Here Is How & When Tropical Storm Priscilla Will Affect Los Cabos This Week

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For travelers currently in Los Cabos or with plans to arrive this week, news of a newly formed tropical storm in the Pacific can cause a wave of anxiety. Tropical Storm Priscilla, which formed on Saturday, is now churning off the coast of Mexico, leaving many visitors wondering: how will this storm affect my vacation?

Here at The Cabo Sun, we’re cutting through the noise to give you a calm, clear, and up-to-the-minute guide based on the official forecasts from the National Hurricane Center. The most important top-line news is that Priscilla is not currently forecast to make a direct hit on Los Cabos. However, its path will be close enough to bring several noticeable, and important, impacts to the region over the next few days.

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The Forecast: A Parallel Path

As of the latest advisories, Tropical Storm Priscilla is tracking in a west-northwest direction, on a path that is roughly parallel to the Mexican coastline. While it is expected to strengthen into a hurricane, its center is forecast to remain several hundred miles south of the Baja Peninsula.

This means Los Cabos will avoid the storm’s powerful core, but will feel its outer effects. Here is what you can realistically expect, and when.

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Primary Impact: High Surf and Dangerous Seas 🌊

The single biggest and most certain impact for Los Cabos will be large and dangerous ocean swells. Priscilla is a large storm, and even from a distance, it will send powerful waves towards the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula.

• When: These swells are expected to begin arriving late on Sunday and will peak on Monday and Tuesday.
  
  What to Expect
  • Red & Black Flags: Expect to see red and, more likely, black flags on all beaches. This means swimming is either extremely dangerous or strictly forbidden.
  • No Swimming: Heed these warnings. The currents and shore break will be exceptionally powerful and can be deadly. This is not the time to test the water.

• Port Closure: It is highly likely that the Port Captain in Cabo San Lucas will close the port to all small craft navigation. This is a standard safety procedure during high-swell events. This means all boat-based tours—including fishing charters, sunset cruises, and water taxis to The Arch—will be canceled.

Secondary Impact: Rain and Gusty Winds 🌧️

As the storm makes its closest pass to the south, Los Cabos will likely experience weather from its outer rain bands.

• When: The highest chance for this weather will be from Monday through Wednesday.
• What to Expect: This will not be an all-day, continuous downpour. Instead, expect periods of scattered rain showers, which can be briefly heavy at times, accompanied by gusty winds. The sun will likely still peek through between these bands.

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When Will It Pass?

The main effects of Tropical Storm Priscilla on Los Cabos will be felt from Monday to Wednesday. As the storm continues its track further west and away from the peninsula later in the week, conditions are expected to improve significantly. The surf will slowly subside, and the rain and wind will clear out, likely leading to a return to normal, sunny weather by Thursday or Friday.

The bottom line for travelers is to be smart and safe for the next 72 hours. Respect the ocean, have a backup plan for a rainy afternoon (like a spa treatment or exploring downtown shops), and your vacation will continue with only minor interruptions.

Safe Travels!