The best time to visit Cabo San Lucas for most travelers is November through April, when days are sunny and dry and highs run from the upper 70s to the upper 80s°F (about 25 to 30°C). If you can handle heat, humidity and storm risk, July through October brings the lowest prices and warmest water, right in the peak of hurricane season.
Below is Cabo San Lucas weather by month from Mexico's official climate normals, plus when hurricanes, whales, fish and crowds show up. Averages only go so far, so check the live Los Cabos weather map and forecast as your dates get close.
Cabo San Lucas Weather at a Glance
Cabo sits at the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula (here's a primer on where Los Cabos is) and has a hot desert climate. Mexico's national weather service, the SMN, puts rainfall at its Cabo San Lucas station at about 10.4 inches (265 mm) a year over roughly 14 rainy days, and nearly three quarters of it falls in August and September. The tourism board's Los Cabos weather overview cites "300 days of sunshine annually."
What changes most is heat and humidity, not rain. Cabo San Lucas weather in January and February is the mildest of the year, with nights in the mid 50s°F (about 13°C), so pack a light layer. By August, nights only drop to about 75°F (24°C). Cabo San Lucas weather in November splits the difference, with warm water and drying skies.
Cabo San Lucas Weather by Month
Air temperatures and rain come from the SMN's 1991 to 2020 normals for Cabo San Lucas, with a range where a second long-term dataset differs. Water temperatures combine two sea temperature datasets.
January: Highs 77 to 80°F (25 to 27°C), lows near 55°F (13°C), about 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain. Water 70 to 73°F (21 to 23°C). Whale season is in full swing.
February: Highs 77 to 81°F (25 to 27°C), lows near 55°F (13°C), about 0.2 inches (5 mm) of rain. Water 68 to 70°F (20 to 21°C), among the coolest of the year.
March: Highs 79 to 83°F (26 to 28°C), lows 55 to 57°F (13 to 14°C), almost no rain. Water around 70°F (21°C). Spring break crowds arrive.
April: Highs 84 to 86°F (29 to 30°C), lows near 60°F (15°C), normal rainfall of zero. Water 70 to 72°F (21 to 22°C).
May and June: Highs 86 to 91°F (30 to 33°C), lows 61 to 66°F (16 to 19°C), rain close to zero. Water 72 to 75°F (22 to 24°C). Hurricane season opens May 15, though most storms come later.
July: Highs 91 to 94°F (33 to 34°C), lows near 72°F (22°C), about 0.3 inches (8 mm) of rain. Water jumps to 79 to 81°F (26 to 27°C).
August and September: The hottest, wettest stretch. Highs 90 to 95°F (32 to 35°C), lows 73 to 75°F (23 to 24°C), about 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain in August and 4.3 inches (110 mm) in September. Water peaks at 82 to 86°F (28 to 30°C).
October: Highs 88 to 92°F (31 to 33°C), lows 68 to 70°F (20 to 21°C), about 1 inch (25 mm) of rain. Water 84 to 86°F (29 to 30°C). Storm risk eases and the big fishing tournaments arrive.
November: Highs 84 to 87°F (29 to 30°C), lows near 63°F (17°C), about 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain. Water around 81°F (27°C). Hurricane season ends November 30.
December: Highs near 81°F (27°C), lows near 57°F (14°C), about 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain. Water 75 to 77°F (24 to 25°C). Whale season opens December 15, and holiday weeks are among the busiest of the year.
Cabo San Lucas Hurricane Season: Dates and Riskiest Months
The Eastern Pacific hurricane season officially runs from May 15 through November 30, according to NOAA's National Hurricane Center. NOAA's Climate Prediction Center names July, August and September as the peak months, and the NHC notes activity tops out in late August, with most storms forming between late June and early October.
For Cabo, that makes August, September and early October the months to watch, and they're also the rainiest months in the SMN normals. Direct hits are uncommon but happen: Hurricane Odile made landfall just east of Cabo San Lucas in September 2014 as a Category 3 storm with 110-knot (about 127 mph) winds, per the NHC's report.
If you're booking in this window:
Watch the forecast: Check the live weather map and NHC outlooks before you fly.
Book flexible: Choose refundable rates or flexible change policies.
Consider travel insurance: Look for coverage of weather disruptions.
High Season vs Low Season: The Best Time to Visit Los Cabos on a Budget
High season (December through April): Dry, mild weather means peak demand and the highest rates. Crowds are heaviest around the winter holidays and spring break.
Spring shoulder (May and June): Prices and crowds ease after spring break, the weather stays dry and the water warms.
Low season (July through September): The lowest hotel rates and airfares of the year, paired with the most heat, humidity and storm risk. The tourism board also flags summer for surfers.
Fall shoulder (October and November): October still has some of the lowest prices outside summer, with lingering storm risk. November is drier with more going on, and rates climb around Thanksgiving.
Whale Season in Cabo San Lucas
The official whale watching season opens December 15 and runs into April. For the 2025 to 2026 season, tours were authorized through April 30 in the Cabo San Lucas protected area, though some sources cite April 15, so confirm with your operator. Humpbacks are the most common sighting, gray whales show up too (often with calves), and January through March is the peak.
Authorized boats display a SEMARNAT flag or sticker, and swimming, kayaking or jet skiing with whales is not allowed. Look for it before paying, and browse tours and activities to compare operators.
Best Time to Visit Cabo San Lucas For...
Beaches: November, or May and June. Both are dry; November has warmer water (about 81°F, or 27°C), while May and June stay in the low to mid 70s°F.
Whale watching: January through March for peak activity.
Fishing: Los Cabos fishes year round, but Visit Los Cabos puts black and blue marlin at their best from July through October, mahi-mahi (dorado) from July through November and yellowfin tuna from September through January. October is tournament month, headlined by Bisbee's Black and Blue. Charters in the directory include Boats Baja Fishing Charters and Armada Sport Fishing & Private Fishing Charters Cabo.
Deals: July through October, if you can live with heat and storm risk. May and June offer value with dry weather.
Avoiding the heat: December through March, when highs stay in the upper 70s to low 80s°F (25 to 28°C).
Events: Day of the Dead (November 2), the World Wide Technology Championship golf tournament in early November and the Los Cabos Film Festival in December. See the Los Cabos events calendar for current dates.
Then fill your days with these things to do in Cabo San Lucas.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is hurricane season in Cabo San Lucas?
The Eastern Pacific hurricane season runs from May 15 to November 30. Cabo's highest risk falls in August, September and early October.
Does Cabo San Lucas get hurricanes?
Yes, though direct hits are uncommon. Hurricane Odile made landfall just east of town in September 2014 as a Category 3 storm. If one threatens, follow official forecasts and local guidance.
When is the best time to go to Cabo San Lucas?
November through April, for dry, warm days and comfortable evenings. January through March adds peak whale season, while May and June are quieter, cheaper and nearly rain free.
What is the water temperature in Cabo San Lucas?
It's coolest in February and March, at roughly 68 to 70°F (20 to 21°C), and warmest in September and October, at about 84 to 86°F (29 to 30°C).
When is the rainy season in Cabo San Lucas?
Late summer and early fall. August averages about 3.4 inches (85 mm), September 4.3 inches (110 mm) and October about 1 inch (25 mm). April through June is nearly dry.
What is the cheapest time to go to Cabo San Lucas?
July through September usually brings the lowest hotel rates and airfares, with October close behind. The tradeoff is heat, humidity and hurricane season, so book flexible rates.
What is Cabo San Lucas weather like in December?
Highs near 81°F (27°C), lows near 57°F (14°C), very little rain and water around 75 to 77°F (24 to 25°C). Holiday weeks are among the busiest of the year.
Check the live Los Cabos weather before you pack, then browse places to stay and things to do for your dates.
