High Season Is Underway In Los Cabos As Occupancy Skyrockets To Over 75%

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The numbers are in, and they confirm what locals and industry insiders have been feeling for weeks: high season in Los Cabos has officially arrived, and it’s shaping up to be a record-breaker.

According to new reports from local tourism officials, the destination is already seeing a surge in activity that signals a robust winter ahead. Occupancy rates for the last two months of the year are projected to hit 75% and 76% respectively, figures that rival the impressive numbers seen in 2024. In fact, throughout the second half of this year, Los Cabos has consistently outpaced its previous records by one or two percentage points.

This puts Baja California Sur in an elite category, maintaining occupancy rates significantly higher than the national average of 63%.

But while these statistics are great news for the local economy, they carry a hidden warning for travelers planning a winter getaway. That “75%” figure is an average that includes every hotel room in the municipality. For the most popular, high-demand resorts, the reality is much tighter.

Here at The Cabo Sun, we’re breaking down what these numbers really mean for your vacation and the essential steps you need to take right now to ensure your trip is flawless.

The “Sold Out” Reality: What 75% Really Means

When tourism officials report 75% occupancy across the entire destination, it often means that the most desirable properties—the top-tier all-inclusives on swimmable beaches, the luxury boutique hotels, and the family favorites—are effectively sold out or operating at near 100% capacity.

The “average” is dragged down by budget motels and less desirable inland properties. If you are looking for a room at a place like the Grand Velas, Hyatt Ziva, or Waldorf Astoria for a prime week in January or February, you are not competing for 25% of the rooms; you are likely competing for the last one or two available suites.

This high demand creates a ripple effect across your entire vacation. It’s not just about finding a place to sleep; it’s about securing your spot in paradise.

The Traveler’s Action Plan: How to Beat the Rush

Knowing that the season is already heating up, savvy travelers need to shift from “planning mode” to “booking mode” immediately. Here is your checklist for navigating a high-occupancy winter in Cabo.

1. Secure Your Dining Reservations NOW 🍽️ With hotels at capacity, the demand for tables at Cabo’s top restaurants will be intense.

• The Strategy: Do not wait until you arrive. If you dream of a sunset dinner at Sunset Monalisa, a farm-to-table experience at Flora Farms, or a table at Nobu, you need to book those reservations today. For travel in January through April, booking 2-3 months in advance is now the standard for prime seating times.
  
  For All Inclusives
  
  Download The App: Most major resorts (Royalton, Riu, Hyatt) now use apps for dining reservations. Download it before you leave home.
• The 7:00 AM Rule: Find out exactly when the reservation window opens on the app (usually 7:00 or 8:00 AM) and book your dinner while you are having your morning coffee.

2. Master the “Towel Game” Early 🏖️ High occupancy means busy pools. At many large resorts, the battle for the best lounge chairs begins before breakfast.

• The Strategy: If a poolside cabana or a prime spot with an umbrella is a non-negotiable part of your happiness, ask your resort about paid reservations. Many properties now allow you to rent a cabana in advance. It’s an extra cost, but it guarantees you a stress-free VIP spot without the 7:00 AM wake-up call to place your towel.

3. Pre-Book Your Airport Transport 🚐 More visitors mean more chaos at the airport. The arrival hall at SJD will be packed, and the “shark tank” of timeshare sellers will be in full frenzy mode.

• The Strategy: Don’t wing it. Pre-book a private transfer or shuttle. Having a driver waiting for you with a sign is the only way to slice through the crowds and start your vacation immediately.

4. Pack Your Patience (and Kindness) ❤️ Finally, remember that high occupancy puts pressure on the incredible staff who make Cabo such a welcoming place. Service might be a little slower at the swim-up bar; the check-in line might be a little longer. A smile, a little patience, and a generous tip go a long way in ensuring you get the best possible service during the busiest weeks of the year.

The season is here, the energy is high, and Los Cabos is ready to welcome you. By planning ahead and locking in your “must-haves” now, you can ensure your trip is part of the “extraordinary experience” officials are promising for this record-breaking winter.