Los Cabos is a tourist destination whose mild climate, beautiful beaches, and excellent hotels make it a favorite for Mexicans, North Americans, and Canadians looking for a good climate to escape the cold temperatures of the north during winter.
A lot of people ask us when is the best time to visit Cabo?, this is a tricky question because it depends a lot on what “the best time” or the best month means to you and your travel needs, for some people the best time is the cheapest one or for others is when is less crowded.
In this post, we will talk about the best time related to high and low seasons, which is normally related to the accommodation, flights, and activities rates, in high season the rates normally go up as there is more demand for touristic services, and the opposite happens in the low season. Like most tourist destinations, Los Cabos high and low seasons have their own advantages and disadvantages. We’ll explore the differences between the high and low season in Los Cabos, so you can plan your trip accordingly.
The high season in Los Cabos is from October to May because on these dates the weather is ideal: it is neither extremely hot nor extremely cold, compared to the frosts that the United States and Canada suffer in winter; and also as if that were not enough, it coincides with the whale watching season, which occurs from December to March and attracts many nature lovers.
One of the main advantages of visiting Los Cabos during the high season is that the town is bustling with activity. The streets are filled with tourists, and the bars, restaurants, and nightclubs are all open and lively. Additionally, the high season is when most of the major events and festivals take place in Los Cabos.
However, there are also some downsides to visiting Los Cabos during the high season. For one, the town can get very crowded, which can lead to longer wait times at restaurants and bars, and higher prices for accommodations and activities. Additionally, the high season as we told before is also the most expensive time to visit Los Cabos, with peak prices for flights, hotels, and activities.
On the contrary, if you are looking for the heat of the sun, it is in the summer when we recommend you come, and is also the low season, but take into account that you may find some occasional rain, but nothing that could resemble a deluge.
In fact, incredible as it may seem, summer is the least popular time to visit Los Cabos, at least for North American tourism. So you can take advantage and browse the web to find better offers or promotions if you want to travel on these dates of low season.
One of the main advantages of visiting Los Cabos during the low season is that it is much quieter and less crowded than during the high season. This means that you can enjoy the town’s attractions without having to deal with large crowds or long lines. Additionally, prices for accommodations and activities are also much lower during the low season, making it a great time to visit if you’re on a budget.
However, there are also some disadvantages to visiting Los Cabos during the low season. For one, some of the restaurants, bars, and nightclubs may be closed or have reduced hours, which can limit your options for dining and entertainment. Additionally, some of the water activities, such as swimming and snorkeling, may be restricted due to rougher seas and stronger currents.
High and low season in Los Cabos
- High Season: October to May (temperate weather, whale watching, Christmas and spring).
- Low season: July to mid-September.
- Medium season: June and the second half of September
Weather in Los Cabos
They say that the climate in Cabo San Lucas is similar to that of Palm Springs in the United States, what is true is that the coldest months are from December to January, and can reach up to 6°C on the Pacific Ocean side. The rainy season is from July to October and the temperature of the Sea of Cortez is 22°C on average during the summer but can reach 29°C. The climate on the Pacific Ocean side, the temperature is 6°C lower than what you would find on the Sea of Cortez side.
Best events in Cabo
Even if it is low season, events can attract crowds from all over the world to Los Cabos, since practically every month there is an event to discover.
Here are some of the best events in Los Cabos during high season:
- Los Cabos International Film Festival: This annual event is held in November and attracts film enthusiasts from around the world. It showcases a selection of the best Mexican and international films and includes screenings, panel discussions, and networking events.
- Los Cabos Open of Surf: This surfing competition is held in June and attracts some of the world’s top surfers. The event includes both men’s and women’s competitions and features live music, food, and drinks.
- San Jose del Cabo Art Walk: This weekly event takes place every Thursday from November to June in the historic downtown area of San Jose del Cabo. Visitors can stroll through the streets and view artwork from local and international artists.
- Sabor a Cabo: This annual food and wine festival takes place in December and features some of the best chefs and wineries from Mexico and around the world. The event includes tastings, cooking demonstrations, and live music.
- Christmas and New Year’s Eve Celebrations: Los Cabos is known for its festive Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations. Visitors can enjoy fireworks, parties, and special events at hotels and resorts throughout the area.
- Cabo Jazz Fest: This annual event is held in March and features performances by some of the best jazz musicians from around the world. The festival includes outdoor concerts, workshops, and jam sessions.
- Bisbee’s Black & Blue Marlin Tournament: This fishing tournament is held in October and is one of the largest and richest fishing competitions in the world. Participants compete for millions of dollars in prize money, and the event includes parties and other festivities.
- Whale Watching Tours: The high season in Los Cabos is the best time to see migrating whales, which arrive in the area from December to April. Visitors can take whale watching tours to see these majestic creatures up close and personal.
- Los Cabos Half Marathon: This annual event is held in February and features a half marathon, 10K, and 5K races. Participants can enjoy views of the ocean and desert landscapes as they run along the course.
During low season there are fewer events, but still you can find some options:
- Gastrovino Festival: This annual food and wine festival takes place in May and celebrates the culinary traditions of Baja California Sur. The festival features tastings, cooking demonstrations, and live music.
- Cabo Marine Show: This event is held in May and features the latest boats, yachts, and marine accessories. Visitors can explore the exhibits, attend seminars, and enjoy live music and entertainment.
- Los Cabos Humane Society’s Paw-some Dog Walk: This event takes place in November and raises funds for the Los Cabos Humane Society. Participants can walk their dogs along the beach, enjoy food and drinks, and enter their dogs in contests and giveaways.
- Summer Concerts: Several hotels and resorts in Los Cabos host live music events during the summer months. These concerts feature local and international artists and provide a fun and festive atmosphere for visitors.
- Los Cabos International Tennis Tournament: Usually takes place in late July or early August and features some of the top players in the world. It is one of the few ATP tournaments held in Mexico, and it has quickly become one of the most popular events on the ATP World Tour calendar. In addition to the on-court action, the Los Cabos International Tennis Tournament also offers a variety of other activities for fans and visitors. These include live music performances, food and drink vendors, and opportunities to meet and interact with the players.
So, to summarize, the best time to visit Cabo depends on your personal preferences and what you want to do while you’re there. The best month for you may not be the cheapest one, maybe you prefer the most expensive month if you want to go to certain events or you want to escape from the cold winter, in any case, we are sure it will be worth it!