Forums > Areas > Southern Mexico

cynthrod

Jan 24, 2011, 9:27 AM

Post #1 of 6 (5804 views)

Shortcut

Hottest Days in Oaxaca?

Can't Post | Private Reply

I'm still curious how folks handle VERY hot weather in Oaxaca City, as one person told me he spends from 12-4 lying down, another said she pours water over herself and lies low until evening.... so I get the impression that heat is an issue to be dealt with... I'm wondering if anyone has bought a small a/c and if the wiring in general can handle it... or do most of y ou think the heat just isn't that bad... I'm worried for my 2 cats as well as for myself....
thanks much,
Cynthia

geri

Jan 26, 2011, 2:31 PM

Post #2 of 6 (5734 views)

Shortcut

Re: [cynthrod] Hottest Days in Oaxaca?

Can't Post | Private Reply

The hottest months in Oaxaca are April and May. Our winter this year has been very cool, especially at night when temps dip down into the 40s, so homes and apts. don't get very warm during the day. Many years, even in April and May, I use only a fan for a few hours in the evening around sunset. Once the rains come, it often clouds over in the afternoon, cooling down the temps. Sometimes you need a sweater or light jacket for July/Aug evenings.
A/C is very uncommon here. Older dwellings might not be wired for it. Dunno. I prefer natural air myself.

Tip: if you want to maximize coolness: be sure you have cross ventilation and that your windows face north or east.

Vichil

Jan 26, 2011, 4:12 PM

Post #3 of 6 (5711 views)

Shortcut

Re: [cynthrod] Hottest Days in Oaxaca?

Can't Post | Private Reply

If you cannot take the heat, exchange your place and go to a cooler place in April and May. Go to San Cristobal de las Casas where the weather is nice in April and cold in May when the rains come or any other place high up in the mountains.

geri

Jan 27, 2011, 5:43 AM

Post #4 of 6 (5673 views)

Shortcut

Re: [Vichil] Hottest Days in Oaxaca?

Can't Post | Private Reply

I agree with Vichil. I already have a trip planned for San Cristobal this spring. It's also a great time to travel to lots of places in the world. Lower air fares before the summer rush, etc. Another time that "might" be too hot for you is late Sept/Oct. if the rains have stopped That's also a good travel time. Kids are back in school. Usually temps are quite nice (sometimes downright chilly at night) for Day of the Dead, especially if it's windy which it often is. Mexicans tell me the wind is bringing the spirits in. Makes sense to me. I hope your cats are indoor pets. Cats aren't too popular as pets with Mexicans if they roam into other people's yards.

NinaNina

Feb 5, 2011, 6:45 AM

Post #5 of 6 (5498 views)

Shortcut

Re: [cynthrod] Hottest Days in Oaxaca?

Can't Post | Private Reply

Perhaps I just have a tolerance for heat, but I've lived in Oaxaca for four years and never find the hot months of April-May unbearable. I've walked up the mountain to pick up my kids from school during the heat of the day, driven in a car without air conditioning, and never even bothered to buy a fan. The centro gets a little closed-in feeling with traffic and heat, but I just stick to the less busy streets and the shady side, and it's fine. Some women carry parasols between 2 and 4. I suggest a cool drink at a cafe table in the shade. For a quick weekend getaway, head up to the ecotour cabins in the mountains, hang out at Hierve el Agua, or go to the river and waterfalls in Apoala. Saludos, Serena

joaquinx

Feb 5, 2011, 8:13 AM

Post #6 of 6 (5486 views)

Shortcut

Re: [NinaNina] Hottest Days in Oaxaca?

Can't Post | Private Reply

In Reply To

The centro gets a little closed-in feeling with traffic and heat, but I just stick to the less busy streets and the shady side, and it's fine.

Although I don't have the experience of living in Oaxaca, I have visited there during the "hot" months and el centro is hot. All the traffic, concrete, close buildings, and lack of trees do nothing but reflect the heat unto the pedestrians. I'm sticking my neck out here, but so many grinos want to live in el centro where it is hot and then complain about the heat. Look for places to rent outside of el centro where there is less traffic and more greenery. It is no wonder why you see so many local people sitting in the zocalo under the trees and enjoying the cool breezes there.
_______
My desire to be well-informed is currently at odds with my desire to remain sane.