Cabo in December? Why We Go Every Year!
December in Cabo, Mexico, has a split personality – it’s like two different months rolled into one.
The first half feels like November, with warm ocean waters, quiet beaches and wallet-friendly resort rates. It’s laid-back and a great time to visit before the holiday madness kicks in.
Then, around December 20th, Cabo flips the switch.
Resorts are packed, rates soar and all of Los Cabos (aka “Cabo”) is alive with festive energy. The water cools slightly for swimming too, but who cares when you’re escaping the rain or snow back home?
December is one of our go-to months. We have timeshares over the holidays and love gathering here with far-flung family each year.
So what can you expect when traveling to Cabo in December? From the weather to whale watching and Christmas festivities, here’s everything you need to know!
Contents: What’s it like visiting Cabo in December?
Can you swim in Los Cabos in December?
Note: When we say “Cabo” here, we mean all of Los Cabos, which includes the towns of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.
December weather in Cabo
Temperatures in Cabo in December
December is pretty much perfect when it comes to the weather.
Daytime highs hover between 79F (26C) and 82F (28C), while nights dip to a cooler 61F (16C).
But as we hinted at, temperatures do shift a little over the month.
Early December is warmer. By late December, cooler evenings are more noticeable – if you forget to take a sweater, you might feel a little chilly dining al fresco (keep this in mind when packing for your trip).
Tip: Before you go, check the forecast for your travel dates on apps and sites like Accuweather, Weather Spark and Weather.com.
Does it rain in Cabo this month?
Don’t worry – rain’s not on the itinerary. The weather in Cabo in December is almost guaranteed to be sunny!
Winter is Cabo’s dry season. (Most rain falls in August and September, in the hurricane season.) Come December, the skies are clear and blue.
We’ve been visiting Los Cabos in December and over New Year’s for more than 20 years (with just a couple of breaks) – and we can’t remember the last time it rained in December.
Is it humid in December?
Basically, no.
Early in the month, there’s a hint of humidity – just enough to keep your skin happy. By late December, the air is comfortably dry, with more of that classic desert crispness.
And, ladies, because it’s not humid, you won’t hate your hair here! I (Janice) don’t have to live in a ponytail the whole trip – I can style my hair and it actually stays frizz-free.
Can you swim in Cabo in December?
Sure, you can swim in Cabo in December – many do! But just know the sea is on the cooler side this time of year.
The average water temp in Cabo in December ranges between 72F (22C) and 75F (24C).
That’s a bit brisk compared to the “ideal” range for comfortable swimming – 77F (25C) to 82F (28C), the water temperature range for Olympic events.
We’re happy to swim in early December when the ocean is warmer. By the end of the month, however, we’re more likely to only go in for a brief dip around midday when the sun’s out in full force.
Tip: If your dream getaway means almost bathtub-warm water and fun watersports like snorkeling and scuba diving, you might want to look at a different month – like October or November.
Is Cabo crowded in December?
The first half of December is mellow, with resort deals and sunshine minus the crowds. It’s a great time to sneak in a pre-Christmas tan while others are still caught up in holiday chaos back home.
But after December 20, Cabo hits peak season. Flights are full, every hotel room has been snatched up (at sky-high rates) and the holiday buzz doesn’t let up until around January 3.
We reserve dinner at Cabo’s iconic farm-to-table spot, Flora Farms – one of our fave restaurants – as early as October!
As for beach chairs? We skip the scramble and settle for a pool lounger, or head to the beach mid-afternoon when others have called it a day.
Tip: Plan ahead for the holidays. Book your resort early, lock in tours, snag those hard-to-get restaurant reservations a few weeks out and get to the beach early for a prime lounge chair.
Spending Christmas in Cabo
The Christmas holidays in Los Cabos are a colorful joyful time, where twinkling lights meet warm beaches. It’s a wonderful time for families in Cabo.
Christmas festivities
In Cabo San Lucas, the downtown Marina lights up with colorful decorations, carolers, seasonal live music and holiday pop-up events.
Over in San Jose del Cabo, the main square dazzles with Christmas lights and traditional Mexican holiday decorations. The weekly Thursday ArtWalk is especially lively during the season. Also don’t miss the candlelit services at the pretty Parroquia de San Jose (Mission San Jose del Cabo).
Many hotels and resorts pull out all the stops for the holidays – decking their halls with red poinsettias, glittering lights and, of course, a grand Christmas tree in the lobby.
They also host special holiday-themed events.
For instance, some of the festive family-friendly celebrations at the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal? Join a tree lighting ceremony with live music and cocktails, welcome Santa as he arrives bearing gifts for the kids, dance the night away at a lively Mexican fiesta and dig into a holiday beach BBQ with games.
At our resort, we’re invited to place toys like basketballs and dolls beneath the lobby tree. Staff then deliver these gifts to a local orphanage, such as Casa Hogar.
Cabo San Lucas Nautical Christmas Parade
Held mid-December, the Cabo San Lucas Nautical Christmas Parade is a holiday highlight.
Starting around 5:30 pm, boats decked in lights cruise out from the Marina across the bay. You get great views of them from Medano Beach.
The night ends with fireworks lighting up the sky.
Christmas feasts
Plenty of restaurants serve special Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinners – often a mix of fresh local seafood, Mexican favorites and holiday classics (because, yes, you do want turkey and mashed potatoes!).
Some resorts kick things off on Christmas morning with brunches with live music and mimosa bars.
Over at Flora Farms, the popular “Pizza and Bubbles” bash happens on December 23 or 24. Enjoy bands playing your favorite holiday songs, watch Christmas movies on large outdoor screens, gorge on made-to-order pizzas and drink unlimited champagne.
For a relaxed (and not overly pricey) Christmas Day dinner, we love Cascadas Beach Grill on Medano Beach. It’s toes-in-the-sand dining with ocean views and turkey that’s anything but basic – ours came stuffed with fruit and walnuts last time. Casual, tasty and totally Cabo.
Ringing in the New Year in Cabo
Spending New Year’s Eve in Cabo? You’re in for a sparkling good time!
We’ve rounded up all the details – beachfront fireworks, celebratory dinners and quirky Mexican customs (green undies are even involved!) – in our post on vacationing in Cabo in January. Check it out for all the New Year’s scoop!
9 Fabulous things to do in Cabo in December
1) Whale watching
Late December marks the start of Cabo’s whale watching season. Humpbacks migrating from Alaska begin arriving to mate and give birth in the warm waters off the coast.
Top tours include:
- Zodiac-style boat – Think small (15 people maximum), speedy and agile. And with a quiet engine, this up-close whale watching tour lets you get safely near the whales – we saw them breaching!
- Luxury catamaran – Mimosas, delicious snacks and a French-made power cat with plush shaded seating (and two spotless loos)? This is the posh way to watch whales. We loved every bubbly moment of it!
- Pirate cruise – The Buccaneer Queen pirate ship is swashbuckling fun for kids of all ages. Enjoy breakfast, pirate games and whale tails and, for adults, an open bar.
2) Hiking in the Canyon of the Fox
Cooler temps later in the month are ideal for hiking to the Sol de Mayo Waterfall and beyond in Fox Canyon.
It’s a peaceful escape out in the Sierra de la Laguna mountain range – lush canyon riverbeds and hidden pools – about a 90-minute drive from Cabo San Lucas. And as few visitors venture out this far, you’ll likely have the tranquility of this unique adventure (mostly) to yourself!
We’ve done these tours and highly recommend both:
- Cabo Outfitters’ canyon tour
- This small-group hiking adventure (with High Tide Los Cabos)
3) Kitesurfing at Los Barriles
Into kitesurfing or want to give it a whirl?
From mid-November to March, strong El Norte winds whip down the Sea of Cortez, turning Los Barriles into a kitesurfing hotspot.
Exotikite and Vela Baja offer top-notch lessons and gear rentals.
Plan a day trip (Los Barriles is just 90 minutes north of Cabo San Lucas), as December is prime time to catch the action or learn the ropes!
4) Water taxi ride to Land’s End
You’ve heard of Cabo’s famous rock arch, right?
El Arco de Cabo San Lucas – just “El Arco” to locals – is the natural limestone arch at Land’s End, where the Baja Peninsula meets the Sea of Cortez. (We think it looks like a donkey bending down to drink water.)
To see it up close, hop in a water taxi from the Cabo San Lucas Marina or Medano Beach. It’s about $12 USD p.p. each way.
You usually don’t need to book ahead. But when cruise ships are in port, boats fill up fast.
To book in advance:
- This glass-bottom boat tour is the best (and cheapest) we’ve found.
- Or for something different, try a cool transparent boat tour – the whole boat is clear and you can see fish swimming all around you! (Hotel transfers are offered.)
5) Hitting the greens
December’s not-too-hot and nice-and-dry weather (particularly later in the month) are ideal for hitting the links.
With more than a dozen championship courses (Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods left their mark here), Cabo is a golfer’s playground, where the greens meet the sea in spectacular fashion.
Some courses worth swinging by:
- Palmilla Golf Club – The original Cabo classic, with 27 holes to mix and match
- Puerto Los Cabos – Laid-back and scenic, near San Jose del Cabo
- Cabo Real Golf Club – A solid challenge with sweeping fairways
- Diamante’s Dunes – Private, but non-guests can snag limited tee times
- Cabo Del Sol Cove Club Golf Course – Ocean views so epic they might mess with your swing!
6) Cruising into the sunset
Cabo boasts show-stopping sunsets – and we can’t think of a better way to enjoy them than on a sunset cruise! It’s the ultimate way to wrap up the day before the stars come out to play.
Sail out into the Sea of Cortez, gliding past Land’s End and its iconic rock formations. Pause for photos in front of amazing Arch. Keep an eye out for sea lions lounging on the rocks and seabirds wheeling overhead.
And of course, sip a margarita as the sky blazes orange and pink!
Some sunset cruises we recommend:
- Intimate sailing – You really sail on these small deluxe yachts! We found it wonderfully dreamy as we lounged on plump cushions at the bow – sipping cocktails, nibbling appies and feeling the wind fill the sails.
- Party fun on a trimaran – Cabo Blue’s fun sunset trimaran cruises strike the right balance to keep the good party vibes going (without getting too crazy) – chill music, attentive crew, endless drinks and tasty snacks.
- Luxury dinner cruise – We’ve sailed aboard the beautiful 100-foot Tu Enamorado, and it’s a classy experience. We’re talking a seated dinner (no buffet!) with filet mignon, jumbo shrimp and premium cocktails and wine. It’s pricy, but worth the romantic splurge!
7) Camel riding
Watch whales while riding a camel on the beach! Say what?
Head out on this off-the-beaten-path camel safari to a hidden camel ranch on the Pacific coast. And because it’s winter, chances are really good you’ll spot giant humpback whales breaching and playing offshore.
After your ride, tuck into a traditional Mexican buffet and sample tequila at a tasting.
This is a crowd favorite – over 97% of more than 8,000 reviewers give this one-of-a-kind experience a huge thumbs-up.
8) Swimming with whale sharks
If you do one unforgettable thing in December, make it swimming alongside the incredible whale sharks in La Paz.
The largest fish in the world, they visit the waters near Cabo from about mid-October through to March, making December a great month to encounter them.
We’ve been three times so far and can’t get enough!
One trip was with Cabo Expeditions and the other two were with Baja Charters – both delivered fantastic experiences. You can also try the well-known tour operator, Cabo Adventures.
All three companies include roundtrip transfers from Cabo to La Paz (a two-hour drive north) in their full-day whale shark tours.
9) Ziplining and desert ATV rides
Desert adventures aren’t much fun when it’s scorching hot (say in June). But in December? It’s great weather to get outside and your heart racing!
All these tours include roundtrip hotel transfers:
- Outdoor ziplining and UTV combo – Experience an epic day with Cabo Adventures. We’ve done it! Zipline over canyons, brave hanging bridges, go rappelling and then cap it off with a 4×4 UTV ride through dusty riverbeds and rocky trails.
- Wild Canyon Park activity pass – Get an unlimited thrill day pass to ziplining, UTVs, camel and horseback rides, bungee jumping and a giant swing from a glass-bottom gondola. Just want to zip? Book a half-day zipline tour.
- Ziplining eco-adventure – Located in an ecological sanctuary, this 3-hour ziplining eco-adventure is family-friendly and features seven ziplines, a wobbly suspension bridge, a 200-foot rappel and tequila tasting.
Packing for a December trip to Cabo
Not sure how to dress for Cabo’s December weather? Layers are your friend.
Here’s what to pack for Cabo this month :
- Daywear: Swimsuits, cover-ups, shorts, light capris and T-shirts will be your daytime staples.
- Evenings: Bring a light sweater, thin jacket and a pair of long pants for cooler nights – plus something casually dressy too (e.g., for dining out at higher-end restaurants).
- Footwear: Pack flip-flops for the beach, comfy running shoes for exploring and dressier shoes or sandals for nights out.
- Sun protection: A rash guard, wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses are musts.
Final thoughts: Is December a good time to go to Cabo?
Absolutely!
Whether you’re after a peaceful pre-holiday escape or festive fun in the sun, December delivers.
Early in the month, you’ll enjoy warm weather, lower hotel rates and fewer crowds. By late December, Cabo buzzes with holiday magic.
For us, it’s a favorite time to gather with family and soak up sunshine – no umbrellas or snow shovels needed.
More seasonal Cabo travel guides
- Best Time to Visit Cabo (and the Worst!)
- What’s Cabo Like in January?
- What’s Cabo Like in February?
- What’s Cabo Like in June?
- What’s Cabo Like in October?
- What’s Cabo Like in November?
Our favorite resources for planning a trip to Cabo
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. We also have and recommend Medjet for global air medical transportation and travel security.
Need more help?
- See our Start here page. It lists everything we’ve written on Cabo.
- Also check our Ultimate Cabo travel guide and our article on Planning your Cabo vacation: Essential tips.
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