Cabo in January: Whale Season, Peak Prices, Perfect Weather
January is when Cabo is at its busiest, its most expensive, and at its best for one specific reason: the whales arrive.
January is one of the best times to visit the city, with perfect weather and very little rain. Thousands of visitors every year visit the town during January to escape the cold weather and enjoy some time in the sun.
Before you go to book your flights and make your reservations, it’s a good idea to do some research about your destination.
That’s what you’re here for, to find out if it’s a good idea to visit Cabo in January and what kind of weather to expect.
I’ll answer all of these questions and more in the post below. Let’s get started!
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Cabo in January, in short
January is when Cabo is at its busiest and most expensive, and there is a good reason people pay it: the whales are here, the days are dry and 79°F, and the winter light is the best of the year.
The trade-offs are real though, and most articles skip them. The sea drops to 73°F, which is swimmable but bracing, and colder than that in practice. Hotels average $499 a night across the destination at 74% occupancy, rising through February and peaking in March at 83%. Late December into the first week of January is the single most expensive window of the entire year.
If you want the whales without the peak prices, look at mid-December instead. If you want the weather without the whales, November is cheaper and warmer.
Cabo in January | |
| Average high | 79°F / 26°C |
| Average low | 61°F / 16°C |
| Sea temperature | 73°F / 23°C |
| Rainfall | 0.5 in / 13 mm |
| Rainy days | 2 |
| Clear or mostly clear days | 58% |
| Season | High season |
| Hurricane risk | None |
| Whale watching | Yes, season open |
| Crowds | Heavy |
Cabo in January Weather
As far as Cabo weather in January, it is perfect.
January is one of the best times to visit Cabo, as the weather is sunny and dry with average temperatures ranging from 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18-25 degrees Celsius) depending on the time of the day.
In addition, there are plenty of events and activities to keep visitors entertained (more on those later in the article).
With so much to see and do, Cabo San Lucas is the perfect place to escape the winter blues.
A word about the water in January
The charts say 73°F, and that is accurate as a surface average. In practice it is colder. Local dive shops report low to mid 60s in January and February, because upwelling brings cold water up and the satellite averages do not capture it.
You can swim, and plenty of people do, in short bursts. But if you are planning long snorkel sessions, diving, or any time in the water with children, bring or rent a wetsuit. Local surf shops recommend a full 3/2mm or 4/3mm suit from January to March. A rash guard is not enough for most people in this water.
This is the one genuine downside of January weather and it is worth knowing before you book a snorkeling day.
The temperature in Cabo San Lucas in January
On the warmest days you might see 84°F (29°C)
On average, the days average 79°F (26°C) with lows around 61°F (16°C), providing very enjoyable conditions suitable for all activities Cabo has to offer.
Nights are genuinely cool by Mexican beach standards, averaging 61°F (16°C) and dropping lower inland. Bring something with sleeves for the evening, which is not advice you need in August.
Combined with a sea breeze, it can feel cold if you’re out and about at night; so I highly recommend packing a jacket or a sweater just for those chilly nights.
Precipitation in Cabo San Lucas in January
With an average rainfall of 0.5 inches in January, precipitation in Cabo during this month is almost non-existent.
Humidity is quite low too, and you’ll usually see only about 2-3 rainy days. If you’re visiting in January, I wouldn’t worry about canceling any plans due to rain or inclement weather.
Sunshine in Cabo San Lucas in January
Thousands of tourists are visiting Cabo this month to escape the cold and enjoy some sunshine. With around 11 hours of sunshine per day, it’s the perfect place to do just that!
Throughout the month, the chance of a clear or partly cloudy day is 82%, which means you’ll almost always have picture-perfect weather, no matter which activities you have in mind.
Sea water temperature
The seawater temperature in the Sea of Cortez is cold, averaging around 74 degrees Fahrenheit (or 23 degrees Celsius).
This temperature in January is especially perfect for lounging on the beach, but it may be a bit cold for swimming and snorkeling. It’s advisable to wear a wetsuit and a long one if you are diving.
Is there sargassum in Cabo in January?
No, and there never has been, in any month.
The seaweed that buries Mexican beaches every summer comes from the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt and only reaches Caribbean and Gulf coasts. Cabo faces the Pacific and the Sea of Cortez, entirely outside that system. The University of South Florida’s monitoring programme does not even cover the Pacific side, and Mexico’s federal cleanup operations run only in Quintana Roo.
In January it is not a question anywhere in Mexico, but it is worth knowing that in Cabo it is never a question at all.
Events in Cabo San Lucas in January
Wind season on the East Cape
January is the middle of the wind season on the East Cape, and if you have any interest in kiteboarding it is worth the drive. Los Barriles, about an hour and a half north of Cabo San Lucas, gets reliable north winds from December through March and it is one of the better places in Mexico to learn. Several schools operate there through the season and rent gear by the day.
You do not need to kite to enjoy it. The bay fills with kites through the afternoon and it is a good half-day trip out of Cabo if you have a car and want to see a part of Baja that is not resort corridor.
📆 🥂 New Year’s Eve parties
Fireworks over Médano Beach on 31 December and events at every resort. Be aware that this is the most expensive and most heavily booked week of the entire year in Cabo. If you are arriving in the first week of January, you are competing with the Christmas crowd who have not left yet.
👑 Día de Reyes, 6 January
Three Kings Day, when Mexican children traditionally get their presents rather than at Christmas. Bakeries sell rosca de reyes, a ring-shaped sweet bread with a tiny figure baked inside. Whoever finds the figure in their slice hosts the party on 2 February. Buy one, it is one of the easiest ways to join in with something local.
Your live H3 reads “The feast of Saint Antonio de Abad”, which mixes English and Spanish, and it gives no date. Rename it and use this text.
🐾 Feast of San Antonio de Abad, 17 January
The day livestock are blessed, and the one day in the year animals are allowed inside churches, turning up decorated with ribbons.
This is a rural and ranching tradition, so you will see far more of it in the Sierra towns and small communities inland than in Cabo San Lucas itself. If you have a car and you are here on the 17th, it is worth driving inland to find it.
🐳 Whale watching in Cabo in January
January is one of the best times to go whale watching in Baja, including Cabo San Lucas.
The season is regulated and the dates do not move. Operators are permitted to run whale watching trips from 15 December to 15 April, and nobody can legally take you out before that, whatever you are told at the marina.
January sits right at the start of the strong stretch. Peak is January through March, and February is the most reliable month if your priority is the highest chance of a close encounter. January is very good and noticeably less crowded than February.
Around 5,000 whales pass through Los Cabos each season. Grey whales and humpbacks are what you will actually see, though eight species transit the area including blue, fin, minke, sei, Bryde’s and orca.
The rules exist and good operators follow them. Boats stay 60 metres back for small vessels and 80 metres for large ones. Under 5 knots inside observation zones. A maximum of 30 minutes with any one group of whales. No more than four boats around a group at a time. No swimming with them and no jet skis. If a captain offers to get you closer than that, get off and find another boat.
What it costs: a standard 2 to 3 hour group trip from the marina is $55 to $90 per person. A catamaran or Zodiac is $80 to $130. Small-group or luxury trips run $120 to $170 and up. Book ahead in January, because this is the month everyone wants to go.
Pros of Visiting Cabo San Lucas in January
✅ Great weather: One of the biggest pros of visiting during January is that you get absolutely perfect weather. The humidity is at its lowest and you won’t get a lot of rainy days. In short, you won’t have to cancel any activities due to bad weather and you’ll have tons of activities available.
✅ Water temperature is lovely and warm: Speaking of perfect weather, a pleasant side effect is the enjoyable sea water temperature. At 74 degrees Fahrenheit (or 23 degrees Celsius), the water temperatures are very suitable for any water-related activity you might want to engage in.
✅ Tons of available activities: January is a great time to visit Cabo San Lucas because there are many fun events taking place. Some of the most popular activities include swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, scuba diving, whale watching, and much more.
There are also plenty of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs to enjoy; Cabo San Lucas is famous for its nightlife.
Travelers can also take part in cultural activities such as visiting the local museums and art galleries or attending a traditional fiesta.
Cons of Visiting Cabo San Lucas in January
👎 Very crowded: January is part of the high season, so there’ll be plenty of other tourists around and the town will be very crowded. Especially around New Year’s, there are a lot of parties taking place. If crowds are not your thing, January might not be the best month for you.
👎 Higher prices: With more crowds come higher demands and, subsequently, higher prices. If you’re visiting during this month or any month that falls within the high season, you’ll be paying noticeably more for everything from tickets to accommodations to activities.
👎 You’ll have to make your bookings way in advance: The town hosts thousands of tourists during January, most of whom make their bookings months in advance. I highly recommend doing the same if you’re planning to visit Cabo during January.
Things to Do in Cabo San Lucas in January
► Snorkel and swim with the marine life
The sea water temperature and visibility are perfect during January, making it one of the best times for some swimming and snorkeling. You can double the fun of it by going on a tour to see the exotic marine life of Cabo up close.
You will encounter whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins, sea lions, and many other marine animals. I highly recommend this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
► Go shopping
The shopping experience offered in Cabo is really amazing.
You will find almost every kind of stuff in the many shops and markets around town, including traditional Mexican items, souvenirs, and gifts. If you like shopping, you will definitely enjoy the experience here.
► Visit the various cafes and restaurants
Shopping and dining out go hand in hand, and Cabo happens to have some of Mexico’s best cuisines on offer in its cafes and restaurants.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enjoy delicious food and drinks here!
► See the famous El Arco
The famous Arch of Cabo San Lucas is a must-see attraction if you’re visiting here. It’s a stunning rock formation located at Land’s End (southern tip) of Cabo.
And while you’re there, you can also visit Lover’s Beach. The breathtaking views and great weather of January make these the perfect places to see.
You can also watch the arch from Monument Beach, which is the best beach for surfing and watching the sunset over the arch, like in the picture below.
► Visit the nearby San José del Cabo and Todos Santos
The resort-city vibe of Cabo is great, but if you want a refreshing break in the form of a traditional destination, visit the San Jose del Cabo Art District. This is where you will find a far more laid-back vibe and lots of culture to explore.
Similarly, Todos Santos is another great day trip from Cabo San Lucas if you’re looking for a traditional town nearby. Originally founded as a Mission in 1724, this small Mexican town is famous for its laid-back community, art galleries, and beautiful beaches.
► Enjoy the nightlife
The party vibe in the bars and clubs of Cabo San Lucas is quite vibrant and lively. You can choose from the different places in town, each one of which has a unique atmosphere on offer.
But one thing is common with them all—you will get to party as much as you want.
Tips For Visiting Cabo San Lucas in January
✔️ Get travel insurance: Healthcare in Mexico can cost quite a bit if you don’t have insurance. Getting sick is the last thing you want to think about when planning your vacation, but having insurance is pretty cheap and can potentially save you a lot of money.
✔️ Check the weather forecasts: As perfect as the weather is in January, it’s still a good idea to check the weather forecasts before finalizing your tickets and activities. The same goes for when you’re in the city and are about to start the day. Chances are almost non-existent that you’ll get forecasts during January that force you to reschedule any plans you’ve made, but it still pays to be careful.
✔️ Remember to pack suitable clothes: During the day, you can easily get by with light clothes; the weather is warm enough that you won’t feel chilly. Nights can get a bit cold, though, especially if you’re out and about. Make sure to pack some warm clothes for those nights.
✔️ Take SPF 30 (or higher) sunscreen with you: The sunlight is one of the biggest draws to a location like Cabo San Lucas. Enjoy the sunlight as much as you like, but remember to take sunscreen with you and apply it regularly. Even on cloudy days, you can get sunburn if you stay outside during the day for too long.
✔️ Take an insulated water bottle: Outdoor adventuring is part of the fun when you visit a new location, but keep in mind that it’s very important to stay hydrated, especially in a sunny location like Cabo. In order to avoid plastic waste, I highly recommend carrying an insulated water bottle with you when you depart. You can easily get it refilled with filtered water in Cabo at your hotel and any restaurant you go to. Just don’t use tap water for drinking purposes while you’re in Mexico.
✔️ Explore the activities that you like: At the end of the day, you can find a hundred lists of activities and events to enjoy in Cabo. But it’s also important to explore and go off the beaten path to find activities that you enjoy. Take all these lists and guides as general recommendations and try to explore new things while you’re in the area.
What Cabo costs in January
January is the second most expensive month after Christmas week itself.
The destination-wide average nightly rate is $499 at 74% occupancy. That rises through February and hits its peak in March at over 80% occupancy. Last-minute deals have essentially disappeared at these levels, so book early rather than hoping something drops.
In practice: a mid-range hotel in Cabo San Lucas at $150 to $300, a luxury or all-inclusive resort at $500 to $950, and hostel dorms at $13 to $24, which is the one thing that does not move much by season. Small downtown hotels run $30 to $60.
Activities:
- Whale watching: $55 to $90 per person for a group trip, $80 to $130 catamaran or Zodiac
- Snorkeling at Chileno or Santa María: $52 to $90, or free if you drive there yourself
- Water taxi to the Arch: $20 per person is fair, plus a $5 marina fee. They will open at $40 to $60
- Half-day panga charter: $300 to $600 for the boat, cruiser $800 to $1,500
- Airport transfer from SJD: $16 to $25 per person shared, $99 to $220 private vehicle
One honest note on the trend. The average nightly rate in Los Cabos has gone from $286 in 2017 to $440 in 2025 to $499 in January 2026. This is a destination that has deliberately moved upmarket, with around 80% of its 22,000 rooms in the five-star bracket. It is not the value option it was ten years ago and it is worth saying so.
The tourist tax you pay before you arrive
Baja California Sur charges every international visitor a state tourist tax, and Los Cabos is in Baja California Sur.
Since 1 January 2026 it is 488 pesos, around 27 dollars, per person over the age of 12, for any stay longer than 24 hours. You pay it online at embraceit.bcs.gob.mx before you travel or on arrival, and you get a QR certificate. It is not collected at the airport, so if anybody at SJD asks you for it in cash, that is not how it works.
Two more charges land on the same trip. The federal non-resident tax rose to 53 dollars in January 2026, usually buried in your airfare. And hotel bills carry lodging tax, an environmental sanitation charge of about 4 dollars a night, and 16% IVA, which together can add close to 30% to the rate you were quoted.
Budget roughly 80 dollars a person in taxes and fees before you have paid for anything at all.
Where you can swim, and where you cannot
The rule is which way the beach faces, not which month you visit. Pacific-facing beaches are dangerous year round, Sea of Cortez-facing beaches are calm year round.
Safe: Médano Beach, the only swimmable beach in Cabo San Lucas town. Chileno and Santa María on the corridor, both Blue Flag certified and free to enter. Palmilla and La Playita in San José del Cabo.
Do not swim: Divorce Beach, the Pacific side of Lover’s Beach, Solmar, Costa Azul. Strong shore break and rip currents, and people have died at all of them.
January note: this is peak northwest swell season from the North Pacific, so the Pacific-side beaches are at their biggest and roughest of the year. Good for watching, dangerous for entering.
Flags: green safe, yellow caution, red do not enter, black close
Cabo San Lucas in January FAQs
Is Cabo San Lucas worth visiting in January?
January is one of the best months to visit Cabo. The weather is perfect, with lots of sunshine every day and very little rain throughout the month.
If that wasn’t good enough, the high season is packed with activities to do and events to enjoy.
So yes, Cabo San Lucas is worth visiting in January.
Cabo San Lucas Weather in January: what is it like?
Cabo is known for its year-round warm weather, pristine beaches, and clear blue waters. No matter which month you visit in, you’ll find the weather to be warm.
On the other hand, humidity and rainfall vary greatly throughout the year. Some months have very high humidity and 12-15 days of rainfall.
During this kind of season, the temperature is also on the warmer end and feels hotter than it is due to the high humidity.
Luckily, you don’t have to worry about weather like that because you’ll be visiting in January which is famous for its perfect weather, little rain, and low humidity.
What is the best time to visit Cabo San Lucas?
There’s no one best time to visit Cabo. It all depends on your budget and your vacation goals.
During the high season, which lasts from December to April, the weather is perfect and there are tons of activities available, but your trip will cost more and the town will be quite crowded.
If that’s not your cup of tea, you can visit during the low or shoulder seasons to avoid the crowds and reduce your expenses.
But be aware that, especially during the low season, there won’t be as many activities and events available, the weather will be noticeably hotter, and it rains very frequently.
Can you swim in Cabo in January?
Yes, you can swim in Cabo San Lucas in January. However, although January weather in Cabo is mild, the water temperature can be very chilly, and you will need to wear a wet suit.
Is Cabo San Lucas a safe place to visit?
Absolutely! Cabo San Lucas is one of the safest cities in Mexico.
In fact, the crime rate in Cabo San Lucas is actually lower than in many other parts of the world, including the US and Europe.
Of course, no place is completely safe, and there are always risks when traveling to any new place.
But if you take precautions and use common sense, you should be able to enjoy your trip to Cabo San Lucas without any problems.
Cabo San Lucas in January: final thoughts
Even in January, one of the coolest months of the year in Cabo San Lucas, you can expect large crowds and high hotel prices.
Nevertheless, with some key events such as El Día de Los Reyes Magos and Todos Santos Music Festival, you are guaranteed to have a good time.
It’s no wonder that Cabo is one of Mexico’s best year-round destinations, with desert-meets-the-sea views, gorgeous beaches, and vibrant nightlife.
Don’t forget to check out our month-by-month guide for visiting this stunning resort city.
