Mexico, North America

Los Cabos in December

Whale season opens mid month. The first half is fair value; Christmas to New Year is the most expensive stretch of the year and books out early.

GoodDry, highs near 80F (27C), cool nights

Cabo San Lucas arch, Los Cabos — Los CabosPhoto: Serge Freeman, CC BY-SA 3.0

The straight answer

December is a good month to visit Los Cabos. Whale season opens mid month. The first half is fair value; Christmas to New Year is the most expensive stretch of the year and books out early.

Weather: Dry, highs near 80F (27C), cool nights
Crowds: 4 of 5
Prices: 5 of 5

What December is like in Los Cabos

December is dry and pleasant, with highs near 80F (27C) and cool nights. Whale season opens in the middle of the month, and the first half is fair value. From Christmas to New Year, it becomes the most expensive and most booked stretch of the year. The water cools, so snorkelers may want a thin wetsuit by the end of the month.

Early December suits couples and families who want good weather at fair prices before the holiday rush. The holiday weeks are great if you book early and accept peak rates. If you are flexible, late January to early March gives you the whales at better prices.

Make the most of December

What is especially good about Los Cabos this month.

Whale season opens

From mid December, humpbacks and gray whales start arriving. The first sightings are a highlight for kids and adults.

Early December value

The first two weeks offer winter weather at more reasonable prices than the holiday period.

Holiday week in the sun

If you book well ahead, Christmas at a Corridor resort with whale sightings from the beach is hard to beat.

What to pack for December

A sweater or light jacket for cool evenings
Binoculars for whale spotting
A thin wetsuit or rash guard for cooling water
Sun protection for bright days

Our timing tip

Book Christmas to New Year stays many months ahead, or plan for mid December just as whale season starts.

Book Los Cabos for December.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Los Cabos
Opens a hotel search for Los Cabos in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for December
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Los Cabos
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Los Cabos
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Los Cabos for December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in December

Whale season

Mid December to mid April, peaking January through March

Humpbacks and gray whales migrate past the cape. The single best reason to come in winter.

Things to do in Los Cabos

Full guide

The Arch at Land's End

Take a water taxi or glass-bottom boat from the marina past El Arco and the sea lion colony. Mornings are calmer and less crowded.

Tickets and tours →

Whale watching

Mid December to mid April. Go with a licensed operator; smaller boats and early departures give the best encounters.

Tickets and tours →

Cabo Pulmo National Park

A long day trip or overnight up the East Cape. Snorkel from shore or dive with a local operator; access is regulated to protect the reef.

Tickets and tours →

Snorkeling at Chileno and Santa Maria bays

Two of the few calm, swimmable, protected bays on the Corridor. Arrive before 10am for parking and clear water.

Tickets and tours →

San Jose del Cabo Art Walk

Thursday evenings in the gallery district, running roughly November through June. The best night out that is not in a bar.

Tickets and tours →

Todos Santos

An hour north on the Pacific side: galleries, surf beaches, and a slower pace. Pair it with lunch and a sunset drive back.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Aim for late January through early March, skipping the first week of January and the middle weeks of March when US spring break peaks.
Base in San Jose del Cabo instead of Cabo San Lucas for quieter streets, and drive in for the marina and boat trips.
Book boat trips to the Arch and whale tours for the first departure of the day, when water is flatter and the marina is not yet a traffic jam.
May and early June are the value secret: dry, warm, emptier, and before the hurricane-season discount crowd arrives in late summer.

Know before you go

September and early October: a noticeable number of restaurants and some smaller hotels close for maintenance or staff vacation. The big resorts stay open.
Hurricane season runs mid May through November, peaking August to early October. Storms can close the airport and cut power for days; always check refund terms.
Whale-watching tours only operate during the official season, roughly mid December to mid April. Outside that window, the whales are gone.
Many Pacific-side beaches are closed to swimming by red flags year-round due to rip currents. Swim only where locals and lifeguards do.

Los Cabos in December, quick answers

Is December a good time to visit Los Cabos?

December is a good month to visit Los Cabos. Whale season opens mid month. The first half is fair value; Christmas to New Year is the most expensive stretch of the year and books out early.

What is the weather like in Los Cabos in December?

Dry, highs near 80F (27C), cool nights.

Is Los Cabos crowded in December?

Los Cabos is busy in December, though mornings and late afternoons stay workable.

What is happening in Los Cabos in December?

Whale season (mid december to mid april, peaking january through march).