Mexico › Los Cabos › When to Go
Updated: April 10, 2026
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My wife, my two sons, and I at the pool in Los Cabos.
What is the best time of year to visit Los Cabos?
I have visited Cabo in almost every month of the year. While you can find something to love in any season, I find that the best overall weather is from November to April. For those looking for the best balance of weather, value, and fewer crowds, I recommend the shoulder seasons: May to June and late October to November.
Cabo Planning
It is important to remember that many beaches in Los Cabos are not safely swimmable due to steep drop-offs, powerful surf, and strong undertows. Even when the water is at its warmest, do not assume a beach is safe; focus your swimming on protected coves like Médano, Chileno, Santa Maria, Palmilla, or Acapulquito. Always check for green safety flags before entering the water.
Los Cabos Month-by-Month Guide
- Dec-Mar: Best for whale watching and winter sun. This is the peak season with the highest prices and largest crowds.
- Apr-Jun: Warm, dry, and much thinner crowds. Excellent value for luxury resorts.
- Jul-Sep: Hottest and most humid months. This is the storm-watch season but offers the deepest discounts.
- Oct-Nov: Warmest water for snorkeling and improving weather. A top-tier shoulder season.
The view from Cabo Surf, one of my favorite hotels in Los Cabos.
- Best Time for Avoiding Crowds: August and September are the quietest months due to the heat and humidity. While the official Eastern Pacific hurricane season runs from May 15 to November 30, the highest practical risk for Los Cabos is usually late August through early October. If you visit then, you will have the beaches to yourself and find the best deals, provided you monitor the weather forecasts closely. Late May and June are also excellent for fewer people before the summer heat truly peaks.
- Best Time for Good Deals: You will find the absolute best rates from July through September. Many five-star resorts offer significant discounts during this time. For a sweet spot with better weather, try May or June, just after the Spring Break crowds depart but before the humidity spikes.
- Best Time for Snorkeling and Diving: October and November offer the best conditions. The water is at its warmest (often in the low 80s) and visibility is typically at its peak. Keep in mind that warmest water does not mean safe to swim everywhere; stick to designated swimmable beaches like Chileno Bay or Santa Maria Bay. For serious enthusiasts, a day trip to Cabo Pulmo Marine Park is a must. Unlike Cancun, Los Cabos stays clear of sargassum seaweed year-round.
- Best Time for Whales and Whale Sharks: It is best to distinguish these two experiences. Whales in Los Cabos: The official humpback season is December 15 to April 15, with sightings peaking in January, February, and March. Whale Sharks near La Paz: These are typically found from October through April. Note that whale shark excursions are not Los Cabos marina tours; they are separate full-day outings based out of La Paz, which is a two-hour drive north of Cabo.
- Best Time for Surfing: The Sea of Cortez side (Costa Azul) shines from April to October. Old Man’s (Acapulquito) is a longboard haven and the best spot for beginners and intermediates. On the Pacific side, Cerritos is the best-known beginner-friendly beach break and is most active from December to February. Pacific water is much colder in winter and usually requires a wetsuit.
- Best Time for Sportfishing: Fishing is world-class year-round. September through January is the prime window for Marlin. Yellowtail are most common from January through April, while Tuna are prevalent from June through January. The high-stakes Bisbee’s Black and Blue tournament takes place in late October.
Cabo is a great year-round destination, though I do find it hot in July and August.
Los Cabos Events and Festivals
February
- San Jose Jazz Weekend: A sophisticated and popular free concert series held at Plaza del Pescador in San Jose del Cabo. It features a mix of local and international artists.
- Todos Santos Open Studios Tour: A two-day event in the nearby Pueblo Mágico where local artists open their creative spaces to the public.
March
- Festival of San Jose: The city’s largest local festival honoring its patron saint around March 19. Expect parades, carnivals, rodeos, and excellent street food in San Jose del Cabo.
June
- GastroVino Food and Wine Festival: Typically held in early June in Todos Santos, this festival pairs Baja’s best wineries with top-tier local restaurants.
- Los Cabos Open of Surf: A major professional surfing competition held at Zippers beach, usually accompanied by music and beach events.
July/August
- Mifel Tennis Open: A top-tier ATP tour event held on the hard courts of Cabo, typically scheduled for late July or early August.
October
- Bisbee’s Black and Blue Marlin Tournament: The world’s richest fishing tournament. The Cabo marina becomes incredibly lively as multi-million dollar prizes are awarded.
November
- Día de los Muertos: November 1-2. San Jose del Cabo has beautiful displays of altars and marigolds, especially in the Art District.
- Gala de Danza: A world-class performing arts event featuring elite international dancers, typically held in early November.
December
- Sabor a Cabo: One of the biggest food and wine festivals in Mexico, usually held in early December, featuring the region’s best chefs.
Hi Dave,
I saw your monthly breakdown.
What will be your advice for an October Disney Cruise to Cabo?
My daughter will have her Fall break on those dates so we’re thinking to book this option.
Not sure what you’re asking about. The weather in Cabo in October? (Should be great.) The cruise itself? I’m not big on cruises so think visiting Cabo and staying on the beach would be much preferred to being stuck on a ship.
How long should we stay in Cabo? What are the best all inclusive resorts in Cabo?
There are several great options in Cabo. For an adults-only vacation, Marquis Los Cabos is the top. For a family vacation, try the Grand Fiesta Americana.
Marquis Los Cabos is an all-suite, all-inclusive resort offering spacious suites ranging from 60 to 242 sqm. Each suite boasts an ocean view, jacuzzi tub, and a private balcony; some add private pools. Resort facilities include 3 pools, 6 jacuzzis, an amazing holistic spa, and superb food and cocktails. The hotel is located on Playa el Bledito, which is not a swimmable beach (though there are sunbeds and food/drink service still), but it’s just a short walk to Tequila Cove, one of the best, swimmable beaches in Cabo.
Grand Fiesta Americana is the best family-friendly, all-inclusive hotel in Cabo. Rooms and suites here are all ocean- or partial ocean-view, many with indoor jacuzzi tubs, and a few with private pools. There are 6 pools and 4 jacuzzis scattered throughout the grounds, a unique wine-based spa, and a kids’ club for ages 4 to 12. Grand Fiesta is a beachfront property fronted by a coral reef, making it perfect for snorkeling (though not ideal for swimming). Popular with golfers, as it enjoys access to 2 championship golf courses.
If you’re coming from a good distance then a week is a nice length of time. But even 3 or 4 days is enough to have a great visit.