Los Cabos in December is dry and warm, with 77–82°F days, cool 60s nights, and very little rain.
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Dry air is the main reason the weather in Los Cabos in December feels so different from the Caribbean side of Mexico. Afternoons are warm enough for beach clubs, pool time, golf, marina walks, and boat trips, but evenings can feel surprisingly cool once the sun drops behind the desert hills.
December is also peak winter-sun season in Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, Mexico. The trade is simple: you get some of the driest, easiest weather of the year, but Christmas and New Year’s bring higher hotel demand, busier restaurants, and less room for last-minute planning.
Los Cabos December Weather: What The Month Feels Like
Los Cabos December weather is warm by day, dry most of the month, and cooler at night than many first-time visitors expect. Daytime highs usually sit around 77–82°F, while late nights and early mornings often land in the low-to-mid 60s.
Cabo San Lucas often feels a touch warmer and livelier around the marina and Medano Beach. San José del Cabo can feel calmer after dark, with cooler patio dinners and less late-night heat. Resort areas along the Tourist Corridor depend more on exposure: oceanfront terraces and Pacific-side resorts can feel breezy after sunset.
The month works well for travelers who want sun without heavy humidity. December does not have the thick, sweaty feel of late summer, and it is outside the core storm season that affects Baja California Sur in late summer and early fall.
December Weather By Trip Window
December in Los Cabos gets busier as the month goes on, while the weather stays fairly steady. Early December is the easier pick for lower pressure, and the final week is the better fit for travelers who want holiday energy and do not mind the cost jump.
| December Window | Weather | Crowds And Price |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 1–7 | Warm 80°F-style afternoons, dry air, cool nights | Lightest December crowd pressure before holiday trips build |
| Dec 8–14 | Sunny beach weather with low rain odds | Good timing for travelers avoiding the holiday rush |
| Dec 15–18 | Warm days, breezier boat mornings, cool evenings | Whale tours and resort bookings start filling faster |
| Dec 19–23 | Dry, bright afternoons with 60s after dark | Flights, hotels, and dinner reservations tighten |
| Dec 24–26 | Beach weather by day, sweater weather outside at night | Christmas demand pushes the month into high season |
| Dec 27–31 | Similar dry warmth, with cooler marina evenings | New Year’s week is the busiest part of December |
| Pacific-Side Stays | More wind exposure and cooler sunset conditions | Better for views and quiet pools than guaranteed swimming |
For flexible travelers, the first half of December is the sweet spot: the same dry weather, fewer holiday logistics, and better odds of finding a room in the area you actually want.
Can You Swim In Los Cabos In December?
Swimming in Los Cabos in December is usually possible, but beach choice matters more than air temperature. The ocean is often around the mid-70s°F, which feels fine to many swimmers in the afternoon and brisk to others during morning snorkel trips.
Medano Beach in Cabo San Lucas is the easiest swimming base for first-timers because it has services, boat access, and a more protected bay. Palmilla Beach and Chileno Bay are also common picks for calmer water, while many Pacific-facing beaches are better for walking, sunsets, and views than entering the water.
Los Cabos has beautiful beaches where swimming is unsafe because of surf, drop-offs, or currents. A swimmable beach label from your hotel matters, and local flags should decide the day, not the view from the sand.
Rain, Wind, And Sun In December
Rain is rare in Los Cabos in December, and most trips pass without a wet day. The dry pattern is the main reason December is one of the most reliable months for outdoor plans.
The official Los Cabos weather page describes the region as having about 300 sunny days per year and puts winter days near 75°F. That official winter snapshot matches what December visitors should plan for: sun, low rain risk, and cooler evenings.
Wind is the factor people notice more than rain. Boat tours are often calmer in the morning, while late afternoon can feel choppier, especially near exposed Pacific water. Golf, desert ATV trips, marina lunches, and San José del Cabo walks usually sit in the month’s weather comfort zone.
Flights, Prices, And Holiday Timing
December flights to Los Cabos are usually easiest before the Christmas-New Year rush. Travelers with open dates should compare flights into Los Cabos International Airport before locking in a hotel for the final week of the month.
Early December is usually the smarter weather-to-price trade, since the climate is already dry and warm before the biggest holiday arrivals. Late December works better for travelers who specifically want Christmas dinners, New Year’s events, and a busier resort mood.
Compare airfares before your resort choice narrows the calendar:
Where To Stay For Easier December Weather
The easiest December base in Los Cabos depends on whether you care more about swimming, quiet resort time, or walkable nightlife. Medano Beach is the simplest first-trip choice, the Tourist Corridor works well for resort pools and golf, and San José del Cabo suits travelers who want calmer evenings and restaurants.
For December, prioritize the micro-location over the room view. A resort can have a beautiful beach that is not safe for swimming, so check whether the property sits on a swimmable stretch if ocean access matters.
Use the map after you know the kind of December trip you want, because Cabo San Lucas, the Corridor, and San José del Cabo feel different after sunset:
What Should You Pack For December In Los Cabos?
December packing for Los Cabos should cover beach days and cool nights in the same suitcase. Bring warm-weather clothes for daytime and one light layer for dinners, boats, and breezy resort patios.
- Swimwear, sandals, sunglasses, and a hat for daytime sun.
- A light sweater or thin jacket for evenings in San José del Cabo, the Corridor, and Pacific-side resorts.
- Reef-safe sunscreen and lip balm, since dry air and wind can be rougher than humidity.
- Comfortable shoes for marina walks, art-gallery nights, and resort paths.
- A rash guard or light cover-up for boat trips, especially if you chill easily after swimming.
December is not a month for rain gear unless a short-term forecast calls for it. A small travel umbrella is less useful than sun protection and a layer for outdoor meals.
December Trip Verdict
Choose Los Cabos in December if you want dry winter sun, warm afternoons, cooler nights, and a strong chance of beach-friendly weather. Skip late December if low prices and quiet restaurants matter more than holiday atmosphere.
For the best balance, travel in the first half of December, stay near the activity you will use most, and book boat plans for the morning. Whale-watching season begins building in December, so a boat tour is a natural add-on, especially later in the month.
Once your dates and base are set, compare December water activities and whale-watching options here:
December is not the hottest month in Los Cabos, and that is the point. The month gives most travelers what they actually came for: dry sun, easier daytime heat, and evenings cool enough to enjoy outside without feeling cooked.
References & Sources
- Los Cabos Tourism Board.“Los Cabos Weather.”Supports the official winter weather overview, annual sunshine claim, and December-to-February winter context for Los Cabos.