Oh, glorious Cabo San Lucas!
We’re not sure if it’s the amazing weather, the stunning beaches, the unmatched whale watching, the world-class resorts or the delicious Mexican food that keep us coming back again and again.
Let’s be real – it’s all of the above!
Just like so many tourists from around the world, we love everything about this Mexican jewel, located on the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula.
We particularly like going in late autumn, when there are less crowds. Visiting Cabo in the summer months is also surprisingly good.
But we also know from first-hand experience that any time is a great time to visit los Cabos. (There are only a couple of months when we personally wouldn’t go, because they’re too hot for us. But you might still like it then!)
No matter when you go on your beach holiday, though, you can be sure there are plenty of things to do in Cabo San Lucas. We discover something new and exciting on every single trip!
To help with your vacation planning, we’ve put together this guide on the best time to visit Cabo San Lucas, Mexico – with a breakdown of activities and the weather by month.
Contents: Best time to travel to Los Cabos
Absolute best time to visit Cabo, Mexico
Best time of year to visit Cabo for hotel deals
Best time of year to go to Cabo for water sports
When is the best time to visit Cabo?
The best times to visit Cabo for great weather
Every time of year in Cabo has its draw for visiting.
But generally (in our, ahem, expert view), the absolute best months to go Cabo are May, June, October and November.
Again, a lot depends on what you’re looking for and what you want to get most out of your vacation.
If your priority is getting the best weather on location, then late spring and late autumn is the best time to visit Cabo – it’s very beach-friendly then and the best time for water sports.
When comparing Cabo vs. Cancun, for example, Cabo’s weather is nicer during these months.
Also May, June, October and November are shoulder season months, so it’s less busy than the high tourist season.
If you’re visiting Cabo with kids and they’re out of school in June, you’ll find June to be a great month.
(August marks the beginning of the rainy season, so it’s best to travel before the summertime storms hit.)
Cabo in winter
Many North American visitors flock to Cabo in the winter months as they’re looking to escape the cold weather in their homeland. (Canadians, we see you’re nodding “yes”!)
Because Cabo’s weather stays warm throughout the winter months, this is an ideal time for snowbirds.
But it’s also high season in Cabo San Lucas for this reason – so crowds and higher prices come along with it.
The winter months are also a good time to venture out of the beach resort areas and see some of Mexico’s nearby treasures (like Todos Santos), which you can easily explore with a variety of day trips from Cabo San Lucas.
Best time to visit Cabo for fewer crowds and deals
If avoiding crowds is high on your priority list, then the best time to visit Cabo is in August and September.
This is the hot season – and the rainy season.
The chance of tropical storms and hurricanes increases during these two months. But the average chance of rain remains less than 20%, which means you’ll still be blessed with plenty of sunny days.
You’re likely to find empty beaches, quiet restaurants and bars, and super deals on the best hotels and resorts in Cabo.
Best time to travel to Cabo for water sports
For water sports enthusiasts, the fall months are the best time to go to Los Cabos.
The water in September through November reaches bath-like temperatures of 80 to 84 F (27 to 29 C).
October and November – the months with the best water visibility – are also the best for snorkeling and scuba diving in Cabo.
When is hurricane season in Cabo San Lucas?
The official Cabo hurricane season runs from mid-May through November.
But, typically, most of Cabo’s tropical storms take place in September, and there’s very little rain in the early summer months and in late October and November.
Cabo San Lucas weather by month
Here’s a month-by-month breakdown of the weather in Cabo San Lucas.
For each month, we also share the best activities and what it’s like to visit Cabo that particular month.
Cabo weather in January
Cabo is a great place to kick off the year!
We’ve personally spent many New Year’s evenings on Medano Beach, watching the spectacular fireworks that light up the sky at midnight.
January is the coolest time of year in Cabo. But it’s still pleasantly warm – with an average temperature of 66 F (19 C) and average highs of 80 F (27 C).
The lows can reach 53 F (12 C), especially in the evenings and in the early mornings.
So pack a light jacket or sweater to ward off the chill. And you might want long pants for the evening too.
But you’ll enjoy clear skies, as January has some of the lowest rainfall of the year.
Since the weather in Cabo in January is much colder than the rest of the year, you can expect cooler water temperatures of 73 F (23 C). You therefore may not feel like swimming in the ocean a lot.
But we have to add a caveat. On our most recent visit in January, the weather was quite hot – and the sea was warm too. So we swam in the ocean every day!
The pleasant weather makes January one of the best times to visit Los Cabos for outdoor activities like ziplining, hiking, horseback riding and even camel riding!
For example, check out this ziplining-and-UTV tour in a UNESCO protected biosphere. It features the longest zipline in Los Cabos and a ride in a UTV buggy in a desert canyon.
Or you might want to combine camel riding with ATVing!
The temperature in Cabo in January is also perfect for golfing, exploring and whale watching (Cabo’s whale watching season is December to April).
And, as mentioned, it’s ample warm for reading a book and snoozing in the sun too!
Although January is considered cool for Cabo, it’s very warm compared to Canada, Europe and much of the U.S. So it’s a popular month for tourists.
Crowds and prices will be at their peak.
Cabo weather in February
Hooray for baby humpback whales!
While humpback whales arrive in December to mate and give birth (after migrating down from Alaska), February is the month that the babies are the most active.
It’s a great time to book a whale watching small group tour by Zodiac!
Water temperatures remain on the cooler side but are still fine for water sports. If you want to scuba dive, don an adequate wetsuit.
In terms of the air temperature, the weather in Cabo in February is much like that of January.
The temperatures are pleasant – ranging from an average low of 66 C (19 C) to an average high of 77 F (25 C) – and chances are low that you’ll encounter any rainy days.
Cabo weather in March
March temperatures begin to warm up with an average of 71 F (22 C) and highs of 85 F (29 C), with clear skies.
For water activity lovers, be aware that while the outside weather in Los Cabos in March is warmer than in the winter (with rising temperatures), the water temperature falls to its lowest of the year at 70 F (21 C).
If you’re going diving or snorkeling this month, be sure to have a thicker wetsuit (not a shortie)!
Cabo weather in April
Perfect beach weather combined with spring break means bikini crowds in Cabo – and higher prices.
The weather in Cabo San Lucas in April warms up to an ideal average temperature of around 75 F (24 C), with average highs reaching 82 to 85 F (28 to 29 C).
April is also one of the driest months of the year, with almost no cloud cover.
It’s the last month of the humpback whale season too, so if whale watching is on your wish list, you best hurry!
Cabo weather in May
May is one of the best times to visit Cabo – arguably the best time to go to Cabo!
May is the driest month, with no rain and full-on sunshine. Days are pleasantly hot.
The ocean water is starting to heat up, and with the warmer weather, you’ll be happy to spend lots of time on Cabo’s beautiful beaches and cooling off in the water.
The winter crowds (and April’s spring breakers) have also gone, so resort rates are lower. It’s easy to book accommodation, and restaurant reservations are similarly easy to snag.
All of this makes May a great month for a destination wedding in Cabo too.
Cabo weather in June
The weather starts to heat up more come early June – reaching into the high 80s F (30 C).
It’s still nice and dry (though it starts to get humid later in the month), with mostly clear sunny days, and the summer rains haven’t yet hit.
The favorite way to enjoy Cabo in June? Beaching, swimming (of course!), jet-skiing and surfing.
Cabo weather in July
Surfers! July is the best time to visit Cabo San Lucas for surfing.
The water is warm, the weather is hot and surf spots are swell magnets for riding the waves.
Also, now that the kids are out of school, early July, in particular, is one of the best months to visit Cabo for a summer family vacation by the beach.
Cabo weather in August
It’s muy caliente (piping hot!) in Cabo – and the low season.
Temperatures rise to the mid-90s F (low to mid-30s C), making August the hottest month of the year. The humidity is at 70% or more – and that makes it feel even hotter.
But if you like your days hot (and your margaritas cold), August is a prime time for snagging the best deals on resort rates.
August is also the beginning of the sea turtle season.
The Sea of Cortez is home to five species of endangered sea turtles – Loggerhead, Hawksbill, Leatherback, Olive Ridley and Green turtles.
Drawn to the warm water and apparently with memories of being born themselves on the Baja California Peninsula’s shores, the females return to dig nests on the beaches for their eggs.
In late August, the first turtle eggs start to hatch. You may see tiny hatchlings (some no bigger than the size of a quarter!) awkwardly scrabbling across the sand, trying to make their way to the water.
Resorts work with the Sea Turtle Protection Network and other turtle conservation organizations to protect them, and you can help to gently release baby hatchlings into the sea.
You can also help them on a tour.
Rancho Carisuva, for example, runs a top-rated baby turtle release tour, guided by a certified marine biologist.
Hotel transfers are included to and from their ranch on Migrino Beach, which is located on the Pacific Ocean side, north of Cabo San Lucas.
Also check out this combo sea turtle experience and ATV tour.
You first explore Migrino area’s trails by ATV. You end up at the beach, where you then learn about turtle preservation and help to release the turtle hatchlings.
The surfing is also awesome this month.
As for fishing, August sees some of the best dorado, red snapper and rooster fishing.
The big sailfish start to bite too.
Cabo weather in September
September is sizzling hot – and the “rainy season.”
So… Is late summer and September a good time to visit Cabo San Lucas?
Cabo will certainly be quiet. And the beaches will be as pristine as you’ll ever see them – that can be priceless.
You can snag great resort deals too. (Note that some resorts may shut down for maintenance, and some restaurants may be closed because it’s so quiet.)
What to do in Cabo in September? High temperatures combined with the high humidity make swimming, snorkeling and chilling by the pool the most appealing activities.
Because you won’t feel like doing too much else, an all-inclusive resort (like the Pueblo Bonito Pacifica) is a good idea this month.
If you’re into fishing, however, September is a great month. Indeed, it’s one of the best months to visit Cabo for deep sea fishing.
You’ll have great opps to chase blue marlin, black marlin, yellowfin tuna and dorado.
But, fair warning, September is steamy.
Cabo weather in October
The weather in late October in Cabo is almost perfect.
Humidity drops, but it still feels like you’re enjoying a tropical vacation (not a dry desert-weather holiday, which you get in January).
And it’s not yet busy in Cabo – the American Thanksgiving holiday crowds and winter visitors haven’t yet arrived.
Snorkeling in Cabo is great, along with scuba diving – two of the prime things to do in Cabo San Lucas in October.
The sea is the warmest, and 100-ft visibility means you have panoramic views of the brightly colored reef fish, sea turtles, rays (and maybe even sharks!) sharing the water with you.
Also, if your dream is to snorkel with whale sharks (which we highly recommend!) October marks the beginning of whale shark season.
Trust us, making the two-hour drive to La Paz to see these beauties in the wild is well worth it. It’s one of the best things to do in Cabo in late autumn and winter!
October is also one of the best times to go to Cabo for fishing.
Toss a line in for whopping marlin – and share in the excitement of the world-famous Bisbee fishing tournaments.
In a nutshell, late October (and November) is the best time to go to Cabo San Lucas for water sports and great tropical holiday weather.
Cabo weather in November
November falls within one of Cabo’s shoulder seasons (before the holiday crowds hit), meaning that it’s a great time for a Cabo vacation.
The weather in Cabo San Lucas in November begins to cool down – but still brings toasty average highs of 83 F (28 C) – and humidity drops to more comfortable levels.
This month is also when our favorite Cabo cultural event begins, the Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo.
Every Thursday evening, dozens of art galleries keep their doors open until 9:00 pm for visitors to sip wine, admire unique art work and meet artists. (The Art Walk continues through to June.)
Water temps are still bathtub-warm at an inviting 80 F (27 C) and visibility still extends up to 100 feet (compared to the 40 feet in the winter), making November one of the best months for diving and snorkeling.
On one trip to Cabo in November, we went scuba diving in Cabo Pulmo. This national marine park in the Sea of Cortez amazed even Jacques Cousteau.
It was one of the most awesome dives we’ve ever enjoyed – warm water, tiger and bull sharks, bat rays, sea turtles and superb viz to see all the creatures around us.
Cabo weather in December
Mid-December marks the start of Cabo’s high season. From Christmas Eve through to the end of the year, expect significant crowds at the resorts, beaches and restaurants.
But if you slide in for an early December trip, luxury resorts will be much lower priced than during the holiday peak season (which is about December 24 to January 2).
As for the weather in Los Cabos in December, the average temperature is 70 F (21 C) and the average high is 80 F (26 C).
The ocean remains extremely comfortable for swimming, with an average water temperature of 78 F (25 C). And at the end of this month, the first baby humpback whales are born!
If you’re in Cabo to surf, head on over to the Pacific Ocean side as this is the first month that the best swells start to hit.
Bottom line for visiting Cabo in December?
The combination of comfortable temperatures, low humidity and the arrival of Christmas vacation makes December one of the most popular times to visit Cabo San Lucas.
When should you not go to Cabo?
The worst time to visit Cabo is probably September (unless you like to fish). It’s the peak month for storms and hurricanes.
Mind you, it actually doesn’t rain all the time.
If you visit Cabo in September, chances are that it will only rain half the days – and then on those “rainy days” it might only rain for five minutes or so a day.
Final thoughts on when to go to Cabo
As we’re sure you’ve noticed by now, we’re huge fans of Cabo!
We hope that our frequent trips and experience have helped shed some light on the best times to visit Cabo San Lucas, based on your vacation goals. As you can see, there’s no real bad time to go – but you do want to choose the right time for you.
And when you go, you’re in for a real treat. Buen viaje, amigos!
Our top travel tips and resources
Here are our favorite travel resources:
Hotels: Booking.com is great for scoring a “wow” hotel – or at least a decent one. (We especially like their flexible cancellation policy!)
Vacation homes, condos and rentals: We prefer and use Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner).
Tours: For the best local food, walking and other guided tours plus skip-the-line tickets to attractions, check out GetYourGuide and Viator.
Car rental: Renting a car is often one of the best ways to explore off the beaten path. Discover Cars searches car rental companies so you get the best rates.
Travel insurance: SafetyWing is designed for frequent travelers, long-term adventurers and digital nomads. It covers medical expenses, lost checked luggage, trip interruption and more.
Vaccines and meds: We follow CDC travel guidelines to see what medications and vaccines are needed for trips. You can get vaccines at your pharmacy, travel medical clinic or doctor’s office.
Travel gear: See our travel shop to find the best luggage, accessories and other travel gear. (We suggest these comfy travel sandals for city walking, the beach and kicking about.)
Need more help planning your trip? Check out our travel tips and resources guide for airline booking tips, ways to save money, how to find great hotels and other crazy useful trip planning info.
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Photo credits: 1, 4, 8, 12, 23 © Janice and George Mucalov, SandInMySuitcase
About the authors
Luxury travel journalists and SATW, NATJA and TMAC “Best Travel Blog” award winners, Janice and George Mucalov are the publishers of Sand In My Suitcase. Between them, they’ve traveled to all 7 continents. See About.
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