Mexico, North America

Los Cabos in January

Whale season in full swing and the holiday crowds gone after the first week. Ocean is cool, near 72F (22C), so bring a wetsuit for snorkeling.

BestDry and sunny, highs near 78F (26C), cool evenings near 57F (14C)

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

The straight answer

January is one of the best months of the year to visit Los Cabos. Whale season in full swing and the holiday crowds gone after the first week. Ocean is cool, near 72F (22C), so bring a wetsuit for snorkeling.

Weather: Dry and sunny, highs near 78F (26C), cool evenings near 57F (14C)
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 4 of 5

What January is like in Los Cabos

January is Los Cabos at its most comfortable. Days are dry and sunny with highs near 78F (26C), and evenings drop to about 57F (14C), so you will want a layer at dinner. Whale season is in full swing, and once the New Year crowd flies home after the first week, the resorts calm down. The ocean is cool, near 72F (22C), and prices stay high but not at their holiday peak.

This month suits families, couples and anyone who wants whales, sunshine and easy desert hikes without heat. It is less ideal if you want warm water for long swims or cheap rates. For warmer water, look at May or November. For the lowest prices, skip January and try May.

Make the most of January

What is especially good about Los Cabos this month.

Whales from your lounge chair

Humpbacks and gray whales are passing the cape all month. Keep an eye on the water from the Corridor beaches and you will likely see a breach or a spout.

Post-holiday calm

After the first week of January, the holiday crowds leave and boat tours, restaurants and beaches get noticeably quieter.

Cool-weather hiking

The mild temperatures make it a good month to walk the desert trails or drive into the Sierra de la Laguna foothills without cooking in the sun.

San Jose del Cabo Art Walk

The Thursday evening gallery walk is running in season. It makes an easy, relaxed night out with kids or without.

What to pack for January

A light fleece or sweater for cool desert evenings
A 3mm shorty wetsuit for snorkeling in 72F (22C) water
Binoculars for spotting whales from shore
Reef-safe sunscreen and a wide-brim hat

Our timing tip

Book the first whale-watching departure of the day for flatter water, and plan your trip after about January 6 when the holiday rates fall away.

Book Los Cabos for January.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Los Cabos
Opens a hotel search for Los Cabos in January, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for January
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 January. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in January

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.