San José del Cabo

San Jose del Cabo is the historic, gallery filled half of Los Cabos at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez. The town averages 320 sunny days a year, barely 250mm of annual rain, and winter highs of 25degC (77degF), which is why it draws beachgoers, surfers, anglers, and art lovers in roughly equal numbers. It sits 32km northeast of Cabo San Lucas and just 12km south of the international airport, making it the region’s most convenient base. Use the guides below to plan your weather, beaches, hotels, and day trips.

San Jose del Cabo Weather at a Glance

San Jose del Cabo has a hot desert climate (Koppen BWh) shaped by its position at the tip of the Baja peninsula. Daytime highs range from 25degC (77degF) in January to 33degC (91degF) in July through September, and nighttime lows stay mild year-round, from 13degC (55degF) in winter to 24degC (75degF) in August. Rain is scarce and concentrated: the town gets about 250mm in a full year, and 90mm of that falls in September alone. The Sea of Cortez runs 21degC (70degF) in February to 29degC (84degF) in August, so swimming and snorkeling are possible every month. Hurricane season spans June through November, peaking from mid-August to mid-October. The full data is in our San Jose del Cabo weather by month guide.

San Jose del Cabo Seasonal Snapshot

• Winter (December to February): Dry and mild with highs of 25 to 26degC (77 to 79degF), almost no rain, and whale season in full swing. Peak prices and crowds, especially over Christmas and New Year.
• Spring (March to May): Warming from 27degC (81degF) in March to 30degC (86degF) in May with under 5mm of rain all season. Crowds thin after Easter and hotel prices drop, making April and May an excellent value window.
• Summer (June to August): Hot and increasingly humid, highs of 32 to 33degC (90 to 91degF), with the rainy season building from July. Sea temperatures peak at 29degC (84degF) and the surf is best, but it is hurricane season.
• Fall (September to November): September is the wettest and hottest month (90mm, 33degC/91degF). October and November dry out and cool down, prices hit their yearly low, and the event calendar restarts in November.

San Jose del Cabo Quick Facts

• Best beach months: November through May for dry weather; June through October for the warmest sea (27 to 29degC / 81 to 84degF).
• Warmest months: July, August, and September all average highs of 33degC (91degF).
• Coolest month: January, average high 25degC (77degF), average low 13degC (55degF).
• Wettest month: September, about 90mm of rain. Driest months: March through June, under 5mm.
• Sea temperature range: 21degC (70degF) in February to 29degC (84degF) in August and September.
• Sunshine: About 320 sunny days per year, with 10 to 12 hours of daylight in summer.
• Airport: Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), 12km north of downtown, about a 20 to 25 minute drive.
• Currency: Mexican peso (MXN); US dollars widely accepted in tourist areas.

San Jose del Cabo Travel Guides

1. San Jose del Cabo Weather by Month: Month by month temperatures, rainfall, humidity, sunshine, and Sea of Cortez water temperatures, with a comparison table for all 12 months.
2. Best Time to Visit San Jose del Cabo: The best windows for weather, whale watching, low prices, surfing, and events, plus the months to avoid and why.
3. Things to Do in San Jose del Cabo: The best beaches, the mission and Gallery District, and day trips to El Arco, Cabo Pulmo, and Todos Santos, with prices and hours.
4. San Jose del Cabo Events and Festivals: The Thursday Art Walk, Sabor a Cabo, the film festival, the surf open, and Dia de los Muertos, organized by season.
5. Best Neighborhoods in San Jose del Cabo: Centro Historico, the Gallery District, the Zona Hotelera, Puerto Los Cabos, the Corridor, and Costa Azul, with who each suits and room rates.
6. Where to Stay in San Jose del Cabo: Hotel recommendations by area, from beachfront all inclusives to downtown boutique inns, with a booking link for each.
7. San Jose del Cabo Travel Tips and FAQ: Airport transfers, transport, money and tipping, safety, and answers to the most common questions.

Where to Stay in San Jose del Cabo

Accommodation in San Jose del Cabo falls into three zones. The Zona Hotelera along Playa Hotelera is the beachfront all inclusive strip, best for families and easy beach access. The Centro Historico and Gallery District hold small boutique inns within walking distance of the plaza and art galleries, ideal for couples and culture focused trips. Puerto Los Cabos and the corridor to the south have the luxury resorts and golf, aimed at honeymooners and golfers. Room rates run from about US$90 per night in a downtown guesthouse to US$500 plus for an oceanfront resort. The full area by area breakdown with specific hotels is in our where to stay in San Jose del Cabo guide.

Suggested Hotels in San Jose del Cabo

One&Only Palmilla

One&Only Palmilla is the flagship luxury resort of Los Cabos, set on a private beach at Palmilla with multiple pools, a spa, and dining from Mexican to sushi, about 10 minutes south of downtown. Best for couples and travelers celebrating a special occasion. Check rates and availability

Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos

Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos is a family friendly all inclusive on Playa Hotelera with a lagoon style pool, a kids club, and eight restaurants, located 2km from the city center. Best for families who want meals, drinks, and activities included. Check rates and availability

Posada Real Los Cabos

Posada Real Los Cabos is a budget friendly beachfront hotel with 133 meters of private beach, a pool, and a strong location on the hotel zone boardwalk. Best for budget travelers and couples who want beach access without resort prices. Check rates and availability