Mexico Oaxaca Weather in May — Climate Guide
May in Oaxaca is high
Oaxaca Weather in May — Quick Answer
As of 2026- Avg temp
- 31° / 14°
- Rainfall
- 60mm · 9 days
- Crowds
- Quiet
As of 2026, Oaxaca in May averages a high of 31°C and low of 14°C with 60mm of rain over about 9 days. Warm with the rainy season starting — sunny mornings around 31°C and short heavy afternoon storms. Light clothing, a folding umbrella or light rain jacket, and quick-dry shoes. Strong sun before the clouds build — hat and SPF.
May is high for Oaxaca.
May marks the start of Oaxaca's rainy season — still warm at around 31°C by day, with the first regular afternoon and evening storms. Rainfall climbs to about 60mm.
The pattern is typically sunny mornings followed by short, heavy downpours later in the day, so front-load sightseeing — Monte Albán, Hierve el Agua, and the markets are best in the morning. The rains green up the hills and clear the dusty dry-season air.
Travel score
Oaxaca May Weather Stats
Avg High
31°C
Avg Low
14°C
Rainy Days
9
60mm total
Sunshine
7h
Daily avg
Humidity
55%
comfortable
UV Index
10
Very high
Wind
8 km/h
Gusts 18
Crowds
Quiet
At attractions
May Sunrise & Sunset
Air Quality
PM2.5
16 μg/m³
PM10
30 μg/m³
Status
good
Feels-Like Temperature & Wind
Feels like
Daytime
32°C
Nighttime
14°C
Humidity and wind affect how the actual temperature feels.
Wind
8 km/h
Max gust 18 km/h
Activities Recommended for May
May Travel Pros & Cons
Pros
- Low-season value — quiet and cheaper
- Sunny mornings for sightseeing
- Green hills as the rains return
- Clearer air after the dry-season dust
Cons
- Afternoon storms begin
- Fewer fully clear days
- Hierve el Agua road can be affected by rain
- Strong morning sun (UV 10)
May Events & Festivals
- Rainy season begins — afternoon storms
- Low-season value — quieter and cheaper
- Green hills as the rains return
- Mother's Day (May 10) — busy family weekend
Oaxaca in May — Full Picture
May marks the start of Oaxaca's rainy season — still warm at around 31°C by day, with the first regular afternoon and evening storms. Rainfall climbs to about 60mm.
The pattern is typically sunny mornings followed by short, heavy downpours later in the day, so front-load sightseeing — Monte Albán, Hierve el Agua, and the markets are best in the morning. The rains green up the hills and clear the dusty dry-season air.
This is a quiet, good-value time: crowds thin out and prices drop after the spring peak, making May one of the better-value months if you don't mind packing an umbrella.
Mother's Day (May 10) is a big family occasion in Mexico, busy for restaurants. Otherwise May is a relaxed shoulder month with the green season just beginning.
What to Wear & What to Pack
Warm with the rainy season starting — sunny mornings around 31°C and short heavy afternoon storms. Light clothing, a folding umbrella or light rain jacket, and quick-dry shoes. Strong sun before the clouds build — hat and SPF.
Packing Checklist
Seasonal Weather Overview
Spring (Mar·Apr·May)
Current31.7°C
12.7°C
5/mo
Summer (Jun·Jul·Aug)
28°C
14°C
15.7/mo
Autumn (Sep·Oct·Nov)
27.3°C
12°C
9.7/mo
Winter (Dec·Jan·Feb)
28.3°C
8.7°C
1/mo
Oaxaca Monthly Weather Comparison
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun | Humid | UV | Crowd | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January (Best) | 28° | 8° | 1d·5mm | 8h | 50% | 8 | Busy | Peak |
| February (Best) | 30° | 9° | 1d·5mm | 8.5h | 45% | 9 | Moderate | Shoulder |
| March (Best) | 32° | 11° | 2d·10mm | 8.5h | 45% | 10 | Moderate | Shoulder |
| 32° | 13° | 4d·25mm | 8h | 50% | 10 | Busy | Peak | |
| 31° | 14° | 9d·60mm | 7h | 55% | 10 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 28° | 14° | 16d·110mm | 5.5h | 65% | 9 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 28° | 14° | 15d·95mm | 6h | 65% | 9 | Busy | Peak | |
| 28° | 14° | 16d·110mm | 6h | 65% | 9 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 27° | 14° | 17d·130mm | 5.5h | 70% | 8 | Quiet | Low season | |
| October (Best) | 27° | 12° | 9d·60mm | 6.5h | 60% | 8 | Very busy | Peak |
| November (Best) | 28° | 10° | 3d·15mm | 8h | 50% | 7 | Busy | Peak |
| December (Best) | 27° | 9° | 1d·5mm | 8h | 50% | 7 | Very busy | Peak |
View Other Months
Oaxaca May Hotel Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is May a good time to visit Oaxaca?
Oaxaca in May is high. Tourist crowds are quiet and flight/hotel prices are low season.
What's the average temperature in Oaxaca in May?
Oaxaca May averages a high of 31°C and a low of 14°C.
Does it rain much in Oaxaca in May?
Oaxaca May averages 60mm of rainfall over about 9 rainy days.
What should I wear in Oaxaca in May?
Warm with the rainy season starting — sunny mornings around 31°C and short heavy afternoon storms. Light clothing, a folding umbrella or light rain jacket, and quick-dry shoes. Strong sun before the clouds build — hat and SPF.
What time are sunrise and sunset in Oaxaca in May?
Oaxaca May sunrise is 06:05 and sunset is 18:55, with 12h 50min of daylight.
What's the air quality like in Oaxaca in May?
Oaxaca May air quality (AQI) averages 42, rated Good. PM2.5 averages 16μg/m³.
What activities are recommended in Oaxaca in May?
In May, Oaxaca is great for Morning Monte Albán before the rain, Markets and the smoke hall, Mezcal tastings in the center.
Is May peak season in Oaxaca?
Oaxaca May crowds are quiet and prices are low season. You can travel relatively comfortably without long queues.
Best Months to Visit Oaxaca
View Other Months
Planning a May trip to Oaxaca?
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Why you can trust weather guide
Based in Chiang Mai for 8+ years, with 30+ countries visited across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe. Every detail in this guide is primary-source verified as of April 2026, with prices auto-refreshed via live exchange rate APIs. This isn't AI-generated boilerplate — it's written from the perspective of someone who has actually been there.