Cabo in September: The Cheapest Month, and the Riskiest
Cabo San Lucas in September can be a great time to visit, with fewer crowds and lower rates. But there is more to it, and in this article, I’ll tell you the nifty details so you can plan the perfect trip in Cabo in September!
Cabo San Lucas, or simply Cabo, is a resort city at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, in the Mexican state of Baja California Sur.
Cabo is known for its beaches, scuba diving sites, the sea arch El Arco de Cabo San Lucas, and marine life.
The Los Cabos Corridor has become a heavily touristed area with various luxury hotels and golf courses. The town is also a popular stop for many cruise ships.
The weather in Cabo is warm and sunny year-round, making it a popular choice for travelers looking to escape the cold winter months.
The town also has some of the best nightlife experiences on offer. In short, Cabo has something to offer everyone, from its stunning beaches to its vibrant nightlife and abundance of activities.
So, whether you’re looking to relax on the beach or explore everything this lively destination has to offer, Cabo San Lucas is the perfect place to do it.
Now that you know about the town itself, we can dive into the weather aspect of Cabo San Lucas in September. I’ll begin with an overview of the Cabo weather in September.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting my small business.
Cabo in September, in short
September is the cheapest month to visit Cabo and the only one where the weather is a genuine gamble. Both things are true, and most articles only tell you one of them.
The good: hotels average around $389 a night against $499 in January, occupancy drops to 54%, and the sea hits 83°F, its warmest of the year. You will have the beaches close to yourself.
The risk: September is the wettest month by a wide margin, around 5 inches of rain, and it is the peak of the Pacific hurricane season. Almost every serious storm ever to hit Los Cabos arrived in September, including Odile in 2014, still the strongest on record here.
Come in September if you are price-driven, your dates are flexible and your booking is refundable. Come in November if you have one shot at this trip.
Weather in Cabo San Lucas In September
Cabo San Lucas is a beautiful place to visit in September. The weather is decent for spending time on the beach or exploring the town. This is when the temperatures aren’t too hot, prices are low, and there are fewer tourists.
September in Cabo averages 91°F (33°C) by day and 76°F (24°C) at night. It is tied with July and August as the hottest month of the year.The temperature usually ranges from 75- 86 degrees Fahrenheit (24- 30 degrees Celsius). The water is at its warmest all year in September, averaging 83°F (28°C).
Though the chances of rain are lower in Cabo San Lucas, it does occasionally happen. September is the wettest month of the year here, so you will definitely see a few rainy days.
But don’t worry, it usually only lasts for a short time, and then the sun comes back out.
Cabo in September | |
| Average high | 91°F / 33°C |
| Average low | 76°F / 24°C |
| Sea temperature | 83°F / 28°C, warmest of the year |
| Rainfall | 5 in / 127 mm, wettest of the year |
| Rainy days | 6 |
| Clear or mostly clear days | 39% |
| Season | Low season |
| Hurricane risk | Highest of the year |
| Whale watching | No, opens 15 December |
| Crowds | Lowest of the year |
Temperatures in Cabo San Lucas in September
The average high is 91°F and the average low is 76°F.
The higher daytime temperatures do feel hot and sometimes even unbearable, and these temperatures combined with the high average relative humidity make outdoor conditions uncomfortable.
September isn’t really a great month to visit Cabo for the best weather, but it still has plenty of pros that make it a great time to visit.
The temperatures are still pleasant enough to explore the surroundings, but there are fewer people around, and there are good deals on everything, so it’s easier to take a trip to Cabo on a budget.
Precipitation in Cabo San Lucas in September
September is the rainiest month of the year, but most of the precipitation usually falls within the first 15 days.
Expect around 6 rainy days and roughly 5 inches (127 mm) of rain, against 1.7 inches in August. September alone accounts for over 44% of everything Cabo gets in a year.
Cabo isn’t a very rainy region, so this basically means there are just a few more rainy days than the usual dry weather.
Six rainy days out of thirty still leaves you plenty of sunshine, but this is the one month where rain can genuinely reshape a day.
You can definitely plan a great vacation in September if you check the weather forecast beforehand.
Sunshine in Cabo San Lucas in September
As I mentioned earlier, Cabo receives very little rain. So, even during the wettest month of the year, you will encounter 4 rainy days at most.
The days still come with clear skies and sunny weather. September has the second cloudiest skies of the year, with only around 39% of days clear or mostly clear. If you’re looking for warm weather and a sunny beach destination, Cabo San Lucas is an excellent choice in September.
Sea water temperature
That makes it the best month of the year for swimming, snorkeling and diving on water temperature alone. This is the warmest ocean water temperature Cabo San Lucas gets.
With an average wind speed of 9.7 mph, September is far from the windiest month in Cabo, so you can plan lots of water sports and beach days on your trip because this is also when the rainy season ends and the seaside becomes the best place to spend time.
Hurricanes in September: the honest version
The Pacific hurricane season officially runs from 15 May to 30 November, but that range is misleading, and most articles just repeat it without explaining what it means.
In practice, tropical storms are uncommon in Los Cabos in all but three months: August, September and October. And almost all of the most powerful storms ever to hit Los Cabos arrived in September.
The one everyone here remembers is Odile, which made landfall on 14 September 2014 and is still the strongest storm on record for this area. Others: Juliette in late September 2001, John and Lane in September 2006, Lidia at the end of August 2017.
That does not make September a write-off. Most Septembers pass without a direct hit, and the odds of your particular week being affected are low. But the risk is real and it is concentrated in this one month, so plan for it:
Buy travel insurance that covers weather disruption, and buy it when you book, not after. Most policies will not cover a storm that is already named.
Book accommodation with free cancellation. In September you can afford to, because rates are soft.
Watch the forecast in the ten days before you fly rather than assuming it will be fine.
Know what a port closure means. When the harbourmaster closes the port, which happens regularly in storm season, every boat stops: no catamarans, no glass-bottom boats, no water taxis to the Arch, no fishing charters. It happened as recently as late July 2026 with Hurricane Genevieve, and operators offered rescheduling or refunds. If your trip is built around boats, that is the risk you are taking.
Is There Sargassum in Cabo in September?
No, and there never has been, in any month, which matters more in September than at any other time of year.
The seaweed that buries Mexican beaches 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 sargassum monitoring programme does not even cover the Pacific side, because the phenomenon does not occur there, and Mexico’s federal cleanup operations run only in Quintana Roo.
Right now, in the worst sargassum season on record, Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum are clearing tonnes of it off their beaches every single morning and some stretches are unusable. Cabo has none. If you are choosing between the two coasts for a September trip, that is the strongest argument there is for this one.
Where you can swim, and where you cannot
The rule in Cabo 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, with full services. Chileno and Santa María on the corridor, both Blue Flag certified, both 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.
One September warning specifically. Distant storms generate large surf here even on days that look perfectly clear where you are standing. During hurricane season even the normally protected bays can turn unpredictable. Watch the flags every day rather than assuming yesterday’s conditions still hold: green safe, yellow caution, red do not enter, black closed. If a beach is empty and no locals are in the water, that is a warning, not an opportunity.
Events in Cabo San Lucas in September
Independence Day
Mexican Independence Day is a big national holiday, so it’s no surprise that the celebration is huge in Cabo San Lucas as well.
You will find lots of crowds gathering in the streets on the 15th day of the month, who continue the celebration with live mariachi music, dancing, fireworks, and beers until the cry for independence (grito) near 11.
Then even bigger fireworks and wilder celebrations ensue until the next day.
Día del Charro, 14 September
The national day of charrería, Mexico’s own equestrian tradition and its official national sport. Charros ride out in full costume, there are parades, roping displays, live music and food, and in Baja California Sur it lands in ranching country rather than on the beach.
The reason it matters for your trip is what it sits next to. Charro Day is 14 September and Independence Day is the 15th, so the two run together into one long patriotic block. Those two days and the night between them are the busiest and loudest of the month in an otherwise very quiet September. If you want to see Mexico celebrating itself, this is the week. If you came to Cabo for empty beaches, book either side of it.
Do I need Travel Insurance in Cabo?
Yes, You do! 🙂 Here is my recommendation!
Pros of Visiting Cabo San Lucas in September
✅ September is the last month of the low season, so you will still find the lowest prices, great deals on the best hotels, and good deals on flights. These pros of September make the month excellent for a budget and intimate vacation to Cabo.
✅ September is the wettest month of the year in Cabo by a wide margin, around 5 inches of rain against 1.7 in August, and that one month accounts for over 44% of everything Cabo gets in a year. It is also the peak of the Pacific hurricane season. The season officially runs from 15 May to 30 November, but in Los Cabos the real risk sits in August, September and October, and overwhelmingly in September. Almost every serious storm ever to hit this coast arrived in this month, including Odile in 2014, which is still the strongest on record here.
That does not make September a write-off. Most Septembers pass without a direct hit and the odds of your specific week being affected are low. But the risk is real and it is concentrated here, so book something refundable and buy travel insurance when you book rather than after.
✅ Sargassum seaweed is an issue on many Mexican beaches, and September is the peak month for it. But Los Cabos beaches are completely free of this seaweed, so it’s the perfect spot if you’re looking for a gorgeous beach destination.
Cons of Visiting Cabo San Lucas in September
👎 September is still a couple of months too early if you want to encounter some whale sharks and humpback whales, as these majestic creatures only start showing up at the Los Cabos shores when winter is around the corner.
On the other hand, instead of whale watching, you can still go snorkeling with the sea turtles, blue marlins, yellowfish tunas, and other marine creatures that are here all around the year.
👎 The weather during September is characterized by higher temperatures and humidity, so you will find the outdoors uncomfortable some hours of the day.
👎 The month of September is part of the low season in Cabo San Lucas, so some activities and tours might not be open. However, you will still find lots and lots of things to do during the month, so it’s not a big issue
Things to Do in Cabo San Lucas in September
► Experience the vibrant nightlife
The nightlife in Cabo San Lucas is one of the best you will find in Mexico. It’s pretty lively during September as well, even though it’s the low season, so you should definitely hit some bars and clubs to enjoy it.
► Go scuba diving or snorkeling
The clear blue ocean waters off the coast of Cabo San Lucas are teeming with marine life, so it’s a great place to go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are plenty of dive shops and tour operators in town, so you can easily find a guided tour or rental gear.
►Try your hand at some adventurous activities
There are plenty of adventurous sports on offer in Cabo’s surroundings, including ziplining over the desert region, riding through it on an ATV, touring places atop a camel, and much more. These activities are definitely great to try out if you’re a thrill-seeker.
Where to stay in Cabo
The best 5-star hotel in Cabo San Lucas – Esperanza – An Auberge resort
The Coolest Hotel in Cabo – The Cape – A Thompson Hotel
The best hotel for Solo travelers – Breathless Cabo
The best hotel for families – Chileno Bay Resor
The best hotel for budget travelers – Los Milagros Hotel
Read more hotel options in Cabo for every budget and style.
Tips For Visiting Cabo San Lucas in September
✔️ Keep an eye on the weather forecasts
Though there are only a handful of average rainy days in Cabo, the rainfall is still twice as much as compared the previous month. So make sure you check the weather forecast before planning your day just in case.
✔️ Pack light and bring comfortable clothes and shoes
Cabo has lots to do, see, and explore, so you’ll be doing a lot of walking. The hot and humid weather of September makes bringing along some comfortable clothing and footwear a must.
✔️ Be prepared for the sun
The heat and humidity are on the rise in Cabo during September, so it’s important to shield yourself from the sun as much as possible. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
✔️Keep a bottle of water on you whenever you go out
When out on excursions, it’s important to drink lots of water. Carrying a bottle of water, ideally, an insulated one is a really good idea for whenever you go out.
✔️ Explore all that Cabo has to offer
From the beaches to the restaurants and bars, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city. And since September is a low season month, there are fewer crowds and cheaper prices.
Make full use of this opportunity to enjoy everything Cabo has to offer.
✔️ Rent a car and explore the surroundings
There is so much to see around Cabo, besides the spectacular beaches, you can find the Magic Town of Todos Santos, at only a 1-hour drive, at 2 hours you can explore the Capital city of la Paz with its spectacular beaches.
Cabo Pulmo with its amazing diving, snorkeling, and bird-watching activities is just around the corner.
Driving in Baja California is actually very easy and safe, and it gives you the opportunity to explore spectacular destinations that you couldn’t reach otherwise.
I recommend using Discover Car Rentals platform as it allows you to compare among different sites and choose the best car rental deal, and if you wish you can even purchase their own affordable car insurance.
Discover Cars Mexico Review
Discover Cars is one of the most popular car rental companies for many reasons, including:
✔︎ straightforward information
✔︎ full coverage add-on
✔︎ listing of different companies with reviews
What Cabo costs in September, and what you save
This is why you would come.
The destination-wide average room rate in September is around $389 against $499 in January, and occupancy is 54% against 83% in March. You are getting the same hotels for meaningfully less money, with far fewer people in them.
In practice: a mid-range hotel in Cabo San Lucas at $60 to $130, against $150 to $300 in high season. A luxury or all-inclusive resort at $300 to $450, against $500 to $950. Hostel dorms stay at $13 to $24 year round, and small downtown hotels run $30 to $60.
Activity prices do not drop the same way, but availability improves and you can often book on the day rather than weeks ahead:
- Snorkeling at Chileno or Santa María: $52 to $90 per person, or free if you drive there and bring a mask
- Water taxi to the Arch: $20 per person is the fair price, plus a $5 marina fee
- Half-day panga charter: $300 to $600 for the boat
- Airport transfer from SJD: $16 to $25 per person shared, $99 to $220 private
Food: street tacos $3 to $5, casual lunch $10 to $15, dinner for two around $50.
Two things that do not get cheaper in low season: the state tourist tax, and the airport transfer.
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 included 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 anything else. On a cheap September trip, that is a bigger proportion of your total than it would be in January, so it is worth knowing.
Cabo San Lucas in September FAQs
Is Cabo San Lucas worth visiting in September?
Cabo San Lucas is one of Mexico’s most popular tourist destinations, and for good reason. The weather is beautiful, the beaches are stunning, and there’s plenty to do both in and out of the water.
September may not be one of the best months to visit Cabo San Lucas for good weather, but there are many other advantages to it. For starters, the weather is still warm but not its hottest, and there are fewer crowds than in peak season.
Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach or explore all that Cabo San Lucas has to offer, you won’t be disappointed with a trip here in September.
The weather is great for spending days lounging by the pool or ocean, and there are plenty of activities to keep you busy if you’re looking for something more active.
What is the weather like in Cabo San Lucas?
The weather in Cabo San Lucas is warm and dry almost all year round. The driest months are from December to April (also the high season), when there is little or no rainfall.
These are also the most popular months for visitors, as the sunny days and mild temperatures make for ideal beach weather.
Even the coldest month of this season has daily highs close to the 80s. So, it goes without saying that the high season is the best time of year for excellent weather.
May and June are still relatively dry, but these are the summer months with higher temperatures, so these months may be less crowded than the peak winter season.
Temperatures start to heat up in July and August (the hottest months), when highs can reach into the mid-90s Fahrenheit (about 35 degrees Celsius).
The late summer season rain showers decrease by late October, but you can still expect some cloud cover and occasional downpours during the early fall months.
The cooler temperatures start appearing in early November, and this is when the warm waters make for great snorkeling on a budget.
The shoulder season months (May-June/October-November) feature decent weather, fewer crowds, and reasonable pricing. This is the best time to visit if you want a bit of everything from Cabo San Lucas’s different travel seasons.
What is the best time to visit Cabo San Lucas?
The best time to visit Cabo San Lucas depends on your preferences. You can visit during the winter months (high season) if you want to enjoy the best weather conditions.
The summer months (low season) are perfect to avoid crowds and find budget prices on everything. The shoulder months offer a little bit of both.
Then there are also different seasons for whale watching, snorkeling, exploring the nearby towns and attractions as well as other things to do here that you can have in mind.
The best time for each of these varies, so read all about the different months and seasons of Cabo beforehand to make sure you pick the best time for the kind of vacation you want.
Is Cabo San Lucas a safe place to visit?
The short answer is yes: Cabo San Lucas is a hot spot for travelers looking to escape the cold weather. Thousands of tourists come here from around the world to enjoy the great weather, so I can safely say that this Mexican city is a relatively safe place to visit, and it’s a popular destination for spring breakers from neighboring countries as well.
However, you do need to follow some safety rules here to make sure you have a fun and memorable vacation.
These are basically the rules that apply everywhere, like keeping an eye on your valuables when you’re out in the public, not leaving your food and drinks unattended, and using your common sense.
For more detailed information on safety in Cabo, read my thorough post!
Cabo in September: final thoughts
September is the honest trade. You get the warmest sea of the year, the emptiest beaches in Cabo, and the lowest prices the destination offers. You accept the wettest month, the highest humidity, and the only real hurricane risk in the calendar.
If your dates are flexible and your booking is refundable, it is a genuinely good bet. Most people who take it have a great week for a lot less money.
If you only have one shot at this trip, if you are travelling with family, or if the whole holiday hangs on the weather being right, wait for November. It costs more and it is worth it.
