Cabo is desert, not jungle. The packing problem is dry heat and the sea: many Pacific beaches have dangerous surf and are unswimmable, so you plan swims carefully and pack for sun, not rain.
Cabo San Lucas weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 26°C79°F | 26°C79°F | 28°C82°F | 30°C86°F | 32°C90°F | 33°C91°F | 34°C93°F | 34°C93°F | 34°C93°F | 32°C90°F | 29°C84°F | 28°C82°F |
| Low | 13°C55°F | 13°C55°F | 14°C57°F | 17°C63°F | 20°C68°F | 23°C73°F | 26°C79°F | 26°C79°F | 24°C75°F | 22°C72°F | 17°C63°F | 15°C59°F |
| Rain days | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
Season by season
Winter and whale season
December–AprilDry and mild. Highs run 26–30°C (79–86°F) and lows 13–17°C (55–63°F), with 0–1 rain days a month. Nights at 13°C (55°F) feel cool. Whale season runs December–April. Pack a light jacket for boat trips and evenings.
What to bring to Cabo San Lucas
0 of 24 packed- RAYMYLO 64 oz Insulated Water BottleWater Bottles & Hydration
Desert air and 34°C (93°F) summers dry you out fast; carry a big cold bottle.
- Dramamine Less Drowsy ChewablesHealth & Safety
Handy for whale-watching boats from December to April.
- A warm wrapClothing
Winter lows of 13°C (55°F) feel cold on the water after dark.
- Crocs Classic ClogFootwear & Shoe Care
Clogs handle hot sand and boat decks.
- Bearwind S40 Portable Handheld Turbo FanTech & Power
A handheld fan helps on 33–34°C (91–93°F) summer days.
- Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Packing CubeBags & Luggage
Keeps your phone dry on boat trips and at the beach.
- Anker Nano Power Bank 5,000mAh (Built-In USB-C)Tech & Power
A small power bank keeps your phone alive on long boat days.
Clothing
- Swimsuits · 2
- Lightweight breathable shirts · 4Highs reach 34°C July–September
- Swim cover-up · 1Cover up when you leave the beach
- Smart-casual dinner outfit · 1Resort dinners lean smart casual
- Light jacket · 1Winter nights drop to 13°C, Dec–Apr boat trips
- Wide-brim sun hat · 1
Footwear
- Sandals · 1 pairBeaches and the marina
- Light sneakers · 1 pairDesert walks and hot pavement
Gear
- Polarized sunglasses · 1Glare on water during Dec–Apr whale watching
- Beach bag · 1
Health and toiletries
- Mineral sunscreen · 1
- After-sun lotion · 1Desert sun with 0–1 rain days most months
- Lip balm with SPF · 1
- Electrolyte packetsDry heat dehydrates fast
Documents and money
- Passport
- Credit card and some pesos
Tech
- Phone and chargerUS plugs fit Mexico's 127V sockets
Early summer (May–June)
Hot and dry. May averages a 32°C (90°F) high and 0 rain days, June 33°C (91°F) and 1. Pack sun protection, breathable clothes and a big water bottle.
Late summer and fall (July–October)
The hottest and wettest stretch. Highs reach 34°C (93°F) from July to September, and rain days rise to 7 in July and 9 in August and September. Storms can happen. Pack a waterproof cube and flexible plans.
What shoes should you pack for Cabo San Lucas?
Sandals and light sneakers. Sandals cover beaches and the marina. Sneakers are better for desert walks and hot pavement.
What do people wear in Cabo San Lucas?
Resort casual. Swimwear at the pool and beach, light clothes in town. Resort dinners lean smart casual. Cover up when you leave the beach.
Can you swim at Cabo's beaches?
Not at all of them. Many Pacific-side beaches have dangerous surf and strong currents. Check for flags and stick to beaches known to be swimmable.
What plugs does Cabo San Lucas use?
Mexico uses Type A and B sockets at 127V. US and Canadian plugs fit without an adapter. UK, EU and Australian visitors need an adapter; most phone and laptop chargers handle the voltage fine.
Tours and things to do in Cabo San Lucas
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Cabo San Lucas.
What should you leave at home for Cabo San Lucas?
Heavy rain gear and warm coats. Most months average 0–1 rain days. A light jacket covers winter nights.
Packing for Cabo San Lucas: questions people ask
What should I wear in Cabo in January?
Light clothes and a jacket. January averages a 26°C (79°F) high, a 13°C (55°F) low and 0 rain days.
When is whale season in Cabo?
December–April.
Can you swim in Cabo?
Only at some beaches. Many Pacific beaches are unswimmable due to dangerous surf.
What is the rainiest month in Cabo?
August and September, each with 9 rain days on average.
Do I need an adapter in Mexico?
Not from the US or Canada. Sockets are Type A and B at 127V.
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