Oaxaca sits at about 1,550 m, so the sun is strong and the nights are cool. A single day can swing from a 10°C (50°F) dawn to a 28°C (82°F) afternoon, so you pack for both, plus shoes for cobblestones and a rain layer for summer storms.
Oaxaca weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 27°C81°F | 28°C82°F | 31°C88°F | 31°C88°F | 32°C90°F | 28°C82°F | 27°C81°F | 27°C81°F | 27°C81°F | 26°C79°F | 27°C81°F | 25°C77°F |
| Low | 10°C50°F | 10°C50°F | 13°C55°F | 14°C57°F | 16°C61°F | 16°C61°F | 15°C59°F | 15°C59°F | 15°C59°F | 14°C57°F | 12°C54°F | 9°C48°F |
| Rain days | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 8 | 19 | 20 | 23 | 19 | 14 | 2 | 0 |
Season by season
Dry season
November–FebruarySunny, dry and cool at night. Highs run 25–28°C (77–82°F), but lows fall to 10°C (50°F) in January and February and 9°C (48°F) in December. December and January average 0 rain days. Bring a warm layer or light jacket for evenings, and sun protection for the day. This covers Day of the Dead in late October and early November, when nights are cool and streets are packed.
Hot season
March–MayThe hottest, driest stretch before the rains. Highs reach 31°C (88°F) in March and April and 32°C (90°F) in May. Lows rise from 13°C (55°F) to 16°C (61°F). March averages 0 rain days, May 8. Pack light, breathable clothes, a hat and a refillable bottle.
Rainy season
June–SeptemberGreen, warm and wet, usually with afternoon storms. Highs ease to 27–28°C (81–82°F), lows stay around 15–16°C (59–61°F), and August averages 23 rain days. Mornings are often clear, so plan sightseeing early. Bring a rain jacket, quick-dry clothes and shoes that cope with wet stone.
What to bring to Oaxaca
0 of 24 packed- Allbirds Women's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
Grippy and light for Oaxaca's uneven stone streets, and breathable for 31°C (88°F) dry-season afternoons.
- Allbirds Men's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
The men's version, for long days walking the center and the ruins at Monte Albán.
A packable waterproof shell for summer storms, with August averaging 23 rain days.
The men's shell: also handles cool Day of the Dead nights in the cemeteries.
- Pacsafe GO Anti-Theft Tech CrossbodyDocuments & Security
Day of the Dead crowds are dense, and an anti-theft crossbody keeps your phone and cash close.
- Hydro Flask 24 oz Wide Mouth Bottle with Flex Straw CapWater Bottles & Hydration
The sun is strong at about 1,550 m, and spring highs hit 32°C (90°F).
- Anker Nano Power Bank 5,000mAh (Built-In USB-C)Tech & Power
A long night of Day of the Dead photos will drain your phone.
Clothing
- Light breathable tops · 5
- Long pants · 2Locals rarely wear shorts in the city
- Warm layer or light jacket · 1Lows of 9–10°C, Dec–Feb
- Nicer dinner outfit · 1
- Shoulder and knee coverage · 1Churches like Santo Domingo
- Quick-dry clothes · 2Rainy season, Jun–Sep
Footwear
- Trail-ready shoes · 1 pairMonte Albán, Hierve el Agua and the Sierra Norte
- Sandals · 1 pairFor the city in the dry months
Gear
- Sun hat · 1Strong sun at about 1,550 m
- Sunglasses
- Foldable tote · 1Room for textiles and pottery
Health and toiletries
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Stomach remedies
Documents and money
- Passport
- Cash in small bills
Tech
- Phone charger
October
The rains taper off. October averages a 26°C (79°F) high, a 14°C (57°F) low and 14 rain days, with drier weather toward the end of the month as Day of the Dead approaches. Pack a rain layer and a warm layer for night vigils in the cemeteries.
What shoes should you pack for Oaxaca?
Comfortable sneakers with grip. The center is uneven stone sidewalks and cobbled streets, and they get slick in the rainy season. If you plan to visit Monte Albán, Hierve el Agua or the Sierra Norte, bring shoes that handle dirt trails and stone steps. Sandals work for the city in the dry months.
What do people wear in Oaxaca?
Casual but neat. Locals rarely wear shorts in the city, though visitors do. Cover shoulders and knees in churches like Santo Domingo. Bring one nicer outfit for dinner. During Day of the Dead, be respectful in cemeteries, ask before taking photos and don't treat altars as props.
What should you pack for Day of the Dead in Oaxaca?
Warm layers and comfortable shoes. Celebrations run from late October into early November, mostly at night, and you will stand for hours in cemeteries and walk through crowded streets. Nights get cool at this altitude. Bring a jacket, a small crossbody bag for crowds and a power bank for a long night of photos.
What plugs does Oaxaca use?
Mexico uses Type A and B sockets at 127V, so US plugs fit. UK, EU and Australian visitors need an adapter. Most phone and laptop chargers handle 127V fine; check single-voltage hair tools.
Tours and things to do in Oaxaca
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Oaxaca.
What should you leave at home for Oaxaca?
Heels, a heavy winter coat and lots of valuables. A light jacket covers the coolest nights. Leave space instead: you will want room for textiles, pottery and mezcal.
Packing for Oaxaca: questions people ask
Is Oaxaca cold at night?
Yes, in the dry season. December averages a 9°C (48°F) low, so bring a warm layer even though days reach 25°C (77°F).
What should I wear in Oaxaca in July?
Light clothes and a rain jacket. July averages a 27°C (81°F) high, a 15°C (59°F) low and 20 rain days, usually afternoon storms.
When is the rainy season in Oaxaca?
Roughly June through September. August is wettest, with 23 rain days on average.
Do I need a jacket for Day of the Dead in Oaxaca?
Yes. Celebrations run late into the night and the city sits at about 1,550 m, so evenings are cool.
Can I bring mezcal home from Oaxaca?
Usually, within your home country's duty-free allowance. Pack bottles in checked bags, wrapped well, and check customs rules before you go.
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