Cabo in October: Warm Days and Epic Activities!
Traveling to Cabo in October? Excellent idea! (But, really, is Cabo ever a bad idea?)
Located on the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, Los Cabos (aka “Cabo”) is made up of two towns – lively Cabo San Lucas and charming San Jose del Cabo.
It’s one of North America’s favorite beach escapes, thanks to its world-class resorts, gorgeous beaches, endless activities (from great golf to water adventures) and fine farm-to-table restaurants.
We’ve been to Cabo more times than we can count, usually in December and January. But we’ve also gone over late October and November – and that trip was one of the best ever.
Here’s our insider guide to planning your own unforgettable Cabo getaway in October.
3 of our favorite Cabo tours in October
Not all tours run year-round. These are can’t miss experiences that you can only do at certain times of the year – and October is perhaps the top month for enjoying them!
Beach-hopping Zodiac adventure
Thrilling Zodiac tour to snorkel at Santa Maria and Chileno Bays. (See #3)
Cabo Pulmo snorkel expedition
Top-notch snorkeling day trip to see turtles, rays, huge schools of fish and more! Transfers included. (See #4)
Luxury sailing trip to Espiritu Santo Island
Deluxe catamaran experience to this UNESCO-protected island to snorkel with sea lions, SUP, hike and more. Transfers included. (See #5)
Contents: What’s Cabo in October like?
October water temperature in Cabo
10 Best things to do in Cabo in October
Cabo weather in October
Temperature in Cabo in October
First, the big question: What’s the October weather in Cabo like?
We have great news! October is considered one of the best months to visit Cabo – because it’s all about warm temps (outside and in the water) and sunny days.
Daily highs average around 88 F (31 C) and rarely top 95 F (35 C). So, it’s hot, but not sweltering – perfect for all those water activities (and beaching)!
When the sun sets, evenings are cooler, dipping to a comfortable 70 to 75 F (21 to 24 C), just right for dining alfresco or moonlit strolls.
Before going, check your trip dates on weather apps and sites like Accuweather, Weather Spark and Weather.com for the most up-to-date forecast.
Is Cabo humid in October?
Yes, you can expect some humidity in Cabo in October (but it’s way less sticky than in the summer months).
Average humidity levels in October in Los Cabos (Credit: Weather Spark)
At the start of October, the average relative humidity is around 92%, dropping quickly to about 49% by month’s end.
Most days, it hovers between 60% and 70% – noticeably less muggy than August or September, for example.
For context, anything under 50% feels dry, while over 85% is considered very humid.
October falls comfortably in between, so you can explore without feeling like you need to jump in the water every few minutes. To us, it feels like it does in the Caribbean in winter.
Does it rain in Cabo in October?
No, not usually.
Cabo’s rainy season wraps up in summer, so October is part of the dry season and one of the driest months of the year.
Early in the month, there’s about a 12% chance of rain, dropping to around 4% by month’s end. Average rainfall? A mere half inch (1.3 cm).
Now, we should mention that you might get some cloudy days in early October. But skies generally clear as the month goes on – meaning plenty of sunshine for your beach days and outdoor adventures!
Is October hurricane season in Cabo?
Technically, yes, October is within Cabo’s hurricane season.
But don’t worry. The peak hurricane activity is in September. The chances of encountering hurricanes or severe tropical storms in Los Cabos in October are pretty slim.
Water temperature in Cabo San Lucas in October
October is a sweet spot for water lovers in Cabo.
The sea has consistently warm temperatures that stay at a delightful 82 F (28 C). It’s like dipping into a perfectly heated pool.
So if snorkeling, diving or other super fun Cabo water activities are part of your vacation wish list, October is your perfect month!
Is October shoulder season in Cabo?
You bet! October is that prime time between the quieter off-peak season (summer) and the busy peak season (winter). This means fewer crowds and more elbow room at the restos and beaches.
Plus, you might score some great deals on accommodations and activities since it’s not peak tourist time.
October events and festivities
Fiesta de Cabo San Lucas
Each year on October 18th, the town of Cabo San Lucas comes alive in a grand celebration in honor of its patron saint, St. Luke.
The downtown area transforms into a vibrant hub of parades, pulsating music, energetic dancing and pop-up food stalls.
For this special occasion, traffic takes a backseat for the day and the streets are closed to vehicle traffic, making way for the merriment that spills onto the streets.
Bisbee’s Black and Blue fishing tournament
The big event each October – especially if you love sportfishing – is the Bisbee’s Black and Blue tournament.
The thrilling deep-sea fishing event attracts the world’s finest anglers to compete in the ultimate quest for the largest black and blue marlin. It’s one big party in Cabo San Lucas during the week-long event!
You can join in the excitement and watch the teams measure their catches as they lift marlin weighing hundreds of pounds. And, of course, the bars are hopping in the evenings.
Fun fact: Bisbee’s Black and Blue is the richest sportfishing tournament in the world, with a total prize pool exceeding a staggering $10 million annually in recent years!
10 Best things to do in Cabo in October
1) Hit the beaches
The beach is why you come to Cabo, isn’t it? So, take full advantage and dive into the crystal-clear waters of Cabo’s swimmable beaches.
A favorite way to soak it all in is with a day pass at one of Cabo’s beach clubs.
We try to carve out at least one full chill day each trip to kick back at a club. Everything is right there, so your only job is to relax and enjoy! It’s the ultimate sand-and-sea vacation day and always a guaranteed good time.
Even if you’re staying at a resort with its own swimming beach, checking out some other beaches (like Palmilla Beach) and beach clubs (like El Ganzo Beach Club in San Jose del Cabo) is always fun.
2) See the Arch
A must-see is the famous Arch of Cabo San Lucas! This striking natural rock formation at Land’s End is one of the area’s most iconic sights.
Hop on a boat tour and cruise through Cabo San Lucas Bay to get up close. Snap postcard-worthy photos, spot the sea lions barking in the sun near the Arch (locally called “El Arco”) and marvel at the dramatic blend of sea and stone.
It’s one of the best things to do in Cabo San Lucas in October (heck, any time of year!).
You’ll find many water taxis at the Cabo San Lucas Marina – they’ll happily you take out on a quick sightseeing spin for around $20 to $25 USD p.p. Or jump in one from Medano Beach.
3) Enjoy awesome snorkeling and scuba diving!
As huge water enthusiasts, we’ve done lots of snorkeling and scuba diving in the area. So with the sea warm and inviting this month, diving was a no-brainer for us when deciding what to do in Cabo in October.
Diving
For an easy small-group dive for certified divers, we highly recommend this two-tank dive excursion at Land’s End with Manta Scuba Diving (rated 5 stars).
You’ll see some amazing marine life and enormous underwater sea cliffs!
We dove with Manta at Cabo Pulmo (see #4 below) and were impressed with the crew’s outstanding service and attention. After experiencing first-hand their professionalism and commitment to safety, we can easily see why their Land’s End tour also gets glowing reviews.
Snorkeling
There are also many fabulous snorkeling tours you can enjoy in Cabo.
But this fun and unique beach-hopping snorkeling adventure by Zodiac is a standout this time of year. (It’s only offered between April and early-December, when the weather is nice and hot.)
- You’ll visit two of Cabo’s best snorkeling spots – Santa Maria Bay and Chileno Bay.
- After snorkeling and lunch, you’ll zoom past the Arch for photos.
We’ve gone on other excursions with Cabo Expeditions, who run this seasonal tour, and give them two fins up!
4) Plan a Cabo Pulmo day trip
Remote Cabo Pulmo (about a 2-hour drive from Cabo San Lucas) is one of our favorite day trips from Cabo.
Home to one of the largest tropical reefs in North America, Cabo Pulmo’s waters teem with sea life – from huge swirling schools of jackfish to sea turtles, sea lions, manta rays and even sharks. When we dove here in October with Manta, we saw several bull sharks and even a tiger shark!
The snorkeling in Cabo Pulmo is also epic this time of year. These two all-day tours (with hotel transfers and local lunch ashore) are excellent:
- Kayaking-and-snorkeling adventure – Paddle out from Cabo Pulmo’s Los Arbolitos Beach to a remote sea lion colony, then snorkel at two to three spots.
- Snorkeling expedition by panga – Board a small wooden boat to snorkel at three to four vibrant reef sites.
5) Snorkel with sea lions at La Paz
When it comes to unique things to do in Cabo, we put snorkeling with sea lions near La Paz at the top of the list. And October is a perfect time to go, as the weather’s ideal for this day trip!
It’s a 2- to 2½-hour drive from Cabo San Lucas to La Paz.
Espiritu Santo
This rugged UNESCO-protected island – about an hour by boat from La Paz – is one of the most beautiful in all of Mexico. It’s uninhabited, except for the colony of playful sea lions that live just offshore.
You can snorkel with these playful creatures on this seasonal luxury sailing day trip to Espiritu Santo Island with Baja Charters. (We’ve gone with them; their trips are 5-star!) It includes:
- Dinghy ride to the island to hike, swim, snorkel and SUP
- Transfers between your hotel and the La Paz marina
- Hot breakfast, gourmet lunch and premium drinks
- Warm showers on the catamaran
San Rafaelito and Balandra Bay
Another great option near La Paz is this top-notch French catamaran day cruise to beautiful Balandra Bay. (We’ve done it – super scenic!)
Along with enjoying Balandra’s drop-dead turquoise waters, you’ll snorkel with sea lions at the tiny islet of San Rafaelito. It includes:
- Snorkeling, kayaking and beach time
- Transfers between Cabo and La Paz (where you board the catamaran)
- Breakfast, lunch and an open bar
6) Sip cocktails by your hotel pool
Cabo is quite hot in October, especially at the beginning of the month, so nothing beats cooling off poolside. Slip into the water for a lazy swim, then kick back on a lounger with an ice-cold cocktail in hand.
As a luxury hotel mecca, Cabo’s resorts typically offer dreamy pools, plush loungers and plenty of pampering.
One of our favorite luxury places to stay in Cabo? The One&Only Palmilla. (Read our review to see why we love it!)
And if you’ve booked a hotel with a swim-up room, well… your pool is just steps (or a splash) away.
7) Release baby sea turtles
We have two words for you – baby turtles! One of the most magical things about October in Cabo is watching these adorable tiny hatchlings begin their challenging journey.
From late July to November, hundreds of Olive Ridley sea turtles (plus some Leatherback, Hawksbill, Loggerhead and Green turtles) hatch and scramble across the sand toward the safety of the sea – dodging hungry gulls and vultures along the way.
Join a late-afternoon turtle release to learn about their biology and behavior, then help guide them safely into the ocean. Two great options (with hotel transfers) are:
- Los Cabos turtle release eco-experience at a beach near San Jose del Cabo
- Turtle release conservation program at Rancho Carisuva, on the Pacific Coast north of Cabo San Lucas
8) Take a sunset cruise
There’s nothing quite like watching the sun in Cabo melt into the ocean on a scenic sunset cruise. Sip your favorite drink, feel the sea breeze on your face and watch the sky turn shades of pink and gold – it’s vacation perfection, right?
One of our favorites? This intimate luxury yacht experience sailing by the Arch, complete with tasty appetizers and premium drinks (perfect for couples looking for a little romance at sea).
9) Go fishing in Cabo San Lucas
Fishing in Cabo in October is prime time, with marlin, dorado, wahoo and yellowfin tuna biting in the Pacific.
For a bucket-list day, check out this highly-rated private fishing trip for up to four people. Everything’s included – gear, bait, lunch and drinks (water, sodas and beer) – so you can focus on the thrill of the catch and the joy of being out on the open water.
10) Enjoy a spa day
What with all that activity, you’ll want to take some time out for a little pampering to recharge your batteries.
Cabo has many terrific spas, like Waldorf Astoria’s Luna Y Mar and the cheap (but good) Eden’s Spa, so indulge!
What to pack for Cabo in October
Cabo is hot in October, so think breezy and beachy when packing for your vacation:
- Light clothes: Go for airy fabrics and easy styles – shorts, T-shirts, tank tops, sundresses and breathable skirts. Some restaurants are dressier, so toss in one nicer outfit for evenings (a cute sundress works perfectly).
- Swimsuits: Bring your swimsuits, bikinis or swim trunks – you’ll practically live in them while soaking up Cabo’s sun and sea.
- Sun protection: Pack high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat with a wide brim and a rashguard to avoid sunburn and protect against harmful UV rays.
- Beach necessities: You’ll want flip-flops and a packable beach bag for going to the beach.
- Footwear: For exploring beyond the beach, bring comfortable walking shoes or sandals.
- Adventure gear: If you’re planning to snorkel, dive or kayak, consider packing water shoes and/or snorkeling equipment.
- Tech and travel Essentials: A portable charger and a waterproof Kindle are must-haves. If you’re visiting from outside the United States or Canada, you might also need an adapter.
- Medications and toiletries: Don’t forget to pack enough prescription medications to last for the duration of your trip – plus your necessary personal toiletries.
- Travel documentation: Finally, and critically – remember to bring your passport, travel insurance, hotel booking confirmations and any other requisite travel documents.
Frequently asked questions about traveling to Cabo in October
Can you see whales in Cabo in October?
Probably not. The whale watching season in Cabo is mid-December to April. That’s when humpback and gray whales migrate down from Alaska to the Sea of Cortez.
If you’re really keen on seeing whales, you should plan to visit Cabo in January or February – they’re great months for whale watching.
What fish do you catch in Cabo in October?
October is an awesome time for deep-sea fishing in Cabo’s waters – which are teeming with marlin – attracting anglers from across the globe.
Other common catches during this time include dorado (mahi-mahi), yellowfin tuna and sailfish.
Is Cabo windy in October?
No. Any wind in October is pretty mild, averaging about 8 mph, which feels more like a gentle welcome breeze than anything blustery.
As a reference point, Cabo’s windiest days usually come in May (averaging around 10½ mph), and the calmest days are typically in August (at just under 8 mph).
Is it better to visit Cabo in September or October?
Weather-wise, October wins.
September is closer to the heart of the hurricane season (October more at the fringe), so you’ll have a higher chance of rain or storms in September. Plus, it’s very hot and humid in Cabo in September.
October, especially later in the month, brings drier and cooler conditions, while still serving up plenty of sunshine and warm (er, hot) temps.
So, is October a good month to go to Cabo?
Absolutely!
With sizzling sunshine, warm ocean waters, no crowds and plenty of bucket list adventures on offer, October is a wonderful time to visit.
So pack your bags and get ready for an October escape you’ll be raving about long after the tan fades!
More monthly Cabo travel guides
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!) Expedia is also worth checking for discounted hotel rates in Cabo.
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: What you should know.
Pssst! If you make a booking or purchase through our site, we may earn a small commission (at no cost to you). Thanks!
About the authors
Hello, I just wanted to say a big thank you for your very helpful blog!
My husband and I spent a week in Cabo last month for our 20th anniversary. We read a lot of your posts and they really helped us plan our trip and know what to expect!
We stayed at Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas and took a sunset cruise to the Arch based on your advice. Both were amazing experiences and I would highly recommend.
I really appreciate your willingness to share your knowledge!
Thanks, Katie, for taking the time to let us know you found our blog helpful :-). And we’re delighted you had an amazing time!