Winter: December to February
Winter turns Baja California Sur into nature's grandest theater. Thousands of gray whales finish their 6,000-mile journey from Alaska to the warm, shallow lagoons along the Pacific coast. These protected bays become nurseries where mothers give birth and raise their calves, creating one of the most spectacular wildlife shows on earth.
The magic peaks between December 15th and April 15th when Laguna San Ignacio, Magdalena Bay, and Scammon's Lagoon fill with these gentle giants. Gray whales take center stage, but you'll also spot humpbacks and even the massive blue whale—the largest animal ever, in the Sea of Cortez.
For an unforgettable encounter with these magnificent creatures, the Cabo Whale Watching tour provides expert guides and stunning viewpoints. Travelers seeking a more exclusive experience can appreciate the Luxury Whale Watching In Cabo option.
Winter brings Baja California Sur's most pleasant climate with days between 75-80°F and cool evenings. Clear, sunny skies and almost no rain create perfect conditions for outdoor activities beyond whale watching, hiking, mountain biking, and exploring the peninsula's diverse ecosystems.
This weather perfection comes with predictable trade-offs: higher prices and bigger crowds, especially during the Christmas-to-New Year period.
Winter Baja California Weather Averages
December Averages:
- High: 77°F (25°C)
- Low: 57°F (14°C)
- Average days of rainfall: 2
January Averages:
- High: 76°F (24°C)
- Low: 55°F (13°C)
- Average days of rainfall: 2
February Averages:
- High: 78°F (26°C)
- Low: 56°F (13°C)
- Average days of rainfall: 1
Spring: March to May
Spring in Baja California Sur offers that perfect sweet spot travelers dream about—beautiful weather without winter's premium prices or crowds. March begins with gradually climbing temperatures and low humidity, creating ideal conditions for exploring both coastlines and desert landscapes.
The transition from high season to shoulder season happens gradually. March can still feel busy, especially during Spring Break when college students head to Cabo San Lucas. But by April and May, the crowds thin out, giving you more space to enjoy popular spots like Lover’s Beach or take a Balandra Beach excursion near La Paz, often ranked among Mexico’s most stunning beaches.
Spring creates perfect conditions for water activities as the Sea of Cortez warms. Snorkelers and divers enjoy excellent visibility reaching up to 100 feet in places like Cabo Pulmo National Park, where the 20,000-year-old coral reef hosts vibrant marine life. Early spring marks the tail end of whale season, with some gray whales and their calves still visible in March before they head north.
With spring's balanced conditions, Cabo Adventures' Cabo Pulmo Snorkel Expedition offers perfect opportunities to experience the peninsula's underwater wonders without winter's crowds or summer's heat.
The season also brings unique cultural experiences, including Holy Week celebrations that fill towns like Loreto and San José del Cabo with processions and traditions.
Spring Baja California Weather Averages
March Averages:
- High: 81°F (27°C)
- Low: 58°F (14°C)
- Rainfall: 0.1 inches
April Averages:
- High: 84°F (29°C)
- Low: 61°F (16°C)
- Rainfall: 0.1 inches
May Averages:
- High: 88°F (31°C)
- Low: 65°F (18°C)
- Rainfall: 0.1 inches
Summer: June to August
Summer reveals a different side of Baja California Sur, one where savvy travelers find incredible values amid rising temperatures. While days regularly hit the 90s with higher humidity, this season offers real advantages for those willing to embrace the heat.
The biggest summer perk? Hotel rates drop significantly compared to winter. Popular resorts offer their lowest prices of the year, luxury places become more accessible, and you can experience high-end Baja California Sur without the high-end price tag.
The warmth extends to the water, with ocean temperatures reaching the mid-80s, perfect for swimming. The Sea of Cortez feels like a comfortable bath, though snorkelers should know that summer's plankton blooms sometimes reduce underwater visibility.
Summer brings the rainy season, though "rainy" is relative in this arid region. Rain typically comes as short afternoon storms, though late summer can occasionally bring more persistent showers or tropical storms. These occasional showers transform the desert, bringing surprising greenery and wildflowers to normally arid land.
With the desert in bloom, it's the perfect time for an exhilarating adventure exploring the rugged landscapes on an off-road UTV tour. It's also an excellent opportunity to explore cactus-lined trails on an electric bike adventure.
Hurricane season runs June through November, but major storms rarely hit Baja California Sur before August.
Summer creates prime conditions for surfing at spots like Cerritos Beach, particularly as southern hemisphere swells arrive in June and July. It's also sea turtle hatching season, when conservation programs sometimes let visitors witness baby turtles making their first journey to the sea.
Cabo Adventures' Luxury Day Sailing showcases summer's perfect combination of warm waters and dramatic landscapes.
Summer Baja California Weather Averages
June Averages:
- High: 91°F (33°C)
- Low: 70°F (21°C)
- Rainfall: 0.1 inches
July Averages:
- High: 94°F (34°C)
- Low: 74°F (23°C)
- Rainfall: 0.5 inches
August Averages:
- High: 93°F (34°C)
- Low: 75°F (24°C)
- Rainfall: 1.2 inches
Fall: September to November
Fall stands as Baja California Sur's best-kept secret, a time when those in the know find the peninsula at its most authentic and accessible. September feels like summer with warm temperatures and occasional rain, but October and November bring decreasing humidity and reliably sunny days.
This transition season offers exceptional value with shoulder-season pricing until mid-November, when winter visitors start arriving. Beaches that might see hundreds of people during peak season often have just a few footprints in the sand during these golden months.
Fall delivers Baja California Sur's richest cultural calendar, starting with Mexican Independence Day on September 16th when towns across the peninsula fill with cultural festivals, fireworks, and patriotic celebrations. Late October and early November bring Día de los Muertos traditions, transforming communities like Todos Santos with colorful altars, marigold decorations, and candlelight processions honoring ancestors.
For wildlife lovers, fall marks special transitions. October and November bring increasing sightings of migratory birds as the peninsula serves as a crucial rest stop on the Pacific Flyway.
The season coincides with the harvest of organic produce throughout the peninsula's agricultural valleys. Local markets in towns like San José del Cabo feature fresh vegetables, regional cheeses, and local honey, offering authentic farm-to-table experiences.
Cabo Adventures' Camel and ATV Combo, where you can visit Tierra Sagrada, and Cabo Zipline & UTV tours, showcase the peninsula's diverse ecosystems during fall when desert plants recover from summer heat and wildlife becomes more active in the comfortable temperatures.
Fall Baja California Weather Averages
September Averages:
- High: 91°F (33°C)
- Low: 74°F (23°C)
- Rainfall: 2.1 inches
October Averages:
- High: 88°F (31°C)
- Low: 69°F (21°C)
- Rainfall: 0.7 inches
November Averages:
- High: 82°F (28°C)
- Low: 62°F (17°C)
- Rainfall: 0.3 inches
Choosing the Best Time to Visit Baja California Sur
No matter when you visit, Baja California Sur offers something special. From budget-friendly fall escapes to vibrant festivals, sun-drenched spring days, and epic outdoor adventures, each season brings its own magic. Match your interests with the season, and you'll discover a side of Baja that's just right for you.
Whether you're experiencing the thrill of whale watching in Magdalena Bay or discovering the best whale watching locations in Baja California Sur, this remarkable peninsula offers extraordinary experiences year-round. The region's unique geography, caught between desert and sea, creates a place where each season reveals new dimensions of this magnificent destination.
Ready to experience Baja California Sur's magic for yourself? Discover the perfect tours for every season with Cabo Adventures, whose expert guides showcase the peninsula's natural wonders throughout the year. Book your unforgettable Baja California Sur adventure today and create memories that will last a lifetime!
