When should I visit? A Cabo Weather Guide
Cabo has more to offer than just sparkling blue ocean waters, gorgeous sunsets, amazing food and sightseeing, it also has a close-to-perfect climate (almost) all year long! This Cabo Weather Guide will help you decide when you’d like to travel, and what you should expect depending on the time of year you decide to visit.
Cabo San Lucas is generally blessed with beautiful weather all year round. Its arid climate has a comfortable level of humidity that varies throughout the year, but never becomes insufferable. It is generally very sunny, and the sun’s rays can be intense, but with a nice pair of shades and some sunblock, you will always be good to go. Here are a few quick stats about the weather in Cabo:
Average Annual Rainfall: about 10-13 inches, only about 5-13 days of rainfall per year
Coldest Months: December and January (65-85ºF)
Average Yearly Temperature: 78ºF
Sea of Cortez Average Water Temperature: 72ºF.
In the summer months the water temperature can reach the mid-80s!The Pacific Ocean side of Cabo is generally 10-15ºF cooler than the Sea of Cortez coast
Storm season: Late August to early October
Check out the Current Cabo Weather here. You also might want to check out these handy live webcams!
Now that you know the basics of Cabo weather, here is a month by month guide:
January to March
In the first quarter of the year, Cabo welcomes those who wish to escape the cold northern winters, as well as plenty of spring-breakers. The temperature may start around 78ºF in January and gradually increases to 82ºF by the end of March. With a sky that stays mostly clear, the visibility is amazing and makes for great photographs of the sky and the rocky seaside landscape.
This is also a great time to keep your eyes out for whales! Humpback (and occasionally Gray Whales) migrate during this time and can be observed in the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean. Their giant, majestic bodies are really a sight to see! The season varies from year to year but typically starts in mid-December and lasts through early April. If you really want to see some whales, January–March is your safest bet. Later in the season, whale calves are active and playful. Like every other activity in Cabo, there are plenty of whale tours to check out to get the best up close and personal view.
It may get humid in these first few months, but gentle breezes and ample shade feel wonderful. There is almost no chance of rain during this time, so you can be sure that all of your sun-filled activities and excursions will be sunny and cancel-free! Many people take to ocean activities during this time - paddle-boarding, boating, fishing, even surfing on the Pacific side (but let’s be real, these activities are great in Cabo most any time!).
April – May
As summer approaches, temperatures rise, and the sky becomes clearer. High temperatures reach about 90ºF - 96ºF. You can expect cooler evenings with temperatures reaching about 64ºF. There is still some lingering humidity, but generally becomes a bit drier, making the heat much more enjoyable. April is at the end of the whale migration, so if you travel early, you may be able to see some majestic beauties! Again, the possibility of rain is extremely low, so you can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, and sunbathing without worry. Expect moderate, calming breezes while you sunbathe and sight-see!
June – July
Summer months are the best time to catch some rays and waves - Cabo’s peak surfing season (and swimming season for that matter). Cabo can get quite hot during this time, and temperatures can stay high all the way through mid-October. Bigger waves may be perfect for surfers, but those looking for a nice swim should choose calmer areas. Although Cabo has many beautiful pools to enjoy, Medano Beach is one of the only swimmable beaches in Cabo - and we have several luxury rentals for you to enjoy on Medano! See our available villas here.
Water is at its warmest during these times, and the atmosphere can be both drier or more humid depending on the day. Many people take advantage of the heat and take to the pool or the beaches! We have a blog post on the best Cabo beaches here.
August – Mid-October
Fishing fanatics, this is your time! These months are the best time to bring out your fishing gear. Cabo is famous for its deep sea fishing and boasts hundreds of fishing charters, boat rentals, etc. for your enjoyment. Los Cabos is internationally recognized as the “Marlin Capital of the World.” Nowhere else will you find as many varieties of fish in an area as compact and accessible as the waters surrounding Los Cabos. Although it's most famous for billfish such as marlin, sailfish, and swordfish, there are many other species such as dorado, wahoo, roosterfish, yellowtail, and giant tuna weighing hundreds of pounds! Explore our favorite fishing charter here. This period is known to have the most bites among all the months in a year. The weather tends to get very hot, so if you are not into marine sports, this is the best time to shop, or relax in the comforts of a spa - of which Cabo has many.
These months’ weather is less predictable and does carry a chance of high heat, humidity, wind, tropical storms, and heavy rain. Cabo only receives a handful of rainy days all year, and they all happen during this timeframe. Although it is pretty rare, Cabo can also sometimes experience a hurricane nearby. This is obviously a risk and we recommend that you exercise caution and your best judgement if you are thinking about visiting during this time. Because it is lower season, late summer can also mean better deals on flights, lodging, less crowds, and more. If you decide to travel during this time, make sure you book a villa where you can be comfortable in case you are stuck inside for some of the time. Also make sure that your resort/hotel, or rental host has a plan in place in the case of severe weather.
Mid-October – December
The air becomes less humid and more comfortable during these months. Cabo weather is absolutely beautiful and pleasant at the end of the year. The air feels drier with some more humid moments, but you can enjoy dancing at one of the nightclubs without breaking a sweat. Water temperature also drops so you can go for a refreshing swim or catch more fish. Many people like to explore the surrounding historic towns or beautiful farms, shopping, etc. You may start to spot whales at the end of the year too!
Cabo San Lucas is a paradise all year round. Whenever you visit, let us help you craft a beautiful vacation experience that is unique and tailored to you. In addition to our other amenities and services, we always include local expertise concierge services to guide you in preparing for your Cabo vacation. Find out more about EDS Destinations here.