Los Cabos Bracing For Packed High Season: What Travelers Need To Know

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We’ve been out and about in the Tourist Corridor this week, and the energy is unmistakable—Los Cabos is gearing up for a busy (and very fun) high season.

Local hotel leaders are projecting an average 75% occupancy in November and December, with Thanksgiving and New Year’s pushing past 90% at many resorts. Translation: if Cabo is on your radar, make your moves now.

Why it’s booking up (and what that means for you)

Los Cabos bounced out of the slowest month of the year (September) and is now tracking ahead of last year, especially across the big holiday weeks.

That demand equals fewer deals and less wiggle room on room categories. If you’re still comparing options, our recent reminder to book sooner rather than later was spot on—and it’s even truer today. Pair that with our look at average rates hovering around $500 per night in peak weeks and you’ve got the big picture: popular suites and best-value rooms are the first to disappear.

Weather + safety: realistic expectations

Good news: the eastern Pacific hurricane season ends November 30. Late-season systems can still kick up surf or briefly close beaches, but wholesale resort shutdowns are rare this time of year.

We’ve broken down what that actually looks like on the ground, plus the new hotel–U.S. officials coordination that speeds up alerts and keeps visitors informed. Read our explainer on why you can keep those November/December plans and what to watch for during occasional storm pulses.

On the broader safety front, local experts have reaffirmed what we continuously see on the ground: Los Cabos remains a safe, well-managed beach destination for the overwhelming majority of travelers.

For a reality check rooted in current data and policy updates, start there, along with our deeper dive on advisories and on-the-ground reality.

What will feel different this season

• It’s more walkable. Downtown Cabo San Lucas is rolling out the “Camina Cabo” improvements—calmer traffic, safer crossings, and prettier public spaces—just in time for high season strolls and dinner nights. Here’s what you’ll notice first and how to plan a car-free evening.
• Culture is back in a big way. The beloved San José del Cabo Art Walk is returning for its November-through-June run—perfect for a Thursday-night gallery hop and dinner under the stars. Map your evening with our quick primer.
• Transport rules are tighter. Expect the occasional paperwork checkpoint for federally permitted shuttles and transfers—nothing dramatic, just part of Mexico’s stepped-up verification.

Smart planning moves (so you feel like a pro)

1. Lock in dinner and spa slots now. Popular restaurants in the Marina and San José historic center book up days in advance in late November and the last week of December. A quick OpenTable run (or concierge email) saves your top picks. For more seasonal intel, skim our November must-knows before you go.
2. Read the beach flags like a local. After any stormy stretch, lifeguards may fly red or black flags for surf/quality; when they flip back to yellow/green, head for swimmable Sea of Cortez bays (Chileno, Santa María, Palmilla). If beaches temporarily pause, lean into resort pools—no 6 a.m. “towel game” needed at higher-end properties with staffed lounger service. More on recent storm protocols and the pool-chair reality at top resorts.
3. Budget for peak-week pricing. Holiday weeks are premium-priced; consider adding a shoulder-night on either side for value, or split the stay between Cabo San Lucas (buzz) and San José del Cabo (style + savings). Our record-breaking year outlook explains which areas are trending priciest—and where value pockets remain.
4. Pre-book airport transfers. With occupancy high, last-minute ride apps can surge. A licensed, pre-arranged shuttle makes arrivals smoother—and you’ll breeze past checkpoints with the correct permit paperwork.

The bottom line

High season is here, and Los Cabos will be lively. Expect strong occupancy (75%+ on average) with holiday spikes, mostly sunny, stable weather after November 30, and a downtown that’s increasingly pleasant to explore on foot. Book the essentials now, watch the beach flags, and give yourself time to wander—this is shaping up to be one of the destination’s most enjoyable seasons in years.