Los Cabos Could See Effects From 2 Hurricanes This Week: Here’s What Travelers Can Expect

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The Pacific hurricane season is refusing to go quietly this year. Just as the intense summer heat begins to fade across the Baja California Peninsula, a sudden burst of late season tropical activity has put local authorities and incoming tourists on high alert. If you have flights booked to Cabo San Lucas or San Jose del Cabo over the next seven days, you need to keep a very close eye on the weather forecast.

Right now, meteorologists at the National Hurricane Center are closely tracking two completely separate storm systems churning off the western coast of Mexico. Hurricane Simon is already spinning in the Pacific, and Hurricane Trudy is rapidly intensifying right behind it. While a direct, landfall is not currently predicted for the Los Cabos resort zones, the region is bracing for secondary impacts. From massive ocean swells to potential heavy rainfall, here is exactly what travelers can expect in Los Cabos as these two hurricanes interact this week.

Hurricane Simon Stays Offshore But Brings Danger

Let us start with the immediate threat. Hurricane Simon has been slowly moving off the Mexican Pacific coast, bringing heavy rain to mainland states like Nayarit and Sinaloa. Originally, there was some concern that the storm could turn and make a direct hit on the southern tip of the Baja peninsula. However, the latest official forecasts provide some serious peace of mind for travelers.

Hurricane Simon is not projected to make direct landfall in Los Cabos. Instead, the core of the storm is expected to remain offshore. It is forecast to maintain its hurricane strength until early Saturday before it gradually weakens and approaches the southern Baja region. Even though the eye of the storm is missing the tourist corridor, Los Cabos will definitely feel its presence over the weekend. The massive outer bands of the hurricane are expected to bring isolated rain showers and wind gusts to the area.

The most significant danger from Simon will be found right on the sand. The hurricane acts like a giant wave machine in the Pacific, generating incredibly large, dangerous swells that will affect the coast of Baja California Sur over the next several days. Travelers can expect rough surf reaching up to three meters high this weekend. If you are staying at a beachfront resort, expect to see black warning flags flying on the beach, which signal a strict and absolute ban on entering the water.

The Rising Threat Of Hurricane Trudy

While authorities monitor Simon, a second, potentially much more powerful storm is brewing right behind it. What started as a tropical depression has quickly intensified into Hurricane Trudy. As of Thursday, Trudy has reached Category 1 status and is located roughly 300 miles southwest of Acapulco. The National Hurricane Center expects this system to rapidly strengthen into a major Category 3 or Category 4 hurricane as it approaches the coast of southwestern and west central Mexico.

The trajectory for Trudy remains highly uncertain because of the complex steering patterns in the atmosphere. The storm could actually interact with Hurricane Simon, complicating its exact path over the coming days. While a direct strike on Los Cabos is not the primary verified trajectory right now, the sheer size and power of a major hurricane means the Baja peninsula is not completely in the clear. Beginning on Monday, Los Cabos could start to see the outer moisture bands and secondary ocean swells generated by Trudy.

What Travelers Should Do Right Now

If you are packing your bags for a Los Cabos vacation this week, there is no need to completely panic or immediately cancel your flights. Because neither storm is currently forecasted to make a direct landfall on the resort towns, you will likely be perfectly safe staying inside your hotel. However, you must be prepared for major disruptions to your standard beach itinerary.

The local harbor master will almost certainly close the port to all small craft as the massive ocean swells arrive this weekend. This means you should expect all sunset cruises, snorkeling tours to the Arch, and deep sea fishing charters to be canceled or postponed until the ocean completely calms down.

Stay Out Of The Ocean

The most important rule for travelers this week is to stay far away from the crashing waves. The Pacific side of Cabo is already notorious for deadly rip currents on a calm day. With two hurricanes churning offshore, the surf will be incredibly volatile and life threatening.

Plan to spend your weekend enjoying your resort swimming pools, booking a spa treatment, or exploring the fantastic culinary scene in downtown San Jose del Cabo. Keep a close eye on the latest updates from the National Hurricane Center and follow all guidance from local Los Cabos Civil Protection officials. By staying informed and remaining flexible, you can still enjoy a fantastic and safe Mexican getaway.