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Weather in Oaxaca
Indigenous culture, mole, and mezcal magic
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About Oaxaca
Oaxaca represents Mexico's indigenous heartland where Zapotec and Mixtec traditions thrive through textiles, markets, ceremonies, and 14 variations of mole sauce. The city's zócalo radiates colonial architecture. Mezcal distilleries dot surrounding hills.
Best months to visit
January, February, March, April, November, December
Language
Spanish, English
Things to do in Oaxaca
Explore the zócalo and colonial architecture
Visit the Textile Museum and local markets
Sample the 14 varieties of mole at local restaurants
Tour mezcal distilleries in nearby villages
Hike trails to waterfalls and natural pools
Attend festivals celebrating Day of the Dead or ceremonies
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
Recommended
January
25C
Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
February
27C
Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
March
29C
Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
April
30C
Hot and humid, with occasional showers.
May
29C
Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.
June
26C
Warm and pleasant, with regular rainfall.
July
26C
Warm and pleasant, with regular rainfall.
August
26C
Warm and pleasant, with regular rainfall.
September
25C
Warm and pleasant, with regular rainfall.
October
25C
Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.
Recommended
November
25C
Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
December
25C
Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.
Oaxaca City is widely considered Mexico's culinary capital, where market stalls serving tlayudas and mole sit a few streets from some of the country's most celebrated fine-dining restaurants. The colonial centre, with its green-stone cathedral and shaded zócalo, is also a gateway to the hilltop ruins of Monte Albán, mezcal distilleries in the surrounding villages, and some of the country's most vibrant Day of the Dead celebrations.
Best areas to stay in Oaxaca
Centro Histórico
The colonial core around the zócalo and Santo Domingo church, packed with markets, museums and restaurants.
Jalatlaco
A colourful, artsy neighbourhood of cobbled streets, murals and cafes a short walk from the centre.
Xochimilco
A quieter residential barrio with traditional houses, local markets and an authentic neighbourhood feel.
Reforma
A leafy, upscale area popular with longer-term visitors, with boutique guesthouses and good restaurants.
Getting to Oaxaca
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Flights
Oaxaca's airport has domestic connections to Mexico City and other hubs; most international visitors connect via Mexico City (about 1 hour by air or 6-7 hours by road).
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From London
~12-13 hours direct from London to Mexico City, plus a short connecting flight or road journey to Oaxaca.
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Getting around
The historic centre is walkable; colectivos and taxis cover trips to Monte Albán and the surrounding craft villages.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Oaxaca?
October and November are spectacular for Day of the Dead celebrations, while the dry season from October to April generally offers the most reliable weather.
Is Oaxacan food really that special?
Yes — Oaxaca is famous for its seven varieties of mole, tlayudas, mezcal and chapulines (toasted grasshoppers), with both market comedores and award-winning restaurants worth seeking out.
Can I visit Monte Albán in a day?
Yes — the Zapotec ruins are about 30 minutes from the city centre and can easily be combined with a half-day trip, often paired with a stop at a mezcal distillery in nearby San Agustín Etla or Santiago Matatlán.
Is Oaxaca City walkable?
Very — the historic centre is compact and best explored on foot, though cobblestones can be uneven, so comfortable shoes help.
What souvenirs is Oaxaca known for?
Black pottery (barro negro) from San Bartolo Coyotepec, alebrijes (painted wooden animal carvings), and handwoven textiles from villages like Teotitlán del Valle.
Traveler reviews
★★★★★
Visited for Day of the Dead and the city was transformed — altars, marigolds and parades everywhere. The food alone was worth the trip.
Isabel G. · November 2023
★★★★★
Did a mezcal tour out to Santiago Matatlán and spent an afternoon at Monte Albán — both easy to arrange from the centre.
Ben H. · February 2024
★★★★☆
Markets like Benito Juárez and 20 de Noviembre were a highlight — grilled meats, fresh tortillas and mole all in one place.
Laura S. · May 2023
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