Los Cabos in December
Whales return mid-December and the holiday weeks are peak. Early December is the value window — gorgeous weather, lower rates, and breaching whales just offshore.
December at a glance
Whales return mid-December. Holiday weeks are peak. Early December is the value window.
December is a Tale of Two Months in Los Cabos. The first two weeks are the year's hidden value window — gorgeous weather, manageable rates, and breaching whales just offshore as the humpbacks and gray whales begin arriving in mid-December. Then the holiday weeks arrive, crowds and pricing climb to 4 out of 5, and Cabo becomes a peak winter sun destination for U.S., Canadian, and Mexican families on school holidays. Daytime highs ease to 80°F, the sea holds at 74°F, and rain is essentially nonexistent with just two rainy days. Whale watching season officially kicks off. December is a smart choice for travelers who can book the early-month value window or for holiday travelers willing to pay peak rates for festive Cabo.
Weather & Sea Conditions
December weather is genuinely comfortable. Daytime highs ease to 80°F — warm enough for full beach days but without the summer heat. Overnight lows drop to 62°F, and the desert cools enough that a light sweater feels essential on the terrace in the evening. Humidity holds at low levels, and rain is essentially nonexistent with just two rainy days on average. The UV index remains intense — sun protection is non-negotiable even on cooler-feeling days. Sea temperatures hold at 74°F, comfortable for extended swims, snorkeling at Santa Maria and Chileno Bay, and paddleboard sessions around the Arch. Sargassum is rarely an issue in Los Cabos at any time of year, and December beaches stay postcard-clean. Water visibility on the local reefs reaches its winter peak, often exceeding 80 feet, and dive shops report calm conditions throughout the month. Pack a light layer for cool evenings.
Crowds & Pricing
December is a Tale of Two Months. The first two weeks are the year's hidden value window — crowds sit at 2 out of 5, pricing eases to 2 or 3 out of 5, and resorts run early-December promotions to fill rooms before the holiday rush. The weather is gorgeous, the whales are arriving, and the resorts are quiet. Then the holiday weeks arrive, crowds and pricing climb to 4 out of 5 (sometimes 5 at the very top properties), and Cabo becomes a peak winter sun destination. Christmas week and New Year's week sell out the best resorts six months in advance, and minimum-stay requirements of 7–10 nights are common. Flights from major U.S. and Canadian hubs are expensive and crowded during the holiday weeks. For the best December value, target the first two weeks of the month — you get the same glorious weather and breaching whales at half the holiday-week rate.
What's Happening This Month
December is whale watching kickoff month in Los Cabos. Humpbacks and gray whales begin arriving in mid-December, and by Christmas the season is in full swing with daily tours from the Cabo San Lucas marina. The San José del Cabo Art Walk runs every Thursday evening in high-season form, transforming the historic center into a gallery-hopping street party. Christmas and New Year's bring festive atmosphere to the resorts — special dinners, mariachi bands, holiday decorations, and traditional Mexican foods like tamales and bacalao. Posadas, the nine-night Mexican Christmas celebrations, run December 16–24 with candlelit processions in downtown San José del Cabo. Sportfishing for striped marlin and yellowfin tuna remains steady. On land, day trips to Todos Santos are at their most pleasant, and the cooler weather makes the Sierra de la Laguna genuinely hikeable for the first time since spring.
Is This Month Right for You?
December is the right month for two distinct groups. For holiday travelers — families on winter break, couples planning New Year's escapes, and anyone who wants to celebrate Christmas or New Year's in the sun — December delivers peak Cabo at peak rates. Book six months ahead, expect minimum-stay requirements, and embrace the festive atmosphere. For everyone else with flexible dates, early December is one of the year's smartest value windows: gorgeous weather, breaching whales, manageable rates, and quiet resorts before the holiday rush. December is less ideal if you're chasing the absolute lowest prices (September and October beat it), if you want spring break energy (March wins that contest), or if you absolutely need to avoid any crowds (May and October are quieter). For whale watchers and holiday celebrants, December is genuinely special — one of Cabo's most rewarding months.
December — FAQ
Is December a good time to visit Los Cabos?
Yes — December is one of Cabo's most rewarding months. The dry season is in full swing, whales return mid-month, and the holiday weeks are festive. Early December is the value window; holiday weeks are peak.
How hot is it in Los Cabos in December?
Daytime highs average around 80°F (27°C), with overnight lows near 62°F (17°C). It's warm enough for full beach days but cool enough that a light sweater feels good on the terrace in the evening.
Can I see whales in December in Cabo?
Yes — whales begin arriving in mid-December and by Christmas the season is in full swing. Book tours from the Cabo San Lucas marina; late December offers some of the best early-season sightings.
Is December expensive in Los Cabos?
It depends on the week. The first two weeks are the year's hidden value window with rates at 2–3 out of 5. The holiday weeks (Christmas and New Year's) climb to 4–5 out of 5, sell out six months ahead, and often have 7–10 night minimum stays.
Is December crowded in Los Cabos?
The first two weeks are quiet — crowds sit at 2 out of 5. The holiday weeks climb to 4 out of 5 (sometimes 5 at the top properties) as U.S., Canadian, and Mexican families arrive for winter break.
What should I pack for Los Cabos in December?
Swimwear and beach cover-ups, light breathable clothing for warm days, reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses and a wide-brim hat, a light sweater or jacket for cool desert evenings, a dressier outfit for holiday dinners, and binoculars for whale watching from shore.
Planning a december Los Cabos trip?
Get a personalized quote from a local expert — no service fees, exclusive resort perks.
Check Prices