What the weather is like in December
December brings warm 27°C days, cooler evenings and mostly dry skies (7mm). Gray and humpback whales start arriving, opening the December-to-April whale-watching season just as the Christmas and New Year surge pushes rates to the year's holiday peak.
Against November, December runs 3°C cooler with 10mm less rain and 1.2 hours less sun a day.
These December averages are station normals for Cabo San Lucas (Servicio Meteorologico Nacional, via Wikipedia, 1991-2020); other parts of Cabo San Lucas vary. Full sources below.
Cabo San Lucas in December, on the ground
December is Cabo’s dry season: clear, sunny days, low humidity and cool evenings, with the summer storm season well past. Gray and humpback whales start arriving in the waters off Land’s End, opening the whale-watching season.
Crowds and prices in December
The first half of December is quieter than the holiday weeks. From about the 20th, Christmas and New Year bring the highest rates of the year and resorts on the Corridor book out.
What to do in December
- Book a whale-watching boat tour from the Cabo San Lucas marina as the season opens.
- Take a water taxi to El Arco and Land’s End, where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific.
- Snorkel in the sheltered bays of Santa María or Chileno, between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo.
- Walk the historic centre and art district of San José del Cabo in the cooler evenings.
Before you book: Many Pacific-facing beaches have strong currents and heavy shore breaks and are unsafe for swimming at any time of year. Swim in the protected bays and check the beach flags.
What to pack for Cabo San Lucas in December
- Light layers for warm days
- A light jacket for the evenings
- Swimwear
What's on in December
- Gray & humpback whale season (Sea of Cortez & Pacific (Cabo San Lucas Bay)) — From December to April, gray and humpback whales migrate down Baja's coast to calve and breed in the warm waters off Cabo. Boat tours run daily and breaching whales are often visible from shore — the single biggest reason to visit in winter.
Is December the right month?
Cabo San Lucas's best month, March, is three months after December; the toughest, September, is three months before. If December does not fit, January is the closest month in the same best-season window. For the best balance of good conditions and smaller crowds, aim for June. See the full month-by-month breakdown for Cabo San Lucas, or where else to go in December.
Where to stay in December
December is peak season in Cabo San Lucas, so prices are at their highest. Book early for the best choice of rooms.
- Cabo San Lucas Marina & Downtown$$Restaurants, the marina, walkable buzzThe heart of the action — restaurants, the marina, boat tours and Médano Beach all on foot. Lively and sometimes loud, especially during spring break. The most central, social base.See hotels in Cabo San Lucas for 12–18 Dec 2026
- The Tourist Corridor$$$Resorts, golf, seclusionThe resort strip along the highway between the two towns, home to many of the high-end properties and championship golf. Quiet and scenic, but you'll rely on taxis to reach either town.See hotels in Cabo San Lucas for 12–18 Dec 2026
- San José del Cabo$$Old-town charm, art district, calmer paceA historic colonial-style town with a cobblestone art district, galleries, the mission church and a more relaxed, local feel. Closest to the airport and a refreshing contrast to the marina scene.See San José del Cabo hotels for 12–18 Dec 2026
- Médano Beach$$$Swimmable beach, beachfront resortsCabo's main calm, swimmable beach on the Sea of Cortez, lined with resorts. Steps from downtown with safe water for swimming and watersports — the pick for beach-first stays.See hotels in Cabo San Lucas for 12–18 Dec 2026
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Before you go
Book the rest of your December trip
Tours and tickets
Day trips, attraction tickets and guided tours in Cabo San Lucas.
Browse Cabo San Lucas on KlookAirport transfer
A fixed-price car from Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) to your hotel, booked before you land.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the weather like in Cabo San Lucas in December?
Is December a good time to visit Cabo San Lucas?
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Does it rain in Cabo San Lucas in December?
What should I pack for Cabo San Lucas in December?
How far ahead should I book Cabo San Lucas for December?
Sources: Visit Los Cabos (Official tourism board): whale watching · Servicio Meteorologico Nacional: Cabo San Lucas, 1991-2020 · U.S. State Department Mexico Travel Advisory · U.S. National Hurricane Center — Eastern Pacific. Full provenance on the Cabo San Lucas guide.
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