Oaxaca in May
In May, Oaxaca averages 29°C (84°F) during the day and 16°C (60°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 20 days of the month see precipitation (90 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are warm and beach-friendly. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
May offers comfortable temperatures in Oaxaca, with some rain to plan around.
How May compares to the rest of the year in Oaxaca
May is one of the warmest months in Oaxaca (2nd of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (5th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 3°C above the annual average (26°C). May runs 1°C cooler than April (30°C) and cools 3°C in June (26°C).
May sunrise & sunset in Oaxaca
Times shown for Oaxaca local time (America/Mexico_City), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Oaxaca — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Oaxaca's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Oaxaca in May
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 May's tier (Shoulder) and Oaxaca's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May in Oaxaca
Oaxaca is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Sun & mosquito risk — May in Oaxaca
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
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow 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 May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Oaxaca in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Oaxaca in May?
In May, Oaxaca averages a high of 29°C (84°F) and a low of 16°C (60°F) — generally warm.
Does it rain a lot in Oaxaca in May?
May is quite rainy in Oaxaca, with about 20 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Oaxaca?
May is warm but on the rainy side. 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 May?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full May packing list for Oaxaca for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.