Oaxaca · Month comparison

January vs October

October ranks #1 overall vs January at #9. Día de Muertos — the single greatest cultural event in Latin America unfolds across Oaxaca

Oaxaca colonial architecture and street scene in the historic centre

January

#9 of 12 months

Strong option

Dry season cool and clear — Oaxaca's cobblestone streets and markets at their most relaxed

  • Perfect 18–24°C weather for walking the historic centre and market stalls
  • Three Kings Day (Jan 6) brings traditional local celebrations to the zócalo
Día de Muertos altar covered in marigolds and candles in Oaxaca cemetery

October

#1 of 12 months

Best match

Día de Muertos — the single greatest cultural event in Latin America unfolds across Oaxaca

  • Día de Muertos (Oct 31–Nov 2) is incomparable — candlelit cemetery vigils, marigold carpets, sugar skulls and genuine emotion
  • Rains almost finished; dry bright days and cool evenings make the festival setting perfect
FactorJanuaryOctober
Weather score
7
7
Value score
6
4
Crowd score
5
8
Events score
4
10
Atmosphere
7
10
Avg high temp26°C27°C
Monthly rain9mm52mm
Daily sunshine9hrs8.5hrs

January trade-offs

  • Fewer headline events than festival months — it's more of an everyday city experience
  • Nights can be cool (7–10°C) — pack a layer for evening mezcal sessions

October trade-offs

  • Hotel prices peak at annual high; accommodation within the city sells out months ahead
  • Crowds from CDMX and international visitors make the most famous cemeteries (Xoxocotlán) extremely busy on Nov 1
Scores compare months within Oaxaca. Climate data: Open Meteo ERA5 30-year normals (1991–2020). Methodology →