The Weather in Los Cabos: A Timeless Vacation Destination

Ask ex-pats who’ve lived in Los Cabos for several years what they like most about
living at the tip of the Baja Peninsula, and generally you’ll get two answers: the
people and the weather.

There’s not much more to say about the warmth and genuineness of the Mexican
people, from their rich cultural traditions to their natural friendliness. From the
choyeros (Baja natives) to Mexicans who have left their native states to work in
Cabo, the residents of Los Cabos are generally quick with a smile, happy to help
newcomers, and fluent or semi-fluent in English.

Because people make the place, the weather in Cabo is the icing on the cake of
Latin America’s most dynamic destination. With its subtle seasonal changes, it’s
also a great place to live year-round.

Situated just below the Tropic of Cancer, Los Cabos is a sub-tropical desert that
enjoys a mild Mediterranean-like climate, its weather conditions similar to Palm
Springs, Calif. (and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). The average annual temperature is 78
degrees F, with over 320 days of sunshine per year. Annual rainfall is 6 to 10 inches
at sea level, 50 to 60 inches in the mountains. Mild, sunny days with little or no
rainfall prevail from November to July. The August to October period brings hotter
days, warmer nights, and occasional rain showers. Throughout the year, cool
breezes from the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean create an ideal Land’s End
paradise at the tip of the world’s second-longest peninsula.

Pin down a local or a well-seasoned ex-pat about their favorite month of the year,
and the general consensus is November. Yes, the days are shorter, but the desert
is vibrant green from the summer rains. The water at the swimmable beaches is
warm (80 degrees F) and inviting. The air is fresh, almost effervescent. The sunlight
sparkles. November, at least until Thanksgiving, is considered a shoulder season,
which means fewer crowds and potentially lower prices. There are also festivals to
attend and the anticipation of the holidays: when it comes to Christmas décor,
Mexicans go all out. The colorful lights and illuminated reindeer and inflatable
Santas are usually in place by November.

From November onward, the postcard weather is on automatic. Residents and
visitors can expect clear blue skies and sunny rainless days in the mid-70s, with calm
seas and pleasant onshore breezes; and nights in the low- to mid-60s, perfect for
sleeping with no air-conditioning required.

The summer months bring sustained heat and a higher dew point (resulting in more
humidity), but many people enjoy Los Cabos during this quieter, more laid-back
period. This is especially true along the Pacific coast leading up to Todos Santos,
which is quite a bit cooler from July through October than Cabo San Lucas and San
Jose del Cabo.

Avid sports lovers know the Cabo calendar by heart. For example, fishing is good
year-round (depending on the quarry), but October is when the big jackpot fishing
tournaments are held because that’s when the trophy marlin arrive.
While the Sea of Cortezis mostly calm from November through April, surfers keenly
anticipate the “summer swell,” when consistently large waves roll to shore from
May through October at select locations in the Tourist Corridor, on the East Cape
and along the Pacific coast.

Golf is a 12-month sport in Los Cabos. The key to enjoyment during the summer
months is to secure an early tee time, wear a wide-brimmed hat, stay hydrated,
and slather on SPF-30 sun protection along with a pair of polarized sunglasses.