Los Cabos in December: What to Expect, What to Book, What It Costs
December is peak season in Los Cabos, and it earns the designation. The weather is genuinely excellent — 75–82°F, virtually no rain, low humidity, the kind of dry sunny days that make the desert-meets-ocean landscape look exactly like the photos. Humpback whales arrive in the water in December and stay through April. The Pacific swell calms down from the summer storms and the swimming beaches are at their best. If you want to understand why Los Cabos has the reputation it does, December is when that reputation is justified.
The costs: it is the most expensive time of year, rooms book out early, and the Christmas–New Year window (December 20 through January 5) is the highest-demand travel period in all of Baja California Sur. Plan accordingly or plan to pay.
December Weather in Los Cabos
Daytime highs run 75–82°F through most of December, dropping to 60–65°F overnight. Humidity is low — noticeably different from the Riviera Maya or Puerto Vallarta at any time of year. Rainfall is essentially zero in December; Los Cabos averages less than 1 inch of rain for the entire month. Wind from the north occasionally picks up, particularly in the first half of December — the Pacific side can see some chop, but the protected bay at Medano stays calm.
Water temperature: 72–76°F in December. Cool enough to feel refreshing but not cold for most swimmers. The Sea of Cortez side (accessible via boat or the Corridor) runs slightly warmer than the Pacific. Wetsuit optional for snorkeling, not required.
Humpback Whales — The December Bonus
Humpback whales migrate to the warm Pacific waters of Baja California Sur every winter, arriving in December and staying through April. The concentration builds through January and February, but December sightings are reliable — tour operators based at the Cabo San Lucas marina run daily departures with sighting rates that typically exceed 90% during the season.
A whale watching tour runs $55–85 USD per person for a 2–3 hour trip. The boats operate under regulations that require staying 100 meters from whales, but humpbacks routinely approach boats voluntarily — breaches and tail slaps at close range happen regularly on December tours. Book at least 2–3 days ahead in December; tour departures fill quickly.
December is also when gray whales begin gathering in the lagoons of Baja's Pacific coast further north — but that is a 6–8 hour drive from Cabo. The humpbacks around Los Cabos are the accessible option.
Book directly with operators at the Cabo San Lucas marina rather than through hotel desks — you save 20–30% and often get a more experienced captain. Solmar Fleet and Pisces Sport Fishing are the long-established operations. Check their reviews directly before booking. Los Cabos complete guide.
What December Crowds Actually Look Like
Los Cabos in December is busy, with a clear spike in the Christmas–New Year window. The practical effects:
Medano Beach: The main swimming beach in Cabo San Lucas fills from late morning through late afternoon. Still manageable — it's a long beach — but the beach clubs at the prime spots are at capacity by noon on weekends. The water remains swimmable and not unpleasantly crowded for swimmers.
The marina: Busy on weekends, lively every evening. Restaurants along the marina strip have waits on Friday and Saturday nights — go at 6 PM or accept a queue at 8 PM.
The Arch (El Arco): Water taxis to the arch and Playa del Amor run constantly. The arch itself is a boat-view attraction — the beach at Playa del Amor can be crowded but does not feel impossible.
San José del Cabo: Noticeably quieter than Cabo San Lucas even in December. The Thursday gallery night (6–9 PM) is the busiest weekly event and worth planning around. The restaurants in the downtown art district generally have availability with a same-day reservation.
What to Book Ahead in December
Hotel rooms: Book December (especially December 20–January 5) at least 2–3 months ahead. The better properties in the Corridor and at Medano sell out by October for the holiday window. If you are going in early December (December 1–18), you have more flexibility but the best value rooms still go fast.
Whale watching tours: 2–3 days minimum advance. Don't arrive expecting same-day availability during the holidays.
Flora Farms dinner: The most sought-after reservation in the Los Cabos dining scene — a farm-to-table dinner on an organic farm outside San José. Book 3–4 weeks ahead for December, or accept being on a waitlist.
Sport fishing charters: December is a slower month for marlin (the peak is summer), but yellowfin tuna, dorado, and wahoo are present. Shared boats: book 3–5 days ahead. Private charters: book 1–2 weeks minimum for December.
December Prices — What to Expect
Los Cabos is expensive year-round by Mexican beach standards, and December is the most expensive month. Rough ranges:
Hotels: Mid-range properties in Cabo San Lucas: $200–350 USD/night in December, up from $130–200 in September–October. Resort properties in the Corridor: $400–800+ USD/night during the holiday window. There is no budget accommodation on Medano Beach — that designation belongs to downtown Cabo San Lucas, where $80–130 USD/night buys a clean, functional room within walking distance of everything.
Restaurants: Prices do not change seasonally at most Cabo restaurants, but reservations become essential at the mid-to-upper range places. The Mercado del Mar and downtown taco spots run the same prices year-round ($3–8 USD per item) and represent the best value at any time of year.
Flights: December fares from US gateway cities are typically 20–40% above the October–November baseline. Book 6–8 weeks out for the best combination of availability and price.
Early December vs Christmas Week — Two Different Trips
December 1–18: Peak season conditions with slightly lower density than the holiday window. Good weather, whale sightings beginning, reasonable hotel availability if you book 4–6 weeks ahead. This is the pragmatic option for a December trip — you get all the weather benefits with fewer of the logistical headaches.
December 19 – January 5: Full Christmas-New Year operation. Maximum prices, maximum crowds, maximum energy. The marina has fireworks. The beach clubs run New Year's Eve events at $150–300 USD per person. It is festive and genuinely spectacular if that is what you came for — just understand you are paying the premium in full.
December has the best weather of the year and coincides with the start of humpback whale season. It is also the most expensive and crowded month. February and March have nearly identical weather with somewhat lower prices and the peak whale concentration — a strong argument for those months if the holiday atmosphere is not the draw.
Rarely. Los Cabos averages less than 1 inch of rain in December. The rainy season ends in October and December through April are the dry months. You can plan outdoor activities without weather contingencies.
Light clothing for days (shorts and t-shirts for the beach, 75–82°F), a light layer for evenings (60–65°F overnight, air conditioning in restaurants). Sunscreen is mandatory — the Baja sun is intense even in winter. A light waterproof layer for whale watching boat spray. Reef-safe sunscreen only for snorkeling or cenotes.
Yes — 72–76°F water temperature. Comfortable for most swimmers without a wetsuit. The Sea of Cortez side runs slightly warmer. December is one of the best months for snorkeling at Cabo Pulmo because the water visibility is high and the sea life concentration is good.
For the Christmas–New Year window (December 20–January 5): 2–3 months ahead for hotels. For early December: 4–6 weeks is workable for hotels. Flora Farms dinner reservations: 3–4 weeks minimum regardless of which week you go.
