Best Time to Visit Oaxaca

Oaxaca City is a year-round stunner, but your vacation days are limited. So, when’s the perfect time to visit? 

That depends on the kind of traveler you are. Are you most looking forward to balmy days, low-cost deals, or the calmness of the off-season? Or perhaps you’re curious about the less-than-ideal times to visit this city?

Whichever the case, we’ve got the inside scoop on when you can experience the magic of Oaxaca City at its finest. Let’s begin.

The Best Time to Visit if You Want Perfect Weather

Oaxaca enjoys a subtropical highland climate. From October to May, the city’s climate is sunny and dry, and from June to September, the rain takes center stage.

The answer to when it’s best to visit Oaxaca if you want the ideal weather conditions is more than obvious — it’s during the dry season.

Within this season, December and February are the least rainy, with an average of 0.7 inches (19mm) of rain. January is the coldest, with daytime temperatures about 77°F (25°C) and nights as chilly as 47°F (8.3°C).

March, April, and May are the warmest months not only of the dry season but of the entire year. Their average temperature is approximately 84.9°F (29.4°C), with temperatures reaching as high as 89.9°F (31.1°C). Spring nights are comfortable, with temperatures ranging from 53.9°F (12.2°C) to 59°F (15°C).

Spring is our favorite time because of the dryness and warmth combined. Fall and winter are also nice, but spring is warmer, especially at night. But don’t worry, whichever month you pick, there’s nothing like a cozy sweater that can’t fix a chilly, breezy night.

The Best Time to Visit if You Want the Best Bargains

Oaxaca is known to be one of the cheapest and safest cities to visit in Mexico all year round, but if you want the absolute best bargains, August is by far the most budget-friendly month for tourism.

August follows the city’s most famous celebration, Fiesta de la Guelaguetza, held in July, a folkloric dance and musical spectacle highlighting Mexican tradition and the culture of Oaxaca’s indigenous people.

While you might not be able to partake in this grand festival if you visit in August, this month offers a great alternative, especially for foodies: the Encuentro de Cocineras Zapotecas. This culinary event honors the timeless spirit of Mexican cuisine by honoring the culinary heritage of the indigenous communities.

January, on the other hand, is the most expensive month of the year, drawing a surge of tourists and locals alike to celebrate New Year’s Eve and Christmas. April is the second most expensive, distinguished by Spring Break and Easter. As the final entries on the list of pricier months, we have late October to early November because of the beautiful celebrations honoring the Day of the Dead.

Skip these months for your Oaxaca trip, and you can get a very affordable getaway. Prices always dip after the major Oaxacan events we mentioned above, so go on a hunt for vacation deals that pop up once these peak seasons are over. Your wallet will thank you.

The Best Time to Visit Oaxaca to Experience Oaxaca’s Calmest Season

Seeking out the quietest periods in Oaxaca is similar to looking for the finest discounts — they typically appear shortly after the year’s main events.

The city’s tranquility starts in February (after the Christmas cheer finally abates), May and June (following Spring Break and Easter), and from August through October (after the Guelaguetza Festival and prior to the Day of the Dead).

June and September take the crown as Oaxaca’s best crowd-free months. But, they are the wettest months of the year, which is a deal-breaker for many tourists.

The good news is that rain is more likely in the late afternoon and evening, so there’s still plenty of sunshine to go around during the day! And if the afternoon brings some rain, don’t worry — your holiday will not be spoiled.

There’s so much you can do while you wait for the rain to stop. To mention a few options, you can go to the Museum of Oaxacan Cultures, the Mercado de Artesanas handicrafts market, the gorgeous church Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán, or opt for tasting Mezcal, a traditional distilled beverage.

Worst Time to Visit Oaxaca: Which Months May Disappoint?

There’s no straightforward answer to this question — it’s largely going to depend on your preference. However, what we can offer is a glimpse into the months that tend to be less appealing to some tastes.

If rain puts a damper on your outdoor enthusiasm, then we don’t recommend visiting from June to September. Instead, keep your eyes on the dry season’s crown jewels — January and February.

If bustling crowds overwhelm you, then December, January, April, and July are your “worst” months. These are peak months for Oaxaca, so the hotels, bars, restaurants, and city tours will most certainly be booming. If you’re looking for a peaceful atmosphere, consider visiting around June or September.

For budget-conscious travelers, the rule remains the same: peak months equate to higher expenses. During these periods, airfare increases, hotel rates surge, city excursions cost more, and even the basic pleasures of dining and drinking become more expensive — so these are the worst months to travel to Oaxaca on a budget. Conversely, August is the month when you can hit the cheap deals jackpot.

Lastly, if chilly nights don’t fit your vision of the “ultimate” vacation, steering clear of the winter months, especially January, is a smart move. If cold weather can put you in “I just want to snuggle in my warm pajamas and comfy blanket” mode, plan a trip to Oaxaca during its warmest month — April.

Overall, these are the months when you want to double-check that things align with your trip plans.

Conclusion

To wrap up, there’s no need to panic over picking the perfect date to visit Oaxaca — every season brings its own thrills, and that’s the magic of it all!

For example, spring has the best weather, whilst early summer and fall promise peace and fewer tourists. Late summer has the best prices, while late fall and winter have pleasant weather and heartwarming festivities.

As for the “worst” times, think of them as chances to adapt and get creative. Remember, a “worst” time is only as horrible as the mind allows it to be.

So, pick a season that sparks your wanderlust, roll with the ups and downs, and make your Oaxaca adventure uniquely yours. After all, it’s not just about the timing – it’s about the thrill of the journey. Happy trip to Mexico!