5 Things That Are Different About Cabo In The Winter (And Why They’re A Good Thing!)

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If you’ve hung around us at The Cabo Sun for a while, you know we love Cabo in every season—but winter really flips a few key switches that make the destination shine.

From whales on the horizon to gallery nights in the streets, here are five winter-only (or winter-best) changes that actually improve your vacation—and how to make the most of each.

1) The weather turns “Goldilocks” perfect

Summer can be steamy and storm-prone; winter dials in those clear, dry, mid-70s to low-80s days that make everything—pool time, tacos al fresco, marina strolls—effortless. Pack a light layer for crisp sunrise boat rides and patio dinners, then enjoy reliably sunny afternoons without the humidity slog. If you’re deciding when to visit, our recent breakdown of cooler-month realities has you covered, plus timely tips on what to wear and expect.

Pro move: Booking a resort on or near one of Cabo’s swimmable zones? Cross-check conditions and nearby access points before you commit so your beach days line up with your room key.

2) Whale season turns the sea into a stage

From December 15 to mid-April, Cabo becomes a whale superhighway.

Humpbacks and grays migrate down to breed and calve, which means frequent spouts, tail slaps, and—if you’re lucky—full breaches you can spot from shore. Peak action is typically January to February, but great sightings span the whole window. We’ve laid out what to expect (and when) so you can plan a sunrise sailing or a family-friendly tour with confidence.

Pro move: Book early-morning departures for calmer seas and better light, then keep your eyes on the water even from your balcony—you might not need a boat to catch the show.

3) The ocean gets beginner-friendly… and the wind athletes arrive

Winter swell patterns often mellow some popular breaks, which is a gift for first-timers and longboarders. Cerritos Beach becomes an easygoing classroom, while day-trippers love pairing Todos Santos gallery time with a surf lesson.

Meanwhile, over on the East Cape, Los Barriles lights up with steady “El Norte” winds—kite and windsurfers flood the bay, and the vibe is pure adrenaline. It’s a great spectator day trip even if you’re not rigging a sail yourself.

Pro move: Want the water without the wipeouts? Snorkel coves on calmer days and keep the beach-flag colors in your back pocket (yellow = caution, red/black = stay out). We update those safety basics often—and authorities do too.

4) The cultural calendar switches on

Winter is high season for events and art. San José del Cabo’s beloved Thursday night Art Walk returns in November and runs weekly through June—streets close, galleries pour wine, and you get that magical, open-air stroll through the historic district.

If you’re here right after Día de Muertos, you can also catch ofrendas and special installations as the season kicks off. Hotels layer on their own art takeovers, so you can plan a culture-forward itinerary right alongside your beach time.

Pro move: Aim for a late-afternoon taco stop near Plaza Mijares, stroll the galleries from 5–9 p.m., then cap the night with live music in the square.

5) More flights = smarter airfare hunts

Winter demand brings capacity—and this year Cabo is flush with 600+ weekly flights, including a hefty chunk from U.S. cities. More seats can mean better shot at deals (especially midweek), extra nonstop options, and easier positioning from secondary airports.

Pro move: If your resort beach isn’t swimmable (many aren’t year-round), use the air savings to splurge on a daybed at Médano or a water-toy day. And keep an eye on the newly refreshed safety flags along Cabo’s busiest beach—they’re there to keep the vibes high and the ER visits low.

Bonus: Winter’s quiet safety & quality upgrades

Cabo just notched a record number of Blue Flag beaches this season, which means more stretches meet strict international standards for water quality, services, and safety—another reason winter beach days feel extra dialed. When in doubt, check the flag, ask lifeguards, and pick your cove accordingly.

The takeaway

Winter doesn’t just escape the cold—it rewrites the Cabo playbook. You get peak wildlife, easier learning curves in the water, a switched-on arts scene, and better flight math to get you here. Line up a morning whale tour, pencil in Thursday Art Walk, and plan beach days with the flag colors in mind. That’s how winter Cabo becomes the best version of itself—and your trip.