🇲🇽 Oaxaca · When to go
The best time to visit Oaxaca
Oaxaca is a year-round city, but two windows are extraordinary: late October to early November for Día de Muertos, and July for the Guelaguetza festival. Weather-wise, the dry season (November–April) is the most comfortable, with warm days and cool evenings at altitude; the rains come as afternoon showers from June to September.
Best overall
Late October–early November for Día de Muertos, or the dry, mild November–April stretch for easy sightseeing.
Best weather
November–April — warm, dry days and cool evenings, with clear skies.
Fewer crowds
January to March and the green shoulder of May are quieter than the festival peaks.
Lowest prices
The rainy months (June–September) are cheapest and greenest, outside the July Guelaguetza dates.
When to avoid
If you want quiet and cheap, avoid the two festival peaks (late Oct–early Nov and mid-to-late July), when the city fills and prices climb — book months ahead for those.
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Oaxaca season by season
The most comfortable weather — warm, dry days, cool nights. Includes Día de Muertos at the very start and Christmas festivities.
The warmest, driest stretch before the rains; quiet and good value in May.
Lush and green with short afternoon downpours (mornings usually clear). Cheapest — but July’s Guelaguetza is a busy exception.
The magical, and busiest, time — altars, marigolds, comparsas and cemetery vigils. Book accommodation months ahead.
Key events & holidays
Día de Muertos / Day of the Dead (late October–2 November), the Guelaguetza indigenous dance festival (two Mondays in July), Noche de Rábanos / Night of the Radishes (23 December), and Semana Santa (Easter week).
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Plan my Oaxaca trip — freeBest time to visit Oaxaca — FAQs
When is the best time to visit Oaxaca?
For the famous atmosphere, late October to 2 November for Día de Muertos or July for the Guelaguetza. For easy weather and lighter crowds, the dry November–April season is ideal.
When is Day of the Dead in Oaxaca?
Día de Muertos peaks from about 31 October to 2 November, with events building through late October. Oaxaca is one of the most atmospheric places in Mexico to experience it — book accommodation months in advance.
What is the cheapest time to visit Oaxaca?
The green rainy season (June–September) is cheapest and least crowded, apart from the busy July Guelaguetza dates. Rain usually falls as short afternoon showers.
Is the Guelaguetza worth timing a trip around?
Yes — it’s one of Mexico’s great indigenous cultural festivals, held on two Mondays in July, with dance delegations from across Oaxaca state. Expect a busier, pricier city, so book ahead.
Weather, prices and event dates vary year to year — always check current forecasts and schedules before you book. Some links are affiliate links; Wavvia may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.