What's the best time to visit Cabo?
The best time to visit Cabo San Lucas is November through April, when the weather is dry, sunny, and pleasantly warm — typically between 72°F and 85°F. If you want fewer crowds and lower prices while still enjoying great conditions, May, June, October, and November are the sweet spot.
Cabo is a rare destination that rewards visitors year-round – the right month for you depends on your budget, your activities, and how you feel about heat. Here’s everything you need to know.
| Season | Months | Weather | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High Season | Dec - Apr | Dry, 72–85°F | High | High |
| Shoulder Season | May-Jun, Oct-Nov | Warm, low rain | Moderate | Moderate |
| Low Season | Jul - Sep | Hot, humid, storm risk | Low | Low |
The Best Overall Months to Visit Cabo
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Cabo enjoys warm, sunny weather year-round, but there is a clear window when conditions align most reliably for a hassle-free trip.
November through April is widely considered the prime window for visiting Cabo San Lucas. Rainfall is nearly nonexistent, temperatures are comfortable rather than sweltering, and the skies stay clear day after day. Average highs hover between the mid-70s and low 80s°F – ideal for beach days, outdoor excursions, and everything in between.
December through March marks peak tourist season. This is when snowbirds from the US and Canada arrive in force, whale watching tours fill up weeks in advance, and resort rates hit their annual high. If you’re planning to visit during this window, book accommodation at least two to three months ahead.
January and February are among the most comfortable months weather-wise, with highs around 77–78°F and almost zero rain. These are also prime months for whale watching – humpback and gray whales migrate through the waters around Cabo from mid-December through mid-April.
March and April bring warmer temps (around 80–85°F) and increasingly busy beaches as spring break crowds roll in. April is one of the driest months of the year, with brilliant sunshine and near-perfect conditions. It’s also the tail end of whale watching season, so timing a late-April visit can give you great weather without full spring-break crowds.
Best Months for Fewer Crowds: May, June, October & November
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If you want the best of both worlds – good weather and manageable crowds – these four shoulder months are your answer.
- May is arguably the most underrated month to visit Cabo. It’s the driest month of the entire year, with virtually no rain and full sunshine. Temperatures are warm but not punishing (around 85°F). Spring break crowds have left, summer families haven’t arrived yet, and resort rates drop noticeably. It’s easy to book restaurants, book tours, and find space on the beach.
- June is similar – warm, mostly sunny, and quieter than the high season. Humidity begins to creep up, but the Sea of Cortez reaches ideal temperatures for swimming and snorkeling. This is also when fishing season kicks into full gear, and you can often find excellent deals on all-inclusive packages.
- October and November offer a reprieve from summer heat without yet entering the crowded and expensive high season. October sees the tail end of hurricane season but is generally warm and pleasant with dropping humidity. It’s also one of the best months for sport fishing – Cabo hosts the famous Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament in October. By November, conditions are nearly ideal: warm days, cool evenings, and noticeably thinner crowds.
Summer in Cabo: July, August & September
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My honest take: These are the hottest, most humid months of the year, and they coincide with peak hurricane season. August is the hottest month, with average highs around 93°F and humidity above 70%. September carries the highest storm risk. That said, Cabo is one of the driest resort destinations in North America, and the average chance of rain even in these months remains relatively low.
If you visit in summer, here’s what you get:
- The lowest prices of the year on flights, hotels, and all-inclusive resorts
- Near-empty beaches and pools
- Warm water temperatures perfect for swimming and water sports
- July is the best month for surfing in Cabo, with consistent swell on the Pacific side
- Sea turtles begin nesting in late August – a genuinely magical experience
The trade-off: You’ll want to plan outdoor activities for mornings, retreat from the heat in the afternoons, and have flexible travel insurance in case of storms. Hurricane Odile in 2014 was a stark reminder that direct hits do happen, even if they’re infrequent.
Month-by-Month Breakdown
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- January: Highs around 77°F, almost no rain. Peak whale watching season. Busy but slightly less hectic than February. One of the most comfortable months to visit.
- February: Similar to January, with average highs near 78°F. Valentine’s Day makes this a popular month for couples. Whale watching is excellent. Book early.
- March: Temperatures climb to around 80°F. Spring break season begins in earnest. Beaches get crowded but the weather is near-perfect. Whale watching wraps up toward the end of the month.
- April: Highs reach 82–85°F with virtually zero rain. Clear skies, warm water, and thinning spring break crowds in the second half of the month. One of the best all-around months to visit.
- May: The driest month of the year. Warm, sunny, uncrowded, and reasonably priced. A hidden gem for savvy travelers.
- June: First real summer month. Highs around 89°F, humidity building. Good for fishing, water sports, and budget trips. Hurricane season officially begins but risk is low early in the month.
- July: Hot (highs ~92°F) but great for surfing and summer family trips. Early July is popular with families. Water is warm for snorkeling and diving.
- August: Hottest month of the year. Highs above 93°F, high humidity, increased storm risk. Best prices of the year. Sea turtle nesting begins. Not for the faint of heart, but manageable with the right expectations.
- September: Peak hurricane season. Heat and humidity remain high. Generally the lowest-priced and least-visited month. Travel insurance is essential.
- October: Temperatures ease to around 89°F. Humidity drops. Fishing is excellent. The Bisbee’s Tournament draws anglers from around the world. Weather is increasingly pleasant. Good value.
- November: Highs around 84°F, cool evenings, low rain. High season officially starts mid-month. This is when Cabo starts to fill back up – but early November still offers relative calm and fair prices. The Día de los Muertos celebrations add a cultural dimension worth experiencing.
- December: Cooler temps return (highs in the upper 70s). Whale watching season begins mid-month. Holiday crowds arrive, prices peak around Christmas and New Year’s. Book well in advance for the last two weeks of the month.
Best Time to Visit Cabo for Specific Activities
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- Whale watching: Mid-December through mid-April. Gray and humpback whales migrate to the warm waters off Cabo to give birth. This is one of the best whale-watching destinations in the world during these months.
- Sport fishing: Cabo is a world-class fishing destination year-round, but the peak season is June through November. Marlin are most abundant from July through November. October is the most popular month for tournaments.
- Surfing: July through October, particularly on the Pacific-facing beaches near Todos Santos and Cerritos. Summer swells produce the best waves.
Snorkeling and diving: Year-round, but visibility and water conditions are best from May through July, when the Sea of Cortez is calm and warm. - Budget travel: July through September offers the lowest prices. May and October offer the best balance of value and weather.
- Avoiding crowds: May, June, and early October are your best bets for a quieter experience.
Sea turtle watching: Late August through October, when five species of endangered sea turtles nest along Cabo’s beaches.
Cabo’s Weather by the Numbers
Cabo San Lucas enjoys more than 300 sunny days per year. Even in the wetter months of August and September, most days see sunshine. The Pacific Ocean side of the peninsula is noticeably cooler and windier than the Sea of Cortez side – something to consider when choosing a hotel location.
- Coolest month: January (~77°F average high)
- Hottest month: August (~93°F average high)
- Driest month: May (near-zero rainfall)
- Wettest month: August–September (occasional heavy rain and storm risk)
- Ocean temperature range: 72–82°F (cooler in winter, warmer in summer)
What About Hurricanes?
Pacific hurricane season runs from mid-May through November. Cabo is sheltered somewhat by its geography, but it’s not immune – Hurricane Odile made direct landfall in 2014, causing significant damage.
In most years, the hurricane threat is minor, and the vast majority of visitors during this period experience no weather disruption at all.
That said, if you’re visiting between August and October, travel insurance with trip interruption coverage is strongly recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Here are some of the most common questions about finding the best time to visit Cabo:
What is the best month to visit Cabo San Lucas?
November, April, and May are the best months overall. November and April offer near-perfect weather with fewer crowds than peak winter season. May is the driest month of the year and one of the most underrated times to visit, with good weather, low prices, and quiet beaches.
What is the cheapest time to visit Cabo?
July through September are the cheapest months, with the lowest prices on flights, hotels, and all-inclusive resorts. May and October offer a better balance - prices are noticeably lower than peak season but the weather is far more predictable than summer.
How hot does Cabo get in summer?
August is the hottest month, with average highs around 93°F and humidity above 70%. June and July are also hot, typically reaching 89-92°F. Mornings are manageable, but afternoons can be intense. Most visitors stick to air-conditioned spaces or the water during the hottest part of the day.
Is Cabo safe to visit during hurricane season?
Hurricane season runs from mid-May through November, with the highest risk in August and September. Cabo is more sheltered than many other Mexican resort destinations, and most visitors during this period experience no weather disruption at all. That said, travel insurance with trip interruption coverage is strongly recommended if you visit between August and October.
When is whale watching season in Cabo?
Whale watching season in Cabo runs from mid-December through mid-April. Gray and humpback whales migrate to the warm waters off the Baja Peninsula to give birth and nurse their young. January and February are the peak months for sightings.
Is Cabo worth visiting in December?
Yes, December is a great time to visit Cabo - the weather is dry and comfortable, with highs in the upper 70s, and whale watching season begins mid-month. The trade-off is that it is one of the busiest and most expensive times of year, especially around Christmas and New Year's. Book accommodation several months in advance if you plan to visit in late December.
What is the rainy season in Cabo?
Cabo's rainy season runs from August through October, with August and September seeing the most rainfall. Even so, Cabo is one of the driest resort destinations in North America - most days during the rainy season still see plenty of sunshine, with rain typically arriving in short afternoon bursts rather than all-day downpours.
When is the best time to visit Cabo for fishing?
Cabo is a world-class fishing destination year-round, but the peak season runs from June through November. Marlin are most abundant from July through November, and October is the most popular month for tournaments, including the famous Bisbee's Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament.
So, What’s the Best Time to Visit Cabo?
For gorgeous beach weather, visit Cabo from December to April before it gets too hot and humid. To save some money and beat the crowds, check out the shoulder seasons of May to June and September to November.
So, with so much to see and do and no truly bad time to visit, what are you waiting for — book your trip today and experience for yourself all that Cabo has to offer. Happy travels!