Mexico, North America

Los Cabos in October

Hurricane risk lingers early in the month but falls away. The big marlin tournaments bring an anglers' crowd; water is still in the mid 80sF (29C).

Quiet valueHot, highs near 91F (33C), storm risk tapering

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

The straight answer

October is a quiet, good-value month to visit Los Cabos. Hurricane risk lingers early in the month but falls away. The big marlin tournaments bring an anglers' crowd; water is still in the mid 80sF (29C).

Weather: Hot, highs near 91F (33C), storm risk tapering
Crowds: 2 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What October is like in Los Cabos

October is still hot, with highs near 91F (33C), but the storm risk tapers off as the month goes on. The water stays warm, in the mid 80sF (29C). Anglers arrive for the big marlin tournaments, including Bisbee's Black and Blue, and restaurants that closed in September reopen. Late in the month, altars go up for Dia de Muertos.

October suits anglers, divers and travelers who want warm water with falling storm risk. Late October is the better half. If you want drier, milder weather, wait a few weeks for November. Families with young kids will find November easier too.

Make the most of October

What is especially good about Los Cabos this month.

Bisbee's Black and Blue Tournament

One of the richest marlin tournaments in the world takes over the Cabo San Lucas marina for a week, with weigh-ins that are fun to watch.

Peak billfish season

Fall is the best time for marlin fishing. Charters book up early in October, so reserve ahead.

Dia de Muertos begins

Late in the month, altars and decorations start to appear in San Jose del Cabo and Todos Santos.

Warm, clear water

The ocean is still in the mid 80sF (29C), which makes for excellent diving at Cabo Pulmo.

What to pack for October

A light rain jacket for early-month storms
Seasickness tablets if you are fishing
Breathable long sleeves for sun on the boat
Reef-safe sunscreen

Our timing tip

Aim for the second half of October, when storm risk is lower and more restaurants have reopened.

Book Los Cabos for October.

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

What's on in October

Bisbee's Black and Blue Tournament

October, most years

One of the richest marlin tournaments in the world takes over the Cabo San Lucas marina for a week of weigh-ins and parties.

Dia de Muertos

Late October into November 2

Altars and cemetery gatherings, especially in San Jose del Cabo and Todos Santos. Smaller and more local than Oaxaca's, and worth seeking out.

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.