Cabo in December – Weather, things to do, and travel tips

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Cabo in December is a fun destination with Christmas-themed parties, fun events, and perfect weather for outdoor activities. If you are ready to swap snow and sub-zero temperatures for sun-drenched beaches of Baja California, this guide is for you.

The rainy season in Cabo is over by December, and the temperatures are not too hot and not too cold to be outside. In this article, I will tell you about how to plan your trip to Cabo during this month and offer advice on the best activities and mistakes to avoid in this popular beach town.

Christmas in Cabo San Lucas 

Cabo is a great place for your Christmas vacation. Cabo in December offers a perfect escape from the cold weather and enjoy outdoor activities such as kayaking 🚣🏻‍♀️ hiking 🥾 whale watching 🐋 and surfing 🏄🏽‍♀️ The city lights up with Christmas celebrations and New Year’s Eve parties at beach clubs, and resorts. Many restaurants also put on Christmas-themed events, and San Jose Del Cabo, the sister city of Cabo San Lucas, is known for its street performances and colorful markets 🪅

✅ La Paz or Cabo San Lucas? Check which beach town is better for your vacation.

Weather in Cabo San Lucas in December

December is a good time to visit Cabo, as it has plenty of sunshine, minimal rainfall, and perfect weather for spending time outside. Daytime temperatures range between the high 70’s and mid-70s degrees Fahrenheit (24-26 degrees Celsius), while nighttime temperatures can drop to the low 60’s. 

✅ Fun fact: Did you know that December 21 is the shortest day in Cabo San Lucas, also known as the winter solstice, with only 11,5 hours of daylight? 

Water temperature in Cabo in December 🌊

The average water temperature in Cabo during December is around 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius). While it’s slightly colder than in October in November, it’s still warm enough for swimming. Water temperatures in Cabo drop continuously throughout winter until late spring, so if you want to visit the area during this season, consider bringing a wetsuit for snorkeling and diving. 

How much does it rain in Cabo in December?

Although Cabo hardly sees any rain in December, there’s a 2 percent chance of rain per day on average, which translates into a very light short rain. On the contrary, the rainiest month in Cabo is August, when the chance of precipitation is about 18 percent per day. 

Things to do in Cabo in December

1. Spot humpback whales off Cabo’s coast 🐋

December is the beginning of the whale-watching season in Cabo 👀

Every winter, hundreds of humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of Baja California from Alaska to give birth to their young calves. Seeing these magnificent animals in their natural habitat is a one-of-a-kind experience, and you can do it with a guided whale-watching tour in Cabo San Lucas. 

The exact start date fluctuates every year, so if you want a sure way to see whales, check with your tour operator ahead of your trip. One time, I visited Ensenada in late December and the whale-watching season started around Christmas. 

✅ Read: Cabo in February

While the exact dates change from year to year, you usually have a better shot in late December, when the chance of spotting whales is higher and the majority of tour companies in Cabo already started offering whale watching tours 🐋

➡️ To check the availability of whale-watching tours, go to Viator, my preferred platform for booking guided tours in Cabo and other destinations in Mexico. 

Best whale watching tours in Cabo San Lucas

2. Go for a hike 🥾

While the waters might feel a bit cold to swim, hiking is the best way to enjoy sunny Cabo weather ☀️

The good news is that you don’t need to be an advanced hiker, because the area has plenty of easy-to-moderate trails, from Mt. Solmar, that you can do with a local guide to more challenging backcountry trails in the Sierra de la Laguna mountains outside of Todos Santos that require a rental car 🚗 because of their remote location. 

One of my favorite hikes near Cabo is Punta Lobos, a scenic trail just outside of Todos Santos that offers magnificent views of the Baja’s Pacific coastline. December offers a good chance to spot whales splashing off the coast of Baja California Sur, as it’s the beginning of a whale watching season. Punta Lobos is a perfect place for whale spotting because of its setting above the coastline.

You can also join a guided hiking tour to Fox Canyon, a scenic area about one hour from Cabo San Lucas, home to a stunning desert hike that culminates with a waterfall plunging into a stunning emerald pool perfect for a refreshing swim.

👉 Regardless of what hike you choose, don’t forget your water bottle, because you can get dehydrated very quickly when hiking in Cabo. 

Best hiking tours in Cabo San Lucas

3. Join Cabo Christmas parties 🎄

Cabo is a popular destination with American travelers, and throughout December, many resorts and restaurants host Christmas-themed parties and events for their guests. Since Cabo is a popular destination, some events could have a limited availability, so always check the details such as available space and dress code before making plans.

4. Cruise along Cabo’s coast on sailboat ⛵️

Sailing is one of the most popular activities in Cabo, and you can enjoy it by booking a sunset sailing cruise to see the sky put on a stunning display of colors 🌅

Boat tours are available throughout the day, and range from private boat tours to sunset dinner cruises and private sailing cruises that include snorkeling, snacks, and drinks and can be tailored to your interests.

If you want to enjoy the best of Cabo, I recommend this awesome boat tour with snorkeling and food 🍱 Traveling with a group? Book a private boat tour to customize your itinerary and split the price with your friends and family.

Best boat tours in Cabo San Lucas

5. Sample Baja’s signature tacos 🌮

Regardless of the timing of your trip, you can’t leave without trying signature Baja fish tacos. The best way to find the best tacos in Cabo is by touring local taquerias and neighborhood food stands throughout the Los Cabos area.

But what if you are new to Baja’s street food?

Join a guided food tour with Juan More Taco, one of the best food tour companies in Cabo, that will show you the best eateries in town where you can try delicious Mexican food at reasonable prices and avoid tourist traps. 

Best food tours in Cabo San Lucas

😋 Check: Best guided food tours in Cabo San Lucas

6. Explore Cabo Pulmo National Park 🐠

Cabo Pulmo is one of the most beautiful national parks in Mexico about 2 hours from Cabo San Lucas by car 🚗 While the distance from Cabo San Lucas to Cabo Pulmo is only 132 km (82 miles), the drive can take over 2 hours, because of the rough bumpy road that leads to the park. 

Cabo Pulmo is free from mega-resorts, due to its protected status, although development is slowly coming with several hotels popping up in the area. Still, Cabo Pulmo feels like a totally different world thanks to unspoiled beaches and rugged coastline, with adorable burros roaming around.

If you decide to visit Cabo Pulmo without a guided tour 🗺️ you will need to rent a 4×4 vehicle 🚗 because a regular car will NOT handle bumpy roads leading to this national park.

Check DiscoverCars, my preferred website for renting cars in Mexico and other destinations. They have good inventory, budget-friendly rates and a flexible cancellation policy. All you need to do is to give them your travel dates, specify the type of a car you are looking for and the search engine will show all available options.

Don’t feel like dealing with logistics? Join this popular tour of Cabo Pulmo which includes a snorkeling session at one of the best beaches in the area and an authentic Mexican lunch. 

Best guided tours of Cabo Pulmo National Park

7. Ride an ATV along Baja’s coast 🌵

Many scenic areas near Cabo can’t be accessed by foot or car due to their remote location and rough roads, but you can explore them by an ATV – a perfect way to venture into southern Baja’s backcountry. While you can’t rent an ATV in Cabo on your own, you can join a guided ATV to Migrino Beach tour that that offers a fun opportunity to ride an off-road vehicle in scenic area.

Best ATV tours in Cabo San Lucas

8. Spot turtles on a snorkeling tour 🤿

Although water temperatures in Cabo in December are a bit chilly, you can still enjoy a fun snorkeling tour with one of the local tour operators.

Bring a wetsuit and snorkeling gear, if you want to enjoy a snorkeling session session at Playa Santa Maria or Playa Chileno – the best snorkeling beaches in Cabo that have calm and clear waters perfect for spotting marine wildlife.

If you want a more immersive experience that will allow you to see a better variety of fish and other aquatic creatures away from the coastline, book a guided snorkeling tour 👀Cabo offers a variety of snorkeling excursions, from private snorkeling tours that you can customize upon request to group snorkeling tours that are perfect for budget-minded travelers. 

Best snorkeling tours in Cabo San Lucas

9. Learn the secrets of Mexican cooking 😋

While exploring Mexican food on your own is fun, learning the secrets of Mexican cooking will allow you to replicate your favorite dishes at home. The best way to get your bearings on the Mexican cuisine is by joining a cooking class where you can learn the secrets of Mexican cuisine from an experienced chef who will guide you through the cooking process. 

✅ Check: Best cooking tours in Cabo

Book a cooking class with a chef in Cabo, who will take you to one of the local markets and teach you how to prepare flavorful Mexican dishes step by step. 

Best cooking classes in Cabo San Lucas

10. Soar above the desert on a zip-line 🤩

Zip-lining is one of the most fun activities in Cabo, and December is a perfect time to enjoy thanks to balmy weather with plenty of sunshine and little cloud coverage. There are several desert canyons around Cabo where you can zip line, and you can do it by booking an all-inclusive ticket that gives you access to many activities or joining a guided tour. 

Best zip line tours in Cabo San Lucas

✅ Traveling on a budget? Learn about the best free things to do in Cabo San Lucas

What to wear in Cabo in December?

Cabo has warm, sunny days and slightly chilly nights in December, so pack some light clothing like shorts, dresses, jackets and layers to stay warm during your night outings and guided tours. Daytime temperatures in Cabo range from low to high 70’s, so you could wear t-shirts, sleeveless tops, and dresses, while nighttime temperatures can drop to high 60’s, which means you will need warmer clothing like a jacket, pants, and closed-toe shoes. 

🧳 Need more help? Check my complete packing list for Cabo San Lucas

Here’s what pack for your trip to Cabo San Lucas:

• Maxi dress – Pack a light maxi dress for restaurants, and beach clubs walking around Cabo. 
• Shorts – Shorts are a staple that you will need in Cabo regardless of the time of the year. I recommend bringing denim shorts for everyday wear, hiking shorts, beach shorts, and sports shorts that you can wear to the gym. 
• Fancy outfit – If you want to spend Cabo at Christmas, you will need a fancy outfit and a pair of shoes that you can wear to a Christmas party. Many restaurants and nightclubs in Cabo have a dress code, so you should check these requirements if you want to go out for a Christmas party. 
• T-shirt – Pack a few t-shirts that you can combine with shorts, pants, and other bottoms.  
• Sandals – Sandals are the best type of footwear in Cabo because you can wear them in many places and combine them with various outfits. 
• Swimsuits  Bring a couple of swimsuits for beach days and pool time.
• Layers – Pack a couple of layers for early mornings, if you plan to hike or spend time outside. It can be a bit chilly and sometimes windy, especially at higher elevations that are more exposed. 
• Light jacket – a light jacket will come in handy if you are going on a boat tour or zip lining over the desert.
• Sunscreen – Always bring sunscreen on your trip to Cabo, because the sun here is extremely strong and it’s easy to get a sunburn even on a cloudy day, because of the strong UV radiation. 
• A hat – Pack a wide-brimmed hat that will protect you from the rash sun by casting a shadow over your face, and a hiking hat if you want to explore outdoors. 
• Snorkeling gear – Some tours provide gear, but if you prefer to snorkel your own, don’t forget to bring it.

Tips for visiting Cabo in December 

1. Book your accommodations early 

December is the beginning of the busy winter season in Cabo, and you should book your hotels and flights early to avoid high prices. You can use Booking to look for hotels and resorts in Cabo. Likewise, it’s best to book your flights ahead of time, as last-minute airfare can be pretty expensive. You can find good deals on flights to Cabo through this website. 

2. Pack layers 

In December, Cabo has sunny, pleasant weather during the day, but at night, temperatures can drop down to the teens, which means you will need some layers including pants, long-sleeve shirts, and light jacket to keep you warm during outdoor tours and nighttime outings.

3. Prepare for bigger crowds

December is the first busy month after the shoulder season in October and November, so be ready for higher crowds at restaurants, popular beaches, and landmarks. If you want to dine at a specific restaurant, check if it requires a reservation, as tables can fill up fast, especially on Christmas Day. 

4. Enjoy outdoors

December is a perfect time to spend time outside. Daytime temperatures are mild enough to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, off roading, and sailing. If you are not opposed to slightly chilly water temperatures, you can also enjoy snorkeling and diving, some of the most popular activities in Cabo, that you can book a guided snorkeling tour.

5. Wear sunscreen 

Cabo has a strong sun year-round, and you should always wear sunscreen, even if you visit this city in winter. Whenever you head outside, always put on reef-safe sunscreen that can protect your skin on the ground and in the water, without harming the marine wildlife. Many regular sunscreens contain chemicals that can bleach coral reefs and harm wildlife, that’s why I always recommend reef-safe sunscreen. 

6. Get a travel insurance

Whether you are traveling to Cabo for Christmas or a quick weekend trip, it’s a good idea to get travel insurance that will protect you in the event of canceled flights, hospital visits, and other unforeseen circumstances. I recommend SafetyWing insurance. They have different plans and extensive coverage that will protect you if you miss your flights or have your luggage lost or stolen, among other potential incidents. 

7. Rent a car 

I suggest taking at least a day trip from Cabo San Lucas to get outside the tourist bubble and get a more authentic taste of Baja. Public transportation in Cabo can be limited outside of major areas like Todos Santos, La Paz, and San Jose Del Cabo, and you will need to rent a car 🚗 if you want to visit less explored areas. 

8. Drink plenty of water 

Cabo has a dry, arid climate, and it’s easy to get dehydrated if you are not used to it. Always carry a water bottle when out and about, but remember that water in Cabo is not safe to drink. Buy bottled water or refill your water bottle at your hotel, if it has purified drinking water. 

Where to stay in Cabo San Lucas

Cabo is a beautiful place during any time of the year, and December offers perfect weather for spending time by the pool and enjoying the outdoors. If you want to spend a few days in Cabo and enjoy amazing amenities and services, book your stay at one of the following resorts:

•  Grand Velas Los Cabos Luxury – One of the best all-inclusive resorts in Los Cabos along the private beach, Grand Velas is an exceptional property with top-notch food, gorgeous designs, and friendly and welcoming service. Guests also leave great reviews of its spa and fitness center. 
• Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal – A secluded resort with stunning views of the Pacific, Waldorf Astoria has a private plunge pool, luxury spa, and fine dining.
• The Cape, A Thompson Hotel, by Hyatt – A trendy hotel that attracts a younger crowd, Thompson boasts spectacular views of El Arco and one of the best rooftop restaurants that services delicious food and drinks in a gorgeous setting and often has live music. Book one of their oceanfront rooms to enjoy the best of Cabo on your getaway. 

Cabo in December: FAQs 

Is December a good time to go to Cabo?

Yes, December is a great time to go to Cabo when you can expect clear sunny skies, minimal rain, and average highs around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. December also marks the beginning of the gray and humpback whale migration season, when you can spot these incredible animals off the coast of Baja California. December also offers perfect conditions for riding ATVs along the coast, hiking, or just lounging on the beach.

Is Cabo swimmable in December?

Yes, Cabo is swimmable in December with an average temperature of around 75°F (24°C), which makes for a refreshing swim. If you are not used to swimming in cooler water, bring a wetsuit. 

Remember that not all beaches in Cabo are safe for swimming due to strong currents, steep drop-offs, and rough surf, so you should always check whether a specific beach is safe for swimming before getting in the water.

🌊 For more detailed information, check my guide to swimming in Cabo.

What is the cheapest month to go to Cabo San Lucas?

The cheapest month to go to Cabo is September. It’s the peak hurricane season when Cabo has the most precipitation and high humidity and many hotels and airlines offer steep discounts. The downside is that the rainy weather could affect your travel plans and disrupt flights, so always have an alternative plan, if you decide to visit Cabo in September.

How warm is it in Cabo in December?

Temperatures in Cabo range from mid to high 70’s in December, which is ideal for spending time outside and enjoying the beach. 

Can you swim in Cabo in December?

Yes, you can swim in Cabo in December, but remember that only a handful of beaches in Cabo are swimmable because of strong currents and powerful waves on many of the area’s beaches. 

Cabo in December: Final word

Although Cabo tends to be slightly more expensive in December because of the high season, it offers nice breezy temperatures, perfect for spending time outside and escaping cold weather up north. Cabo is also an excellent destination to celebrate Christmas if you want to walk on sunny beaches and savor freshly prepared food at local restaurants that serve a combination of international dishes and traditional Mexican plates.