Oaxaca in December

In December, Oaxaca averages 25°C (78°F) during the day and 11°C (52°F) at night, with only about 2 rainy days.

Peak season

Conditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Skies are generally dry and clear.

December is a great month to visit Oaxaca: pleasant temperatures and relatively few wet days.

25°C
Avg high
11°C
Avg low
2
Rain days
2 mm
Rainfall

How December compares to the rest of the year in Oaxaca

9th
warmest month of the 12
12th
wettest month of the 12
0%
of yearly rainfall falls in December
11 h 7 min
daylight on the 15th

December is in the middle of the year for warmth in Oaxaca (9th of 12) and one of the driest months (12th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 1°C below the annual average (26°C). December runs roughly the same as November (25°C) and stays flat into January.

December sunrise & sunset in Oaxaca

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:48 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
5:55 PM
Day length
11 h 7 min

Times shown for Oaxaca local time (America/Mexico_City), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Oaxaca — December

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Oaxaca's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
5:48 AM – 6:28 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
6:28 AM – 7:28 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
5:15 PM – 6:15 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
6:15 PM – 6:55 PM

📅 When to book — Oaxaca in December

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (Peak season) and Oaxaca's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
3-5 months
Flight prices are near their annual peak. Watch fare-alert tools, book directly when you see a fare under the typical range for this city.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
3-5 months
Reasonable selection still available at 3-4 months out, but central locations vanish first.
⚠ Christmas / New Year travel is a global premium-pricing event — many destinations 30-50% above normal. Book 4+ months ahead if your dates are Dec 20 - Jan 2.

Crowds & pricing — December in Oaxaca

Peak season

Oaxaca is in peak season during this month — expect bigger crowds at famous sights, higher hotel and flight prices, and longer queues. Restaurant reservations a few days out are advisable, and any boutique hotels you have your eye on should be booked weeks ahead. The trade-off: most attractions, restaurants, and seasonal services are fully open, the weather is at its most reliable, and the city feels at its most alive.

Why this tier: excellent tourism weather Christmas / New Year travel surge

Sun & mosquito risk — December in Oaxaca

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
9.1
Very high
Limit sun exposure between 11 AM and 3 PM; SPF 30-50, reapply every 90 minutes outdoors.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●○○
Moderate
Active mosquito season. DEET 25-30% repellent recommended, especially at dawn/dusk.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

Oaxaca in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 25°C / 77°F 10°C / 51°F 3 mm 3
February 27°C / 81°F 11°C / 52°F 2 mm 3
March 29°C / 84°F 13°C / 55°F 18 mm 7
April 30°C / 87°F 15°C / 59°F 22 mm 12
May 29°C / 84°F 16°C / 60°F 90 mm 20
June 26°C / 78°F 15°C / 60°F 155 mm 26
July 26°C / 78°F 14°C / 58°F 103 mm 27
August 26°C / 78°F 15°C / 58°F 130 mm 27
September 25°C / 76°F 15°C / 59°F 166 mm 26
October 25°C / 77°F 14°C / 57°F 87 mm 18
November 25°C / 78°F 12°C / 54°F 7 mm 8
December 25°C / 78°F 11°C / 52°F 2 mm 2

Other cities with similar December weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Oaxaca in December →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Oaxaca in December?

In December, Oaxaca averages a high of 25°C (78°F) and a low of 11°C (52°F) — generally warm.

Does it rain a lot in Oaxaca in December?

December is generally dry in Oaxaca, with about 2 rainy days on average.

Is December a good time to visit Oaxaca?

December is warm and mostly dry. It suits travelers who are comfortable with warm weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Oaxaca in December?

Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings. See the full December packing list for Oaxaca for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Oaxaca on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.