Month-by-Month Guide
Best Time to Visit Oaxaca
Mexico · Updated for 2026
Quick Answer
November - April (dry season)
June - September (heavy monsoon rains)
November and March offer warm, dry conditions with manageable crowd levels.
25-32 degrees C (77-90 F) year-round; cooler at altitude in dry season
Oaxaca Month by Month
Weather, crowds, prices, and events for every month of the year.
January
$$$$Peak dry season in Oaxaca. Warm, sunny, and near-perfect beach weather. Popular with visitors escaping winter; book well ahead for the best properties.
Events: New Year celebrations, dry season peak
February
$$$$Excellent beach and sightseeing weather in Oaxaca. Lunar New Year brings lively celebrations. One of the finest months with hot dry days and cool evenings.
Events: Lunar New Year, local festivals
March
$$$Hot and sunny in Oaxaca as the dry season reaches its peak. Slightly fewer visitors than January-February make this a sweet spot for value and weather.
Events: Water festival preparations, cultural events
April
$$$Hot and increasingly humid in Oaxaca as the wet season approaches. Songkran water festivals (Thailand) make this one of the liveliest months to visit.
Events: Songkran / Water festival, local new year
May
$$Early wet season arrives in Oaxaca with hot, humid days and afternoon downpours. Prices drop significantly. Great for budget travellers who do not mind some rain.
Events: Local Buddhist festivals, shoulder events
June
$Monsoon season is underway in Oaxaca. Heavy rain alternates with warm sunshine. Lush landscapes, rock-bottom prices, and a true local experience await.
Events: Monsoon arrival, local events
July
$Deep monsoon in Oaxaca. Dramatic skies and green landscapes reward patient visitors. Indoor temples, museums, and cooking schools thrive in the rain.
Events: Buddhist festivals, local celebrations
August
$Still rainy in Oaxaca but the rains tend to come in predictable afternoon bursts. Mornings are often clear. Off-season pricing makes luxury accessible.
Events: Independence events, local festivals
September
$The tail end of monsoon season in Oaxaca. Rains begin to ease. The city is lush and green, prices remain low, and a different kind of beauty emerges.
Events: Monsoon end, harvest festivals
October
$$The dry season returns to Oaxaca. Humidity drops, skies clear, and the landscape is beautifully green from monsoon rains. An excellent time to visit.
Events: Lantern festivals, cultural events
November
$$$One of the finest months to visit Oaxaca. Dry, warm, and clear with lower tourist numbers than January. Lantern festivals add magic to the evenings.
Events: Lantern Festival, local events
December
$$$$Peak season kicks in at Oaxaca as international visitors arrive for the holidays. Perfect beach weather, festive atmosphere, and maximum buzz.
Events: New Year celebrations, Christmas events
Insider Tips for Oaxaca
- 1The dry season (roughly November-April) is almost always the best time to visit.
- 2During monsoon season, book hotels in central locations to reduce rain-day frustration.
- 3Early morning sightseeing beats the midday heat and avoids afternoon downpours.
- 4Lightweight, quick-dry clothing is the smartest packing choice for any season.
- 5Negotiate tuk-tuk and taxi prices upfront, or use a metered cab / app.
Where to Stay in Oaxaca
Beachfront or coastal resorts are best in the dry season. City-centre hotels make more sense during wetter months when mobility matters.
Browse Oaxaca hotel guides