Middle of the drier season · Weather & things to do
Oaxaca in January
Little changes in Oaxaca from December: highs stay near 75°F (24°C), lows near 48°F (9°C), and about 0.3 in (7 mm) of rain falls.
At 95/100 for comfort (3rd of 12), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 75°F (24°C)
- Avg low
- 48°F (9°C)
- Rain
- 0.3 in (7 mm)
- Humidity
- 68%
- Cloud cover
- 46%
- Daylight
- ~11 h 05 min
- Comfort score
- 95/100 · Great
What January feels like
Days are warm, averaging 75°F (24°C), easy weather for being outside from morning to evening.
There's a big swing between day and night, about 15°C (27°F), so mornings and evenings feel much cooler than the afternoon.
It's one of the drier stretches, with only about 0.3 in (7 mm) of rain.
Plan around January
January is one of Oaxaca's best months on the climate data.
- Comfort holds steady from December (96 → 95/100).
- January sits inside the Oct – Apr window our Mexico City to Oaxaca route recommends.
What to pack for January
- Light, breathable clotheshighs average 75°F
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 48°F
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Oaxaca in January
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Casa Oaxaca
Chef Alejandro Ruiz's restaurant with a rooftop terrace facing Santo Domingo.
Why now January scores 95/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca
Cactus and native plant garden behind Santo Domingo, visited only by guided tour.
Why now Highs near 75°F and 0.3 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Hierve el Agua
Mineral springs and petrified waterfall cliffs in the mountains east of the city.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Monte Albán
Zapotec capital on a flattened hilltop with plazas, ballcourt and valley views.
In Situ Mezcalería
Mezcal bar with hundreds of bottles, many from small producers.
Nearby in January
- Puebla in January~167 mi · highs 70°F, 0.5 in rain · 3°C (5°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Mexico City in January~227 mi · highs 69°F, 0.4 in rain · 3°C (6°F) cooler by day, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~1,953 m to Oaxaca's ~1,597 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Oaxaca in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Oaxaca?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 95/100. Expect highs of 75°F (24°C) and 0.3 in (7 mm) of rain. January is inside the Oct – Apr window our Mexico City to Oaxaca route recommends.
How hot is Oaxaca in January?
Average highs are 75°F (24°C) and average lows 48°F (9°C), making it the 5th-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Oaxaca in January?
Not much: about 0.3 in (7 mm) of rain falls across January on average, the 2nd-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 38.5 in (978 mm).
What should I pack for Oaxaca in January?
Bring light, breathable clothes (highs average 75°F), a warm layer for evenings (lows near 48°F) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Routes in season in January
- Mexico City to Oaxaca Oct – Apr
Planning Oaxaca in January?
Share this January plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.