North America·Mexico

Is Oaxaca Safe in February 2026?

February is winter / low season in Oaxaca. Winter low season in the northern hemisphere means fewer tourists and reduced scam pressure — though year-round operators remain active at major indoor attractions and transport hubs.

Lower

February risk

13

Scams documented

Lower

Crowd level

Season

Low Season

Crowd level

Lower

February scam risk

Lower

Year-round scams

13

JanuaryFebruaryMarch
February travel

Safety tips for Oaxaca in February

Season-specific guidance based on winter / low season conditions and how they interact with documented scam patterns.

01

February is low season in Oaxaca — you will encounter fewer tourists, but scam operators who work year-round may use more aggressive approaches with fewer targets.

02

Lower demand means better accommodation deals, but verify listings carefully — low-season closures and bait-and-switch tactics increase when competition drops.

03

Transport operators have fewer customers in February. Negotiate fares in advance or use app-based services to avoid inflated pricing on quiet routes.

04

Some attractions and services reduce hours or close entirely during low season. Verify operating schedules before travelling to avoid finding closed sites.

05

Regardless of season, the documented scams for Oaxaca remain the same — review the full list of 13 warnings before you travel.

06

Travel insurance is recommended for any trip to Oaxaca. Policies covering theft, medical emergencies, and trip disruption are essential regardless of when you visit.

What to watch for

Top scams in Oaxaca (active in February)

These scams operate year-round and remain active during February. Lower tourist numbers may reduce frequency but operators remain active.

Fake Casita Rental in Xochimilco

high

Listings on WhatsApp and Airbnb clone sites promote charming "authentic colonial casitas" in Xochimilco (Oaxaca suburbs) at bargain prices. After payment via bank transfer, listings vanish or redirect to a different property entirely. The promised neighborhood aesthetic doesn't match reality, or the house is under renovation. Refunds are impossible—scammers use multiple accounts.

How to avoid: Book only through Airbnb, Booking.com, or verified travel agencies. Never pay directly via bank transfer for private rentals. Verify the property on Google Maps Street View. Ask the host for a video call showing the space and neighborhood. Check reviews date—recent scammers may have few reviews.

ATM Fraud at Standalone Machines

medium

Skimming devices and PIN cameras are more common on standalone ATMs near the Zócalo and tourist markets than at bank-branch machines.

How to avoid: Use ATMs inside bank branches (Banamex, BBVA, Santander) during daylight hours only. Shield your PIN.

Fake "Oaxaca Online" Tourist Card Phishing

medium

Travelers receive SMS or email about an "Oaxaca Tourism Card" offering discounts at restaurants and attractions. The message includes a link to "activate" the card with passport details. The site is a phishing gateway. Scammers collect identities for fraud or sell the data to other criminals.

How to avoid: No legitimate tourism card requires online activation via SMS. Never click links in unsolicited messages. Tourism discounts come through official tourism board websites or verified tour operators. Call your hotel concierge to ask about legitimate discount cards before engaging with unsolicited offers.

Unofficial Guide Pressure at Hierve el Agua

medium

Unlicensed individuals position themselves at the entrance road and parking area of the Hierve el Agua petrified waterfalls site, presenting themselves as mandatory official guides. They demand upfront payment of 150-300 MXN before allowing access and claim the fee is required by the local community cooperative. The actual community entry fee is separate, posted on a board at the gate, and the unofficial guide adds no value while pressuring visitors to tip further throughout the walk.

How to avoid: Pay only at the official community fee booth at the main entrance, where printed price lists are displayed. Politely decline any guide who approaches you in the parking area or on the access road before the gate. If you want a legitimate guide, ask the cooperative staff at the booth to connect you with a certified local.

Fake Handicraft Souvenirs

low

Vendors near Monte Albán and the Zócalo sell mass-produced crafts falsely labeled as handmade Zapotec textiles or genuine black clay (barro negro) pottery.

How to avoid: Buy from certified artisan cooperatives or the MARO cooperative market. Ask about the maker and technique.

Scam types

What types of scams occur in Oaxaca?

Tour & Activities

Unlicensed guides, fake tickets, bait-and-switch excursions, and ticket scalping.

3

Street Scams

Pickpockets, distraction thieves, fake petitions, and street hustles in tourist areas.

2

Restaurant Scams

Inflated bills, hidden charges, tourist menus, and food service tricks.

2

Accommodation Scams

Fake listings, bait-and-switch hotels, ghost rentals, and check-in fraud.

2

Taxi & Transport

Overcharging, meter tampering, fake taxis, and transport cons targeting tourists.

1

Other months

Is Oaxaca safe in other months?

JanuaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Common questions

Oaxaca in February — answered

Is Oaxaca safe to visit in February?

Oaxaca is lower risk for tourists in February. This is winter / low season for the North America region. Our database documents 13 scams year-round — during February, winter low season in the northern hemisphere means fewer tourists and reduced scam pressure — though year-round operators remain active at major indoor attractions and transport hubs. The most common risks are tour & activities, street scams, restaurant scams.

Is February a good time to visit Oaxaca?

February is the quietest period for tourists in Oaxaca. Fewer tourists mean lower prices and shorter queues, but some services may be reduced. Scam operators remain active year-round.

What scams are most common in Oaxaca during February?

The documented scam types in Oaxaca are consistent year-round: Tour & Activities, Street Scams, Restaurant Scams, Accommodation Scams. During February (winter / low season), frequency drops but remaining operators may be more persistent. The specific scams and their locations remain the same regardless of season.

Is it crowded in Oaxaca in February?

Tourist crowd levels in Oaxaca during February are lower. You will have more space at attractions and easier access to accommodation and transport. Some services may operate on reduced schedules.

Should I get travel insurance for Oaxaca in February?

Travel insurance is recommended for Oaxaca regardless of when you visit. Low season brings weather-related risks and potential service disruptions from closures. Look for policies covering medical emergencies, theft/mugging, trip cancellation, and 24/7 emergency assistance.

What should I pack for Oaxaca in February?

Beyond weather-appropriate clothing for February in North America, pack with scam prevention in mind: a cross-body bag with RFID-blocking (pickpocketing is documented in Oaxaca), photocopies of your passport stored separately from the original, a phone case with a wrist strap (phone theft is reported), and a portable charger to maintain access to transport apps and maps. Avoid visibly expensive jewelry or electronics in high-risk areas.

Editorial note: Seasonal risk assessments for Oaxaca are based on 13 year-round scam reports cross-referenced with regional travel patterns. Scam data is compiled from government travel advisories (US State Dept, UK FCDO, Australian DFAT), verified news sources, and traveler reports. Conditions change — always check current advisories before travel. Read our methodology →