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San Jose del Cabo has a hot desert climate (Koppen BWh) with roughly 320 sunny days a year and only about 250mm of annual rainfall, almost all of it falling between July and September. The town sits at the tip of the Baja California peninsula where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez, which keeps temperatures warm but stable year-round: the coolest month (January) still averages 25degC (77degF) by day, while July through September top out around 33degC (91degF). Sea temperatures run from 21degC (70degF) in February to 29degC (84degF) in August, so the water is swimmable every month of the year. Humidity averages 65 to 75 percent and peaks in late summer. For help choosing dates, see our best time to visit San Jose del Cabo guide, and start with the full best neighborhoods in San Jose del Cabo overview to decide where to base yourself.
San Jose del Cabo Weather by Month: Temperature and Rainfall
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall (mm) | Sea Temp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 25 / 77 | 13 / 55 | 10 | 21 / 70 |
| February | 26 / 79 | 13 / 55 | 5 | 21 / 70 |
| March | 27 / 81 | 14 / 57 | 3 | 21 / 70 |
| April | 29 / 84 | 16 / 61 | 1 | 22 / 72 |
| May | 30 / 86 | 18 / 64 | 2 | 23 / 73 |
| June | 32 / 90 | 21 / 70 | 3 | 25 / 77 |
| July | 33 / 91 | 24 / 75 | 30 | 28 / 82 |
| August | 33 / 91 | 24 / 75 | 60 | 29 / 84 |
| September | 33 / 91 | 23 / 73 | 90 | 29 / 84 |
| October | 32 / 90 | 21 / 70 | 30 | 27 / 81 |
| November | 29 / 84 | 17 / 63 | 10 | 25 / 77 |
| December | 26 / 79 | 14 / 57 | 10 | 23 / 73 |
San Jose del Cabo Weather in Winter (December to February)
Winter is the driest and most comfortable stretch of the year. Daytime highs sit at 25 to 26degC (77 to 79degF) and nights drop to 13degC (55degF), so you will want a light jacket after sunset. Rain is rare: December averages 10mm, February just 5mm, and most days are cloudless. This is peak tourist season because the weather is perfect, so flights and hotels run 30 to 50 percent above summer rates, and you should book 3 to 6 months ahead for Christmas week. Humpback and gray whales arrive in December and stay through April, making winter the top season for a whale watching trip out of the marina. Our things to do in San Jose del Cabo guide covers the beaches and galleries that stay busy all winter.
San Jose del Cabo Weather in Spring (March to May)
Spring warms up steadily with almost no rain. March averages 27degC (81degF) by day, May reaches 30degC (86degF), and rainfall stays under 5mm for the whole season. April and May are the sweet spot for travelers who want summer heat without the crowds, since most snowbirds leave after Easter. Sea temperatures climb from 21degC (70degF) to 23degC (73degF), still cool enough to be brisk but fine for snorkeling with a shorty wetsuit. Hotel rates drop 20 to 40 percent from winter peaks in May, and the Thursday Art Walk runs through June. Spring is also when the San Jose del Cabo events and festivals calendar fills with the patron saint festival and Semana Santa.
San Jose del Cabo Weather in Summer (June to August)
Summer is hot and increasingly humid. June averages 32degC (90degF), and July and August both reach 33degC (91degF) with overnight lows of 24degC (75degF), so it rarely cools down after dark. Rainfall starts in late June and builds fast: July brings 30mm and August 60mm, mostly from short, heavy afternoon downpours that clear within an hour. The sea warms to 28 to 29degC (82 to 84degF), the warmest of the year, and it is the best time for swimming and snorkeling. This is also hurricane season, and while direct hits are uncommon, you should watch forecasts and consider trip insurance from June through November. Summer is when you will find the biggest discounts in our where to stay in San Jose del Cabo guide.
San Jose del Cabo Weather in Fall (September to November)
September is the wettest and hottest month, averaging 90mm of rain and highs of 33degC (91degF). October dries out to 30mm and stays warm at 32degC (90degF), while November cools to 29degC (84degF) and feels comfortable again. Fall is the heart of hurricane season, with the greatest storm risk in September and early October. On the plus side, the sea holds at 27 to 29degC (81 to 84degF) through October, and the crowds vanish between Labor Day and Thanksgiving, dropping hotel prices to their lowest point of the year.
San Jose del Cabo Weather: Rainy Season and Hurricane Risk
The rainy season runs from July through September, but it is nothing like a tropical monsoon: the town averages only about 250mm of rain in a full year, and most of it falls in brief evening thunderstorms. Hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30, with the highest risk window from mid-August through mid-October. Major landfalls are rare in Los Cabos, but Hurricane Odile in September 2014 caused serious damage, so do not ignore warnings. Buy travel insurance that covers hurricanes if you visit in September or October, and check the San Jose del Cabo travel tips guide for emergency numbers and safety advice. Outside the rainy months, rain is so scarce that you can leave the umbrella at home.
