Cabo San Lucas Weather by Month

Cabo San Lucas sits at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean. The climate is tropical desert with 350 days of sun per year, less than 250mm of annual rainfall, and average temperatures ranging from 19°C (66°F) in January to 34°C (93°F) in July and August. Unlike the Caribbean side of Mexico, Cabo stays dry most of the year, with nearly all rain concentrated in a brief late-summer window tied to hurricane season.

Cabo San Lucas Weather by Month: Monthly Data Table

The table below shows average highs and lows, rainfall, sea temperatures, and daily sunshine hours for each month in Cabo San Lucas. Data comes from long-term averages recorded at Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) and coastal monitoring stations.

Cabo San Lucas Weather by Month: Winter (December to February)

Winter brings the coolest and driest conditions of the year. Daytime highs reach 26-27°C (79-81°F) while nights drop to 14-15°C (57-59°F), so you will want a light jacket or sweater for evening dinners and sunset cruises. Rainfall is negligible: December averages 12mm over roughly 1 rainy day, January sees 10mm, and February just 5mm. Sea temperatures dip to 21-22°C (70-72°F), which is swimmable but noticeably cooler than summer. This is the prime whale-watching season: gray and humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of the Sea of Cortez from mid-December through mid-April. The sun sets around 5:40 PM in December, so plan outdoor activities for the 7 to 8 hours of daily sunshine. See our things to do in Cabo San Lucas for more details.

Cabo San Lucas Weather by Month: Spring (March to May)

Spring delivers what many consider the ideal Cabo weather. March starts at 28°C (82°F) and by May you are looking at 32°C (90°F) during the day, with overnight lows climbing from 15°C to 19°C (59-66°F). Rainfall is virtually zero; March sees 2mm, April and May each average 1mm. Sunshine peaks at 10 to 11 hours per day in April and May. Sea temperatures warm from 21°C to 24°C (70-75°F). Water visibility is excellent during spring, making it prime time for snorkeling at Santa Maria Bay and Chileno Bay. Spring break crowds, especially in March, pack Medano Beach and the marina bars, so book accommodations 3 to 4 months ahead if traveling in March. The desert landscape blooms briefly after any winter rains, adding patches of green and wildflowers to the otherwise arid Baja scenery. See our where to stay in Cabo San Lucas for more details.

Cabo San Lucas Weather by Month: Summer (June to September)

Summer is hot, humid, and increasingly wet as the season progresses. June and July see high temperatures of 33-34°C (91-93°F) with humidity climbing noticeably. The real shift happens in August and September: rainfall jumps to 50mm and 80mm respectively, driven by the eastern Pacific hurricane season, which peaks from late August through mid-October. Most rain falls in short, intense afternoon or evening bursts; you will rarely lose a full day to weather. Sea temperatures peak at 29°C (84°F) in August and September, making the water feel like a warm bath. The upside of summer: resort rates drop 30 to 50 percent compared to winter highs, beaches are quiet, and the fishing for blue marlin, black marlin, and sailfish is at its best. If you visit between August and October, monitor the National Hurricane Center for storm tracks. Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) occasionally closes during direct hurricane hits, as happened with Hurricane Odile in September 2014.

Cabo San Lucas Weather by Month: Fall (October to November)

October is a transition month; temperatures begin to ease from the summer highs, settling at 32°C (90°F) during the day and 22°C (72°F) at night. You still face hurricane risk in early October, but by mid-month the threat drops sharply. Rainfall falls to 35mm, mostly in the first half of the month. November brings near-perfect conditions: highs of 29°C (84°F), lows of 18°C (64°F), rainfall down to 12mm, and sea temperatures still a comfortable 26°C (79°F). The Bisbee’s Black and Blue fishing tournament in late October draws big-game anglers from around the world, and November kicks off the start of the winter high season. Bookings fill up quickly for the Thanksgiving week, fourth Thursday in November, so reserve at least 2 months ahead if visiting during that period. See our Cabo San Lucas events calendar for more details. For more, check our Cabo San Lucas travel tips.

Cabo San Lucas Weather by Month: Sea Temperature and Water Conditions

The Sea of Cortez side of Cabo, including Medano Beach and the marina, runs 1 to 2°C warmer than the Pacific side, which includes Lover’s Beach and Divorce Beach. On the Pacific side, strong currents and colder upwelling water mean swimming is often restricted to wading; pay attention to red-flag warnings at Divorce Beach, where rip currents have caused fatalities. The warmest water is August through September at 29°C (84°F), and the coolest is February through March at 21°C (70°F). For snorkeling and diving, the best visibility of 15 to 25 meters occurs April through June before summer plankton blooms reduce clarity. A 3mm shorty wetsuit is sufficient December through March for snorkeling and diving; no wetsuit is needed May through November for most people. For more, check our best time to visit Cabo San Lucas. For more, check our best neighborhoods in Cabo San Lucas.