Thinking about when the best time to visit Cabo San Lucas will be? After living in Los Cabos, I can fill you in on all of the tips for when to come to this little slice of Mexican paradise.
For the longest time, I avoided Los Cabos, but after a few years of discovering all of the nooks and crannies of Mexico City and other popular destinations around Mexico, I finally decided to give it a chance. And boy, was I happy to be proven so very wrong.
If you’re considering a trip to Cabo San Lucas, you are in for an awesome vacation. This sun-soaked gem on Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula is truly a tropical paradise that dazzles just about all year round. But of course, there are going to be times that are better suited for certain types of travelers.
The Baja Peninsula has humpback whales, great surf breaks, and a mix of all the delicious Mexican food you can imagine. But when is the best time to visit? The short answer is: It depends on what you want to do.
That’s why I’m so excited to dive into the best times to visit Los Cabos. I’ve got everything from budget-friendly to activities and weather breakdowns.
Overview of Cabo San Lucas
Before we dive in, let me clear up any confusion about Cabo vs Los Cabos.
Cabo San Lucas, or simply Cabo, is a city located at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula in the Mexican state of Baja California Sur.
Los Cabos, on the other hand, refers to the municipality that encompasses Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, Cabo Pulmo, and the East Cape (to name a few of the more well-known locations here).
Together, they make up “The Capes,” which are flanked by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Sea of Cortez (also known as the Gulf of California) to the east. Now that we have that cleared up, let’s move on to when is the best time to visit Cabo San Lucas.
If you want to go hiking while you’re in Los Cabos, then February and March are the best time to visit Cabo!
High Season in Cabo San Lucas
To experience Cabo at its peak, you should plan to visit between December and March when the weather is pretty much perfect. The heat isn’t so hot that you’re dying, but the skies are clear, and the evenings might even require a light sweater.
During the winter months, the resorts are pumping with guests, the beaches are in full swing with beachgoers, and the waters are calmer than usual and pretty warm.
The water is clear for boat trips and snorkeling with all the thriving sea life. It’s also when humpback whales give birth, and they’re still nursing before migrating. It’s an absolutely unreal experience.
But like anywhere in the world, high season means high prices, and Cabo prices can become exorbitant during this time.
I know there are always alternatives to keep your prices down even during high season (like staying in the city center or eating where the locals do), but if you’re looking to have that glorious resort experience, expect to spend quite a bit of money around this time.
Flights, accommodations, and activities will all be at their peak prices during the high season.
The high prices and large crowds can be a turn-off for many people, regardless of how good the weather is, but if you like a buzzing atmosphere and want to get away from those blustery winds blowing north of the border, the high season might be the best time for you to visit Cabo.
Low Season in Cabo San Lucas
On the flip side, the low season in Cabo San Lucas falls between July and September, and it’s the perfect time to visit Cabo if you aren’t too big on crowds or high prices.
But there is a reason it’s the low season; during these months, the weather becomes a sweltering heat that for some, isn’t the most ideal climate for a relaxing vacation.
The temperatures during the day hover around 90-100 degrees Fahrenheit (32-37 Celsius), which might be okay for some people. But while for much of the year, humidity levels are very low compared to other beach towns (it’s basically in the desert), the humidity levels rise a lot during this time of year.
The rain also makes the waters a little less than ideal for swimming. The usual gorgeous blue can turn a not-so-appealing greenish brown, and the currents can get extremely strong. A few of the resorts won’t even let their guests swim in the ocean because of how dangerous it can be.
I know, I know, this all sounds like terrible news, but it’s not. If you’re one of the brave ones who can handle the heat (and, with a little bit of luck, avoid the rain), you can score some awesome deals on flights, accommodations, and activities during low season.
Plus, fewer people around usually means a more authentic experience and less demand means bargaining power for you. So, I don’t see any reason why the low season can’t be the best time to visit San Jose del Cabo.
I love Los Cabos any time of year.
Shoulder Season in Cabo San Lucas
The more places I visit, the more I start to realize how magical the shoulder seasons are. This is the time between the high and low seasons when the prices are reasonable, the crowds aren’t too overwhelming, and the weather is usually pretty good.
In Cabo, there are two shoulder season periods: April to June and October to November. During these months, the weather is fantastic, in my opinion, with highs in the mid-80s (about 30 Celsius), and the humidity has either subsided or hasn’t fully taken over yet.
This means you can still enjoy all of the best things to do in Cabo San Lucas, especially the ones that are outside, without melting. And you won’t have to fight through throngs of tourists or break the bank. Talk about a win-win.
The only thing to keep in mind during shoulder season is avoiding spring breakers and wedding season (which typically falls around May). It’s also possible that hurricanes are still lingering on the horizon in October, like the one that recently hit in October 2023.
Always be sure to have trip insurance (or use a great credit card like the Chase Sapphire which has it included in your travel purchases).
If you are in Los Cabos during the winter, then you will no doubt be able to see tons of whales!
Best Time to Visit Cabo by the month
If you’re still unsure of when to plan your trip, then this guide to Cabo San Lucas weather-by-the-month will give you better insight into which time of the year is the best for your vacation.
January
January is one of the busiest months in Cabo as Americans and Canadians are escaping the cold to warm up in sunny Mexico. The weather is a little bit cooler as it’s technically winter, but with dry, sunny days, you can still catch a tan and warm up by the beach.
The waters are a little bit colder, around 72°F (22 Celsius), but most people find the courage to brave the waves. If you’re looking to spot some whales, January is the perfect time, as the whales are still migrating from Alaska and have either given birth or are starting to.
I will never forget spotting whales breaching off the shore in both Cabo San Lucas and Todos Santos during January.
February
February is very similar to January as the crowds haven’t died down from the high season, and the weather is still sunny and dry. Temperatures can reach up to 75°F (23 C) with lows of 63°F (17 C), making it a great time for outdoor activities like hiking, snorkeling, or surfing.
Getting out on the water in San Jose del Cabo is easy to do any time of year, but especially in the winter and spring.
March
If you love to spend your vacations in the warm Mexican waters, then March might not be the best time for you to visit Cabo. While the weather is warming up, the waters reach their coolest temperatures around 70°F (21 C). Which kids never seem to mind, but I prefer to snorkel in warmer waters.
March is also when spring break starts, and while the parties can be fun, it does make this month a little bit busier and noisier than usual.
If you still want to visit but want to avoid the teen partiers, simply head to the quieter San Jose del Cabo so that you can enjoy your resort experience in peace.
April
April is the last month of high season. The last bit of spring breakers will be hopping around in their bikinis as the weather is rising (along with the humidity of the summer), and the last bit of humpback whales will be making their way back up to Alaska for the summer.
But luckily, there is about a zero chance of rain during April, with no cloud coverage. Make sure to bring your sunscreen and a hat and know what to pack for Cabo.
May
May is one of the best months to go to Cabo. Most of the tourists have cleared out. It has started to get very hot in Los Cabos at this time of year. But thanks to the fact that you’re in the desert here, it’s a dry heat rather than the humidity that you get from somewhere like Cancun at this time of year.
The highs are now reaching 80°F (26 C) with lows in the low 70s (low 20s C). You can also catch some nice deals on accommodation as hotels are trying to stretch out the high season as long as they can.
Enjoy quieter beaches as it heats up in late-April and May.
June
The heat of the summer starts to creep up in June. This is when I tend to personally avoid coming to Cabo. The hurricane season hasn’t started yet, so it’s still a perfectly safe time to come. But it is swelteringly hot and with that desert dryness, it ends up feeling even hotter.
This is a good time of year to visit Cabo as a beginner surfer. The waves are starting to come in perfect for surfers who aren’t quite ready to tackle the massive swells of July and August.
July
July is the official start of the hurricane season as the temperature rises into the high 80s Fahrenheit (26-30 C), and a little bit of rainfall makes its way to the coast. But it’s rare to see a hurricane hit Cabo so early, so you should still be fine to have an amazing time.
It’s also when the swells start to get big, so experienced surfers flock to Cabo to catch some epic waves.
August
The weather in August makes it one of the worst times to be in Cabo. It’s the hottest month, with most days averaging in the mid-90s (35 C), and the humidity from the rainy season is enough to make you constantly feel sticky. However, if you’re a die-hard surfer, this is prime time for catching some of the biggest waves in Cabo.
It’s also one of the cheapest times to visit Cabo, so if you can handle the heat and the fact that there may or may not be a hurricane blowing through, it could be a great time to save some money.
The water is the best for swimming and snorkeling in February and March, but you might need a wet suit if you want to stay out longer.
September
September is a little all over the place when it comes to deciding if it’s a good time to go to Cabo San Lucas. While the weather is still in the 90s Fahrenheit (32-35 C), the month experiences the most rain out of the year, and the hurricane season is in full swing.
But it’s also one of the best times for deep-sea fishing. Usually, the rains hold off until the afternoon times, making the morning perfect for catching some of the best fish in the region.
October
One of the best months to go to Cabo is in October. The weather is starting to get a little cooler, and the hurricane season is coming to an end.
And since the tourists haven’t picked up yet, you can still experience the beauty of Cabo without having to deal with huge crowds. And maybe still catch a good deal on flights and hotels, too.
November
November is still considered the shoulder season before the rush of holiday-goers head to Baja in December, making it one of the best times to visit Cabo San Lucas.
The weather has cooled down enough to spend the days outside, and there are fewer tourists, allowing you to fully enjoy the beaches and local attractions. Plus, you can witness the start of the whale migration season, where humpback whales make their journey from Alaska to Cabo’s warm waters.
December
Finally, we come to December, one of the most popular months for travelers to visit Cabo San Lucas. In fact, one of the most popular times of year for travel all over Mexico.
If you can come during the earlier days of December, you might still catch some deals at different resorts. The best way to do that is to book as far in advance as you can manage.
But, once the holidays start and the Christmas spirit fills the air, prices tend to skyrocket along with the amount of tourists flocking to Cabo.
The weather in December is gorgeous, with sunny days, cooler nights, and highs in the 80s Fahrenheit (26-30 C), making days at the beach the perfect winter escape.
The Cabo San Lucas Harbor is always bustling with people selling tours and with busy restaurants trying to lure you in with free shots.
Best Time to Visit Cabo San Lucas for Festivals
Cabo might not have as much going on in terms of cultural events and festivals but don’t count out the coastal town. There are still a few noteworthy events that take place throughout the year.
Artwalk in San Jose del Cabo
Starting in November, every Thursday until June, the streets of San Jose del Cabo come alive with the Artwalk event. This is one of the best ways to get out of the resort and see a little bit more of the town’s local culture.
Los Cabos Open of Surf
If you’re a surfer, then I highly recommend heading to the coast in June when the Los Cabos Open of Surf takes place. You’ll see some of the world’s top surfers ripping it up on the waves, and there are loads of events going on during the day and at night.
Bisbee’s Black & Blue Marlin Tournament
If you’re a big-time fisherman and are up for a good challenge, then head to Cabo in October for Bisbee’s Black & Blue Marlin Tournament. It’s one of the most challenging tournaments and will bring in anglers from all over to see what they can reel in.
Dia de los Muertos
Experience one of the country’s most special events, Dia De Muertos, in Cabo San Lucas. While it won’t be as big as the parades in Oaxaca or Mexico City, it’s still such a special time to be in the country.
The resorts, along with the square, will be filled with altars, orange flowers, and locals honoring their family members who have passed on. Attend events, and get your face painted like a skeleton to fully embrace the Mexican holiday.
Baja 1000
This is one of the most famous motorsport races in North America and it happens every year around November. The Baja 1000 is an off-road motor race that runs nearly the entire length of the Baja Peninsula, 1000 miles. It culminates in Cabo San Lucas and the parties are usually pretty epic.
Enjoy bright blue skies in Cabo San Lucas in February.
Best Time to Visit Cabo San Lucas for Activities
If you don’t care too much about the weather or the price point but are more concerned with some of the activities, then here are the best months for you.
Best Time to Visit Cabo San Lucas for Whale Watching
The whales start migrating to Cabo in mid-December, but for the best chance at seeing the massive mammals, head there in January through March. These are the months when you’ll witness humpback whales with their newborn calves making their way through the warm waters.
Best Time for Golfing
If you’re hoping to hit the golf courses on your Mexican vacation, November through March is the best time to visit Cabo. The weather is beautifully sunny without being too hot, and there is very little chance of seeing rain.
Best Time to visit Cabo San Lucas for Surfing
To catch the best waves in Cabo, you’ll want to visit in the summer from June to August. The hurricane season brings big swells and perfect surfing conditions for experienced surfers. If you’re a beginner, you can take some surfing lessons at one of the smaller beaches.
Best Time for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
The waters are really warm and super clear in Cabo from June to November, making it the best time for swimming with the schools of fish on a snorkeling or diving boat tour. During this time, you’ll also have a better chance of seeing sea turtles, sharks, and even manta rays.
Best Time to See Turtle Hatchlings
Cabo is one of the few places on earth where you can witness sea turtle hatchlings make their way to the ocean. The best time to see this unique experience is in August or September. Some of the beaches become filled with little turtles making their way to the waters. It’s one of the most amazing things to see. (Sadly, only a few of them make it back to the ocean as birds and other predators await.)
E
Wednesday 24th of January 2024
Are there certain months of the year when one would not encounter agua mala (when the water has tiny jellyfish that create terrible rashes) in Cabot San Lucas? If so which months are agua mala free?
Laura Bronner
Friday 26th of January 2024
The most common time for jellyfish is during the summer when the water is warming up and storms are passing through. If you definitely want to avoid jellyfish avoid traveling here during hurricane season June-October. I have spent Jan-May here and never spotted a single jellyfish.