The 3 Most Overbooked Weeks In Los Cabos This Winter—And Smarter Alternatives

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If you’ve been watching flight alerts and hotel rates lately, you already feel it: this winter is going to be huge for Cabo.

We at The Cabo Sun are seeing record demand line up with whale season, holiday calendars, and packed events—great for the vibe, not so great for your wallet (or patience).

Here’s a clear guide to the three most overbooked weeks you’ll want to avoid—and the smarter alternatives that still deliver peak-Cabo magic.

The 3 crunch weeks to avoid

1) Christmas to New Year’s (approx. Dec 22, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026)

Year after year this is Cabo’s undisputed peak. Local hoteliers routinely report holiday surges approaching 90% occupancy, with rates jumping accordingly. Expect fully booked resorts, busier marinas, and set-menu pricing at popular restaurants.

2) President’s Day week (approx. Feb 15 – 22, 2026)

A concentrated U.S. holiday + the heart of whale season = serious compression. Airfare spikes, premium room categories disappear, and top excursions sell out. If whales are your priority, you’re in the sweet spot—but so is everyone else. For timing context, whale tours officially run Dec 15–mid-April with peak viewing Jan–March.

3) Peak Spring Break (roughly the 2nd & 3rd weeks of March)

March consistently posts some of the highest occupancies of the year, historically crossing 80%+ with restaurants even hitting 100% on key weekends. The energy is fun, but quiet pockets are rare, and last-minute deals are rarer.

Add in this season’s pricing trend—average rates hovering around $500 a night for high season—and you’ve got plenty of reasons to plan around the crush.

Smarter timing plays (same Cabo, less stress)

The “golden window” before Christmas (Dec 1–15)

Weather is dreamy, the official whale-watching start (Dec 15) is within reach, and crowds haven’t peaked yet. If you can arrive before schools let out, you’ll feel the difference on beaches and in your budget. See our fresh explainer on when whales really arrive for realistic expectations in early December.

The January dip (approximately Jan 5–31)

After the holiday exodus, rates and crowds soften while whales put on a show all month. Pack a light layer for cool evenings—January averages around 79°F daytime, 61°F nights—and book sunrise tours for calmer seas and fewer boats.

Spring shoulder (late April into May)

If whales aren’t a must, April/May is glorious: thinner crowds, easier dining reservations, and smoother boat days. It’s one of our favorite “exhale” windows.

For trip-planning lead time, don’t fall for the one-size-fits-all “90-day rule.” We broke down how to time holiday flight bookings for Cabo here.

Where to stay to sidestep the crowds

San José del Cabo (historic & sophisticated).

On winter Thursdays, downtown transforms for the beloved Art Walk (Nov–June). Base here for boutique hotels, a slower pace, and easy access to great dining. Our Art Walk guide has the dates and insider tips.

Todos Santos (bohemian & wellness-forward).

An hour up the Pacific, this Pueblo Mágico trades party vibes for galleries, yoga, and spectacular sunsets. Here’s why Todos Santos is booming and who it’s best for.

East Cape (rugged & unspoiled).

If your happy place is empty beaches, surf breaks, and starry nights, this is your move. Forbes even called the area “Mexico’s best-kept secret,” and we rounded up the highlights—from Cabo Pulmo to Sierra de la Laguna.

Crowd-beating experiences (even during peak weeks)

Even if dates are fixed, choose activities that create space:

• Go beyond the marina. Our new quiz-guide to the top 5 Los Cabos day trips matches you with adventures—from waterfall hikes to art-forward strolls in San José—that naturally avoid the densest hotspots.
• Whale smart. Tours start Dec 15; Jan–March is prime. Early departures mean fewer boats and better light. Start with our Complete Whale Watching Guide and our real-world primer on the first sightings of the season.
• Dine like a local. Book marquee spots well ahead, then mix in neighborhood taquerías away from the marina—especially now that the vendor scene around the harbor has been significantly streamlined, making strolls and sunset cruises more relaxed.

Bottom line

If your travel window is flexible, skip Dec 22–Jan 4, President’s Day week, and peak March to save hundreds and reclaim your vacation spontaneity.

Aim for early December, the post-New Year lull in January, or the spring shoulder for the best blend of weather, whales (for Dec–Jan), and value. And if you’re locked into peak dates, use the playbook above to carve out quieter corners of paradise.

P.S. Planning a November warm-up instead? We just published 5 essential tips for visiting Cabo in November—perfect weather, fewer crowds, and great events.