SEASONAL GUIDE · BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR
Best time to visit Cabo San Lucas
Cabo has 300+ days of sunshine per year, but not all months are equal. The difference between visiting in January and visiting in August is not just temperature — it's whale watching vs hurricane risk, $400/night vs $800/night, and empty restaurants vs a fully booked resort corridor. Here's everything you need to know, month by month.
Nov – Apr
Best Overall
Oct & May
Best Value
Jul – Sep
Avoid
Dec – Apr
Whale Season
Month-by-month at a glance
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
January
ExcellentAvg High
76°F
Water
70°F
Rain
Very Low
Crowds
High
Rates
Peak
Highlights
- →Gray whale peak season
- →Clear skies, zero humidity
- →Best sportfishing of the year
- →Whale shark snorkeling in La Paz
Watch Out For
- ·Holiday pricing lingers through early Jan
- ·Book restaurants weeks ahead
February
ExcellentAvg High
77°F
Water
70°F
Rain
Very Low
Crowds
High
Rates
Peak
Highlights
- →Gray whale peak — best month for calves
- →Perfect weather, calm seas
- →Valentine's period — romantic
Watch Out For
- ·Spring break begins late Feb
- ·Prices surge for Valentine's week
March
Good (avoid spring break)Avg High
79°F
Water
71°F
Rain
Very Low
Crowds
Very High
Rates
Peak
Highlights
- →Still excellent weather
- →Whale season winding down
- →Surf building on Pacific side
Watch Out For
- ·Spring break — marina strip is very loud
- ·Highest rates of the year
- ·Not ideal for luxury or family travel
April
ExcellentAvg High
82°F
Water
73°F
Rain
Very Low
Crowds
Moderate
Rates
Shoulder
Highlights
- →Spring break over — crowds drop sharply
- →Warm days, very low rain
- →Whale sharks still active in La Paz
- →Rates drop 20–30% from peak
Watch Out For
- ·Heat starting to build by late April
May
Great ValueAvg High
86°F
Water
76°F
Rain
Low
Crowds
Low
Rates
Shoulder
Highlights
- →Low crowds, great availability
- →Warm water — excellent swimming and snorkeling
- →30–40% lower rates than peak
- →Quiet restaurants and tours
Watch Out For
- ·Heat is noticeable — plan outdoor activities for morning
- ·Humidity beginning to build
June
Warm but affordableAvg High
90°F
Water
79°F
Rain
Low–Moderate
Crowds
Low
Rates
Low
Highlights
- →Best hotel rates of the year
- →Great surf on Pacific beaches
- →Excellent sportfishing continues
Watch Out For
- ·Heat and humidity climb
- ·Hurricane season begins June 1
- ·Afternoon cloud buildup possible
July
Avoid if possibleAvg High
92°F
Water
82°F
Rain
Moderate
Crowds
Low–Moderate
Rates
Low
Highlights
- →Warmest water of the year
- →Excellent surf season
- →Lowest rates — best deals
Watch Out For
- ·Hurricane risk active
- ·Heat and humidity are significant
- ·Occasional heavy rain squalls
- ·Not ideal for outdoor dining or excursions
August
Highest hurricane riskAvg High
93°F
Water
84°F
Rain
Moderate–High
Crowds
Low
Rates
Low
Highlights
- →Lowest prices of the year
- →Warm water
Watch Out For
- ·Peak hurricane risk month
- ·Heavy rain possible — can last days
- ·High humidity
- ·Some resort services reduced
September
Hurricane season — use cautionAvg High
91°F
Water
84°F
Rain
Moderate
Crowds
Very Low
Rates
Low
Highlights
- →Very low crowds
- →Great surf
- →Lowest prices
Watch Out For
- ·Still hurricane season through end of month
- ·Heat and humidity remain high
October
Hidden gem monthAvg High
86°F
Water
82°F
Rain
Low
Crowds
Low
Rates
Shoulder
Highlights
- →Hurricane season ends mid-October
- →Whale shark season opens in La Paz
- →Heat dropping to comfortable levels
- →Low crowds with great availability
Watch Out For
- ·Early October still carries some storm risk
- ·Book after Oct 15 for best weather confidence
November
ExcellentAvg High
80°F
Water
78°F
Rain
Very Low
Crowds
Moderate
Rates
Moderate
Highlights
- →Perfect temperatures begin
- →Gray whales start arriving late November
- →Whale shark season active in La Paz
- →Thanksgiving week busy but manageable
Watch Out For
- ·Rates begin climbing toward peak
- ·Book holiday weeks well ahead
December
ExcellentAvg High
78°F
Water
72°F
Rain
Very Low
Crowds
High
Rates
Peak
Highlights
- →Ideal weather begins
- →Gray whale migration starts December
- →Festive atmosphere in resorts
- →Best overall conditions of the year
Watch Out For
- ·Christmas and New Year's weeks: highest prices of the year
- ·Book 6–12 months ahead for holiday dates
Best time to visit — by traveler type
The right month depends entirely on what you're coming for.
Couples & Honeymoons
Best: November, December, January, April
Perfect weather, whale watching backdrop in Jan/Feb, quieter than spring break months. April has excellent value with no spring break crowds.
Families
Best: November, December, April
Calm seas, warm but not oppressive heat, school-holiday timing in Dec. Avoid March spring break entirely — wrong energy for families.
Anglers
Best: October–January (striped marlin peak), June–August (dorado/tuna peak)
Cabo is year-round for fishing but species change. Striped marlin and wahoo peak in fall/winter; dorado and yellowfin tuna peak in summer. Never a bad month.
Wildlife & Nature
Best: December–April
Gray whale migration (Dec–Apr), whale shark snorkeling in La Paz (Oct–Apr). January and February are the peak months for both simultaneously.
Budget Travelers
Best: May, June, October
Hotel rates drop 30–50% from peak. May and early June have good weather. October is the sweet spot — hurricane season ending, whale sharks starting, crowds minimal.
Party / Nightlife
Best: March (spring break), December–January
Spring break is the loudest Cabo gets. The holidays bring a glam crowd. Avoid if this isn't your scene; target it if it is.
Surfers
Best: June–October
Summer swells build on the Pacific side. Cerritos Beach and the East Cape pick up consistent surf. Winter is calmer — better for snorkeling and swimming.
Golf
Best: November–April
Cabo's desert courses — Palmilla, El Camaleón, Quivira — play year-round, but summer heat makes morning tee times essential. Winter peak season has ideal playing conditions.
WILDLIFE CALENDAR
Baja California Sur seasonal wildlife
Gray Whales
December – April
Peak
January – February
Where
Sea of Cortez corridor, La Paz lagoons
Mothers birth calves in the warm lagoons north of La Paz. Whale watching tours from Cabo and La Paz. These animals frequently approach boats — among the most extraordinary wildlife encounters in the world.
Humpback Whales
December – March
Peak
January
Where
Sea of Cortez, offshore Cabo corridor
Humpbacks are spotted on offshore fishing and snorkeling tours from Cabo. Less predictable than gray whale encounters but equally spectacular.
Whale Sharks
October – April
Peak
November – February
Where
La Paz (2 hours north of Cabo)
The largest fish in the ocean — filter feeders, completely harmless. Snorkeling tours depart from La Paz. This is the most reliable whale shark aggregation in North America.
Blue & Striped Marlin
Year-round (peak Oct – Feb)
Peak
November – January
Where
Sea of Cortez, Pacific side offshore
Cabo is the Marlin Capital of the World for a reason. Fall and winter produce the highest concentrations of striped marlin. Blue marlin run throughout the year.
Dorado & Yellowfin Tuna
June – November
Peak
August – October
Where
Offshore Sea of Cortez
Summer is the peak season for dorado (mahi-mahi) and yellowfin tuna. Some of the best sportfishing in Mexico happens during hurricane season — the fish don't care about the calendar.
Sea Turtles
Year-round
Peak
Summer (nesting season)
Where
Corridor beaches, East Cape
Olive ridley and leatherback sea turtles nest on Cabo's beaches in summer. Snorkeling at Chileno Bay produces sea turtle encounters year-round.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Cabo San Lucas?
November through April is the best overall time to visit Cabo San Lucas. Temperatures hold at 75–85°F, rain is rare, and the Sea of Cortez is calm and clear. December through March also coincides with gray whale migration in Baja California Sur — one of the most spectacular wildlife events in the world. October and May are excellent shoulder months with good weather and 20–30% lower hotel rates.
What months should you avoid in Cabo San Lucas?
July through September is hurricane season in Cabo San Lucas. While direct hits are relatively rare, tropical storms can bring heavy rain, rough surf, and travel disruptions. These months also have the highest heat (90–95°F) and humidity. If you must travel in summer, August and September carry the most risk. October is generally safe and marks the beginning of Cabo's best season.
When is whale watching season in Cabo?
Gray whale season in Baja California Sur runs December through April, peaking in January and February. Whales migrate from Arctic feeding grounds to the warm lagoons north of La Paz to birth their calves. Whale watching tours from Cabo and La Paz offer close encounters — these massive animals frequently approach boats. Humpback whales are also spotted in the Sea of Cortez corridor from December through March.
When is whale shark season in Cabo?
Whale shark season near La Paz runs October through April, with peak concentrations from November through March. These gentle filter feeders aggregate in the warm shallow waters around La Paz — the largest fish in the ocean, frequently reaching 30–40 feet in length. Snorkeling tours depart from La Paz, about two hours north of Cabo San Lucas. This is widely considered one of the best wildlife experiences in Mexico.
Is Cabo expensive during peak season?
Yes — December through March is Cabo's most expensive period. Luxury resort rates can run 40–60% higher than shoulder season, and popular restaurants require reservations weeks in advance. Spring break (late February through March) brings a surge of younger travelers and significantly increases activity at marina bars and clubs. October, May, and early November offer the best value — good weather with meaningfully lower rates.
What is the weather like in Cabo in December?
December is one of the best months to visit Cabo San Lucas. Daytime temperatures average 78–82°F with low humidity and almost no rain. Sea conditions are calm and water temperatures remain warm enough for swimming and snorkeling. Gray whale migration begins in December, and the holiday crowds are present but not overwhelming. It is the start of peak season, so book well in advance and expect premium pricing.
Can you swim in Cabo in winter?
Yes — Cabo's water temperatures remain swimmable year-round. In winter (December–February), the Sea of Cortez side cools to around 68–72°F, which some swimmers find refreshing rather than warm. The Pacific side runs slightly cooler. Médano Beach and the Corridor bays (Chileno and Santa María) are calm and safe for swimming in winter. The dramatic beaches near El Arco are NOT safe for swimming in any season due to strong Pacific currents.
What is Cabo like during spring break?
Spring break in Cabo (late February through mid-March) brings a significant influx of college-age travelers. The marina strip nightlife gets louder and more crowded. Hotel rates spike, restaurants fill up, and popular day tours book out. If you're coming for the party, this is the right window. If you're coming for luxury, romance, or a relaxed family vacation, avoid this period and target early December, January after New Year's, or April instead.
PLAN YOUR TRIP
Book flights, hotels & activities
Best of Cabo earns a commission on bookings made through these links at no extra cost to you.
Start Planning
Your golden hour in Baja is waiting.
Get the full Best of Cabo travel guide — itineraries, insider picks, and the towns you shouldn't skip.
Best of Cabo covers five Baja California Sur destinations — Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo, La Paz, Todos Santos, and Cerritos Beach — with 20+ curated resorts, 25+ restaurants, and every major activity category, all personally researched.