Oaxaca is a year-round destination, but April is the best time to visit Oaxaca. This month offers the ideal balance of warm, dry weather and lower crowds before the summer rains and the heavy peak season of July. You get clear skies and average highs of 88°F without the holiday price spikes of December or the humidity of August. Whether you are trekking the Sierra Norte or sitting in the Zócalo, April provides the most consistent conditions for exploring. If you want the cultural peak, choose late October for Day of the Dead.
Month by month
January
Expect cool mornings and pleasant afternoons. Highs average 78°F, while nights drop to a crisp 48°F. The peak holiday crowds start to thin out after the first week, making it easier to book top restaurants. Prices remain moderate. This is the height of the dry season, so the landscape looks golden rather than green. It is the perfect time for hiking the Pueblos Mancomunados without worrying about rain or excessive heat.
February
February is one of the driest months in Oaxaca. Temperatures rise slightly, with daily highs reaching 81°F and lows around 50°F. Crowds are manageable, and hotel rates are stable. The clear skies are ideal for visiting the ruins of Monte Albán early in the morning before the sun gets intense. You will experience very low humidity and virtually zero rainfall, making it a favorite for outdoor photography and market tours.
March
The weather begins to heat up as spring approaches. Temperatures range from 52°F at night to 85°F during the day. March is the start of the "heat season" before the rains arrive. Prices might spike slightly around the spring equinox as visitors flock to the pyramids to celebrate the astronomical event. The jacaranda trees begin to bloom across the city, lining the streets with purple flowers.
April
April is the hottest month of the year, with average highs of 88°F and occasional peaks into the 90s. Despite the heat, the air is dry, and the skies are clear. This is the shoulder season; you will find fewer tourists and better deals on boutique hotels. It is the best time to visit Hierve el Agua, as the natural pools provide a welcome respite from the afternoon temperatures.
May
May marks the transition into the rainy season. Expect highs of 87°F and lows of 58°F. You will see occasional afternoon thunderstorms, but they rarely last long enough to ruin plans. Prices remain low. This is a great month for foodies to visit, as the first rains spark the arrival of chicatanas (giant flying ants), a seasonal delicacy found in high-end kitchens and local markets alike.
June
The rainy season is in full swing. Highs drop to 82°F as the cloud cover increases. Vegetation turns lush and green. Expect heavy rain in the late afternoons, but mornings are usually clear. This is one of the quietest months for tourism. If you don't mind carrying an umbrella, you can find significant discounts on luxury accommodations. It is a prime time for exploring the city's many museums and indoor galleries.
July
July is a major peak season despite the rain. The weather is mild, with highs of 80°F and lows of 59°F. The city becomes crowded and expensive due to the Guelaguetza, Oaxaca’s most famous cultural festival celebrating indigenous dance and music. You must book hotels and event tickets months in advance. The atmosphere is electric, filled with parades (calendas) and mezcal tastings across the city.
August
August is humid and wet, with temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F. The Guelaguetza crowds have dissipated, but European and domestic summer travelers keep the city somewhat active. Prices are moderate. While hiking can be muddy, the surrounding valleys are vibrantly green. It is an excellent month for a mezcal distillery tour in Santiago Matatlán, as the indoor tasting rooms provide shelter from the afternoon rain.
September
This is the rainiest month in Oaxaca. Average highs are 79°F. While it doesn't rain all day, the storms can be intense. This is the low season, so you will find the cheapest flights and hotel rates of the year. September 16th is Mexican Independence Day, which brings patriotic celebrations, fireworks, and special dishes like chiles en nogada to the local restaurants.
October
The rains begin to taper off in mid-October. Highs stay around 79°F, and the air starts to cool. The first half of the month is quiet and affordable. The final week of October sees a massive surge in visitors and prices for the Day of the Dead preparations. It is a beautiful time to be in the city as marigold markets set up and altars appear in every doorway.
November
November offers cooling temperatures, with highs of 78°F and lows of 52°F. The first few days of the month are the busiest as Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) festivities conclude. After November 3rd, the crowds disappear, and the weather is nearly perfect—dry, sunny, and crisp. This is one of the best windows for exploring the Ethnobotanical Garden without the heat of the spring.
December
December is a high-traffic month. Temperatures are cool, ranging from 48°F to 77°F. Expect high prices and fully booked hotels, especially around Christmas and New Year. On December 23rd, the city hosts the Night of the Radishes (Noche de Rábanos), a unique competition where artisans carve oversized radishes into intricate scenes. It is a festive, crowded, and vibrant time to experience Oaxacan traditions.
Cheapest time to visit Oaxaca
If you are traveling on a budget, book your trip for September or October (excluding the final week). These months represent the low season because of the higher rainfall.
Airlines and hotels frequently slash prices to fill capacity. You can often find luxury boutique hotels for 30-40% less than their December peaks. While September is the wettest month, the rain usually hits in the late afternoon, leaving the mornings open for sightseeing. May and June are also affordable windows before the July festival season begins.
When to avoid Oaxaca
Avoid July and late October if you dislike crowds and inflated prices.
During the Guelaguetza (July) and Day of the Dead (late October to early November), the city’s infrastructure is pushed to its limit. Traffic is heavy, the best restaurants require reservations weeks in advance, and the main pedestrian streets are packed.
If you cannot stand heat, avoid April and May. Temperatures frequently hit the 90s, and because Oaxaca is at a high altitude, the sun is exceptionally strong. If you dislike rain, avoid September, as tropical storms can occasionally lead to localized flooding or canceled outdoor tours.
Best time for good weather
For the most reliable weather, visit between January and March.
During this period, you are guaranteed clear blue skies and zero rain. Humidity is non-existent. The mornings are cool enough for a light jacket, and the afternoons are warm but not oppressive. This dry window is ideal for:
- Outdoor ruins: Walking Monte Albán or Mitla without the risk of a downpour.
- Photography: The natural light is sharp and consistent.
- Hiking: The trails in the Sierra Norte are dry and safe.
If you prefer lush, green landscapes over the dry, brown scrub of the winter, visit in late June or July. You will deal with rain, but the scenery is significantly more impressive.
Best time for fewer crowds
To have the city to yourself, go in the "shoulder" weeks:
- Last two weeks of January: After the Three Kings Day crowds leave.
- Late May to early June: After the spring heat but before the July festivals.
- The first two weeks of November: Immediately following Day of the Dead.
During these periods, you can walk into top-tier mezcal bars like Sabina Sabe or restaurants like Itanoní without a long wait. The plazas are filled with locals rather than tour groups, providing a more authentic glimpse into daily Oaxacan life. This is the best time for travelers who value spontaneity over pre-planned itineraries.