Weather in Oaxaca

Stay informed about the current weather conditions in Oaxaca. In this section, you will find fresh data, detailed forecasts, and visual weather charts.

Oaxaca, located in the southern part of Mexico, boasts a pleasant, temperate climate throughout most of the year, often described as subtropical highland. The temperature here remains relatively stable, without sharp extremes, making the city an attractive destination to visit at any time. Daytime temperatures are usually warm, while evenings and nights can be cool, especially during the winter months.

Two main seasons are clearly distinguished in Oaxaca. The dry season typically lasts from November to April. During this time, sunny weather prevails with minimal rainfall, creating ideal conditions for walking and exploring the surroundings. Average monthly temperatures during this period range from 15°C to 20°C, with March and April being the warmest and driest months before the rains begin.

The rainy season usually falls between May and October. During this time, the amount of precipitation increases; it most often rains in the afternoon or evening, leaving the mornings and the first half of the day sunny. June, August, and September are the months with the highest number of rainy days. Despite the rain, the temperature remains comfortable, averaging around 18-20°C, and the surrounding nature becomes particularly lush and green.

The climate in Oaxaca is characterized by pleasant temperatures year-round, though with notable seasonal variations. Overall, the annual temperature range is quite comfortable for travel. The hottest months are usually April and May, when the average daytime temperature holds at 20.0-20.4°C, and maximum values can reach 27.0-27.2°C. Nights during this period are also warm, with minimum temperatures around 12.7-13.8°C. The coolest months are considered to be December and January. At this time, the average temperature is 15.6-15.8°C; during the day the air warms up to 21.8-22.2°C, while at night it can drop to 9.3-9.4°C.

The summer months in Oaxaca, from June to August, bring more moderate warmth compared to the spring peak. Average temperatures during this period fluctuate around 18.1-18.9°C. Daytime highs are usually within 22.9-23.9°C, and nighttime lows drop to 13.1-13.9°C. This is also the period with the highest amount of precipitation. The winter months, especially December and January, offer mild and pleasant weather. Days are usually sunny and warm, with maximum temperatures around 21.8-22.2°C, while nights become noticeably cooler, with minimum temperatures dropping to 9.3-9.4°C.

One of the characteristic features of Oaxaca's climate is significant diurnal temperature variations. The difference between daytime highs and nighttime lows can be quite substantial throughout the year. For example, in March, the difference can reach 15°C (maximum 26.7°C, minimum 11.5°C), and in January about 12-13°C (maximum 22.2°C, minimum 9.4°C). Even in the summer months, when cloud cover is higher, the difference is about 9-10°C. This means that even on the warmest days, evenings and nights can be quite fresh, so tourists are advised to carry a light jacket or sweater.

The city of Oaxaca sees a clearly defined division of the year into a dry season and a rainy season. Although the total amount of precipitation throughout the year can be characterized as moderate, the main difference lies in the frequency of rainy days and peak rainfall values in certain months.

The dry season in Oaxaca usually lasts from November to April. During this period, precipitation is minimal or non-existent. January, February, March, and December are the driest months, when rainfall is 0 mm, and the number of rainy days does not exceed one or two. November and April are also characterized by very low rainfall (1 mm) and a small number of days with rain (4 and 6 days respectively).

The rainy season in Oaxaca falls between May and October. Starting from May, the amount of rainfall and rainy days gradually increases. The peak of the rainy season is observed from June to September. September is the month with the highest average rainfall (9 mm), and August is the month with the highest number of rainy days (on average 24 days). It also rains frequently in June and July, accounting for 21 and 20 rainy days respectively. October marks the gradual end of the rainy season, with a decrease in rainfall to 4 mm and 16 rainy days. It is important to note that even in the rainy season, the total amount of falling precipitation remains comparatively low, which may indicate frequent, but not necessarily heavy or prolonged rains.

When planning a trip to Oaxaca, it is important to consider the local climate features, which are generally warm and pleasant, but with noticeable temperature drops between day and evening. The foundation of your wardrobe should be layered clothing: light t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, as well as a sweater or fleece for the cool morning and evening hours when the temperature can drop to 9-13°C. Don't forget comfortable shoes for walking along the city's cobblestone streets and its surroundings. Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are also mandatory items, as the sun in Mexico can be very intense year-round, even with average maximum temperatures around 22-27°C.

From November to April, a dry season sets in Oaxaca with minimal rainfall (0-1 mm per month). During the day, the temperature is comfortable, often reaching 22-27°C, so you will need light cotton or linen items. Evenings and nights can be cool, with temperatures dropping to 9-12°C, so a light jacket or warm cardigan will be very useful. During this period, an umbrella will likely not be needed, as the number of rainy days is minimal (1-2 days per month from January to March).

The rainy season in Oaxaca lasts approximately from May to October, with the highest amount of rainfall (up to 9 mm in September) and rainy days (up to 24 days in August). Rains most often occur in the afternoon or evening but can be intense. It is recommended to bring a light raincoat or a compact umbrella. Clothing made from quick-drying fabrics may prove useful. Despite the rain, daytime temperatures remain warm, around 23-27°C, but due to humidity, it may feel somewhat muggy. Evenings are also warm, but a light cover-up may come in handy for comfort.