If you visit Cabo San Lucas in January, you’ll enjoy a tourist hub steeped in sun-filled days and lively nightlife. Located at the tip of Mexico’s Southern Baja California peninsula, this coastal city soaks up the warm rays that provide perfect weather and very little rain.
Though the Northern Hemisphere has settled into winter, you can expect crowds of people escaping the cold. While the locals might find it cold in January, snowbirds from Canada and west coast cities will enjoy the clear skies and warm temperatures.
In this article, discover what activities you can enjoy in Cabo in January, some only specific to that time of year.

Cabo San Lucas Weather In January
Although January is considered a cooler month in Cabo, what’s cold to some may be balmy to you, depending on your home city. Being winter, nights and early mornings can be pretty chilly in the low 60s (16C). We suggest packing a sweatshirt or light jacket if you’re taking an early morning excursion.
However, when the sun warms up, you can expect an average temperature of 75 F or 25 C. Rain is unlikely as you’re visiting during one of the driest months. Even if you have any rainy days, the showers are short-lived.
Many days have clouds, although don’t be deceived by that cloud cover. You can still get sunburned, so pack a reef-safe sunscreen and wear a Rashguard shirt to minimize risk.
If you’re participating in water sports in the Sea of Cortez, the average sea temperature is 73 F or 23 C in the month of January. While that may seem cold to someone who lives in Mexico, it felt warm to me coming from Canada.
Alternatively, if you find the ocean cold, most inclusive resorts have outdoor pools, which will be much warmer. On average, the sun rises at 7 am and sets at 5:55 pm, so you’ll have plenty of hours of sunshine.
Since hurricane season runs from mid-May to the end of November, there’s not much can of tropical storms by traveling to Cabo at the start of the year.
All-Inclusive Vs. Cruising
If you’re flying to Los Cabos International Airport in January, you’re traveling in high season. Being peak season, expect to pay higher pricing for hotels and resorts. To save money, book as far in advance as possible to have the best hotel selection with slightly lower prices.
Here are some great choices for hotels in Cabo:
- Casa Dorada Los Cabo Resort & Spa – Located on Medano Beach in the heart of Cabo San Lucas. The hotel has a kids club, two swimming pools, and seven dining options, making it family-friendly.
- Medano Hotel & Spa – Centrally located, with a short walk to the beach. The hotel is budget-friendly with good amenities and offers a car hire.
- Villa del Arco Beach Resort & Spa – This hotel is on Medano beach. Its suites have a kitchenette, and the hotel has a mini-market, spa, and scuba diving facilities.
While most cruises to the Mexican Riviera are 7-day itineraries, you can opt for a shorter trip to Cabo, which starts at just four days. The five-day itineraries spend either two days in Cabo San Lucas or one day in Cabo and another in Ensenada.
Longer itineraries that transition through the Panama Canal often include Cabo San Lucas as part of their itinerary. While you might pay less for cruising (and your food and entertainment are included), you’ll likely only spend one or two days in Los Cabos.
Some outlayer itineraries of eight or ten days include Cabo but also include lesser-visited ports of Loretta or La Paz. The port of La Paz is a short distance from the city but easily accessible by shuttle.
However, having a land-based vacation makes more sense should you prefer to immerse yourself in the Mexican culture and enjoy authentic food.
You’ll Avoid Spring Break
Cabo has a reputation for being a party city, and although it can be, it’s also family-friendly. Spring break traditionally draws crowds from California, only a 2-1/2-hour flight away.
With short getaways from San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, you can ramp up the party atmosphere without traveling too far.
However, if you prefer a quieter vibe as we do, traveling to Mexico in January avoids the spring break crowds who swarm Medano Beach. While you’ll have cooler weather, it’s a good month for hiking, fishing, or enjoying an outdoor adventure.
With lots of bars and vibrant nightlife, you can choose to party on your own terms or opt for a quiet evening. The choice is yours.
Best Month For Whale Watching
January is the perfect time to go whale watching in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. As humpback whales migrate between Mexico and Alaska, a journey consisting of 3,000 miles, visitors can see them in the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean during this month.
When it comes to whale-watching tours in Cabo, tour operators offer two types of watercraft; a small Zodiac boat that seats 12 people or a large catamaran-style vessel. The smaller vessels provide speed, and once a whale is spotted, you’ll get there first. However, you’ll experience a rougher ride.
Cabo San Lucas Whale Watching Tours
- 🐋 Luxury Catamaran Whale-Watching Tour with alcoholic drinks and snacks included
- 🐋 Small group cruise with a naturalist who will provide you with complimetary photos
- 🐋 Whale Watching lunch cruise with a buffet lunch and unlimited drinks
Use a motion sickness patch or select the larger vessel if you suffer from seasickness. While the catamarans aren’t as agile, we enjoyed a smoother ride and could move around for the best photo opportunities.
Both excursions last 2 to 2-1/2 hours, but the catamaran includes unlimited drinks and a snack. So, grab your binoculars and cameras for an unforgettable experience! We saw lots of humpbacks, but you might also spot gray whales, porpoises, and orcas.
While I have taken numerous west coast whale watching excursions, the one in Cabo provided the best action.
Adventurous travelers who make a day trip to La Paz will have the chance to snorkel with the majestic whale sharks. Like humpbacks, whale sharks are migratory creatures that visit the Bay of La Paz from October to March.
Despite their massive size, these gentle creatures are harmless and feed on tiny organisms such as plankton and krill. This unique experience promises to be up close and unforgettable!
Enjoy A Festival
Mexico celebrates many festivals in January, offering a chance to join locals in the festivities.
On January 6th, Día de Los Reyes (Three Kings Day) honors the wise men who brought gifts to Jesus, with gift-giving, parades, and food. On January 17th, Cabo San Lucas celebrates the Feast Day of San Antonio de Abad, where locals bring animals to be blessed in a colorful tradition.
Later in the month, the Lord of the Wind Festival showcases top kite surfers on the Sea of Cortez, a thrilling 5-day event held in the East Cape of Baja, perfect for the sport.
Great For Marlin Fishing
Known as the “Marlin capital of the world,” you can enjoy excellent sport fishing opportunities in January. With a bit of luck, you could score a catch of Wahoo, Dorado, Yellowfin Tuna, or Marlin.
Anglers flock to Cabo to enjoy deep-sea fishing and especially for the chance to catch a marlin. While you’ll find different varieties in the waters here, Striped Marlin and Blue Marlin are often caught in January.
Both species become active in the mornings and afternoons, so fishermen should plan accordingly. Anglers should know that Los Cabos encourages catch-and-release methods in order to conserve the species numbers and ensure others can enjoy this activity too.
However, if you prefer to take your fish home, only one marlin and two Dorado, sailfish, tarpon, or halibut per boat are allowed.
Best Time For Outdoor Activities
Since temperatures are warm but not overly scorching, it’s a fantastic time of year to participate in some outdoor fun. Activities are plentiful and inexpensive, and the only limitation is your adventurousness.
Check out these ideas for fun in the sun during your January trip to Cabo.
Take A Glass Bottom Boat Tour
No trip to Cabo is complete without a short glass-bottom boat ride to El Arco (the Arch). There are plenty of locals vying for your business, so negotiate to get the best price.
After your ride, you can select to be dropped off at the Marina or Medano Beach. This activity is ideal for all ages, and we even took my 81-year-old mum one time.
If you bring snorkeling gear, you can request a drop-off at Lover’s Beach near El Arco and a pick-up later in the day. The waters off Lover’s Beach are teaming with tropical fish, and you’ll have a chance to see pelicans and sea lions nearby.
Walking across the Pacific Ocean side, you’ll see Divorce Beach too. It probably gains its name from the turbulent waters. NOTE: you cannot swim there. Lover’s Beach has calmer waters and a roped-off area reserved for snorkeling.
The newest boat aren’t just glass-bottom, the whole boat is glass.
Go Parasailing
If you don’t fear heights, parasailing off the coast of Cabo is an exhilarating experience. Unlike Mazatlan, where you parasail from the beach, in Los Cabos, you’ll soar up to the skies from the back of a boat. Tour operators use a winch system to lift and lower the parachute.
Parasailing is dependent upon the wind to lift the chute. However, tours won’t operate if it’s too windy. The parachute can accommodate two adults or two adults and a child if the combined weight is under the limit (generally 360 lbs). As you can see, we enjoyed a tandem parasail on a cloudy day.
Guests can take a camera or GoPro, but they’ll want to use a safety strap as it can be pretty windy 500 feet in the air. Once at maximum height, you’ll enjoy magnificent views of Medano Beach, the Pacific Ocean, and El Arco at Land’s End.
Parasailing rides typically last 10 minutes but could be extended if there are fewer fliers. As with any ocean-going activity, you’ll want to dress for the weather and the chance of getting wet. You will need to remove your shoes and sunglasses and empty your pockets.
Try Zip Lining
While many visit Cabo for the beach or water sports, the Wild Canyon offers mountain adventures. Located in the desert, it boasts Baja’s longest zip-line course, with seven lines up to 2,673 feet. Some lines are tandem, so you can zip with friends.
Beyond zip-lining, the park offers bungee jumping, camel rides, ATV tours, suspension bridges, and more with a day pass. Alternatively, you can zip-line at Costa Azul Canyon, which also has seven thrilling lines.
Hike A Trail
Hiking in Cabo San Lucas offers various trails. The 2.4 km Lover’s Beach Trail is recommended but should be done at low tide. It involves some rock scrambling, so wear sturdy shoes, especially in January when temperatures are cooler.
Playa El Medano offers a scenic out-and-back hike with stunning beach views, but be prepared for sandy and rocky paths. Afterward, you can swim at the beach.
For an easier option, try the 1.6 km Esperanza Trail. Starting at Hotel Esperanza, this quick hike offers beautiful Pacific Ocean views and takes under 30 minutes. Watch for rocky surfaces, and don’t forget water and sunscreen.
Play A Round Of Golf
While the Baja area is a water sports playground, it’s also becoming a golfer’s paradise. Bear in mind that you’ll have to spend about USD 350 to play at the finest courses, such as Cabo Del Sol’s Ocean Course (designed by Jack Nicklaus) or Quivira Los Cabos.
However, the bragging rights might outweigh the cost if you’re an avid golfer. With an arid climate and not much risk of rain, you can enjoy spectacular Pacific Ocean views from some of the top golfing greens.
Between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, you’ll have your pick of over a dozen courses. With so many choices, you might need to extend your vacation to find some beach time.
Go Horseback Riding
Cabo offers horseback rides for all levels. Beginners can enjoy a gentle trot along the Pacific Coast, while experienced riders can explore the desert and hills. Most rides last two hours, including transport.
Children 7 and up can join, and for romance, try a sunset beach ride along Baja California Sur. For more adventure, combine horseback riding with a UTV tour through desert trails and canyons, followed by a relaxing beach ride at sunset.
Feast On A Food Tour
A fun-filled food tour in Cabo San Lucas will allow you to eat like a local. Eating Mexican food at home doesn’t quite compare with sampling authentic culinary dishes in Mexico.
On a three-hour walking tour, you’ll taste the best tacos and quesadillas while learning the local culture. Moving from one gastronomic hotspot to another, you could sample fish tacos, a variety of salsa, and Mole. Arrive with an appetite and a desire to try something new.
The Eat like a Local tours are limited to small groups, which makes it much more personal. The tour includes in-depth commentary on Mexican traditions associated with food. If you love to eat, make sure to take this tour!
Enjoy A Camel Safari
You don’t need to go to Egypt to ride a camel—Cabo San Lucas offers camel safaris. With friendly camels, the tours are great for families and often include hotel or cruise port pick-up.
After receiving a Shemagh scarf, you’ll ride at a relaxed pace through the beach or desert. Most tours last about three hours and may include a ranch tour, Mexican buffet, tequila tasting, or tortilla-making lesson. Plus, you’ll have plenty of time for camel selfies!
Enjoy An ATV Tour
For an adrenaline rush, explore the Baja outback on an ATV in Cabo San Lucas. Rentals are available for one or two riders, with helmets and goggles provided.
ATVs can go where horses can’t, taking you through streams and canyons. Tours start at two hours, with longer ones (4.5 hours) including a Mexican buffet and tequila tasting.
Cabo San Lucas in January – Wrap It Up
As you can see, January is an ideal time to Visit Cabo San Lucas. With slightly cooler weather, you can spend more time outdoors, soaking up the scenery or enjoying a fantastic excursion.
Whether you arrive by cruise ship for the day or fly in for an all-inclusive stay, its vibrant atmosphere and fantastic patio restaurants will entice you to make another visit.
Those on a Mexican Riviera cruise can continue down the coast to enjoy the beautiful ports of Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlán. It’s a chance to do some whale watching from your vessel.