Coast guide
Before You Go
The coast is warm all year, with rain and cyclones from May to November. The biggest risk for travelers is the sea: respect the flags and the lifeguards. Carry cash and check the SMN (Mexico's national weather service) before you leave.
The sea rules: Zipolite and Zicatela have dangerous rip currents; obey the flags.
Cyclones: The season runs from May 15 to November 30; September is the peak.
Best time to go: November to April: dry, with calmer seas.
Cash: ATMs in Zipolite and Mazunte often fail; withdraw money in Pochutla or Puerto Escondido.
Emergencies: Call 911; on the highway, call 078 for the Ángeles Verdes.
Don't go into the sea under a red flag, at night or after drinking. In Zipolite there may be no lifeguards available.
If a current pulls you, don't fight it: swim parallel to the shore and call for help (standard rule; confirm with local lifeguards).
During cyclone season (May 15 to Nov 30) check smn.conagua.gob.mx and Oaxaca Civil Protection before and during your trip.
Avoid highways at night and confirm blockades before you leave; Highways 175 and 200 are winding and slippery in the rain.
Emergencies: 911. Ángeles Verdes: 078.
Sea safety
The most important part of this guide. Read it before you get in the water.
Flags: learn the colors · Green: good conditions. Yellow: caution. Red: no entry. Black: extreme risk or beach closed. Red and yellow together mark the lifeguard-patrolled zone.
[Zipolite] · Zipolite: open sea with rip currents · There is no bay to shelter it, and the currents are strong all year. Volunteer lifeguards put up flags and sometimes close the beach. Even so, lifeguards may not be available: ask every day. Go in only up to your knees, and don't swim alone, at night or after drinking. · Playa del Amor: Closes at 9 pm, according to one guide (verify) · In 2025, people died in Zipolite and Zicatela after ignoring swell alerts.
[Puerto Escondido] · Zicatela and La Punta · Zicatela is for expert surfers and very dangerous for swimming: look, don't swim. La Punta is also dangerous for swimming. There are no permanent lifeguards. · If you don't surf, swim in protected bays.
[Mazunte] · Mazunte and San Agustinillo · In Mazunte the main beach is usually somewhat safer than others on the coast, but it changes every day. There are no permanent lifeguards. Don't go in under a red flag or after drinking. One guide suggests San Agustinillo if you have no experience with waves, but there is no official data on its conditions.
[Huatulco] · More protected beaches · Carrizalillo, Puerto Angelito and Manzanillo in calm season. In Huatulco, Playa La Entrega has a floating rescue unit and life jackets.
Swell: what Civil Protection asks of you · Respect lifeguards and flags. Don't swim or do water sports. Remove palapas and equipment from the sand. Don't walk along the shoreline in heavy surf. Supervise children and older adults. Use the hotel pool or protected bays. Example: on June 25, 2026, red flags flew from Puerto Escondido to Huatulco, Mazunte and Puerto Ángel.
If a current catches you · Don't fight it: swim parallel to the shore, float and call for help. This is the standard international rule; no official Spanish-language source was found for Oaxaca.
[Whole coast] · Beach flags · Green: favorable conditions, still take care. Yellow: caution, stay close to shore. Red: no swimming. Black: extreme risk or beach closed. Purple: dangerous marine life, such as jellyfish or rays. There's no single national standard: check with the lifeguard. · If there's no flag, assume no one is watching.
Current alerts (October 11, 2026)
The situation at the time this guide was prepared.
[Entire coast] · Cyclone season · In the Pacific it runs from May 15 to November 30, 2026. Conagua and Oaxaca Civil Protection forecast 18 to 21 cyclones, 4 or 5 of them major hurricanes. October is still a risk month: Simon passed off Oaxaca from October 7 to 11. · Season: May 15 to Nov 30
Tropical Storm Rachel · Rachel formed on September 27 off Guerrero. Rain of 75 to 150 mm and 3 to 5 m waves were forecast for Oaxaca, and the ports were closed to small boats in Puerto Ángel, Puerto Escondido and Bahías de Huatulco. It passed offshore with no reported damage; it's over.
U.S. travel advisory · Oaxaca is at level 2, "exercise increased caution," like most of Mexico. The general Mexico advisory was reissued in May 2026. · Check the current text at travel.state.gov before you travel.
[Pacific off Oaxaca] · Hurricane Simon (October 7 to 11, 2026) · Simon formed on October 7 south of Oaxaca and moved parallel to the coast toward Jalisco and Nayarit. Rain of 75 to 150 mm and 2 to 3 m waves were forecast for Oaxaca. While the warning lasts, boat tours are off and it's best to stay out of the sea. · Check smn.conagua.gob.mx before going out to sea.
Weather and sea
What to expect by season.
Rain · The rainy season runs roughly from May 23 to October 13. September is the rainiest and most humid month. It usually rains in the late afternoon and evening. About 1,200 mm falls per year, almost all between June and October. · Annual rainfall: ≈ 1,200 mm; Rainiest month: September
Heat and sea · Highs are around 33 to 35 °C most of the year and lows range from 22 °C (December-January) to 26 °C (May-September). The sea is 28 to 30 °C: coolest in January and February, warmest in July and August. These are historical model data, not official.
Swell and surf · From May to October, more swell arrives from the South Pacific. From November to April the sea is calmer and the protected bays (Carrizalillo, Puerto Angelito, Manzanillo) are better for swimming. There can also be swell in March and April.
[Mazunte] · Whales, dolphins and glowing water · Humpback whales can be seen from mid-December to March, with no guarantee. Turtle releases in Mazunte happen all year, in the afternoon, and dolphins can be seen at sea. One guide mentions bioluminescence from February to November on moonless nights.
When to go
Depending on what you're looking for.
Calm sea and clear skies · November to April: less humidity and better for beaches and bays.
[Puerto Escondido] · Big surf · May to October at Zicatela, for experts only. Beginners learn best in March. For non-surfers, those months mean strong swell and currents.
Fewer people, lower prices · In the rainy season, especially September, which is also the peak of cyclone risk. May and October are transition months, hot and humid.
High season · December to February and Easter week (in 2027, March 21 to 28). During Easter 2026 occupancy was 80% in Huatulco and 62% in Puerto Escondido. Cheapest: May-June and September-October. · Holy Week 2026: Huatulco 80.42%; Puerto Escondido 62.47%
Recent hurricanes and what to do
Two real cases on the Oaxaca coast.
[Puerto Ángel] · Agatha (May 2022) · Category 2, made landfall near Puerto Ángel with winds of about 169 km/h. It caused severe damage in Pochutla and Santa María Tonameca (where Mazunte is). Death tolls differ: 11 dead and 33 missing according to the Oaxaca government, and 9 and 6 according to Wikipedia.
[Puerto Escondido] · Erick (June 2025) · It made landfall on June 19, 2025 as a Category 3 in Santo Domingo Armenta, in far western Oaxaca, with winds around 200 km/h. In Puerto Escondido it damaged palapas and boats, and at least 30,000 people lost power and cell service.
What to do during an alert · Check the SMN and Oaxaca Civil Protection before and during your trip. If there is an alert, stay away from beaches and rivers and secure loose objects. Ask for the cancellation policy in writing and consider travel insurance (35 to 80 USD per week, according to one guide). Airports, roads, power and cell signal can fail with little warning.
General safety and roads
Sensible precautions, without alarmism.
Crime and precautions · Mostly petty theft. Don't walk alone on the beach at night, watch your drink and don't swim under the influence of alcohol.
[Entire coast] · Roads · Highway 175 is a mountain road with curves and gets tricky in the rain. There were blockades in September 2026. Highway 200 between Puerto Escondido and Mazunte has sharp curves and is slippery in the rain. Travel by day, use booked transportation and check for blockades before you leave. The alternate route via Miahuatlán takes 5 to 7 hours.
Emergencies · 911 for everything, 24 hours: police, fire, ambulance and Civil Protection. 089 for anonymous reports. 078, Ángeles Verdes: free roadside help on federal highways (patrols 8:00 to 18:00; parts and fuel are paid). If 078 doesn't connect from a cell phone, call 911. · Emergencies: 911; Ángeles Verdes: 078; Anonymous reports: 089
Health
Mosquitoes, vaccines, sun and hospitals.
Dengue and mosquitoes · Oaxaca ended 2025 with 274 cases, most in Tuxtepec; the Coast region had about 33. In 2026 Mexico had over 4,000 cases by mid-August. There's no vaccine to prevent it: use repellent with 20% or more DEET, cover up, and sleep under a net or with air conditioning.
Vaccines and food · The CDC recommends hepatitis A, typhoid for most travelers and hepatitis B for unvaccinated people under 60; yellow fever is not required. Keep routine vaccines up to date. Wash and cook food well and drink bottled or purified water.
Sun · Highs of 33 to 35 °C almost all year. Use reef-safe sunscreen, wear a hat and drink water.
Nearby hospitals · Serious cases are treated in Pochutla, Puerto Escondido or Huatulco. From Mazunte to Pochutla is about 20 minutes. Pochutla: Hospital General, 958 584 0216. Puerto Escondido: Hospital General, 954 115 0294; Red Cross, 954 582 0550. Huatulco: IMSS HGSMF 41, 24-hour emergency room, 800 623 2323. · Pochutla: 958 584 0216; Puerto Escondido: 954 115 0294; Red Cross Puerto Escondido: 954 582 0550; Huatulco IMSS: 800 623 2323 · The phone numbers come from directories, not official sites. No clinic was verified in Mazunte, Zipolite or San Agustinillo.
Money, internet and signal
What to expect outside the cities.
[Mazunte] · Cash and ATMs · In Zipolite there is no reliable ATM, and in Mazunte the one on the main street often fails. The safest options are Pochutla (20 minutes) or Puerto Escondido, which has banks and 24-hour ATMs. Carry cash for at least two days.
[Zipolite] · Paying by card · Some restaurants in Zipolite accept cards, sometimes with a 5% surcharge. Small shops are cash only. In Mazunte, not everyone accepts cards.
[Puerto Escondido] · Internet and signal · Mazunte has no fiber: it relies on 4G and Starlink, with outages in the rain. In Puerto Escondido, Telcel has the best coverage, and there is fiber in La Punta and Rinconada. Power outages are frequent during rains.
[Puerto Escondido] · What a day costs · Backpacker: 600 to 900 MXN a day (hostel 250 to 400, food 60 to 120 and transport 100 to 200). Mid-range: 1,200 to 1,800 MXN. More comfortable: over 1,800 MXN, not counting tours or flights. Prices in Zipolite and Mazunte may differ. · Cheap meal: 60 to 120 MXN; Restaurant with a drink: 200 to 400 MXN
Environmental rules
Taking care of what we come to enjoy.
[Huatulco] · Huatulco National Park · Entry is by wristband, 125 pesos per person per day; Mexican nationals with ID pay half, about 65 pesos, and seniors, retirees, people with disabilities and under-12s are exempt. Each bay has a visitor cap. Regular sunscreen is banned: use biodegradable or skip it when swimming. · Wristband: 125 MXN per day (about 65 MXN for nationals)
[Mazunte] · Mexican Turtle Center · Open Wednesday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm and Sundays from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm. One guide recommends going before 11. Punta Cometa has free access. · Hours: Wed to Sat 10:00 am to 4:30 pm; Sun 10:00 am to 2:30 pm
[Entire coast] · Plastics · In 2022 the Supreme Court granted some companies an injunction against Oaxaca's ban on PET and styrofoam containers, but the law wasn't repealed for everyone. Either way, bring a reusable bottle and bag.
[Whole coast] · What to pack · Light, light-colored clothes, biodegradable sunscreen, repellent with 20% or more DEET, a hat and sunglasses, a light rain jacket from June to October, sandals and comfortable shoes, a red-light flashlight for turtles, a reusable bottle, cash in small bills, seasickness tablets if you'll be on a boat, and copies of your documents.
By type of trip
Accessibility, children, pets and more.
[Huatulco] · Accessibility · Playa La Entrega (Huatulco) is the first inclusive beach in Oaxaca: amphibious chairs, ramps, wheeled loungers, adapted restrooms and life jackets. Loans are free, up to 2 hours, with ID, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. You get there by boat (5 min) or by taxi from La Crucecita. No information was verified for other destinations. · Hours: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
With children · Swim in protected bays (Carrizalillo, Puerto Angelito, La Entrega) or in a pool during the swell months, and supervise them closely.
With a pet · From Canada, no certificate is required. From the U.S., dogs need a USDA-accredited veterinary certificate, screwworm-free, issued 5 days before. From other countries: a 15-day health certificate with rabies and deworming.
[Zipolite] · LGBT+ travelers · Zipolite is very welcoming to LGBT+ travelers and is the only officially nudist beach in Mexico. Same-sex marriage is recognized in Mexico. Respect naturism and don't photograph anyone without permission.
[Puerto Escondido] · Remote work · Puerto Escondido is the best connectivity base. Mazunte has patchy internet and no coworking space. November to April is recommended.
Paperwork for foreigners
The basics for entering Mexico.
Multiple Immigration Form (FMM) · Tourists from visa-exempt countries (U.S., Canada, UK, EU, Japan, Australia and others) need the FMM. It allows up to 180 days. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months. By air it is included in the ticket and is digital. Keep the receipt until you leave. · Stay: Up to 180 days; Passport: valid for your whole stay; some airlines ask for 6 months
Cost by land · The non-resident fee is 983 pesos since January 1, 2026 (it was 861 in 2025). If you arrive by air it's included in your ticket; by land or sea you pay on entry. · Confirm it at gob.mx/inm.