What To Wear in Oaxaca (That Isn’t Ugly) 2023 Guide

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Backpacking Mexico and want to know what to wear in Oaxaca? Oaxaca is still one of my favourite places to visit in Mexico, and it’s a city I’ll return to time and time again.

Knowing what to wear and what to pack for Oaxaca puts your mind at ease when planning the rest of your trip. If you get the packing out of the way, you can spend more time looking at what to do, what to eat and how to experience epic festivals such as the Day of the Dead!

So, let’s get down to what to wear and pack in Oaxaca.

NOTE: This is a guide detailing what to wear in Oaxaca City. If you need other areas, such as the coastal town of Puerto Escondido, click here.

What to wear in Oaxaca: A Summary

Mexico is a Catholic country, but unless you are following the dress of a religion yourself, you don’t need to worry about dressing any differently or covering up in any kind of way. However, being respectful in cities like Oaxaca is a must.

Think everything you would normally wear – dresses, jeans, leggings, shorts, trainers, sandals…without any unnecessary skin showing. Obviously, Mexico is a lot hotter than the UK and a lot of the US, so you need to pack for it, but still be respectful.

Oaxaca in general is a warm and mild city to be in. The days are usually sunny, with an average of 22°C – 25°C all year. Evenings are a little cooler, but not by much. When it rains in Oaxaca, the downpours are short and it’s still warm (so don’t pack overly large coats, as you’ll just overheat).

If you’re going to head down to the Oaxacan coast, that’s where you’ll get your 30°C+ temperatures. That’s where you’ll need your bikini and suncream, rather than in a city like Oaxaca.

In summary, you will need clothes such as:

• Day dresses
• T-shirts, tank tops, vests
• Jeans/shorts
• Light cardigans or jumpers (sweaters)
• Trainers or sandals, depending on your preference – but make sure they’re comfortable!
• Leggings
• Sportswear
• Hats, sunglasses and any preferable jewellery
• Anything you would typically wear, without unnecessary skin showing.

You WON’T need:

• Heels, even if you’re going out for the evening. The streets are cobbled and uneven, and heels are the last thing you will want to wear.
• Heavy coats or jackets
• Evening, smart clothes or shoes. You can wear the same as what you do during the day, especially as a backpacker.
• Logos or designer wear. Oaxaca is actually quite socialist and anti-establishment, so you don’t need anything fancy.
• Anything that needs dry-cleaning (but if you’re a backpacker like me, this wouldn’t even cross your mind!)

Oaxaca Weather

Depending on the time of year you are visiting Oaxaca, your packing list may change. I’ve rounded up the best tips so you’re able to pack easily and efficiently.

• January-April: These months tend to be cooler, with an average temperature of 15-18°C (63-66°F), rising to 22°C (72°F) in April. The skies are the clearest in January and February, with little cloud cover. Daytimes are mild, and evenings get a little chillier. There is little chance of rain before March, but if there are showers, they are short and infrequent, and it is still warm.
• May-September: This is regarded as the ‘wet season’, and September has the most rainfall. Average temperatures are between 22°C and 20°C (72°F-68°F). Again, it’s warm during the day, but it may feel slightly chillier in the evenings.
• October-December: The dry season is appearing, and you’ll experience little rain. Days are warm and sunny, with mild evenings. Average temperatures are 17°C – 19°C (63°F-67°F) with little to no clouds.

Temperatures are relatively stable throughout the year, with no extreme lows or highs. When we visited in October and December, it was warm and sunny throughout the day, and a little cooler at night.

Oaxaca City is nestled in the Sierra Madre de Oaxaca mountain range, so there’s often a cooler wind, rather than the humidity you may feel down on the coast.

What to wear in Oaxaca during the day

As the temperature will be mild, clothing during the day in Oaxaca can be whatever you feel comfortable in the heat. Women tend to wear dresses, leggings, jeans or shorts, and men wear jeans or shorts. You may also want to wear a hat to protect yourself from the sun.

When it rains in Oaxaca (usually between May-October), it will still be warm, so a heavy coat is not necessary. Packing a light jacket or raincoat is ideal, which can also be used in different parts of Central or South America if you’re continuing your backpacking route.

TOP TIP: Get creative! Oaxaca is a city full of colour and life – dress like it! If you have anything colourful or vibrant, take it in your backpack to wear in Oaxaca. Ooh, and leave space in your back for new clothes – the shops in Oaxaca are great!

What to wear in Oaxaca on tours and trips out

Depending on the types of tours you want to do in Oaxaca, you may need to pack different clothing. For example, there is a tour that goes from Oaxaca to the Hierve el Agua Waterfalls, so you may want to pack a bikini, swimming trunks and a hat to protect you from the sun.

Most tours will tell you if you need to take anything specific, but in general, it will be the same clothing that you’d wear in Oaxaca or already have in your backpack.

However, if you’re going into the mountains or out of the city on a hike, the mosquitoes can get pretty bad. Take bug spray and wear long sleeves if possible.

What to wear in Oaxaca in the evening

Formal wear is not needed in Oaxaca, for men or women. It’s a laid-back city which is actually quite socialist and anti-establishment, so you don’t need anything fancy, designer or labelled.

If you’re heading out in the evening in Oaxaca, your regular dress, jeans, leggings or shorts will do. This includes bars and nightclubs. Women do not tend to wear heels anywhere in Oaxaca City, due to the cobbles and bumpy road (and it’s just way too laid back for that!)

Note that some locals may wear leather shoes, smart trousers and shirts. This is part of their everyday attire, and not formal wear. This of course, is not expected of tourists.

What shoes to wear in Oaxaca

You can wear any shoes of your preference in Oaxaca, but I highly recommend they’re comfortable and can last long distances! One of the most popular things to do in Oaxaca is to walk the streets and experience the different pockets of the city, so you can expect to do a lot of walking.

Make sure you have at least one pair of trainers and comfortable flip-flops/sandals for hotter temperatures.

Do I need a hat in Oaxaca?

If you are just visiting Oaxaca City, and not the coastal towns like Puerto Escondido and Mazunte, I wouldn’t say a hat is necessary. But this depends on how likely you are to burn and your skin type. If in doubt, you can easily buy a hat in Oaxaca City.

Oaxaca City is surrounded by mountains so there’s often a cooler breeze in the air. However, if you leave the city on a tour, you may want a hat to avoid sunburn or sunstroke.

Can I buy clothes in Oaxaca?

When I was in Oaxaca, I noticed many women wore similar clothing. Flowy, pretty dresses, with neutral colours and patterns. Some women wore scarves, and shawls with pretty designs, and I wondered where they had bought them from. Then I realised how many boutiques, shops and market stalls were selling clothes in Oaxaca.

There’s a certain ‘Oaxaca’ style with the women in the city (both tourists and locals), and it’s one I loved. As a backpacker with clothes I wear hundreds of times, I wanted to treat myself to a new dress – and Oaxaca is the perfect place to do this!

Of course, you don’t need to do this, but some of the boutiques are beautiful, and the market stalls sell high quality clothes at a reasonable price.

How locals dress in Oaxaca

Locals tend to wear clothes similar to tourists, however, some local men may wear long trousers, shirts and leather shoes. Oaxacan women often wear a blouse and skirt, a dress, long trousers or capris, with leather shoes. If visiting the church, locals will dress respectfully in long dresses and shawls.

Both men and women in Oaxaca will wear jeans. However Oaxacans may wear shorts on a Sunday, as Sunday is sometimes known as ‘soccer day’, but this of course depends on the person!

What to wear in Oaxaca: FAQs

How do tourists dress in Mexico?

Mexico is a Catholic country, but unless you are following the dress of a religion yourself, you don’t need to worry about dressing any differently or covering up in any kind of way. However, being respectful in cities like Oaxaca is a must.

Think everything you would normally wear – dresses, jeans, leggings, shorts, trainers, sandals…without any unnecessary skin showing. Obviously, Mexico is a lot hotter than the UK and a lot of the US, so you need to pack for it, but still be respectful.

Do people wear leggings in Mexico?

Yes, leggings are a common item of clothing to wear in Mexico. This includes sports and gym leggings.

Where to stay as a backpacker for the Day of the Dead

HEADS UP! If you want an in-depth guide about the best hostels in Oaxaca, check out my post: BEST Hostels in Oaxaca for Backpackers! (2023 Guide).

If you’re going to be in Oaxaca City, I recommend the following places to stay:

• El Cielo Oaxaca: backpackers and couples who want to be in the centre of Oaxaca, with a low-key socialising option as well as party vibes.
• Casa Angel Hostel: young backpackers who want to socialise, party and meet new people to explore with.
• Hostal Central: digital nomads in Oaxaca.

Oaxaca is one of the cheapest locations in Mexico for backpackers. Dorm rooms start at just £3 ($5) a night, and average at around £11 ($13).

Even private rooms are affordable in Oaxaca for budget backpackers, with some as low as £30 per night (depending on the time of year).

Don’t forget to check out:

• BEST Hostels in Oaxaca for Backpackers! (2023 Guide)
• Best Hostels in Puerto Escondido For Backpackers (2023 Guide)
• BEST Hostels in Tulum for Backpackers! (2023 Guide)

Do you need cash in Oaxaca?

Cash is king in Oaxaca. You won’t be able to pay with a credit or debit card in most places. Get cash out at the Zocalo Santander or another ATM before moving on to any other activities.

ATMs are located all over Oaxaca City, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding one. Remember to never accept the conversion rate, and withdraw in your own currency to save money.

Where is Oaxaca? (+ Map)

Oaxaca is a state in southwestern Mexico. It is around a 6-7 hour ADO bus journey from Mexico City. Guerrero borders it on the west, and Chiapas on the east.

Most backpackers visit Oaxaca for authentic Mexican cuisine, local traditions and late-night parties (it is the home of Mezcal after all – which, if you’re wondering, is incredibly strong in Oaxaca!). We were in Oaxaca City for the Day of the Dead festival, and it was one of the craziest and most fun festivals we’ve ever been to!

Things to do in Oaxaca

Looking for the best things to do in Oaxaca? There are so many free things to do in Oaxaca to keep you entertained.

Some of the best free and cheap things to do in Oaxaca include:

• Visit during late October/early November for the Day of the Dead festival
• Walking around the different parts of Oaxaca, especially the colourful town of Jalatlaco.
• The atmosphere of the main square (Zocalo) in the evenings.
• Live street performances every night throughout Oaxaca.
• Eating street food and drinking beers from the supermarket in one of the squares or parks.
• Wandering through 20 de Noviembre or one of the other local markets.
• Going on a mezcal and Mexican food tour.
• Drinking in one of the many rooftop bars.
• Join a free walking tour.
• Eat mole, and lots of it!
• Take a day trip to the waterfalls or surrounding mountains.

Is Oaxaca safe for backpackers?

According to Lonely Planet, Oaxaca is one of the safest states in Mexico to visit. Throughout our time in Oaxaca City, I felt safe. This includes walking around by myself at night and during the day.

In general, yes Oaxaca is safe for solo female travellers and backpackers. But like anywhere else in the world, you need to use common sense and be aware of your surroundings.

Overall, we found the people of Oaxaca to be friendly, kind and welcoming. The city is full of life, colour and happiness, and even at night, I felt extremely safe.

If you’re a solo female traveller in Oaxaca, I recommend staying in a hostel when you first arrive. Even if you want to get your own space after, a hostel means you can meet other people and get to know the different areas first.

Looking for more Mexico safety tips? Check out my post: Is Puerto Escondido Safe? Solo Female Travellers Advice (2023).

Where to go after Oaxaca

Ever heard of Puerto Escondido? Puerto Escondido is the perfect place to visit after Oaxaca (and I’ve even written an easy guide explaining how to travel from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido here).

In fact, most backpackers do this! When we were in Oaxaca for the Day of the Dead in 2022, our bus after the event was full of backpackers travelling south to Puerto Escondido’s coast.

It’s one of the liveliest and best places to visit in Mexico and is perfect for solo backpackers and digital nomads.

We loved Puerto Escondido so much that we lived there for nearly two months! This blog is packed full of Puerto Escondido information, so be sure to check it out!

You might like…

• Renting a Car in Puerto Escondido (Mexico) as a UK Resident (2023)
• Best Area to Stay in Puerto Escondido: Complete Guide (2023)
• Is Puerto Escondido A Party Town? EPIC Party Tips! (2023)
• Best Hostels in Puerto Escondido For Backpackers (2023 Guide)

Best travel insurance for backpackers in Mexico

If you’re visiting Mexico as a backpacker, or even for a short vacation, it is so important to have travel insurance. And if you ended up on a post that’s called ‘epic party tips’, you know (just as well as I do) that you definitely need travel insurance.

Personally, I recommend SafetyWing. As a digital nomad and world traveller myself, I can confirm it is the best travel insurance out there. And one of the cheapest – they have deals that start at just $42 USD per month.

I know, I know, you’re thinking ‘but I can’t afford that!’. I was the same! It’s tough to fork out $42 a month on something ‘you might not need’. But what if something DOES happen? That extra Mezcal shot results in you falling down the stairs, or you eat something dodgy from a street food van.

If you need medical help at any point whilst in Mexico, you need travel insurance.

With SafetyWing, you’re covered on travel emergencies, basic medical costs and medical expenses throughout your trip, so you can travel without worry (at a backpacker’s price!)

Don’t even think twice about getting travel insurance for Mexico. Trust me, I have heard enough horror stories about backpackers who haven’t had insurance and have ended up in a lot of debt. Don’t be that person!

If you’ve been putting the job off because it takes a lot of time and effort to research the best travel insurance companies, I understand. That’s why I’ve done the hard work for you. Sign up for SafetyWing, and the job is done!

What to wear in Oaxaca: In a Nutshell

So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about what to wear in Oaxaca, and a complete packing list.

As I said, if you can work your schedule around it, try and visit Oaxaca during the Day of the Dead festival. You won’t regret it (and if you do, I’ll take full responsibility!)

When you’re planning a trip to Mexico, make sure you let me know over on Instagram or in the comments below!

If you haven’t come across my blog before, I write posts aimed at first-time backpackers on a budget. I’m currently backpacking Mexico with my boyfriend (read more here!), whilst creating guides and itineraries for you to follow in our footsteps!

Keep an eye out for more Mexico content, all written from a personal and realistic point of view. You can sign up for my newsletter and juicy travel updates here!

As always, thanks for reading and supporting the blog!

Happy travelling 🙂

Jennie x

Other Mexico posts:

• Oaxaca Day of the Dead: Insider Guide + Tips For 2023!
• How To Get From Oaxaca To Mexico City (2023 Guide)
• BEST Hostels in Oaxaca for Backpackers! (2023 Guide)
• How To Get From Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido (2023 Guide)

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