Oaxaca City sits at 1,555 metres (5,102 feet) in the Sierra Madre del Sur mountains of southern Mexico. This high elevation gives the city a subtropical highland climate (Koppen Cwb) with mild temperatures year-round and a pronounced dry season from November through April. The city receives about 890mm (35 inches) of rain annually, nearly all of it falling between May and October. Daytime highs range from 23°C (73°F) in December to 30°C (86°F) in April, while overnight lows rarely drop below 8°C (46°F) even in the coldest months.
Oaxaca City Weather in January to March: Dry and Pleasant
January through March is the heart of Oaxaca’s dry season. January averages 23°C (73°F) by day and 8°C (46°F) at night, with only 4mm of rain across 1 rain day. February warms slightly to 25°C (77°F) daytime and 9°C (48°F) overnight, with 8mm of rain. March sees temperatures climb to 28°C (82°F) during the day and 11°C (52°F) at night, with 13mm of rainfall. Humidity sits around 59-67%, and you’ll get 8-9 hours of sunshine daily. Pack a light jacket or sweater for evenings, which cool off noticeably after sunset at this elevation.
Oaxaca City Weather in April to June: Warming Up and First Rains
April is the hottest month in Oaxaca City, with daytime highs reaching 30°C (86°F) and overnight lows of 13°C (55°F). Rainfall picks up to 37mm across about 4 rain days, usually as brief afternoon showers. Humidity drops to its annual low of 57%. May stays warm at 30°C (86°F) during the day and 15°C (59°F) at night, but rainfall jumps to 89mm over 8 days as the rainy season begins in earnest. June brings a noticeable shift: daytime temperatures cool to 27°C (81°F) and overnight lows hold at 15°C (59°F), while rainfall skyrockets to 171mm across 13 rain days. June afternoons are reliably wet; plan outdoor activities for mornings.
Oaxaca City Weather in July to September: Peak Rainy Season
July through September is the wettest period. July and August are nearly identical: daytime highs of 26°C (79°F), overnight lows of 14°C (57°F), and 152mm of rain each across roughly 12 rain days. Humidity peaks at 73-75%. Rain typically falls as heavy but short afternoon downpours lasting 1-2 hours, leaving mornings clear and sunny. September is the wettest month at 169mm of rain over 13 days, with similar temperatures of 26°C (79°F) by day and 14°C (57°F) at night. The landscape turns brilliantly green during these months. Bring a proper rain jacket, not just an umbrella, as streets can flood temporarily.
Oaxaca City Weather in October to December: Drying Out and Cooling Down
October marks the transition out of the rainy season. Daytime highs average 25°C (77°F) and overnight lows 13°C (55°F), with rainfall dropping to 72mm across 7 rain days. By November, the dry season has returned: 24°C (75°F) by day, 10°C (50°F) at night, and only 14mm of rain. December is the coolest month: 23°C (73°F) daytime and 9°C (48°F) overnight, with just 5mm of rain. This is the start of the peak tourist season, coinciding with the Christmas holidays and end-of-year festivities.
Oaxaca City Monthly Weather Comparison Table
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rain (mm) | Rain Days | Humidity | Sun (hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 8°C (46°F) | 4 | 1 | 67% | 8 |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 9°C (48°F) | 8 | 2 | 64% | 9 |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 11°C (52°F) | 13 | 2 | 59% | 9 |
| Apr | 30°C (86°F) | 13°C (55°F) | 37 | 4 | 57% | 8 |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 15°C (59°F) | 89 | 8 | 63% | 8 |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 15°C (59°F) | 171 | 13 | 71% | 7 |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 14°C (57°F) | 152 | 12 | 73% | 7 |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 14°C (57°F) | 152 | 12 | 73% | 7 |
| Sep | 26°C (79°F) | 14°C (57°F) | 169 | 13 | 75% | 6 |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 13°C (55°F) | 72 | 7 | 72% | 7 |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 10°C (50°F) | 14 | 3 | 69% | 8 |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 9°C (48°F) | 5 | 1 | 68% | 8 |
