Cabo San Lucas gets sunshine almost every day of the year, but each season feels like a different trip. Whales, warm water, quiet beaches or big holiday energy: the best month depends on what you want to do while you are here.
We live and work in Los Cabos, so this is how we explain the calendar to our own guests.
Quick answer: when is the best time to visit Cabo?
- Best weather: November through May. Warm, dry days and cooler nights.
- Whale watching: mid-December to mid-April, usually strongest from January to March.
- Warmest water: late July through October, the best months for snorkeling and diving.
- Quietest weeks: late May, June and September, outside of any holiday.
- Busiest weeks: Thanksgiving, Christmas to New Year, Spring Break in March and Easter week.
What is the weather like in Cabo?
Los Cabos sits at the tip of the Baja California peninsula, and it is desert country. It rains very little, and most of the year's rain comes from a few late-summer storms.
- Winter (December to February): sunny days in the upper 70s to low 80s °F, with evenings that drop into the 60s. Bring a light jacket for boat rides and dinners by the water.
- Spring (March to May): dry, clear and slowly warming up. Afternoons can be breezy.
- Summer (June to September): hot and humid, with highs in the 90s °F and warm nights. Plan active things early and keep the afternoons for the pool.
- Fall (October and November): the heat eases week by week, and by November the air feels fresh again.
How warm is the water in Cabo San Lucas?
This surprises many first-time visitors. In winter and early spring, the Sea of Cortez side runs roughly 70 to 75 °F. That is fine for a swim, but many people like a rash guard or a thin wetsuit top for a long snorkel.
From late summer into fall the water climbs into the 80s °F, and visibility for snorkeling and diving is often at its best.
Keep in mind that Los Cabos has two coasts. The Pacific side, west of El Arco, is cooler and has strong waves and currents all year. The calm, swimmable beaches are on the Sea of Cortez side: Medano Beach in town and the bays along the Tourist Corridor, like Santa María and Chileno. That matters more than the month when you choose where to stay.
December to February: whales and cool evenings
This is high season, and for good reason. Days are sunny and comfortable, and humpback whales arrive to mate and give birth. You can often see them from the beach, from a villa terrace or from a boat. Read our whale watching guide for Cabo for the details.
The holidays are the busiest weeks of the whole year. Villas, yachts and popular dinner tables fill up months ahead, so book early if your dates include Christmas or New Year.
March and April: Spring Break and Easter
The weather is still excellent, and whales are usually around until about mid-April. Spring Break brings a party crowd to Medano Beach and the marina in March.
Easter week, called Semana Santa, is a big holiday in Mexico. Many Mexican families come to the beach, and public beaches get busy. If you want a calm, private trip in these weeks, a villa and a private boat make a big difference.
May and June: calm seas and quiet weeks
After Easter, the crowds thin out. The weather gets hotter and stays dry, and the sea is often calm, which is great for snorkeling, paddle boarding and sunset cruises.
This is a smart window if you want easy availability for villas and yachts without the winter rush. The heat builds through June, so plan beach time for the morning.
July to October: warm water and storm season
This is the hottest and most humid stretch of the year, and the best time for divers. Sea turtles nest on local beaches in late summer and fall, and hatchling releases happen roughly from August into December.
October brings the big marlin fishing tournaments to Cabo San Lucas, and the marina gets lively.
The eastern Pacific hurricane season officially runs from mid-May to the end of November. In Los Cabos, the real risk is mostly from late August to early October, and September is the month to watch most closely. Most weeks pass with sunshine, but travel insurance and flexible plans are a good idea.
November: our favorite month
The summer heat breaks, the rain is gone, the water is still warm from the summer, and the winter crowds have not arrived yet. Beaches, golf, boats, ATV tours and long dinners outside all work well in November.
Early November also brings Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead), with altars and decorations around town. Thanksgiving week is the exception: it gets busy quickly.
What should you book early in high season?
- Private yachts for sunset or whale watching, especially weekends and holidays. See our Cabo San Lucas yacht charters.
- Villas, especially large ones for families and groups. Browse our luxury villas in Los Cabos.
- Private chefs and butlers for holiday dinners at your villa.
- Airport transfers for big groups, so everyone rides together from SJD.
- Sunset dinner reservations at the most popular restaurants.
Our concierge team can hold all of this for you in one plan, so you are not chasing ten different confirmations.
Our local tip
If you want whales, great weather and fewer crowds, pick late January or February and avoid holiday weeks. If you want warm water and an easygoing pace, pick late May, June or November.
Whatever month you choose, plan water activities in the morning. The sea is usually calmest early, and in winter the wind often picks up in the afternoon.
Tell us your dates and we will suggest the best activities for that exact week. Message us on WhatsApp at +1 305-400-2155 or use our contact page.
Common questions
What is the best month to visit Cabo San Lucas?
For most people, November or February. November has warm water and fresh air before the crowds. February has whales and perfect weather, as long as you avoid holiday weeks.
Can you swim in Cabo in the winter?
Yes. The Sea of Cortez side is usually in the low to mid 70s °F in winter. Swim at calm beaches like Medano, Santa María or Chileno, never on the Pacific side.
When is hurricane season in Cabo?
Officially mid-May to the end of November. The highest risk for Los Cabos is usually late August to early October, with September the month to watch most.
When is Cabo least crowded?
Late May, June and September are usually the quietest weeks. Early December, before the holidays, is also calm.
When can you see whales in Cabo?
From about mid-December to mid-April. January to March is usually the peak.
Plan your Los Cabos days with us
Yachts, villas, private drivers, chefs, security and activities, arranged by one local team that answers on WhatsApp.
Operation Manager at Cabo Diamond Services in Cabo San Lucas. Gabriel and the team plan yacht charters, villas, transportation, security and events in Los Cabos every week. Last checked November 13, 2026.
