Huatulco

Huatulco is a purpose-built beach resort on Mexico’s southern Pacific coast in Oaxaca, spread across nine bays that run 35km along the shoreline. It was developed by FONATUR, Mexico’s national tourism agency, in the 1980s, and unlike Cancun it was planned to keep much of its coast wild: four of the nine bays sit inside Huatulco National Park and stay reachable only by boat. The climate is tropical and steady, with daytime highs of 33-35°C (91-95°F) all year and a dry season from November to April. Use the guides below to plan the weather, pick a bay, and decide what to do.

Welcome to Huatulco

Welcome to Huatulco, the southernmost major resort on Mexico’s Pacific coast. The town runs on a different rhythm from Cancun or Puerto Vallarta: no high-rise wall along the sand, no spring-break crowds, just a string of bays backed by the dry forest and coffee hills of the Sierra Madre del Sur. Most visitors split their time between the water and La Crucecita, the walkable center where the restaurants, market, and the church with its famous painted ceiling sit around a single plaza.

Huatulco Weather at a Glance

Huatulco has a tropical savanna climate with barely any seasonal temperature change. Daytime highs hold at 33-35°C (91-95°F) every month, while nights range from 19°C (66°F) in January to 23°C (73°F) in May. The sea runs 26-30°C (79-86°F) year-round, warm enough to swim in any month.

The real seasonal shift is rain. The dry season from November to April sees just 1 to 9mm per month, while the rainy season from May to October delivers the bulk of the roughly 700mm of annual rainfall, peaking at 176mm in June and 174mm in September. Rain falls mostly as short afternoon downpours. See the full numbers in the Huatulco weather by month guide.

Seasonal Snapshot

• Dry season (November to April): 1 to 9mm of rain per month, 8 to 9 hours of daily sunshine, sea at 26-28°C (79-82°F)
• Rainy season (May to October): 27mm in May rising to 176mm in June and 174mm in September, mostly brief afternoon storms
• Hurricane season: June to November, with the highest risk in September and October
• Peak travel: mid-December through early January, and the week of Semana Santa

Huatulco Travel Guides

1. Huatulco Weather by Month: monthly highs, lows, rainfall in mm, and sea temperatures with a comparison table.
2. Best Time to Visit Huatulco: the best months for weather, lower prices, fewer crowds, and specific events.
3. Things to Do in Huatulco: bay tours, snorkeling, waterfalls, coffee plantations, diving, and local food.
4. Huatulco Events and Festivals: Fiestas de Mayo, Day of the Dead, the Virgin of Guadalupe feast, and more.
5. Huatulco Neighborhoods: Tangolunda, Santa Cruz, La Crucecita, Chahue, and the remote bays explained.
6. Where to Stay in Huatulco: hotel picks by area, from Tangolunda resorts to La Crucecita budget rooms.
7. Huatulco Travel Tips and FAQ: airport transport, taxis, money, safety, visas, and practical answers.

Huatulco Quick Facts

• Best months for beaches: December to April
• Warmest months: April and May, with highs of 35°C (95°F)
• Coolest month: January, highs of 33°C (91°F) and lows of 19°C (66°F)
• Wettest month: September at 174mm
• Sea temperature range: 26-30°C (79-86°F) year-round
• Airport: Bahias de Huatulco International Airport (HUX), about 15km from Santa Cruz
• Beaches: 36 across nine bays, four bays inside Huatulco National Park

Where to Stay in Huatulco

Huatulco splits into three stay areas. Tangolunda is the luxury resort bay with the all-inclusives and the calmest swimming water. Santa Cruz is the marina and cruise area, best for boat trips and mid-range hotels. La Crucecita is the inland town center with the cheapest rooms and the best local food. For hotel recommendations in each, see the where to stay in Huatulco guide.

Suggested Hotels in Huatulco

Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa

Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa is an adult-only all-inclusive set on a private stretch of Conejos Bay with a large pool, gym, and rooms with balconies and minibars. Best for couples and adults who want a quiet, no-kids resort. Check rates and availability

Hotel Santa Cruz Huatulco

Hotel Santa Cruz Huatulco is a mid-range hotel near Santa Cruz beach with a pool, sun terrace, and easy access to the marina and cruise docks. Best for travelers who want a practical, central base. Check rates and availability

Hotel Maria Mixteca

Hotel Maria Mixteca is a well-reviewed budget hotel about 2km from Huatulco beach, with a terrace, bar, and an on-site restaurant serving Oaxacan food. Best for solo travelers and backpackers who want location over frills. Check rates and availability