Step 1: What Month Are You Visiting?
🗓️ The Ultimate Month-by-Month Guide to Planning Your Cabo Trip
Your vacation can be dramatically affected by the month you visit. We’ll guide you through the 5 “must-know” facts for any time of year.
Select your travel month below for the insider facts on weather, crowds, whales, and prices.
Your Insider’s Guide to November
Here are the 5 must-know facts for a trip in November.
Expect sunny, mild days around 78°F. Nights can be cool (around 60°F), so bring a light jacket. It is perfect for golf and exploring, but maybe a bit cool for some to swim.
This is prime time for whales. Humpbacks and gray whales are here in large numbers. You have a very high chance of seeing them on a tour.
This is peak snowbird season. Expect busy pools and a lively atmosphere. Pro-Tip: Make dinner reservations for popular spots well in advance.
Unheated pools will be too cold for most people. Pro-Tip: Ensure your resort has a heated pool if swimming is a priority.
This is one of the most expensive months. Deals are rare. Book flights and hotels at least 3-6 months out for the best rates.
Similar to Jan, expect highs around 80°F and cool evenings. It is dry desert heat, so it feels very comfortable.
Still peak season! You will see plenty of whale activity. It is also a great time for a sunset cruise to the Arch.
President’s Day weekend is “Ultra-Peak.” The vibe is energetic. Pro-Tip: If you want a quiet romantic dinner, book it before you fly.
The ocean is at its coldest. Stick to heated resort pools or hot tubs for swimming.
Peak winter rates apply. Expect to pay a premium for flights and 5-star resorts.
Temps start to climb into the mid-80s. It is perfect beach weather without being too hot.
You might start seeing baby whales! The season starts to wind down by the end of the month, so go early in March if this is a priority.
This is Spring Break month. Cabo San Lucas will be packed and partying. Pro-Tip: For quiet, stay in San Jose del Cabo or the Corridor.
Because of the crowds, you must wake up early to reserve a pool chair at most large resorts.
Demand is massive. Expect very high prices. Book your airport transfers and activities well in advance to avoid sell-outs.
April is beautiful. Highs around 85°F, dry air, and lots of sun. It is widely considered one of the best weather months.
The official season usually ends around April 15th. Sightings become rare as the month goes on.
Semana Santa (Easter) is huge for national tourism. After that week, crowds drop off significantly.
Late April offers perfect weather and lower crowds. Pro-Tip: This is a smart time to book for value.
Once the Easter holiday is over, prices drop. You can find great deals on luxury resorts as the high season winds down.
Highs reach the upper 80s. It feels warmer but isn’t “summer hot” yet. A great month for water activities.
Summer swells start to hit the Pacific side. Great for surfers! For swimming, stick to the protected bays like Chileno or Santa Maria.
This is a quiet “shoulder season” month. You will have plenty of space at the pool and on the beach.
One of the best value months. Luxury resorts often have “stay 4, pay 3” type deals.
Sportfishing starts to get really good as the water warms up. Look for striped marlin and roosterfish.
Summer heat arrives (90°F+). It is a dry heat, but midday sun is intense. Plan activities for early morning.
The ocean warms up nicely. It is great for snorkeling and diving at Cabo Pulmo.
Still very quiet before the summer family rush. A relaxing time to visit if you handle heat well.
Official start of the season. Risk is low, but storms can form. Pro-Tip: Always have travel insurance just in case.
Pacific side breaks like Zippers and The Rock are consistent. Good time for experienced surfers.
Highs in the mid-90s. It is definitely hot. You will want to be in the pool or ocean most of the day.
Blue and Black Marlin start to show up. A great month for big game fishing enthusiasts.
Families travel during school break, so family-friendly resorts will be busier. Adults-only spots stay quieter.
Sea turtle nesting season begins! Some resorts may start offering hatchling release activities late in the month.
Prices are lower than winter, but higher than Sept/Oct. Good value for families.
This is usually the hottest month. Highs mid-to-upper 90s. Humidity rises, making it feel stickier than usual for Cabo.
Visibility at Cabo Pulmo is fantastic. The water is warm (80s). Great for underwater activities.
Crowds thin out towards the end of the month as schools restart. A very quiet time to visit.
We enter the more active part of storm season. Keep an eye on the forecast. Pro-Tip: Travel insurance is a must.
Turtle releases are more frequent. A magical experience for kids and nature lovers.
September is statistically the wettest month and has the highest hurricane risk. It is still hot, but rain is more likely.
Because of the storm risk, this is the cheapest month. You can stay at ultra-luxury resorts for a fraction of the winter price.
The emptiest you will ever see Cabo. Restaurants have no wait times. You will have the pool to yourself.
Sept 16 is Mexican Independence Day. Expect parties, fireworks, and traditional food if you are in town.
Some restaurants or tour operators may close for maintenance during this slow month. Check ahead.
The world-famous Bisbee’s Black & Blue fishing tournament happens in late October. The marina gets CRAZY busy and energetic.
The humidity breaks, temps drop to the high 80s. It is the start of the “perfect” season again.
Tourism starts to rebound. It is not peak yet, but the “ghost town” vibe is gone. A great lively month.
Prices start to creep up, especially during the fishing tournament week. Book early if visiting then.
October often has the clearest water of the year. Perfect for snorkeling at Chileno Bay.
Just like Cancun, this is a sweet spot. Perfect temps (80s), low humidity, no rain. It is flawless.
Whale sharks return to the La Paz area (a day trip from Cabo) starting late in the month.
Early Nov is quiet. Thanksgiving week kicks off the official High Season with big crowds.
The Los Cabos International Film Festival usually happens in November, bringing celebs and events to town.
Deals early in the month; premium pricing for Thanksgiving week.
Humpback and Gray whales start arriving mid-month! The official watching season begins (usually Dec 15).
Highs around 80°F. Nights are cool. It is perfect escapism from the frozen north.
Christmas to New Year’s is the busiest week of the year. Cabo is fully booked and buzzing with energy.
Expect the highest rates of the year. Pro-Tip: If you haven’t booked holiday travel 6 months out, you are likely too late for deals.
Do not expect to walk into popular restaurants. Book everything (dinner, spa, golf) well in advance.
Step 2: Vital Information Arriving At The Los Cabos Airport
✈️ The SJD Airport Insider’s Guide
Arriving at Los Cabos (SJD) can be overwhelming. Here is the 4-step plan to navigate the “Shark Tank” and start your vacation stress-free.
🛂 Step 1: Immigration (E-Gates)
You’re off the plane. Head to immigration. SJD now has automated e-Gates for U.S., Canadian, and UK passports. Scan your passport, get your receipt, and walk through. Tip: Keep the receipt safe!
🧳 Step 2: Baggage & Customs
Collect your bags. Then, you’ll pass your luggage through an X-ray machine at customs. Note: It is usually a “green light/red light” system. Green means go; red means a quick bag search.
🦈 Step 3: The “Shark Tank” (Crucial!)
After customs, you’ll walk through a hall full of people in official-looking uniforms offering “rides” or “info.” This is the Shark Tank. They are timeshare sellers. DO NOT STOP. Say “No, gracias” and keep walking until you are completely outside.
⛱️ Step 4: The Umbrellas
You are now outside. Look for the numbered umbrellas/awnings. Your pre-booked driver will be waiting there with a sign. Do not look for them inside the terminal. Go to your assigned umbrella number and start your vacation!
Step 3: Understand The Most Recent Safety Risks
🛡️Check Cabo Travel Advisory
Headlines can be scary. Here is the real, on-the-ground guide to staying safe in Los Cabos, based on official advisories and common sense.
🌎 Step 1: Understanding “Level 2”
Baja California Sur has a “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution” advisory. This is the exact same level given to safe European destinations like France, Italy, and the UK. There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in the tourist areas.
🏨 Step 2: Safety On Your Resort
Cabo’s resorts are incredibly secure. Most are gated with 24/7 security and controlled access. The main tourist corridor is heavily patrolled. Inside your resort, your biggest worry is usually just the strength of the sun.
🌊 Step 3: Ocean Safety (The Real Risk)
The biggest danger in Cabo isn’t crime—it’s the ocean. Strong currents make many beaches unswimmable. Only swim at Blue Flag beaches with lifeguards like Chileno, Santa Maria, or Medano. Never ignore red or black flags.
🚕 Step 4: Safe Transport
Stick to Uber, official radio taxis, or pre-booked private shuttles. Do not hail random cars on the street. At night, always take a ride door-to-door, even for short distances in downtown Cabo San Lucas.
Step 4: Be Aware of New Scams
🚨 The 2026 Cabo Scam Alert Center
Most visits to Los Cabos are trouble-free, but traps exist. Learn to spot them before they happen with this 5-step safety guide.
🎁 Step 1: The “Free Offer” Trap
The #1 rule in Cabo: nothing is ever truly “free.” If an offer sounds too good to be true, it is a sales pitch. Tap the examples below to see the real catch.
The Catch: This is the “Shark Tank” inside SJD Airport. That free ride goes to a timeshare sales center, not your hotel. Keep walking outside.
The Catch: Vendors at the marina offer free or $5 tours. You will likely end up on a crowded, unsafe boat or forced into a timeshare presentation to get the ticket.
The Catch: A classic tourist trap in downtown Cabo San Lucas. You will be pressured to buy low-quality tequila in fancy bottles at a 300 percent markup.
The Catch: Often offered in hotel lobbies. This is a 4-hour high-pressure timeshare presentation that will eat up your best vacation morning.
The Catch: A friendly stranger offers to help you avoid fees. They are actually trying to scan your card or see your PIN. Never accept help at an ATM.
🚕 Step 2: The Taxi Price Shock
Cabo taxis are famous for being some of the most expensive in the world. There are no meters. A short ride can cost $20 USD or more.
Pro-Tip: Always agree on the price before you get in. Better yet, use Uber (which works well in Cabo) for a tracked, lower price.
🧾 Step 3: The “Double Tip” Bill
In busy restaurants and beach clubs, check your bill carefully. The waiter may have already added a 15-20 percent “service charge” (propina).
Pro-Tip: If you see “servicio” on the bill, the tip is included. You do not need to add another 20 percent unless you want to.
⛽ Step 4: The Gas Station Scam
If you rent a car to visit Todos Santos or La Paz, watch the pump. Attendants may not reset the pump to $0.00 before filling your tank, charging you for the previous person’s gas too.
Pro-Tip: Get out of the car, watch them zero the pump, and pay in cash (pesos) if possible to avoid card skimming.
💳 Step 5: The ATM Skimmer
Criminals place fake card readers on standalone ATMs in tourist areas to steal your data.
Pro-Tip: Avoid random ATMs on the street or in souvenir shops. Only use ATMs inside a real bank branch (like BBVA, Santander, or HSBC) where security is higher.
Step 5: Who Do I Tip?
💵 The Savvy Traveler’s Tipping Guide
Feeling awkward about tipping? This 6-step guide will make you a pro, explaining who, when, and how much to tip at your Cabo all-inclusive.
🪙 Step 1: The Golden Rule (Pesos vs. USD)
You can tip in US dollars, but Mexican Pesos are always preferred. When you tip in USD, staff have to take their own time and pay fees to exchange it. Tipping in pesos is a respectful gesture that ensures they get the full amount you intended.
🍽️ Step 2: Tipping for Meals
For good service at an off-resort restaurant, 10-15% is the standard. For exceptional service, 20% is a wonderful gesture.
Pro-Tip: Always check your bill, especially in tourist zones. Some restaurants automatically add a “propina” or “servicio” (tip) to the total.
🍸 Step 3: Tipping at the All-Inclusive Bar
Yes, you should tip! For a single drink, $1-2 USD (20-40 pesos) is a great gesture that will ensure you get noticed next time.
The “Pro-Level” Hack: If you plan to sit by the pool all day, find a great server and tip them $20 USD (400 pesos) upfront for a full day of VIP service. You’ll never have an empty glass.
🧹 Step 4: Tipping Hotel Housekeeping
This is the most forgotten tip. The standard is $3-5 USD (60-100 pesos) per day.
Pro-Tip: Leave the tip on your pillow each morning rather than as a lump sum at the end. Your housekeeping staff can change daily, and this ensures the person who actually cleaned your room gets the tip.
🧳 Step 5: Tipping Bellhops & Porters
For the staff who assist with your luggage, a tip of $2-5 USD (50-100 pesos) per bag is appropriate when they bring your bags to your room. This also applies to airport porters who help you with your cart.
🚐 Step 6: Tipping for Excursions
For a memorable excursion, tipping your guide and driver is a standard practice. A good guideline is 15-20% of the total tour cost, split between them.
Shuttle Drivers: For a pre-booked private airport shuttle, a tip of $5-10 USD (100-200 pesos) per group is a common and appreciated gesture.
Step 6: Where Should I Stay?
📍 Where Should You Stay In Los Cabos?
The “vibe” of your vacation completely depends on the location. Start here to find your perfect zone.
Tap a zone below for an insider’s look at its unique vibe, pros, and cons.
🎉 Cabo San Lucas
🎨 San Jose del Cabo
⛳ The Tourist Corridor
🌅 Pacific Coast
💎 East Cape
🌵 Todos Santos
Step 7: What Hotel Should I Stay At?
✨Los Cabos
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