Easily accessible from USA & Canada, Cabo San Lucas is a perfect winter getaways offering warm gentle sun with some cool breeze where abundant ocean experiences await!
Come dive away the winter blues in the waters of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Even the slight water temperature drop from January to February makes way for you to scuba dive, whale watching, swim with Whale Sharks or playful Sea Lions.
Discover why winter is the perfect time to dive in Cabo San Lucas! From must-see marine highlights to essential weather insights and gear tips, this guide has everything you need to plan your ultimate winter scuba adventure !
Why Dive into Cabo San Lucas This Winter ?
’Tis the best time to dive Cabo, Fa La La La La La La La La
Winter scuba diving in Cabo San Lucas offers a diver’s dreamscape, where nutrient-rich waters, vibrant marine life, and unique seasonal encounters create unforgettable underwater adventures— That’s why I think winter in Cabo is the perfect time to dive in!
Once you trade in the winter Ugg boots for some sleek dive boots, you are ready to take the plunge into the better visibility of the year at Cabo San Lucas – up to 30 meters (100 feet).
1. Dive with the Cabo San Lucas Sea Lion Colony
Visit a resident colony of california sea lions at one of our best-known dive sites in the Bay of Cabo San Lucas, Land’s End or Pelican Rock for playful encounters you will never forget.
While diving in Cabo though can we see Sea lions hunting the sardine bait balls, which is truly mesmerizing and looks like an incredible ballet on stage.
Snorkel, swim or scuba with Sea lions. You name it, we have got it
2 Tanks dive – Bay of Cabo San Lucas
2. Experience scuba diving surrounded by sardines
From November all the way through to January, you might see the Sardine bowl swarms at not one, but four of our spectacular dive sites in Cabo San Lucas: Pelican Rock, Neptune’s Finger, Land’s End and North Wall.
Huge schools of fish form massive bait balls as they run helter-skelter to take cover from the frigate birds and sea lions while you enjoy front row seats to one of nature’s most exhilarating experiences.
2 Tanks dive – Bay of Cabo San Lucas
3. Deep Dive at Gordo Banks
That’s not all. It is also prime season to scuba dive at the reputed Gordo Banks dive site, known for a great chance at exceptional encounters with hammerhead sharks (scalloped and smooth), big pelagic fish like sharks (Mako, Silky & reef), wahoo & jacks, schools of colourful snappers and even sightings of migratory humpback whales passing by on the same dive site!
Keep your eyes peeled for a flyby from a curious manta ray or whale shark or even a pod of Orcas! The winter season truly is the most action-packed time to be in the waters around Baja California Sur.
Whale Watching and Diving: The Perfect Winter Combo
Whale Watching or Shovelling Snow? Make your plans for the winter season now
Take in the awe-inspiring sight of Humpback Whales on their migratory path as they too set their winter travel course through the Sea of Cortez from December to April. Have a whale of a time from the comfort and safety of our private boat tour.
Enjoy exclusive whale-watching experiences as you see them breaching the surface and slapping their mighty tails to make a BIG splash. If you are a diver, you too can observe them during surface intervals.
Whale Watch & Scuba Diving Combo Tour
Pro Tip: For a family friendly adventure, ask for a whale watching & scuba diving combo in one trip that lets you make memories of a lifetime together.
Swim with Whale Sharks and meet Sea Lions on the same day
It is the perfect time of year to charter a boat out to La Paz and see whale sharks – the largest fish in the ocean! The prime season for viewing them from Los Cabos runs right from Novemer to April.
There is something for everyone here so it is okay if you are not a certified diver. Take up the opportunity instead to swim alongside these gentle giants by getting on board our whale shark tours.
Whatsmore, you can even opt for the combo adventure with sea lions that takes you out to visit the sea lion colonies on the same day.
Winter at Cabo San Lucas: What do the weather and dive conditions look like?
Weather forcast
During winter in Cabo San Lucas, you are looking at warm days and cool evenings with an average air temperature of 77°F (25°C).
There is almost no rainfall during winter in Cabo which ensures great dive conditions.
Water temperature
The water temperature in winter stays at an average of 72°F (22°C), making it ideal for diving in Cabo San lucas.
Water Visibility
The average water visibility in Cabo San Lucas is about 50 feet (15 meters), sometimes clearer in early winter months.
December weather conditions in Cabo San Lucas
| Min Temperature | 61°F | 16°C |
|---|---|---|
| Max Temperature | 79°F | 26°C |
| Water Temperature | 75°F | 24°C |
| Rainfall | 0.6 inches | 15 mm |
January weather conditions in Cabo San Lucas
| Min Temperature | 59°F | 15°C |
|---|---|---|
| Max Temperature | 77°F | 25°C |
| Water Temperature | 73°F | 25°C |
| Rainfall | 0.4 inches | 10 mm |
February weather conditions in Cabo San Lucas
| Min Temperature | 59°F | 15°C |
|---|---|---|
| Max Temperature | 79°F | 26°C |
| Water Temperature | 72°F | 22°C |
| Rainfall | 0.2 inches | 5 mm |
Gear Up: Choosing the Right Wetsuit for Winter Diving in Cabo
To dive in Cabo San Lucas I recommend a 5mm wetsuit for early winter; this gives you comfort in the water without the hassle of an unnecessarily bulky exposure suit. However, for those who do tend to feel colder and, I suggest a 7mm wetsuit or semi-dry suit for the late winter in Cabo San Lucas.
To ensure your safety and comfort onboard as our top priority, we carry warm tea for you to enjoy and cozy blankets to snuggle in between dives.
Pro Tip: For extra comfort, consider layering a hooded vest or gloves to keep warm during longer dives.
Beyond Diving: Must-Try Winter Activities in Cabo San Lucas
Other activities and things to do in winter at Los Cabos in winter? Tradition, culture, sport: take your pick.
After a day of diving, immerse yourself in Cabo’s vibrant holiday traditions or wind down at the Todos Santos Art Festival.
Cabo San Lucas is a great destination to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve with festive vibes and holiday cheer all around. Look up local traditions that you would love to explore and partake in, like the Festejo de Día de Reyes (Three Kings Day) in the first week of January.
February brings with it a celebration of Mexican culture through music, dance, theatre, exhibitions, poetry and so much more at the Todos Santos Art Festival. Perfect for art lovers. If you are a thrill seeker or want more action-packed events, head out to the East Cape for windsurfing, kiteboarding, and kitesurfing any time from November to March.
Here is a list of Cabo’s major Winter Holidays and Celebrations for you to check out:
- Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe: December 12
- Las Posadas: December 16 – 24
- Nochebuena (Christmas Eve): December 24
- Navidad (Christmas Day): December 25
- Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve): December 31
- Constitution Day: February 5
- Ash Wednesday: February 14
Plan your Perfect Winter Diving Experience with Cabo Private Guide
Let us bring you private scuba diving tours tailored to your needs. How do we do this? We offer flexible scheduling so you enjoy that long-awaited relaxing holiday.
We welcome you to express your pace and interests to our professional dive guide so they can apply their excellent local knowledge to adjust your dives accordingly.
Pro Tip: Winter is Cabo’s busiest time. We endeavour to escape the crowds.
We actively search for quieter parts of the reef or quieter reefs altogether.Head’s up! Please secure your spots before they fill up.
From snorkeling with gentle Whale Sharks to private whale-watching tours, Cabo offers unforgettable family-friendly adventures that create lasting memories for all ages.
Ready to experience Cabo’s underwater wonders? Book your dive today!
Unsure of when is a the perfect time to visit Cabo San Lucas?
Explore our related posts that dive into the unique charm and diving conditions of Cabo in each season.
