The best time to visit Los Cabos

At the tip of Baja California in Mexico, Los Cabos delivers a desert-meets-sea aesthetic, with gorgeous golden rock formations that tumble down to the wide-open Pacific Ocean.

Both visitor favorites, its anchor twin cities of Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo contain many of Mexico’s top five-star hotels and all-inclusive resorts, tucked away among the area’s numerous beautiful beaches. Beyond the glamorous resort rhythms, Los Cabos is also known for its world-class water sports, diving, yachting, culture and seasonal events.

Thanks to a tropical desert climate, the weather in Los Cabos is pretty much fabulous year-round – with a few seasonal variations. The winter–spring high season typically provides the mildest and driest weather, but it’s also the most expensive time to visit. On the flip side, the summer low season delivers great prices for flights and hotels – but also extremes of heat and potential storms.

As you plan your next beachside getaway, consider our season-by-season, month-by-month guide to the best time to visit Los Cabos.

The high season (December to April) delivers perfect weather and whale sightings

With average temperatures that range between a delicious 77° and 80°F (25–26.5°C), Los Cabos draws the most visitors during the high season, from December to March. Thanks to cool breezes that ride in from the Pacific, sunny and warm days with cooler desert nights are the norm. And since Cabo averages less than 1.5 inches of rain total during these 5 months, you can count on plenty of sunny beach days.

As Cabo is where the desert meets the sea, the cooler and drier winter weather makes this the best time for sightseeing around the region. From outdoor adventures like ATV riding and hiking, to visiting the nearby Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town) of Todos Santos, winter is the prime time to experience the best that southern Baja has to offer. If you’re into whale watching, winter is also the best time to spot pods of gray and humpback whales enjoying the warm and nutrient-rich ocean water. Whale sharks also ply the waters off Los Cabos during these months.

There’s a catch, of course: the high season brings big crowds. Especially if you come during the winter holiday season or spring break (in March and April), you should expect top-shelf prices at Cabo’s resorts and restaurants.

Pick the May–June shoulder season for a quieter atmosphere

Los Cabos’ late-spring shoulder season might be the destination’s best-kept secret. Temperatures remain delightful – warm in the day, cool at night – yet most of the crowds have gone home. Prices drop as the frenzied spring break scene gives way to much calmer vibes. Though the whales depart for cooler waters, warmer water makes the sea more amenable for swimming. (Expect water temperatures in the mid-70s°F / 24°C during May and June.)

For Los Cabos’ most swimmable beaches, head to Medano Beach near the Cabo San Lucas marina; Lovers Beach, by the Arch at Land’s End; and Santa Maria and Chileno Bay Beaches, between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. 

Come May and June, temperatures start to rise, with daytime highs usually reaching the upper 80s°F (31°C), while little rain falls. With all that sunshine, the right amount of heat and fewer crowds, you’ll see that the spring shoulder season makes for quite a lovely season indeed. It’s also a wonderful timeframe for a romantic getaway in Los Cabos.

Find great deals during the July–September rainy season

Late summer into early fall is when temperatures rise well into the 90s°F (34°C) during the day, bringing a thick blanket of humidity and plenty of rain. While this precipitation can hinder beach days, the weather brings greenery that’s a wonderful addition to the rocky desert environment.

Because this is the Pacific hurricane season, you should keep a close eye on the weather forecast, and reschedule travel if a major storm seems imminent. Should your trip be interrupted by inclement weather, travel insurance can help cushion the blow and cover any sunk outlays. Should you find yourself in Los Cabos when a major storm hits, be sure to follow guidance from local authorities to remain safe.

Though direct hurricane hits are rare in Los Cabos, summer thunderstorms are routine. For this very reason, the tourist crowds thin out, making way for the cheapest hotel rates and airfares. As long as you don’t mind damper weather and reduced operating hours at some restaurants and nightclubs, the low season in Los Cabos is ideal for bargain hunters. With fewer party-heavy visitors during and weeks of summer break to program, the low season is also an appealing time for families to visit Los Cabos.

The October–November shoulder season has good weather and prices

October typically marks the tail end of the Pacific hurricane season – and even though the peak risk has passed, tropical storms can still reach shore. By November, Cabo turns bone-dry all over again. Temperatures usually only reach into the mid-80s°F (30°C) during the day, droping to the 60s°F (17–20°C) at night.

While prices rise by the Thanksgiving holiday at the end of November, you’ll find a number of great deals earlier in fall. If you don’t mind hotter temperatures and some risk of rain, book an October trip to enjoy some of the lowest prices and lowest crowds outside the summer low season. For nicer weather and more activities in and around town, go in November.

January

January is the coolest month in Los Cabos, but even the coldest day here is still pretty warm. Daytime highs almost always surpass 70°F (21°C), and nighttime lows rarely fall below 50°F (10°C). Expect large crowds and high hotel prices through the first week of the month, due to New Year’s celebrations.

February

You’ll still be enjoying plenty of sunny days in Cabo in February – only now with much more space to yourself. February offers a sweet spot of thinner crowds and pleasant weather, as it’s after the winter holidays yet before the spring break rush.

March

Daytime temperatures begin to inch their way into the 80s°F (c 27°C) in March, and with the start of spring break, you’ll notice an uptick in both families and younger travelers looking to party poolside by day and bar-hop by night.

April

By April, spring-break season is winding down, and Semana Santa (Holy Week) celebrations are gearing up in Los Cabos. Expect high room rates and lots of people out on the beaches, in the streets and at the bars. Since Cabo San Lucas has more of the luxury hotels and all-inclusive resorts catering to visitors, you can expect a more exciting environment here. To the east, San José del Cabo tends to be much more laid back. By the end of the month, the entire region begins to calm down as temperatures rise.

May

May languidly rolls in on a heat wave. Yet it’s also one of the best months to visit Los Cabos since the vibe still hums with energy, especially if you’re a boater or a surfer. Surf season in Los Cabos runs from May through October, and you can expect good swells at various beaches from Todos Santos to San José del Cabo.

June

The southern tip of the Baja Peninsula is a tropical desert, as the June weather will lay bare. The days stay hot, and precipitation is virtually nonexistent. Yet that does not stop Los Cabos from hosting various events. From surf competitions to golf and music, Los Cabos has plenty to entertain visitors in June.

July

Scorching temperatures peak in Los Cabos in July. You may see a rainstorm here and there, but precipitation is still pretty rare at the peak of summer. July begins turtle-nesting season in Los Cabos. It’s also the peak time of year for summer vacations, which means beaches can be crowded and hotel occupancy high.

August

Blazing temperatures and thick humidity continue. Thunderstorms start to become a more normal occurrence toward the end of the month. Still, fishing is in full swing in the Gulf of California.

September

Los Cabos crashes into September with a roll of thunder and heavy rain. While hurricane season is said to start in June, the roughest storms actually tend to hit in September. If you’re coming during this month, prepare for the possibility of multiple rainy days.

October

Storms continue into October, though they tend to taper off considerably from September. Hotel rates start to climb as the holidays approach, and the events calendar starts to pick up again, especially when it comes to fishing tournaments.

November

After months of heat and humidity, the temperatures start to feel considerably cooler in November and the rain starts to diminish. Peak season is just around the corner, so it’s best to book November travel a few months in advance to secure lower prices, especially if you’re planning for a tropical Thanksgiving getaway.

December

Peak season officially begins when the calendar flips to December. This month kicks off whale-watching season, and crowds start to arrive in droves. Hotel rates reach all-time highs, especially around Christmas and New Year’s. Still, this is one of the most energetic times to be in Los Cabos, with holiday celebrations, foodie events and many parties to enjoy.