Los Cabos weather at a glance
Los Cabos sits at the southern end of the Baja California peninsula, with one coast on the Pacific and one on the Gulf of California. The climate is a desert climate: long dry spells, strong sun and a short rainy period in late summer and early autumn.
Rain is rare for most of the year. Most of it falls in late summer and early autumn, usually in short heavy bursts or with tropical storms. Treat this as a seasonal pattern, not a forecast for your dates.
If your dates are fixed by the whales, see the whale watching tours page, and compare other trips on the Los Cabos excursions page.
The seasons in Los Cabos
Four rough phases, each with its own trade-offs.
December to February
The cooler part of the year. Rain is uncommon. This is whale season, and the San José del Cabo Art Walk runs on Thursday evenings from November to June.
Whale season →March to May
Usually dry. Humpbacks can still be around until April. The hurricane season starts on 15 May.
Beaches →June to September
The hottest part of the year. The rain increases toward late summer, and tropical storms are most likely in this period.
Hurricane season ↓October and November
Still warm, with some rain possible. October and November are a favorable window for diving. The hurricane season ends formally on 30 November.
Diving →Our pick: a sunset cruise
Evening light is when many people go out on the water, and this two-hour cruise is built around it.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Los Cabos tours for every season
Whale watching in winter, desert rides on quads and camels, Todos Santos and Cabo Pulmo trips, with live prices and availability.
Best time to visit Los Cabos by activity
There is no single best month for everyone. Rather than looking for one perfect week, decide what matters most to you and match the season to it.
| Activity | Months | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Humpback whales | December to April, best January to March | No sighting guarantee; boats follow distance rules |
| Diving | October and November favorable | Conditions vary by site and day |
| Art Walk in San José | November to June, Thursdays 5 to 9 p.m. | Check the start date of the current season |
| Fewest storms | December to April | Outside the formal hurricane season |
For most first-time visitors, January to March is a good fit: whales off the coast, the Art Walk on Thursday evenings and no hurricane season.
Hurricane season in Los Cabos
Los Cabos lies in the eastern Pacific basin. The hurricane season there runs from 15 May to 30 November. That is earlier than the Atlantic season, which many travelers from the US know. Single storms can also form outside these dates.
What Odile showed in 2014
Hurricane Odile hit the region in 2014. It caused severe damage to the power supply, the airport and buildings, with communication and water supply failing in San José del Cabo. It is a historical event.
Planning a trip in storm season
If you travel between June and November, book flights and rooms with flexible conditions, watch the forecasts in the days before departure and follow instructions from local civil protection. Heavy rain can close beaches and make dry riverbeds (arroyos) dangerous to cross, even without a hurricane. More on the coast on the beaches page.
Weather and the beaches
Calm water is never a fixed property of a bay. Lifeguards and local authorities use flags: green for suitable conditions, yellow for caution, red for dangerous conditions and black for a full closure. Red and black mean the water is not suitable for swimming. After heavy rain, many beaches can be closed with black flags for a while, and a Blue Flag award does not replace the flag on the day.
Before a trip to Cabo San Lucas itself, you may also want the Cabo San Lucas weather page, which focuses on the town and its bay.
Sunsets and light
Todos Santos lies on the Pacific side of the cape, so a day trip to Todos Santos can end with a sunset over the ocean before the drive back.
Los Cabos weather: questions
When is hurricane season in Los Cabos?
The eastern Pacific hurricane season runs from 15 May to 30 November. Storms are most likely in late summer and early autumn, but single storms can occur outside these dates.
When does it rain in Los Cabos?
Most of the rain falls in late summer and early autumn, the time of the tropical storms. Spring is usually dry.
When can I see whales?
Humpback whales are in Los Cabos from December to April, with the best chances from January to March. Sightings are never guaranteed. See whale watching.
Is it hot in summer?
Yes. Summers are hot, and nights stay warm. Plan outdoor activities for the morning.
Can rain close the beaches?
Yes. After heavy rain, beaches can be closed with a black flag. Always check the flag on the day and follow local instructions.