Prehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla in the Central Valley of Oaxaca

Historical Site Archaeological caves and rock-cut features in Oaxaca valley

The Yagul and Mitla complexes in Oaxaca combine cave deposits, Zapotec architecture and funerary monuments; archaeologists and visitors examine cave shelters, terraces and stone tombs in the Central Valley.

Guila Naquitz cave.jpg
Prehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla in the Central Valley of Oaxaca
16.9508, -96.4211

How to Get to Prehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla in the Central Valley of Oaxaca #

Both Yagul and Mitla are accessible from Oaxaca city by road - Mitla is about 45-60 minutes southeast on Highway 190; Yagul is closer to the town of Tlacolula. Buses and colectivos serve the towns; private car or guided tours from Oaxaca are convenient.

Tips for Visiting Prehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla in the Central Valley of Oaxaca #

  • Book tickets to guided cave tours in advance - access to some prehistoric chambers is limited to protect rock art.
  • Visit the nearby town of Mitla for complementary Zapotec heritage and easier accommodations.
  • Bring a good headlamp for lesser-lit cave walkways; cameras may be restricted in sensitive rock-art chambers.

Best Time to Visit Prehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla in the Central Valley of Oaxaca #

Best in the dry months (Nov-Apr) for comfortable hiking to and between cave sites and for clearer access to archaeological trails.

Dry season
November-April · 12-28°C
Cooler and drier - better for hiking and visiting open-air sites.
Rainy season
May-October · 16-30°C
Warmer and humid; some cave approaches may be slippery but the landscape is green.

Weather & Climate near Prehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla in the Central Valley of Oaxaca #

Climate

Prehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla in the Central Valley of Oaxaca's climate is classified as Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) - Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 10°C to 30°C. Moderate rainfall (687 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 51 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
FebruaryJanuaryMarch
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
37°
Warmest Month
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 10°C. The driest month with just 2 mm and mostly sunny skies.

95 Ideal

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Mild
18°C
Temperature
10° 26°
75%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

2 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.8
UV Index
Very High
11.1h daylight

February

February is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 10°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.

96 Ideal

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
10° 27°
68%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

5 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.2
UV Index
Extreme
11.5h daylight

March

March is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 12°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.

95 Ideal

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
12° 29°
62%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

8 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.5
UV Index
Extreme
11.9h daylight

April

April is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 13°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.

91 Ideal

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
13° 30°
59%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

29 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.5
UV Index
Extreme
12.4h daylight

May

May is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

81 Excellent

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
15° 29°
67%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

90 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.3
UV Index
Extreme
12.8h daylight

June

June is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 15°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (146 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

67 Good

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
15° 26°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

146 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.2
UV Index
Extreme
13.0h daylight

July

July is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

71 Very Good

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
14° 25°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

92 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.3
UV Index
Extreme
12.9h daylight

August

August is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

69 Good

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
14° 26°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

112 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.2
UV Index
Extreme
12.6h daylight

September

September is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (125 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

67 Good

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
14° 25°
89%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

125 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.0
UV Index
Extreme
12.1h daylight

October

October is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

83 Excellent

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
13° 26°
88%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

56 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.9
UV Index
Very High
11.7h daylight

November

November is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 11°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.

91 Ideal

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
11° 26°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

17 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.8
UV Index
Very High
11.2h daylight

December

December is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 10°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.

95 Ideal

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Mild
18°C
Temperature
10° 26°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

5 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.7
UV Index
Very High
11.0h daylight

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