Sugar-white sand beaches. Azure waters. Diverse marine life. Tequila. Cabo San Lucas is calling.
Cabo San Lucas is the place to forget about home and spend your days in paradise. There’s the beach, golf, fishing, diving, and more. Here’s the best time to come.
When is the best time to visit Cabo?
Get planning your perfect holiday to the Gulf of California
Cabo has excellent weather year-round, so there’s rarely a bad time to visit this part of Mexico. Peak season is from December to February, when tourists from Canada and the US travel here to escape the cold at home. Expect temperatures in the mid-20s and long lazy days on the beach or boat trips to the Aquarium of the World. October is usually a busy time too for the fishing season when the biggest fishing events descend on these parts. You’ll get the start of the warm weather in October too after the short rainy season has passed at the beginning of fall. May to July is also a popular time to come – the temperatures are hotter (early 30s), the crowds aren’t as big and the hurricane season has yet to truly start.
The best things to do in Cabo
Here’s what you can expect in Cabo, and the best times to come for your chosen activities.
Whale watching
Majestic animals
Catch a boat from the main dock in Cabo
Between December and April is whale migration season, as thousands of them travel to the warmer waters around Cabo to give birth. Even if you stroll down to the beach, you’re almost guaranteed to see a whale offshore. But to get up close set out on a whale watching tour. Hosted by marine biologists, you’ll get as close as possible to the whales, hear them through the onboard hydrophones, and get some great photos.
Look out for:
- Humpback whales
- Grey whales
- Blue whales
Snorkel or Scuba
Discover the ocean world
The North Wall, Pelican Rock, Cabo Pulmo National Park
Snorkelling and scuba diving in Cabo are epic at any time of year, and if you’re a serious diver you’re happy here in the water all year round. If you’re looking for warmer temperatures, dive into the ocean in the autumn months. October to early December promises balmy and calm waters. Whilst the waters may be a little colder between mid-May and July, it is mating season for Mobula rays, which is always a unique experience. Top dive sites in Cabo include The North Wall, Pelican Rock, and Cabo Pulmo National Park.
Look out for:
- Whale sharks
- Moluba Rays
- Blue sharks
Cultural fact file
There have been human settlements in Cabo for 10,000 years.
Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park has over 800 species of marine life.
The Sea of Cortez is the youngest sea on the planet.
Sunset cruise
Beauty of nature
Sea of Cortez, Pacific Ocean
Get out onto the water as the sun starts to set and see the dramatic orange and red colours cut across the sky. Cabo is such a beautiful place and there’s no better time to appreciate it than sundown. If you’re here in peak season – December to February – or October, it’s the perfect way to end a day. Just be careful if you’re here in hurricane season – May to November – as the conditions might not be ideal. Speak to your tour company to check the weather before heading out on the water.
Look out for:
- El Arco de Cabo San Lucas
- Lover’s Beach
- Medano Beach
Fishing
Big game
Head to Cabo marina to catch a fishing trip
Fishing is big in Cabo. The marlin and sailfish season typically runs from June to November, and you can expect to encounter blue marlin, black marlin, striped marlin, and sailfish. September and October are usually the peak months when the water temperatures attract these species. The region’s big fishing events usually take place in October too including The Bisbee’s Black & Blue fishing tournaments.
Look out for:
- Blue marlin
- Striped marlin
- Sailfish
El Arco de Cabo San Lucas
Iconic
Baja California Sur
Whatever time of year you’re in Cabo, this natural archway is a must-visit. Take a boat tour to see this picture-perfect symbol of Cabo from the water. The rock formation is stunning, and you’ll usually see sea lions at its base. Hop in the water for some snorkelling and watch the marine life through the glass bottom of your boat.
Look out for:
- Lover’s Beach
- Divorce beach
- Rich marine life
Beaches
Best in Mexico
Cabo coast
Cabo has some of the best beaches in Mexico, with peak season from December to February offering wonderful conditions to throw your towel down and lie on the sand. We’re talking temperatures of around 24°C – the best time to escape the cold at home. If you want it even warmer, May to July promises temperatures of 29°C. Must-visit beaches in Cabo include Medano Beach, Lover’s Beach, Chileno Beach and Santa Maria Beach.
Look out for:
- Sugar-white sand
- Crystal clear waters
- Water sports
Camel rides
Get out into the desert
Cabo desert, Baja California Sur
Yes, you read that right. Cabo isn’t just about fun in the water and the sand on its beaches. You can also get out and explore the nearby Baja Desert on the back of a camel. Suitable for the whole family, with kids five and up, you’ll hop on the back of one of these beautiful beasts and see a whole different side to Cabo. December to February is the ideal time for warm (but not too warm) temperatures.
Look out for:
- Breathtaking views
- Traditional Mexican lunches
- Guided nature walks
San Jose del Cabo
Traditional and laid-back
Southern Baja California peninsula
Just a short drive from Cabo San Lucas, treat yourself to a more traditional Mexican experience with a visit to San Jose del Cabo. This laid-back colonial gem is picture-postcard-perfect. Stroll to the San Jose missionary church and Plaza Mijares in the heart of the historic district. Take some time out and relax at a traditional café or restaurant, enjoy some lip-smacking Mexican food, and simply watch the world go by. Peak season brings good temperatures for exploring but expect bigger crowds. October might just be the best month to take in the sights.
Look out for:
- Misión San José del Cabo
- Plazza Mijares
- Guided walking tours
Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park
Aquarium of the world
Cabo Pulmo
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is referred to as “The Aquarium of the World” and is a superb testament to the ocean conservation in the area. The reef of Cabo Pulmo is estimated to be around 20,000 years old and is home to over 800 species of marine life. Five of the world’s seven endangered species of sea turtles live here. Plus, there’s a huge collection of sharks including bull sharks, tiger sharks, hammerhead sharks, blacktip, and white tip sharks. Book a boat trip and either dive or snorkel to see the Aquarium of the World for yourself.
Look out for:
- Sea turtles
- Hammerhead sharks
- Breathtaking coral reefs
ATV and horseback riding
Explore Cabo by saddle
Prague
For a more adrenaline-fuelled way to see the majestic desert landscape around Cabo, book a tour that combines both horseback riding and hopping on the back of an ATV. You’ll head out into the desert and spend an hour on the back of a horse and another hour on the back of an ATV. December to February is the perfect time.
Look out for:
- Colossal dunes
- Awe-inspiring views of the Pacific Ocean
- An awe-inspiring way to explore Cabo
Diving. Camel rides. The Aquarium of the World. Cabo has it all. When are you planning your next trip?
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