oaxaca

Month-by-month weather, crowds, prices, and festival calendar — so you know exactly when to book.

Photo by ryan doyle on Unsplash

Best time to visit Oaxaca, Mexico

Month-by-month breakdown of weather, crowds, prices, and seasonal highlights.

MonthScoreWeatherCrowdsPricesHighlights
January
18-28°C, dry and sunnymoderatemoderate
  • Pleasant, dry weather
  • Post-holiday calm
February
19-29°C, dry and sunnymoderatemoderate
  • Ideal weather conditions
  • Pre-Lenten tranquility
March
20-30°C, dry and sunnymoderatemoderate
  • Perfect weather for exploring
  • Early mango season
April
21-31°C, warm with increasing humiditymoderatemoderate
  • Semana Santa festivities (can be crowded)
  • Spring blooms
Semana Santa dates vary, check calendar.
May
22-32°C, warm and humid with afternoon showerslowlow
  • Fewer tourists
  • Local festivals
Rain increases, potentially impacting outdoor plans.
June
21-30°C, frequent afternoon thunderstormslowlow
  • Rainy season provides lush scenery
  • Great deals
Heavy rainfall can disrupt travel and activities.
July
20-29°C, humid with daily rainmoderatemoderate
  • Guelaguetza festival
  • Green landscapes
Guelaguetza is a major event; book accommodations well in advance.
August
20-28°C, humid with frequent rainlowlow
  • Quieter during much of the month
  • Lower prices
Still within hurricane season, though direct impacts are less common inland.
September
19-27°C, very humid with heavy rainlowlow
  • Fewest tourists
  • Deepest green landscapes
Peak of hurricane season; significant rainfall and potential for travel disruption.
October
19-28°C, less rain, sunny daysmoderatemoderate
  • Transition to dry season
  • Day of the Dead preparations
  • Mild temperatures
November
18-27°C, dry and sunnyhighhigh
  • Día de Muertos (Nov 1-2)
  • Perfect weather
  • Mole festival
Día de Muertos is extremely popular; book everything months in advance.
December
17-26°C, dry and sunnypeakpeak
  • Christmas and New Year celebrations
  • Cooler, pleasant evenings
Christmas and New Year's week sees peak crowds and prices.

Annual events worth timing your trip around

April
Semana Santa (Holy Week)

Solemn religious processions and vibrant local celebrations.

July
Guelaguetza

Oaxaca's largest cultural festival showcasing traditional music, dance, and crafts from across the state.

November
Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead)

A profound and colorful celebration honoring deceased loved ones with altars, marigolds, and festivities.

November
Festival de los Moles

A culinary celebration dedicated to Oaxaca's famous complex sauces.

July
Festival de la Guelaguetza

A significant cultural event featuring traditional dances and music from Oaxaca's diverse regions.

December
Christmas Celebrations

Decorations, posadas (parties), and festive markets fill the city.

Insider timing tips

  • The rainy season (June-September) brings lush green landscapes but also significant humidity and frequent, heavy downpours that can disrupt travel.
  • November is peak season due to Día de Muertos, meaning high prices and dense crowds, especially around Nov 1-2. Book far in advance.
  • While coastal areas are directly impacted by hurricanes, inland Oaxaca (like the city) experiences heavy rainfall and potential travel disruptions during the September-October period.
  • Shoulder months like October and April offer a good balance of pleasant weather and manageable crowds, though April's Semana Santa can be exceptionally busy.
  • Local holidays and festivals, even outside major events, can lead to unexpected closures of shops and some attractions, particularly on religious feast days.

Ready to plan your Oaxaca trip?

Get a full day-by-day itinerary with real places and bookable activities.

Best time to visit elsewhere

Best time to visit for similar destinations