Oh, glorious Cabo San Lucas!
We’re not sure if it’s the sunny weather, the stunning beaches, the unmatched whale watching, the world-class resorts or the delicious farm-to-table restaurants that keep us coming back again and again.
Let’s be real – it’s all of the above!
Just like so many visitors 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.
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’ll find plenty of fun and unique activities in Cabo. 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 the best activities and Cabo weather by month.
When is the best time to visit Cabo?
Contents: Best time to travel to Los Cabos
Absolute best time to visit Cabo, Mexico
- Pleasant Cabo weather in winter
- Best time of year to visit Cabo for hotel deals
- Best time of year to go to Cabo for water sports
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.
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 to visit.
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.
Activities and 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 a unique camel ride with tequila tasting and a Mexican buffet?
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 most of the month, but there’s usually a bit of a lull in early January (right after New Year’s).
Activities and 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 in February.
But they’re 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.
If you go on a sunset cruise this month, you’ll probably want to bring a light sweater, shawl or windbreaker in case – as it can be cool on the water after the sun goes down.
Activities and 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 in March, be sure to have a thicker wetsuit (not a shortie)!
If you’re wondering what to do in Cabo San Lucas this month when not soaking up the sun, why not pamper yourself with a couples massage or other spa treatment?
Cabo has many top spas – some even offer spa services for kids!
Activities and 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!
Activities and 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 at Cabo’s beach clubs 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.
Activities and 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 Los Cabos in June? Beaching, swimming (of course!), jet-skiing and surfing.
Activities and 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 go to Cabo for a summer family vacation by the beach.
Activities and 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.
You can also help to gently release baby hatchlings into the sea 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 sea turtle experience in San Jose del Cabo. (It takes place in the late afternoon and also includes hotel transfers.)
You’ll learn about turtle conservation before helping to guide the baby turtles to the ocean, and you’ll get your own turtle adoption certificate too.
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.
Activities and 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 in September. 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 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. And it’s in the heart of the rainy season (though Cabo’s rainy season typically isn’t too rainy).
Activities and 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 is great, as is scuba diving. They’re two of the prime things to do in Cabo San Lucas in October.
The sea is the warmest, and 100-foot visibility means you have panoramic views of the brightly colored reef fish, sea turtles, rays (and maybe even sharks!) sharing the water with you.
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.
Activities and 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). The 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’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.)
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.
Activities and 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 plan, say, a 5-day Cabo getaway in early December, luxury resorts will be much lower priced this time of the month 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.
More FAQs about the best time of year to visit Cabo San Lucas
What month is the hottest in Cabo?
August is the hottest month in Cabo.
July and August are typically the hottest months, with average high temperatures reaching up into the 90s F (30s Celsius).
But because August is more humid than July, it feels hotter than July.
What month is the coldest in Cabo?
The coldest month in Cabo is typically January.
Temperatures at night can dip as low as the mid-50s F (about 13 C). However, daytime temperatures often still reach the high 70s and sometimes the low 80s F (mid- to high-20s C0).
The last couple of years we’ve visited, we’ve noticed January temperatures being warmer than in previous years.
When is the Cabo San Lucas rainy season?
The rainy season in Cabo typically kicks in around late July or early August, and lasts through to early October.
You’ll see the most rain in August and September. September is typically the wettest month in Cabo.
Remember, though, that Cabo generally experiences a desert climate, so even in the rainy season, there isn’t a ton of rain.
When is the cheapest time to go to Cabo?
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly trip to Cabo San Lucas, aim for late spring, summer and early autumn – from late April to the end of September.
Just remember this time coincides with the hurricane season. Also, August and September, in particular, will be very hot and humid.
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 really 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!
Discover more of Los Cabos!
- The best private boat tours in Cabo San Lucas
- Where to find the best tacos in Cabo
- Reviews of resorts in Los Cabos with swimmable beaches
Planning your trip to Cabo?
Here are our favorite travel resources:
Resorts: Booking.com is great for scoring a “wow” hotel in Cabo – 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 guided tours in Cabo, see Viator and GetYourGuide.
Car rental: Renting a car in Los Cabos is one of the best ways to explore. 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.
Need more help planning your trip? Check out our ultimate Cabo travel guide! It’s packed with crazy useful trip planning info.
Pssst! If you make a booking or purchase through our site, we may earn a small commission (at no cost to you). Thanks!
Photos: 1, 4, 8, 12, 23 © Janice and George Mucalov, Cabo Visitor
About the authors
Award-winning travel writers Janice and George Mucalov are frequent visitors to Los Cabos. Here on Cabo Visitor, they share their essential tips for discovering the best of Cabo!