Mexico · tool
Best time to visit Oaxaca
Month-by-month weather, crowds, prices, and festival calendar — so you know exactly when to book.
Best time to visit Oaxaca, Mexico
Month-by-month breakdown of weather, crowds, prices, and seasonal highlights.
| Month | Score | Weather | Crowds | Prices | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 10-28°C, dry and sunny | moderate | moderate |
| |
| February | 12-30°C, dry and sunny | moderate | moderate |
| |
| March | 13-31°C, dry and sunny | moderate | moderate |
| |
| April | 14-32°C, increasingly warm and dry | high | high |
⚠ Semana Santa week can be extremely crowded and prices surge. | |
| May | 16-33°C, warm with increasing humidity | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Can be quite hot, especially in the valleys. | |
| June | 16-31°C, start of rainy season, humid | low | low |
⚠ Frequent afternoon rain showers are common. | |
| July | 15-29°C, rainy season continues, humid | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Guelaguetza attracts crowds, book accommodation early. | |
| August | 15-28°C, rainy season, humid | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Rainfall can impact travel to some rural archaeological sites. | |
| September | 14-27°C, peak rainy season, humid | low | low |
⚠ Highest risk of heavy rainfall and potential for tropical storms. | |
| October | 13-28°C, end of rainy season, pleasant | moderate | moderate |
| |
| November | 11-28°C, dry and sunny | high | high |
⚠ Día de Muertos is a major cultural event, book well in advance. | |
| December | 10-27°C, dry and sunny | high | high |
⚠ Christmas week and New Year's can be very busy and expensive. |
Annual events worth timing your trip around
Solemn religious processions and vibrant local celebrations across the state.
A major indigenous cultural festival showcasing traditional music, dance, and crafts from Oaxaca's diverse regions.
A profound and colorful celebration of departed loved ones with altars, marigolds, and cemetery vigils.
Parades featuring giant puppets, brass bands, and dancers, often accompanying Day of the Dead events.
While Oaxaca City is inland, coastal areas can be affected; September and October see the highest risk.
Insider timing tips
- •The rainy season (June-September) doesn't mean constant downpours; expect heavy afternoon showers that clear up, leaving lush landscapes.
- •While coastal areas are prone to hurricanes, Oaxaca City's inland location offers some protection, though heavy rains can still cause disruptions.
- •Semana Santa and Día de Muertos are peak travel times, driving up prices and crowds significantly; book accommodation and transport months in advance.
- •Shoulder months like October and February offer a sweet spot of excellent weather and fewer crowds than the absolute peak seasons.
- •Many smaller shops and businesses might close for a few hours in the afternoon for siesta, particularly outside Oaxaca City.
Ready to plan your Oaxaca trip?
Get a full day-by-day itinerary with real places and bookable activities.