Best Time to Visit Cabo: A Seasonal Guide

Deciding on the "best" time to visit Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, Los Cabos depends entirely on your priorities. Do you dream of perfect weather and whale watching? Are you chasing the world's biggest fishing jackpots? Or are you looking for the lowest possible prices?

Cabo is a year-round destination, but the experience changes drastically depending on the month. Here is your ultimate guide to Cabo’s seasons, including the honest pros, cons, and specific events that define the calendar.

Winter: Peak Season (December – April)

This is the most popular time to visit for a reason. The humidity drops, the desert cools down, and the gentle giants arrive.

The Highlights

Whale Watching & Whale Sharks: This is the prime window. Humpback and Gray whales migrate here to give birth, with practically guaranteed sightings from January through March. Additionally, this is the season to take a day trip to nearby La Paz, where you can swim alongside the massive, gentle Whale Sharks.
Weather: Expect sunny days with comfortable temperatures (70s-80s°F / 24-27°C) and crisp, cool evenings.
Early sunsets: days are short and sunset takes place around 5.30pm what askes for careful planning in case you want to enjoy many day activities. Though, this timing is nearly perfect to have a sunset beach photoshoot and then get to a still-not-late dinner.

The "Christmas & New Year's" Surge Late December

This is arguably the busiest week of the year.

The Celebration: New Year's Eve in Cabo offers the amazing opportunity to celebrate right on the sand. The entire coastline turns into a massive beach party under the stars.
The Reality: You must book months (sometimes a year) in advance. Restaurants are packed, traffic is heavy, and prices for flights and accommodations are at their absolute peak.

Pros & Cons of Winter

PROS: Perfect non-humid weather, vibrant nightlife, and all venues are open.
CONS: Highest prices of the year and crowded beaches.
Water Warning: The water is cold. Swimming in the ocean or unheated swimming pools without wetsuit can be uncomfortable.

Spring: The Party & The Transition (March – May)

As winter fades, the temperatures start to rise, and the social calendar heats up.

The "Spring Break" Alert March and early April

The Vibe: Cabo becomes the epicenter of US college parties.
The Warning: If you seek quiet and privacy, be aware that drunk teenagers are everywhere. Behavior can be rowdy, often requiring intervention from hotel security. If you want a peaceful vacation, avoid the main beaches and marina during these weeks, or book a resort far up the Pacific coast.

Pros & Cons of Spring

PROS: Great weather (warmer than winter), whale watching (until early April), and clear skies.
CONS: Intense crowds and noise levels in downtown/beach areas due to Spring Breakers.

Summer: The Shoulder Season (June – July)

This is the sweet spot for savvy travelers who don't mind the heat. The families have gone home, and the spring breakers have left.

Sky is more and more often pleases with stunning sunsets due to increased possibility of clouds. Beaches are much less crowded and you often can be the only person there (not gonna happen at Medano beach, of course, though) – these two reasons make this season perfect for beach photoshoots in Cabo.

Pros & Cons of Summer

PROS: Lower hotel rates and fewer crowds. In nearby La Ventana, this gives you the incredible opportunity to swim with oceanic manta rays.
CONS: It starts getting hot and humid. Whales are gone, and many restaurants begin to close down for the low season.

Late Summer/Fall: The Huricane Season (August – October)

This is the least popular time to visit, and for good reason. It attracts surfers and extreme budget travelers, but it comes with significant risks.

The Extended Hurricane Season

Since 2024 Cabo is experiencing longer hurricane season.

The New Reality: Major storms and hurricanes are now hitting as late as the end of October.
Closures: Be aware that many restaurants and other venues close down for this season.

Pros & Cons of Late Summer

PROS: The town is empty, surfing is excellent (swells come in from the south), and you will find the lowest prices of the year.
CONS: High risk of rain/storms and extreme heat and humidity ("sticky" weather).

Critical Infrastructure Warning

The local infrastructure is fragile. A storm isn't just about the wind; it affects the entire region for weeks.

Shortages: Storms often cause electricity and water shortages that last for days. Roads may become impassable due to flooding and dirt after that.
Health Safety: After a storm, sewage runoff often flows into the sea, making swimming in the ocean unsafe for at least a week. Similarly, avoid eating seafood immediately after a storm.
Accommodation Tip: If you must travel now, stick to hotels rather than Airbnbs. Hotels usually have industrial generators and water reserves; private homes often do not.

Autumn: The Fishing & Event Season (End of October – November)

Once the storms finally pass, Cabo gears up for its most famous sporting event.

The "Bisbee’s Black & Blue" Tournament

it is usually held in late October, this is the richest fishing tournament in the world.

The Vibe: The marina is packed with multi-million dollar yachts. The energy is high-stakes and luxurious.
Impact: Even if you don't fish, the town is buzzing. However, finding a boat charter during this week is nearly impossible, and restaurant reservations near the marina are tough to get.

Boats are leaving for fishing during Bisbee Tournament

Pros & Cons of Autumn

PROS: The ocean is still warm from the summer (best visibility for diving), but the air temperature finally cools down. Fishing is world-class.
CONS: Prices start to rise again ahead of the holiday season. The marina area can be very crowded during tournament days.

Summary: How to Choose?

For Whales: January – March.
For Fishing: End of October – November (especially for Bisbee’s).
For Partying: November – April.
For Budget: August – October (High Risk Storm Season).
For Perfect Weather: November – May.

Published 18 December 2025