Oaxaca · Month comparison
March vs October
October ranks #1 overall vs March at #5. Día de Muertos — the single greatest cultural event in Latin America unfolds across Oaxaca
March
#5 of 12 months
Strong option
Near-perfect spring weather before crowds and heat build — a gem of a month for explorers
- ↑Ideal 24–28°C warm but not hot — perfect for long days at Monte Albán and village markets
- ↑Spring flowers beginning to bloom around the valley and Sierra Norte hillsides
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
| Factor | March | October |
|---|---|---|
| Weather score | 8 | 7 |
| Value score | 6 | 4 |
| Crowd score | 5 | 8 |
| Events score | 5 | 10 |
| Atmosphere | 7 | 10 |
| Avg high temp | 31°C | 27°C |
| Monthly rain | 9mm | 52mm |
| Daily sunshine | 10.5hrs | 8.5hrs |
March trade-offs
- ↓Getting drier — the surrounding valley looks parched before the rains come
- ↓Accommodation books up fast if Holy Week falls in late March
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 →