Cabo in November: Weather, Things to Do and Travel Tips

When the fall colors fade and the chill starts to bite, it’s time to chase the sun!

If you’re craving one last warm-weather getaway before the holiday madness begins, Cabo in November is your answer.

We usually head down in December and January.

But we’ve also spent a glorious November in Cabo San Lucas – and honestly, we think it’s one of the best months to go. Hot days, warm ocean temps (perfect for snorkeling, swimming and diving!) and fewer crowds? Yes, please!

Curious about the weather, must-do November activities, special events or what to pack? You’ll find it all right here. (And when we say “Cabo,” we mean the whole Los Cabos region – not just Cabo San Lucas.)

Does it rain in Cabo in November?

Hardly ever. You might see the odd cloud, but the chance of rain is only about 4% per day, with less than half an inch for the whole month.

November, in fact, is one of the driest months of the year.

Is November in Cabo’s hurricane season?

Technically, yes. But Cabo’s entire hurricane season normally isn’t as wet or bad as in the Caribbean or the USA’s east coast. And serious storms usually happen only in September (sometimes in late August). 

By November, you’re in the clear for sunny skies and calm seas.

Thanks to the warm weather in November, the average sea temperature stays fairly constant throughout the month, at around 80 F (27 C). 

As a comparison, swimming pool temperatures are usually 77 to 82 F (25 to 28 C).

This means that you can dive in for swimming, paddleboarding and other water activities to your heart’s content!

Day of the Dead

Held on November 1st and 2nd, Dia de los Muertos is one of Mexico’s most meaningful and colorful traditions – a joyful celebration remembering loved ones who have passed away.

A cool way to see the marine world as you putter around Land’s End is this all-clear glass-bottom boat cruise. It’s not just an ordinary glass-bottom boat – the entire boat is see-through and transparent! 

Keep an eye out for the sea lions that loll about on the rocks at Land’s End.

To Land’s End

Gawk at the famous Arch and explore Land’s End on an awesome 3-hour sail-and-snorkel cruise!

We’ve gone out with Cabo Sailing (who offer this tour) several times, and they always do a great job. The group size is small (usually a maximum of 12 guests, depending on the boat used) and the trip is ideal for families or couples.

It includes:

• Snorkeling equipment
• An open bar
• Snacks and lunch
• Fresh towels (no need to lug your own along!)

To Chileno Bay or Santa Maria Bay

We had an amazing time on this 4-hour luxury sailing and snorkeling boat trip (also with a small group). You’ll:

• Sip cocktails as you cruise past Land’s End for photos.
• Sail to either Chileno Bay or Santa Maria Bay for snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding and relaxing on floating mats on the water.
• Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch.

Escaping to Cabo Pulmo (about a 2-hour drive away) should also be on your November itinerary – it’s another one of the top day trips you can do this month.

Think turquoise waters, powdery white sands and a thriving underwater world. Cabo Pulmo National Park is home to the only coral reef in the Sea of Cortez – a vibrant marine sanctuary teeming with colorful fish, rays and sea turtles. You can also see a playful sea lion colony!

• Kayak-and-snorkel adventure: This great tour with Cabo Outfitters (we’ve done many tours with them) combines kayaking to see the sea lions with lots of snorkeling. 
• Snorkel-only expedition: Join Cabo Adventures (another popular local tour company) on a boat trip to snorkel the reef’s best spots.

Transportation to and from Los Cabos is included in both of these day tours.

Baja Charters offers a wonderful all-inclusive sailing trip to Espiritu Santo Island for an epic day of swimming, snorkeling, SUP-ing and hiking.

We’ve gone with Baja Charters before on other excursions (see #4 above), and their tours are true premium experiences!

• You’ll be picked up from your Cabo hotel or resort and driven to the marina in La Paz, where you’ll board a spacious catamaran.
• The day trip includes breakfast as you sail to Espiritu Santo Island, along with a chef-prepared hot lunch onboard and a premium open bar.
• Luxury touches? Hot water showers on the catamaran and lots of fresh towels for your use.
• The trip is offered between May and November.

It’s a long (12-hour) but wonderful day out — and totally worth it!

10) Snorkel with sea lions at Balandra Bay

Board a luxury catamaran for an all-day adventure from Cabo to La Paz’s breathtaking Balandra Bay – famous for its dazzling white sand beaches and astonishingly blue water. We’ve done this tour ourselves, and trust us, it’s a standout experience!

You’ll:

• Enjoy transfers from your Cabo accommodation to La Paz.
• Cruise to Balandra Bay to swim in its warm shallow waters.
• Snorkel with playful sea lions at the rocky islet of San Rafaelito.
• Feast on tasty bites (a light breakfast; lunch of burritos, guacamole, pasta salad, cold meats and cheeses – paired with an unlimited open bar).

Packing for your Cabo vacay this month is fairly simple. In general, consider the following.

• Lightweight clothing: Pack mostly summer clothes for warm days, like breathable and comfortable shorts, T-shirts, tank tops, sundresses and skirts. Some restaurants in Cabo are quite high-end, so throw in something a little dressy for going out at night. 
• A light sweater and/or long-sleeved top: As air-conditioned restaurants and resorts may feel coolish, pack a long-sleeved top plus a thin sweater or shawl for layering.
• Swimwear: Your swimsuits, bikinis or swim trunks are essential!
• Sun protection: The sun is intense in November. Bring sunscreen (reef-safe) with a high SPF, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself from harmful UV rays.
• Beach essentials: Take a beach towel, flip-flops and a beach bag for your beach outings.
• Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes or sandals are essential for exploring beyond the beach, especially if you plan to do some sightseeing or hiking.
• Active gear: For snorkeling, diving or kayaking, bring appropriate gear such as water shoes, snorkeling gear or any equipment you may need.
• Travel essentials: Don’t forget a portable charger and waterproof Kindle. Cabo uses the same electrical outlets as the United States and Canada, so if you’re traveling from a different country, you may also need an adapter.
• Medications, toiletries and personal items: If you take any prescription medications, pack enough for the duration of your trip. Also bring any personal toiletries you may need.
• Travel documents: Lastly, don’t forget your passport, identification, travel insurance and any other necessary travel documents.

When is the best time to go to Cabo?

It really depends on what you’re after. But we think the shoulder season month of November is the best time to visit Cabo San Lucas if your plans involve sand, sea and sunshine.

The weather is perfect for a beach vacation (without being too sizzling) and the ocean is sooo warm for swimming, snorkeling and diving.

Is November a good time to fish in Cabo?

Yes, it’s excellent! November is considered to be part of the peak season for fishing in Cabo. Pleasant weather, calm seas and good fishing action all make for great fishing conditions.

You can expect to catch a variety of fish species, including marlin (both blue and striped), dorado (also known as mahi-mahi or dolphin fish), yellowfin tuna, wahoo and sailfish, among others.