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When To Go · Destination Guide

Los Cabos Cabo San Lucas And San Jose Del Cabo

Two-ocean Baja: granite reefs, protected parks, and easy beach days

Updated Jan 23, 2026 • 22 sources

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When To Go

Season planner for Los Cabos (Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo)

Los Cabos has a desert climate, so it is sunny most of the year, but ocean conditions shift by season. Winter is drier and pairs well with whale watching, while water can be cooler, often around 20°C to 23°C. Late summer and fall usually bring the warmest water, around 27°C to 29°C, which is ideal for long snorkel sessions and comfortable diving. The main planning risk window is the Eastern Pacific hurricane season, with the highest concern often in August and September. Spring can bring upwelling and sharp thermoclines, so pack warmer exposure protection if you are sensitive to cold.

At A Glance Heatmap

ActivityJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Overall
Scuba
Freedive
Snorkel
Topside

Activity Drilldowns

PrimeShoulderPlan Carefully
Overall
November to April·Crowd:High·Cost:Premium
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Ideal: Dry season, comfortable air, and strong odds for whale watching. Water is cooler, so plan layers and a longer wetsuit for water time.

Plan Carefully: Hottest months with higher humidity and the highest tropical-storm risk. Build flexibility for wind or rain and watch marine forecasts.

If you want warm water without peak hurricane risk, many travelers target late October and November.

Scuba
October to February·Crowd:Moderate·Cost:Premium
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Ideal: Warm-to-moderate water, often better visibility, and stable boat schedules. Late December and January can overlap with early whale presence offshore.

Plan Carefully: Heat on land and possible spring upwelling or summer storms. Early departures and flexible site selection matter most.

For Cabo Pulmo day trips, calm weather and clear water often align with early departures and lighter wind days.

Freedive
September to November·Crowd:Moderate·Cost:Premium
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Ideal: Warm water and more consistent surface conditions for line training. Visibility windows are often best in fall.

Plan Carefully: Spring upwelling and wind can make surface conditions choppy and colder at depth. Choose cove-based sessions or go with professional boat support.

Freedive plans should be conditiondriven.

Snorkel
June to October·Crowd:High·Cost:Premium
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Ideal: Warmest surface water for long swims and kid-friendly comfort. Watch for tropical systems in August and September.

Plan Carefully: Cooler water and more swell days. Choose protected Sea of Cortez coves and consider a 3mm to 5mm suit for longer sessions.

Morning is best for visibility.

Topside
November to April·Crowd:High·Cost:Premium
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Ideal: Best weather for hiking, long beach days, and evening dining. Whale watching is a major seasonal add-on.

Plan Carefully: Hot and humid with the highest chance of tropical weather. Plan indoor alternatives and flexible day trips.

If you are visiting in peak winter, reserve rental cars, shuttles, and popular dinners early.

Seasonal Callouts Timeline

  • Humpback whales and winter whale watching

    JanJan
    FebFeb
    MarMar
    AprApr
    MayMay
    JunJun
    JulJul
    AugAug
    SepSep
    OctOct
    NovNov
    DecDec

    Whale watching is a core winter activity out of Cabo San Lucas. Divers sometimes hear whale song on deeper dives, and topside trips often launch from the marina.

  • Mobula ray schools

    JanJan
    FebFeb
    MarMar
    AprApr
    MayMay
    JunJun
    JulJul
    AugAug
    SepSep
    OctOct
    NovNov
    DecDec

    Late spring into early summer can bring large schools of mobula rays in the region. Conditions vary, so ocean safaris are best with experienced operators and ethical wildlife practices.

  • Whale shark day trips (La Paz region)

    JanJan
    FebFeb
    MarMar
    AprApr
    MayMay
    JunJun
    JulJul
    AugAug
    SepSep
    OctOct
    NovNov
    DecDec

    Whale shark encounters are typically done as regulated snorkel tours in the La Paz area. Plan this as a long day trip or an overnight add-on from Los Cabos.

  • Sea lion breeding and nursery sensitivity

    JanJan
    FebFeb
    MarMar
    AprApr
    MayMay
    JunJun
    JulJul
    AugAug
    SepSep
    OctOct
    NovNov
    DecDec

    Sea lions are present year-round, but breeding season increases sensitivity. Keep distance, limit noise, and follow guide instructions to avoid stressing animals.