Monte Alban, Oaxaca, Mexico: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Monte Alban, Oaxaca, Mexico? If you're planning to go to Monte Alban, I've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Monte Alban, Oaxaca, Mexico

Based on the climate and weather in Monte Alban, Oaxaca, Mexico, the best time to go is February. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Monte Alban, Oaxaca, Mexico

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Monte Alban, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Monte Alban, Oaxaca, Mexico by month

January

If you vacation in Monte Alban during January, you are likely to see that it is hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Mexico has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Monte Alban. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to get the right type. Many adapters currently sold are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

If you go to the Museo del Sitio del Monte Albán, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

February

If you are traveling to Monte Alban in February, you will notice that it is pretty consistently hot and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Mexico has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Monte Alban. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to get the necessary kind. The majority of adapters available online are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most locations.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

If you go to the Museo del Sitio del Monte Albán, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

March

March here is constantly hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Mexico has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Monte Alban. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to pick the correct type. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most countries.

If you go to the Museo del Sitio del Monte Albán, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

April

April in this region is really hot and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Mexico has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Monte Alban. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the right kind. Most adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to the Museo del Sitio del Monte Albán, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

May

May here is constantly hot. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Mexico has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Monte Alban. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you get the correct kind. A lot of adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

If you go to the Museo del Sitio del Monte Albán, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

June

June in Monte Alban is extremely warm and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Mexico has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Monte Alban. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to get the necessary type. The majority of adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to the Museo del Sitio del Monte Albán, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

July

July in Monte Alban is pretty consistently hot and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Mexico has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Monte Alban. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to find the correct type. The vast majority of adapters on sale are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to the Museo del Sitio del Monte Albán, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

August

August in Monte Alban is extremely warm and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Mexico has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Monte Alban. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the correct type. A lot of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to the Museo del Sitio del Monte Albán, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

September

In September, Monte Alban is extremely warm and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 80s F (high 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Monte Alban, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Mexico has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Monte Alban. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you get the correct type. Many adapters available online are just plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

If you go to the Museo del Sitio del Monte Albán, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

October

October in this region is pretty consistently hot. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Mexico has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Monte Alban. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you get the right type. Many adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

If you go to the Museo del Sitio del Monte Albán, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

November

November for Monte Alban is hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Mexico has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Monte Alban. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the right kind. Most adapters currently available are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to the Museo del Sitio del Monte Albán, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

December

December here is a perfect temperature and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Mexico has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Monte Alban. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to get the necessary kind. Most adapters available online are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

If you go to the Museo del Sitio del Monte Albán, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

What to do in Monte Alban, Oaxaca, Mexico

Monte Alban, located in the Mexican state of Oaxaca, is a must-visit for anyone interested in pre-Columbian history and architecture. This ancient city was once the capital of the Zapotec civilization and today stands beautifully preserved, perched on a mountain overlooking the surrounding valley. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Monte Alban:

The Main Plaza:

The Main Plaza is the focal point of Monte Alban. This impressive space was once the center for religious ceremonies, public gatherings, and political events. Today, it remains a bustling public area with many visitors who come to enjoy the stunning views from its elevated position.

The Ball Court:

No ancient city would be complete without a ball court. The Monte Alban ball court is one of the best-preserved and most impressive examples of its kind. Visitors can see the hoops that were used to play the game of ancient Mesoamerican civilizations, and imagine the intense matches that once took place here.

The Palace:

The Palace is a large structure that can be seen from the Main Plaza. This is one of the few buildings that remain largely intact. Visitors can explore the different rooms, admire the intricate stonework and features, and get a glimpse of how the Zapotec nobility would have lived.

The Observatory:

The Observatory is one of the most unique features of Monte Alban. It is a structure unlike any other in Mesoamerica, and would have been used to track the movements of the stars and planets. Visitors can see the intricate carvings and reliefs that adorn the building, and marvel at the knowledge and scientific capabilities of the ancient Zapotecs.

The Tombs:

The tombs at Monte Alban are not to be missed. These are some of the best-preserved tombs in Mesoamerica, with detailed murals and artifacts that offer fascinating insights into the lives of the ancient Zapotecs.

Overall, Monte Alban is a must-visit for anyone with an interest in pre-Columbian history and architecture. From the stunning views to the intricate stonework and carvings, this ancient city is a testament to the power and ingenuity of the Zapotec civilization.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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