Oaxaca, Mexico Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Oaxaca
Located in Mexico, Oaxaca experiences a subtropical highland climate with spring-like temperatures nearly all year thanks to its elevation. Afternoon temperatures peak near 86°F (30°C) in May and dip to about 78°F (26°C) in January, with around 31.5 inches (801 mm) of precipitation falling across the year.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: May - highs near 86°F (30°C)
- Coldest month: January - highs near 78°F (26°C)
- Record high: 101°F (38°C) · Record low: 40°F (4°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: September (20 rainy days) · Sunniest: April (11.9 h sun/day)
- Climate type: subtropical highland - spring-like temperatures nearly all year thanks to its elevation
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on May. Highs average 86°F (30°C) and overnight lows stay near 61°F (16°C). The coolest month is January, with typical highs of 78°F (26°C) and lows around 51°F (11°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 101°F (38°C) and dropped as low as 40°F (4°C).
Rain, sun and snow
September is usually the wettest month. It brings about 6.8 inches (174 mm) of rain over 20 days, while February is the driest. April brings the most sunshine, averaging 11.9 hours of sun a day.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 78° | 51° | 0 | 0.1 in | 10.7 h/day | 56% |
| February | 82° | 52° | 0 | 0.1 in | 11.1 h/day | 52% |
| March | 85° | 56° | 2 | 0.7 in | 11.3 h/day | 52% |
| April | 87° | 59° | 5 | 0.7 in | 11.9 h/day | 51% |
| May | 86° | 61° | 9 | 2.3 in | 11.6 h/day | 58% |
| June | 79° | 60° | 20 | 6.6 in | 10.4 h/day | 73% |
| July | 78° | 58° | 18 | 4.5 in | 11.4 h/day | 74% |
| August | 78° | 58° | 20 | 5.7 in | 10.7 h/day | 75% |
| September | 76° | 59° | 20 | 6.8 in | 9.7 h/day | 78% |
| October | 77° | 57° | 11 | 3.7 in | 10.2 h/day | 73% |
| November | 78° | 54° | 2 | 0.3 in | 10.7 h/day | 64% |
| December | 78° | 52° | 0 | 0.1 in | 10.7 h/day | 58% |
Oaxaca month by month
Oaxaca weather in January
January brings highs around 78°F (26°C), lows near 51°F (11°C), about 0 wet days - typically the coldest month of the year in Oaxaca.
Oaxaca weather in February
February brings highs around 82°F (28°C), lows near 52°F (11°C), about 0 wet days - typically the driest month of the year in Oaxaca.
Oaxaca weather in March
March brings highs around 85°F (29°C), lows near 56°F (13°C), about 2 wet days.
Oaxaca weather in April
April brings highs around 87°F (31°C), lows near 59°F (15°C), about 5 wet days - typically the sunniest month of the year in Oaxaca.
Oaxaca weather in May
May brings highs around 86°F (30°C), lows near 61°F (16°C), about 9 wet days - typically the hottest month of the year in Oaxaca.
Oaxaca weather in June
June brings highs around 79°F (26°C), lows near 60°F (16°C), about 20 wet days.
Oaxaca weather in July
July brings highs around 78°F (26°C), lows near 58°F (14°C), about 18 wet days.
Oaxaca weather in August
August brings highs around 78°F (26°C), lows near 58°F (15°C), about 20 wet days.
Oaxaca weather in September
September brings highs around 76°F (25°C), lows near 59°F (15°C), about 20 wet days - typically the wettest month of the year in Oaxaca.
Oaxaca weather in October
October brings highs around 77°F (25°C), lows near 57°F (14°C), about 11 wet days.
Oaxaca weather in November
November brings highs around 78°F (26°C), lows near 54°F (12°C), about 2 wet days.
Oaxaca weather in December
December brings highs around 78°F (26°C), lows near 52°F (11°C), about 0 wet days.
Seasons in Oaxaca
March through May
March through May in Oaxaca brings hot afternoons, with daytime highs averaging 86°F (30°C) and nights around 59°F (15°C); rain falls on about 16 days over the three months.
June through August
June through August in Oaxaca brings comfortable warmth, with daytime highs averaging 78°F (26°C) and nights around 59°F (15°C); expect showers on roughly 58 days across the season.
September through November
September through November in Oaxaca is pleasantly warm, with daytime highs averaging 77°F (25°C) and nights around 57°F (14°C); expect showers on roughly 34 days across the season.
December through February
December through February in Oaxaca brings comfortable warmth, with daytime highs averaging 79°F (26°C) and nights around 52°F (11°C); precipitation is infrequent.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Oaxaca?
Is Oaxaca hot in summer?
Is Oaxaca cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Oaxaca get in a year?
Best time to visit Oaxaca
The best time to visit Oaxaca is generally November to February, when warm days, manageable rainfall and plenty of daylight line up. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 79°F (26°C).
Pack for Oaxaca with lightweight, breathable clothing and strong sun protection for the hot months; a compact umbrella or rain shell - showers are a regular feature. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - May nights average 61°F (16°C).
Oaxaca temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.