Oaxaca Coast Oaxaca State, Mexico Travel Guide
The Oaxaca Coast has a tropical climate, with two main seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. The Dry Season, from November to May, offers consistent sunny days, low humidity, and pleasant temperatures, ideal for beach activities. Daytime temperatures typically range from 28°C to 34°C (82°F to 93°F), with evenings cooling to 20°C to 24°C (68°F to 75°F).
The Rainy Season, from June to October, features higher humidity and afternoon showers. Mornings often remain sunny. The peak rainy season occurs in September and October. Despite the rain, landscapes become lush and green. This period brings powerful swells, especially for experienced surfers.
Most visitors enter Mexico as tourists. A visa is generally not required for stays up to 180 days for citizens of the United States, Canada, EU countries, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. Always check the Mexican embassy website for your specific country's requirements.
Upon entry, a valid passport (valid for 6 months beyond departure), FMM tourist card (physical or electronic), and proof of onward/return travel are typically required. Officials may also request proof of sufficient funds and accommodation details. An Immigration Tourist Tax (DNI) is usually included in international airline tickets.
Mid-December to Easter
Superb weather, consistently dry and sunny; peak wildlife viewing.
Largest crowds, higher prices; booking well in advance is a requirement.
November, May, early June
Generally favorable weather, fewer crowds than high season, lower prices.
November may have lingering rain; May and early June can be exceptionally hot and humid.
July to October
Lowest prices, lush green landscapes, powerful swells for surfers, fewer tourists.
High humidity, daily rain showers, possibility of tropical storms/hurricanes.
The Pacific hurricane season runs from May to November, with the highest risk for the Oaxaca Coast typically occurring from August to October. While direct hits are rare, indirect effects like heavy rain, strong winds, and rough seas are possible. Always monitor weather forecasts and advisories if traveling during this period.
Extreme temperatures can occur, especially in May and early June. The period just before the onset of the rainy season often experiences the highest temperatures combined with increasing humidity, which can feel very hot. Hydration and Sun protection are especially important during these weeks.
IVisa for consumer visa application, VisaHQ for direct visa and passport services.
World Nomads for adventurous travelers, SafetyWing for digital nomads, Insubuy for medical coverage.
AirHelp for flight delays or cancellations.
LifeStraw for water filtration products.
Adventure Medical Kits for first aid supplies.
Costs vary considerably depending on your travel style, from budget-friendly adventures to luxury getaways. These estimates provide a general idea of daily expenses (excluding international flights).
Focus on local food and public transport.
A mix of comfortable stays and varied dining.
General prices in Mexican Pesos (MXN) for reference.
Awareness of local conditions and preparation helps mitigate potential risks. This section outlines health and safety information for your trip.
Traveler's Diarrhea: A common ailment. Drink only bottled or purified water. Avoid ice unless certain of its purity. Eat well-cooked food. Avoid unpeeled fruits/vegetables washed in tap water. Wash hands frequently.
Mosquito-borne illnesses: Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya are present. Use an effective Insect repellent containing DEET or Picaridin (e.g., Sawyer Products Picaridin Insect Repellent). Wear long sleeves/pants at dawn/dusk. Use a Mosquito net if available.
Larger towns like Puerto Escondido and Huatulco have hospitals, private clinics, and well-stocked pharmacies. Smaller towns may have basic clinics. For serious emergencies, medical evacuation might be necessary.
Many common medications are available over-the-counter.
For diagnosis, consult a medical professional.
Never drink tap water. Rely on bottled or purified water. Eat at reputable establishments that appear clean and have a high turnover of customers. Avoid food sitting uncovered or looking undercooked.
Wash hands frequently or use Hand sanitizer before eating.
Do not consume ice unless made from purified water.
The Oaxaca Coast generally has a lower crime rate. Petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas. Huatulco is considered very safe with a strong tourist police presence.
Use reputable taxis or those called by your hotel.
Avoid walking alone late at night in unlit areas. Do not display valuables.
| Risk | Description | Precaution |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquakes | Oaxaca is in an active seismic zone; tremors can occur. | Familiarize with "Drop, Cover, Hold On." Hotels should have plans. |
| Hurricanes/Tropical Storms | May to November (peak Aug-Oct). Heavy rain, winds, rough seas possible. | Monitor local weather, heed official warnings. |
| Rip Currents | Powerful currents on many beaches, especially Zicatela. | Pay attention to warning flags. Swim in designated areas with lifeguards. |
Petty crime exists, but major incidents are rare.
Avoid walking alone late at night in unlit or deserted areas.
Do not openly display large amounts of cash, expensive jewelry, or high-value electronics.
Be wary of distractions or overcharging, especially from unofficial vendors.
Puerto Escondido:
Zicatela can have late-night incidents related to alcohol. Rinconada and La Punta are generally safe, but precautions apply.
Huatulco is widely considered very safe due to its planned resort status and strong tourist police presence.
Mazunte/Zipolite/San Agustinillo are generally safe with a relaxed atmosphere. Be aware of surroundings, especially walking alone at night.
Keep a photocopy of your passport and FMM in a separate bag.
Save digital copies on your phone or in cloud storage.
Create a list of emergency contacts, including embassy information.
Many beaches can have powerful rip currents. Pay close attention to warning flags. Red flags indicate dangerous conditions.
Consult your doctor or a travel clinic several weeks before your trip (ideally 4-6 weeks prior) to discuss recommended vaccinations for tropical regions.
Recommended for most travelers, especially those eating street food.
Ensure MMR, Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis, Varicella, Polio, and annual Flu are current.
May be recommended for those with high animal contact or activities near wildlife.
