Planning a trip is hard. Between figuring out vacation time and deciding where to go, something meant to be stress-free can turn into an incredibly stressful issue. As someone who has traveled to Cabo San Lucas multiple times over different seasons, I’m here to give you the pros and cons of picking which season is right for you!

Peak Tourist Season
My first trip to Cabo was in mid-January. This is prime travel season, and you could tell by how full the resorts, clubs, and excursions were. During the day, it was perfect weather. The sun was out, averaging 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit. The sand wasn’t too hot, you could go walking on the beach with ease. You could dip in the water that was decently chilly, however quite nice after getting used to it.
The mornings were cool. It didn’t get too hot until around 11 AM, which was great for someone like me, who starts their mornings with a workout or with a strong cup of coffee on the patio. By noon, it was perfect vacation weather. You could lay outside from 12 PM to 4 PM and catch a perfect tan with the UV averaging around 9. By 6 PM, the weather would start dropping drastically. It went from around 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, down to 60 degrees Fahrenheit by 9 PM, when you’d need a sweatshirt or long sleeve to walk around.
Another disadvantage to going to Cabo during this season was that the sun set pretty early – around 7:15 PM. Personally, my family and I would get ready around 5 PM and then sit on the beach, watching the sunset before going to dinner. We made the most of it. I didn’t mind how cold it got during the night because it was good sitting weather. I’m the type of person who doesn’t like to be hot when they are lounging. I like to be comfortable, even if that means I have to put on another layer. The night temperature in Cabo is perfect for this type of person. I enjoyed sipping on some tropical drinks while watching a live show on the resort patio. It gave my body a break from the hot days.
The most important thing to remember is that December to April is peak tourist season in Cabo. As nice as the weather sounds, resort prices are up and tours and restaurants are pretty crowded, so you’ll probably need to make reservations in advance. However, if you’re social and love to meet new people, this is the time to go. There are people from across the world on this small peninsula and it can lead to some great friendships and memories! On the other hand, if you’re someone who cherishes privacy and intimacy, expect to pay more for things like private tours and secluded luxury hotels.
Hurricane Season
My second trip to Cabo was in mid-August and let me tell you, this six month difference does wonders. August through October is peak hurricane season, but don’t let that scare you off! It typically only consists of heavier winds and rain. The week I was there, it only rained one night and into the next day. After that, it was blue skies. Tourist companies are also aware of the weather changes and are very flexible with your tours. Our tour had rain and thunderstorms just beforehand, but we waited it out for 30 minutes and then hopped on our sailboat to enjoy the rest of the day with perfect weather.
The main disadvantage of going to Cabo during this season was the heat. The average temperature during my stay was 100 degrees F and it was unrelenting. I am a young, avid traveler in good shape, and I could barely stand walking around outside for more than 10 minutes. It’s consistently hot and humid, and tends to drop to higher 70’s at night. This is when the weather is the best, especially for outdoor dinners and activities. The heat is so strong, even the ocean feels like a heated pool when you jump in. If you’re at a resort pool, expect that thing to feel like a big hot tub. I know this may seem overwhelming, but I believe the pros outweigh the cons.
Although the weather may be hot, there were barely any tourists in the city. This meant we had hardly anyone around us on the beach, the resorts felt more personal, and we got to mingle with a lot more with the locals and actually see the city for what it was, rather than a tourist mosh pit. If you’re an early riser, don’t expect the sun to be up right away, however it was pretty much all the way out by 7-8 AM. On the bright side, wink wink, the sun stays out pretty late, and doesn’t set until about 9 PM – perfect for sitting out side on a patio, sipping some wine, and playing some cards while enjoying the view. The best thing about this season was how green everything was. Since it’s so rainy, the palm trees, shrubbery, and grass is a gorgeous, breathtaking vivid green–A color you don’t fully get during peak tourist season, and the sunsets are killer.

At the end of the day, Cabo is Cabo. It is a gorgeous vacation destination year-round. If you’re someone who likes to party, mingle, and really get the full tourist experience, then December to April is the perfect time for you. If you’re someone who doesn’t mind the heat, loves the greenery of the land, and loves a more intimate feel, then August to November is great for you. No matter what season you choose, you will have a great time seeing the famous arch, the gorgeous landscape, and the beautiful beaches that Cabo San Lucas has to offer.