Destination guideMexico
FROMLON
ABOUT 12 HRS ✈️
TOOAX

Holidays in Oaxaca

Painted wooden animals, hot chocolate and mountain-top ruins in southern Mexico's colourful old city. Here's what Oaxaca is like with the family, when to go and how long to stay.

BEST FOR🏛️ Culture & history, 🍷 Food & drink, 🏙️ City break
NIGHTS AWAY5 to 7
BUDGET££
BEST MONTHSNov–Mar
Add Oaxaca to your ideasFree. One email per family.

Oaxaca at a glance

FLIGHT FROM LONDON
ABOUT 12 HRS
TIME DIFFERENCE
7 HRS BEHIND THE UK
CURRENCY
MEXICAN PESO ($)
ENTRY
NO VISA FOR SHORT STAYS
PLUGS
TYPE A / B · 127V

Check the latest travel advice and entry rules for Mexico on GOV.UK before you book.

When to go

  1. JANDry, sunny, best time to go
  2. FEBDry, warm, best time to go
  3. MARWarm, best time to go
  4. APRHot, a good time to go
  5. MAYHot, a good time to go
  6. JUNRainy season, quieter
  7. JULGuelaguetza festival, a good time to go
  8. AUGRainy, quieter
  9. SEPRainy, quieter
  10. OCTDrying out, a good time to go
  11. NOVDay of the Dead, best time to go
  12. DECFestive, dry, best time to go

November to March is dry and sunny, with warm days and cool nights. Day of the Dead in late October and early November is spectacular but busy, so book early. The rainy season runs from about June to September, though July brings the Guelaguetza dance festival.

Things to do with the family

TICKETED

Monte Albán

Ancient Zapotec pyramids and plazas on a flattened mountain top above the city.

TICKETED

Hierve el Agua

Rock formations that look like frozen waterfalls, with natural pools to swim in.

FREE

Mercado 20 de Noviembre

A busy market where you can try hot chocolate, tlayudas and grasshoppers if you're brave.

TOUR

Ethnobotanical Garden

A cactus garden beside the Santo Domingo church, visited on a guided tour.

TICKETED

Árbol del Tule

One of the widest trees in the world, in a small town just outside the city.

INDOORS

Alebrije workshops

Watch families carve and paint bright wooden animals in San Martín Tilcajete.

Oaxaca: common questions

Is Oaxaca good for a family holiday?

Yes, for curious families who like food and markets. The old city is walkable and friendly, and day trips to ruins and villages are easy to arrange.

How many nights do you need?

Five to seven nights covers the city and a few day trips. Add a few days on the Pacific coast for beaches.

How do you get there from the UK?

There are no direct flights. Fly to Mexico City, about 12 hours, then take a short flight to Oaxaca. British passport holders don't need a visa for short stays.

Is Oaxaca safe?

Oaxaca city is generally considered safe for visitors, but take the usual care with bags at night. Check GOV.UK for the latest advice on the wider state.

If you like Oaxaca

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