The climate of Oaxaca
Located in a temperate highland zone, the city of
Oaxaca,
Mexico is under the sway of a Cwb Köppen climate classification, or more specifically, a temperate highland tropical climate with dry winters. An analysis of the provided climatological parameters unveils a climate marked by mild temperatures throughout the year, alterations in humidity and rainfall, as well as notable variations in daylight and sunshine hours.
Throughout the year, Oaxaca experiences relatively consistent temperatures, with average monthly highs ranging from a decent 20.6°C (69.1°F) to a peak of 26.8°C (80.2°F), while average monthly lows fluctuate between 7.8°C (46°F) and 13.3°C (55.9°F). The level of relative humidity alters over the months, with lower percentages recorded from
February to
April (from 62% to 68%), then increasing to peak at 86% in
September, before dropping once again towards the end of the year.
In terms of precipitation, Oaxaca faces significant disparities, skewed heavily towards the summer months. Rainfall amounts kick off at a mere 5mm (0.2") to 8mm (0.31") in
January and February, then escalate, peaking from
June to September with the top volume reaching a substantial 203mm (7.99") in June, before drastically dwindling to 5mm (0.2") in
December. In line with the rainfall, daylight hours increase from the start of the year, peaking at 13.1 hours in June and
July, and then diminishing towards December again. Sunshine duration exhibits a similar trajectory but has fewer hours, peaking at 10.7 hours in
May.
The best time to visit Oaxaca
Based on climatological averages, the optimal time to visit
Oaxaca would be in late autumn and early winter, specifically from
November to
December. During this period, the city witnesses a pleasant balance of temperatures with maximums oscillating around 20.6°C (69.1°F) to 20.8°C (69.4°F) and minimums around 9.9°C (49.8°F) to 8.7°C (47.7°F), coupled with a reasonable humidity level of 80% to 75%. Moreover, this interval corresponds with low rainfall amounts of just 19mm (0.75") to 5mm (0.2") and relatively long daylight hours between 11.3 hours to 11.1 hours, offering ample time for outdoor exploration and activities.
The worst time to visit Oaxaca
The least desirable months to visit
Oaxaca, climatologically speaking, would be from
June to
September. This period is marked by the highest rainfall, stretching from a whopping 186mm (7.32") to 200mm (7.87"), and comes with the highest recorded humidity levels, hovering around 83% to 86%. Although temperatures remain relatively mild during this time, from 22.1°C (71.8°F) to 22.2°C (72°F) in highs and from 12.7°C (54.9°F) to 13°C (55.4°F) in lows, the excessive rainfall and high humidity can make these months uncomfortable for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Spring weather in Oaxaca
When spring comes knocking in
Oaxaca, between
March and
May, temperatures rise modestly from 24.9°C (76.8°F) to 26.8°C (80.2°F) in highs and from 9.8°C (49.6°F) to 11.4°C (52.5°F) in lows. Rainfall starts to increase, but remains manageable, going from 20mm (0.79") in March to 37mm (1.46") in
April and reaching 94mm (3.7") in May. Meanwhile, daylight hours lengthen progressively from 12.1 hours to 12.9 hours, matched with increased sunshine hours from 9.7 hours to a peak of 10.7 hours in May.
Summer weather in Oaxaca
The summer sliding in from
June to
August is characterized by a slight dip in temperatures, dropping from highs of 26.8°C (80.2°F) to 22.1°C (71.8°F) and lows settling between 13.3°C (55.9°F) and 12.6°C (54.7°F). This period is dominated by heavy rainfall, surging to its highest at 186mm (7.32") to 203mm (7.99"), and an increase in relative humidity to a maximum of 82% to 83%. Daylight hours dwindle slightly, from 13.1 hours to 12.7 hours, as do the sunshine hours from a peak of 9.4 hours in June to 8.6 hours in August.
Autumn weather in Oaxaca
Autumn spans from
September to
November, seeing temperatures vary moderately with highs dropping from 22.2°C (72°F) to 20.6°C (69.1°F), and lows decreasing from 13°C (55.4°F) to 9.9°C (49.8°F). September witnesses the most precipitation of the year at 200mm (7.87"), while rainfall dwindles drastically in
October and November, reaching just 19mm (0.75"). Relative humidity starts to taper off from a peak in September to around 83% by November. Conversely, sunshine hours increase from 8.3 hours to 8.1 hours as daylight hours wane from 12.2 hours to 11.3 hours.
Winter weather in Oaxaca
Winter in
Oaxaca spans from
December until
February with temperatures remaining mild. Highs vary slightly between 20.8°C (69.4°F) and 20.7°C (69.3°F), while lows range between 9.9°C (49.8°F) and 7.8°C (46°F) in the same period. Rainfall is limited during these months, with only 5mm (0.2") to 8mm (0.31") expected. However, relatively high humidity levels persist, ranging from 75% to 73%. Both daylight and sunshine hours are at their lowest towards year-end, reaching down to 11.1 hours and 7.4 hours respectively.
Weather in January
A remarkable trait of
January in
Oaxaca,
Mexico is balmy days with high temperatures averaging 20.7°C (69.3°F). The city experiences relatively cool nights, necessitating warmer clothing for those venturing outdoors after sundown.
Weather in January »Weather in February
The weather in
Oaxaca takes a gradual turn towards warmth in
February. The city witnesses a nominal increase in average high temperatures compared to
January. February carries on the low precipitation trend from the previous month, keeping the city's weather dry and conducive for tourism.
Weather in February »Weather in March
By
March,
Oaxaca's weather begins to heat up, notching the mercury up to an average high of 24.9°C (76.8°F). The change from
February is apparent as days grow longer and warmer. Despite the heat, the month sees significantly more rainfall than the first two months of the year.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April ushers in higher temperatures and more extended daylight hours in the city of
Oaxaca. Compared to
March, April sees a perceptible increase in the heat marking the progression towards the summer season. This month experiences a rise in rainfall amounts, resulting in lush vegetation throughout the region.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May serves as a prelude to
Oaxaca's wet season, evidenced by the significant increase in rainfall to 94mm (3.7"). Notwithstanding the precipitation, May relishes higher temperatures and more extended daylight hours than the previous month.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June stands out in
Oaxaca for its dramatic surge in rainfall, recording a high of 203mm (7.99"). This indicates the onset of the wet season in the region. Accompanying increased precipitation are longer sunlight hours, although cloud cover tends to obscure the sun more frequently.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Oaxaca shares a similar weather pattern with
June marked by high temperatures, copious rainfall, and a decrease in sunshine hours. However, the quantity of rainfall sees a slight decline from June's peak. This period also retains high humidity levels, making the heat feel more intense.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Oaxaca in
August continues the trend of tropical summer settings followed by heavy, but tapering rainfall. The city's weather stays warm, echoing temperatures from the previous month. As the monsoon season persists, increased cloud cover becomes a permanent fixture in the sky.
Weather in August » Weather in September
Despite the arrival of autumn,
September in
Oaxaca retains lingering summer patterns with high temperatures and heavy rainfall reaching up to 200mm (7.87"). The humidity remains dominant, accentuating the heat, especially during the daytime.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
In
October,
Oaxaca begins transitioning into cooler weather, with declining average high temperatures compared to
September. A remarkable weather feature in October is the substantial reduction in rainfall to 98mm (3.86"), indicating the end of the wet season.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November in
Oaxaca ushers in an undeniable autumn feel, bearing cooler temperatures and lower rainfall compared to its predecessor,
October. Weather patterns change notably, with precipitations dwindling further. In this period, Oaxaca receives nominal rainfall amounts, marking a significant variance from the wet season.
Weather in November » Weather in December
In
December,
Oaxaca rounds off the year with a continuation of the cooling trend, offering comfortable day temperatures and cool nights. Rainfall keeps on declining, barely leaving the city with only 5mm (0.2") of rainfall. The decrease in precipitation aligns with increased sunlight during the day, providing more significant amounts of sunshine.
Weather in December »