What's the best time to visit Cabo?
The best time to visit Cabo is from December to April, when the weather’s warm, averaging around 79°F, and the city comes alive with activities. This season offers clear skies, minimal rain, and the chance to see marine life like whale sharks. Highlights include vibrant nightlife and the Baja Food & Wine Festival, making it a prime time for both adventure and relaxation.
Cabo, as the Mexican resort town of Cabo San Lucas is affectionately called for short, is one of the most popular beach vacation destinations in the Central American country.
Cabo is on the tip of the Baja California peninsula, which means that it has miles of spectacular sandy beaches. The nearby town of San José del Cabo was a prime destination for Old Hollywood stars, and still boasts luxurious spas and glamour for visitors looking for some pampering.
Besides swimming and lounging, take time to enjoy the delicious local cuisine, work on your golf swing, or explore the spectacular natural landscapes.
Cabo is a great beach destination, but your enjoyment of your trip will probably depend a lot on the weather. Keep reading to learn more about the best time to visit to get the most out of Cabo.
The Overall Best Time to Visit Cabo
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The best time to visit Cabo is during the high season from December to April, when the town is at its liveliest and the weather is also great. Cabo has a Mediterranean climate, which means that the weather is warm, if not hot, all year round.
Even the winter months have mild temperatures and sunny weather. Average temperatures in January are around 79 degrees Fahrenheit. Throughout the winter, temperatures are in the low 80s.
This temperature is perfect for exploring Cabo. It’s not too hot, but it’s still warm enough to work on your tan. The temperature of the ocean is a bit cooler during this time, but the brave can still go swimming.
Since it isn’t too hot and muggy yet, this is also the best time to go hiking or exploring the nature around Cabo, such as the famous El Arco rock formation.
You can expect plenty of sunshine during this time. The dry season in Cabo lasts from November to July, but the highest percentage of clear skies occurs in the winter and the spring. The chances of getting rained on during your vacation are very low, making this a great time to spend your days on the beach.
December to April is also the best time for getting out on the water and spotting wildlife around Cabo. According to PADI, the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, whale shark season in Cabo is from November to April.
This is also the peak time for other migrating species like guitarfish, octopi, gray whales, and humpback whales. Visit in February and you may even see whale babies.
There are even some advantages to visiting during this peak season, such as the best nightlife, especially during spring break.
Local businesses try to take advantage of the high season by organizing festivals showcasing local products during this time. One of the best is the Baja Food & Wine Festival in nearby Todos Santos, which is held in December.
Cheapest Time to Visit Cabo
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The cheapest time to visit Cabo is during the low season from July to October. While it’s busy throughout most of the year, December to March is its winter season.
This results in many people from the Northern Hemisphere coming here to escape the cold temperatures of their home. March and April are packed with spring breakers, while many family travelers come in May and June.
By July, most travelers peter out, scared away by the coming rainy season. That means that hotel rates also drop drastically.
In August, you can get deals of 15% to 20% off even on top resorts, while September offers even more deals from hotels. During the rainy season is also the cheapest time to get to Cabo.
Flights to San José del Cabo International Airport are cheapest during August and September, when there is lowest demand. If you want the resort experience but are traveling on a budget, this is the best time to visit.
Least Busy Time to Visit Cabo
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The least busy time to visit Cabo and avoid the crowds is during one of the shoulder seasons, either in the spring (May to June) or fall (October to November), when you can also save some money on accommodation.
While the peak of the rainy season is when you’ll encounter the fewest crowds in absolute terms, you can dodge the crowds during the shoulder seasons and hopefully encounter some better weather as well.
In the late spring, the spring breakers have gone home and although there are some family travelers around in May and June, there aren’t too many people.
Temperatures are hot, about 90 degrees Fahrenheit, but the skies are the clearest they get all year and you have almost no chance of rain. It is perfect weather to go swimming since the ocean is finally warming up as well.
There aren’t as many events going on in May and June because there are fewer crowds. While it’s not the best season for thumping nightlife, it’s a great time to enjoy a leisurely meal in one of the restaurants without worrying about people wanting your table after you.
It gets a bit more exciting around the San Jose Jazz Weekend in late May, but is still not too crowded. The shoulder seasons are the best times to visit for serious athletes.
Not only are there fewer amateurs around preventing you from training the right way, but also the conditions for getting out on the water are at their best.
Surf season begins in earnest in June, when the stormier weather brings bigger waves. Meanwhile, the fall is the absolute best time for fishing off the coast of Cabo. That is when the most fish are active, like marlin and tuna.
If you are serious enough to compete in fishing tournaments, then visit between September and December, when there are high-end tournaments like:
- Los Cabos Billfish Tournament (October)
- Bisbee’s Black and Blue Marlin Tournament (October)
- Cabo Tuna Jackpot (November)
Worst Time to Visit Cabo
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The worst time to visit Cabo is during the peak of the rainy season from July to September, when conditions aren’t the best for a beach vacation.
Although visiting Cabo is the cheapest during this time and you won’t find many crowds, it’s cheap and not busy for a reason. Many of the most popular activities that you’d want to do in Cabo just aren’t possible because of the weather.
Cabo’s rainy season lasts from late June to mid-September. During this time, you can expect frequent rains, and not just daily drizzles—more like thunderous downpours.
Even when there isn’t rain, the rainy season still isn’t an ideal time to travel. The weather is unpleasantly hot and humid during this time, with daily temperatures rarely dipping below 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
The high humidity makes it feel even more unpleasant. Storms in the Pacific Ocean are more common during this time, which affects the safety of many popular activities.
Most whale-watching tours and sailing excursions don’t go out on the water during this time because the waves are too choppy, and there aren’t any animals to spot.
Even swimming may not be possible some days due to the strong currents and heavy waves — not that you’d want to go swimming anyhow, since the storms often turn Cabo’s waters green and brown.
However, there are some benefits to visiting Cabo during the rainy season, besides the budget deals mentioned above. Cabo is too far north to be affected by the Pacific hurricane season, so you won’t be in too much danger.
You can always go swimming in the resort pool, and usually conditions in the morning are calmer so you can still go on excursions.
Cabo by Month: Climate & Activities
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Still unsure about the best time to visit Cabo? Take a look at our summary of the weather and climate by month below:
January
Winter temperatures in Cabo range from 15 to 25°C (59-77°F). It’s an ideal time for whale watching, exploring the Land’s End rock formations, and enjoying the vibrant nightlife.
February
Similar to January, February maintains mild temperatures between 16 to 26°C (61-79°F). Visitors can experience the El Arco rock formation, relax on the beaches, and partake in water activities like snorkeling.
March
As spring begins, temperatures range from 16 to 27°C (61-81°F). March is perfect for outdoor adventures like zip-lining, enjoying the Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park, and experiencing local festivals.
April
Spring temperatures in Cabo range from 18 to 29°C (64-84°F). It’s an ideal time for exploring the Marina Cabo San Lucas, taking boat trips to nearby attractions, and enjoying water sports.
May
May sees temperatures ranging from 21 to 32°C (70-89°F). It’s a great month for beach relaxation, deep-sea fishing, and attending events like the Tuna Jackpot fishing tournament.
June
Summer arrives with temperatures between 23 to 35°C (73-95°F). June offers opportunities for surfing in Cabo San Lucas, enjoying the nightlife in the downtown area, and experiencing the vibrant local culture.
July
In July, Cabo maintains warm temperatures from 25 to 36°C (77-97°F). It’s a popular month for snorkeling in Santa Maria Bay, taking ATV tours in the desert, and enjoying the scenic beauty of Lover’s Beach.
August
Temperatures in August range from 25 to 36°C (77-97°F). Despite the heat, it’s an excellent time for water-based activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, and exploring the nearby Chileno Bay.
September
As fall begins, temperatures range from 24 to 36°C (75-97°F). September offers a pleasant transition, with opportunities for spa retreats, enjoying local cuisine, and exploring the Cabo Wabo Cantina.
October
In October, Cabo sees temperatures ranging from 22 to 35°C (72-95°F). It’s a great month for golfing at the Cabo del Sol Golf Club, exploring the arts district in San Jose del Cabo, and enjoying the quieter beaches.
November
Fall temperatures range from 19 to 31°C (66-88°F). November is perfect for hiking in the Sierra de la Laguna mountains, indulging in seafood cuisine, and experiencing the Day of the Dead celebrations.
December
In December, winter returns to Cabo, with temperatures ranging from 16 to 27°C (61-81°F). December brings opportunities for holiday celebrations, enjoying the beaches, and participating in festive events in both Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Here are some of the most common questions about finding the best time to visit Cabo:
What's the best month to visit Cabo San Lucas?
The best month to visit Cabo San Lucas is May because the crowds ease up, but the weather is still sunny and calm.
What are the best and worst months to go to Cabo?
The best months to go to Cabo are April, May, and June, while the worst months to go are August and September since that is when it rains the most.
What time of year is the best weather in Cabo?
December to June has the best weather in Cabo because the weather is warm but not humid or rainy.
Is there a rainy season in Cabo?
Yes, Cabo has a rainy season, which runs from June to the middle of October.
What is hurricane season in Cabo?
Hurricane season in Cabo lasts from July to November, but the town is rarely affected directly by hurricanes.
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!