Discover the ideal season to experience all that Cabo has to offer.
Stunning Los Cabos presents a captivating desert-meets-ocean landscape, featuring beautiful golden rock formations that cascade into the vast Pacific Ocean.
Don’t confuse it with the West African nation of Cabo Verde; Los Cabos is located on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. Its main cities, Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, are filled with some of Mexico’s finest five-star hotels and a variety of all-inclusive resorts. With its stunning beaches and luxurious accommodations, it’s easy to see why it has rapidly become one of Mexico’s top tourist hotspots.
However, this destination at the tip of the Baja California peninsula offers much more than just lavish beach resorts. Cabo is renowned for its exceptional water sports, diving, yachting, vibrant culture, and exciting events. When planning your visit, keep in mind that the winter and spring high season typically brings the mildest and driest weather, though it’s also the priciest time to go. Conversely, summer’s low season usually features the best deals on flights and accommodations, but you’ll need to stay alert for the possibility of severe weather.
Cabo is enjoyable all year round, but we’re here to help you determine the best time for your trip to Los Cabos. Here’s a month-by-month, season-by-season guide to finding your ideal time to visit Cabo.
December to April: Choose the high season for ideal weather.
With average temperatures hovering around a pleasant 77 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, most travelers consider this high season the perfect time to visit Cabo. The cool breezes from the Pacific ensure sunny, warm days and cooler nights in the desert. Plus, with less than 1.5 inches (or under cm) of rain during these months, you’ll have minimal chances of rain ruining your plans.
As Cabo is where the desert meets the sea, the cooler and drier winter weather makes it the best time for sightseeing. Whether you're indulging in outdoor adventures like ATV riding and hiking or visiting the nearby Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town) of Todos Santos, winter is prime for experiencing all Cabo has to offer. Additionally, this season is ideal for whale watching, as pods of gray and humpback whales (and whale sharks) frequent the warm, nutrient-rich waters.
However, there’s a downside: the high season attracts large crowds. If you visit during the winter holidays (Christmas and New Year’s) or spring break (March and April), be prepared for premium prices at Cabo’s resorts and restaurants. (Check out our guide on where to eat in Los Cabos for top restaurant recommendations!)
Experience Los Cabos during high season to witness the annual migration of the gentle giants of the ocean: the whale sharks © Leonardo Gonzalez / ShutterstockMay to June: Choose the spring shoulder season for a more tranquil experience.
Cabo’s late spring shoulder season might just be its best-kept secret. With temperatures remaining comfortably warm during the day and cool at night, the crowds have mostly dispersed. This means lower prices and a shift from the lively spring break atmosphere to a more relaxed vibe. While the whales have departed for cooler waters, the warmer sea makes swimming more inviting, with water temperatures averaging in the mid-70s Fahrenheit during May and June.
For the most swimmable beaches in Los Cabos, visit Medano Beach near the Cabo San Lucas Marina, Lovers Beach by the Arch at Land’s End, and Santa Maria and Chileno Bay Beaches along the Tourist Corridor between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. These spots boast the safest and calmest waters for swimming, making them some of the best free activities in Los Cabos.
As May and June roll in, temperatures begin to rise, with daytime highs often reaching the upper 80s. This period also sees little to no rainfall. With abundant sunshine, pleasant warmth, and fewer crowds, the spring shoulder season truly offers a delightful experience in Los Cabos.
July to September: The rainy season offers the lowest prices
Late summer through early fall sees temperatures soaring into the 90s (Fahrenheit) during the day, accompanied by high humidity and frequent rain. While the showers can make basking in the sun a challenge, they also transform the landscape into a lush oasis that beautifully contrasts with the surrounding rocky desert.
This period coincides with the Pacific hurricane season, so it’s wise to monitor weather updates in case a significant storm approaches Los Cabos. Although direct hits from hurricanes are uncommon, summer storms are expected.
As a result, tourist numbers dwindle, leading to the lowest hotel rates and airfare. If you’re okay with wetter conditions and some restaurants and nightclubs operating on reduced hours, summer can be a perfect time for budget-conscious travelers.
October to November: Choose the fall shoulder season for pleasant weather and excellent deals.
October generally signifies the conclusion of the Pacific hurricane season. While there's still a chance for tropical storms to hit, Cabo usually experiences the most rainfall and storms in August and September. By November, the area becomes dry once again, with daytime temperatures typically in the mid-80s (Fahrenheit) and nighttime dropping to the 60s.
As prices begin to rise for the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday at the end of November, you can find some excellent deals earlier in the fall. If you’re okay with warmer weather and the possibility of rain, consider booking a trip in October for some of the lowest rates and fewer crowds compared to the summer low season. For better weather and more activities, November is ideal.
Now that we’ve outlined Los Cabos’ high, shoulder, and low seasons, here’s a more detailed month-by-month breakdown. Please note that events and specifics may change.
January
January is the coolest month in Los Cabos, but even the coldest days remain quite warm. Daytime highs typically exceed 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and nighttime lows rarely dip below 50. Expect larger crowds and elevated hotel prices during the first week of the month due to New Year’s celebrations.
Notable events: El Día de los Reyes Magos, Todos Santos Tropic of Cancer Music & Arts Festival
February
In February, you can still bask in plenty of sunny days in Cabo, but now with more space to enjoy them. This month strikes a perfect balance with fewer crowds and delightful weather, as it falls after the winter holidays and before the spring break influx.
Notable events: Todos Santos Art Festival, Los Cabos Half Marathon
March
As March rolls in, daytime temperatures start to reach the 80s, and with spring break kicking off in schools, you’ll see an increase in both families and young party-goers enjoying the poolside by day and bar-hopping by night.
Notable events: Cheese & Wine Festival
April
By April, the spring break season for U.S. colleges begins to wind down, while Semana Santa (Holy Week) festivities ramp up in Los Cabos. Expect elevated hotel rates and bustling beaches, streets, and bars. Cabo San Lucas, home to many luxury hotels and all-inclusive resorts catering to U.S. and Canadian tourists, tends to have a vibrant atmosphere. In contrast, San José del Cabo, located east of Cabo San Lucas, offers a more relaxed vibe. As the month progresses, the entire region starts to quiet down as temperatures continue to rise.
Notable events: Spring Break, Semana Santa
As spring temperatures climb, water activities like kayaking become particularly enticing © Jaime RG / ShutterstockMay
May arrives with a wave of warmth, marking one of the prime times to explore Los Cabos. The atmosphere remains lively, especially for boating and surfing enthusiasts. The surf season spans from May to October, delivering great swells at beaches ranging from Todos Santos to San José del Cabo. Additionally, May attracts thousands of water sports fans to the marina for the Cabo Marine Show.
Notable events: Cabo Marine Show
June
At the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula, June delivers the true essence of a tropical desert. Days are hot, and rainfall is nearly absent. However, Los Cabos remains vibrant with a variety of events, from surf competitions to golf tournaments and music festivals.
Notable events: Los Cabos Open of Surf, Stars & Stripes Fishing & Golf Tournament, Fiesta de la Música, Gala de Danza
July
In July, Los Cabos experiences its highest temperatures. While occasional rainstorms might occur, they are quite rare during the peak of summer. This month marks the start of turtle nesting season, and it coincides with summer vacation peak, leading to bustling beaches and high hotel occupancy rates.
Notable events: East Cape Dorado Shootout
August
The blazing heat and high humidity persist through August, with thunderstorms becoming more common as the month progresses. Nonetheless, fishing remains vibrant in the Sea of Cortez.
Notable events: East Cape Bisbee Tournament, Festival del Mango Todos Santos
September
September rolls into Los Cabos with thunderous storms and heavy rainfall. While hurricane season kicks off in June, the most intense storms usually arrive in September. If you plan to visit this month, be ready for several rainy days.
Notable events: Mexican Independence Day
October
Though storms persist into October, their frequency significantly decreases compared to September. This month also marks the start of preparations for the busy holiday season, with hotel rates beginning to rise and an uptick in events, particularly fishing tournaments.
Notable events: Los Cabos Billfish Tournament, Bisbee's Los Cabos Offshore Tournament, Bisbee's International Black & Blue Tournament, Fiestas Tradicionales Cabo San Lucas, Los Cabos Gran Fondo
November
As the months of heat and humidity come to an end, November brings cooler temperatures and diminishing rainfall. With peak season approaching, it's wise to book your November trip a few months ahead to secure better rates, especially for a sought-after Thanksgiving getaway.
You'll find a more active events calendar in November, featuring highlights like the San José del Cabo Art Walks and the organic market.
Notable events: Day of the Dead, Los Cabos International Film Festival, Todos Santos Film Festival, VIP Summit
Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Los Cabos is always a lively affair as the high season peaks © Romana Lilic / Getty ImagesDecember
December marks the beginning of peak season, as whale watching kicks off and visitors flock to the area. Hotel prices soar, especially around Christmas and New Year’s Eve. This vibrant month is filled with holiday festivities, culinary events, and numerous parties to enjoy.
Highlight events: Gastrovino Baja Food & Wine Festival, Sabor a Cabo Festival, Las Posadas Christmas celebrations, New Year’s Eve Fireworks
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