September in Cabo San Lucas offers a wilder, more intimate version of paradise. After seasonal rains, the desert transforms—cactus-covered hills glow green, hidden streams emerge, and the landscape feels more alive than ever. The summer crowds have thinned, making way for a quieter rhythm where mornings are golden and the ocean is as warm as a bath. This is a month for early risers, sunset seekers, and travelers who appreciate nature’s raw beauty.
But it’s also a time to be smart. Days can reach 95°F (35°C), and it’s peak hurricane season, though most storms are short-lived. Savvy visitors embrace the rhythm: start early, stay flexible, and let the weather lead the way. From snorkeling in calm coves and exploring desert trails to joining locals for Mexican Independence Day celebrations, Cabo in September rewards the thoughtful traveler.
This guide highlights 20 unforgettable experiences—half rooted in Baja culture and nature, half supported by expert-led excursions—to help you explore this lush, uncrowded, and unexpectedly soulful side of the peninsula. Whether you’re looking for adrenaline, connection, or calm, these September activities are tailored to the season.
1. Off-Road Through a Rain-Fed Desert
After the rains, Cabo’s arid landscape surprises visitors with its lush transformation. Streams gurgle across trails, desert flowers bloom, and the air smells fresh and earthy. You can blaze through rugged canyons and splash through shallow riverbeds as the desert reveals its vibrant September side in this off-road adventure.
This early-morning ride takes advantage of cooler temperatures and clear skies. With expert guidance, you’ll navigate scenic backcountry with safety and thrill in equal measure. It’s a powerful way to see Baja alive and green—a perspective most visitors never witness.
2. Witness the Grito on Mexican Independence Day
On September 15, the night sky above Cabo San Lucas erupts with fireworks, music, and emotion. This is Independence Eve, and the heart of the celebration is the Grito de Dolores—a reenactment of the cry that sparked Mexico’s revolution.
The experience goes beyond entertainment. You’ll sample traditional snacks like pozole, watch folkloric dance performances, and feel the spirit of unity and remembrance. For an immersive cultural connection, there’s nothing quite like standing shoulder-to-shoulder with residents during Mexico’s most patriotic night.
3. Snorkel in the Blue Waters Around the Arch
September brings a unique treat to Cabo’s coastline—crystal-clear waters from the south push in, creating dazzling underwater visibility. Slip into warm seas during the Luxury Two-Bay Snorkel or the Snorkel & Sea Adventure for vibrant marine life and shaded catamaran bliss.
Morning outings are best, when seas are calm and light filters through in gold ribbons. Between swims, relax aboard a shaded catamaran with refreshments and ocean breezes. With gear included and attention to safety, it’s the most refreshing way to explore Cabo’s marine life.
4. Browse Artisan Markets in the Shade
Hidden in quiet corners are markets full of handmade treasures. September’s heat makes the shaded stalls especially inviting, where palm-thatched roofs and breezy courtyards keep you cool. You’ll find embroidered textiles, silver jewelry, pottery, and leatherwork—each piece tied to a local maker’s story.
Arrive mid-morning to avoid the peak heat and strike up conversations with the artisans themselves. Many offer live demos and are happy to explain traditional techniques. It’s more than shopping—it’s a chance to slow down and connect with Cabo’s creative heart.
5. Ride Through Streams and Cactus Valleys
The September rains bring life back to Cabo’s desert trails, making this ride especially thrilling. You’ll wind through muddy arroyos and past towering cardón cacti under wide-open skies while enjoying an ATV adventure.
Cooler morning air makes this an ideal first-thing experience. Helmets and safety gear are included, and the route moves at a pace suited to every rider. It’s messy, exhilarating, and perfectly timed to showcase the contrast of green growth and rugged terrain.
6. Cook and Feast in a Shaded Outdoor Kitchen
One of the most satisfying ways to understand Baja’s soul is through its food. In September, local chefs host cooking classes that take place in open-air kitchens nestled among gardens or shaded patios. You’ll grind spices by hand, roll tortillas, and prepare dishes like chile rellenos or ceviche with mango.
As the sun filters through the trees, you’ll sit down to enjoy your creation with fresh agua fresca or a local mezcal. These workshops go beyond recipes—they invite conversation, storytelling, and cultural insight in a relaxed, heat-conscious setting.
7. Swim with Dolphins in a Marine Mammal Center
For a magical, family-friendly encounter that runs rain or shine, consider spending time in a saltwater pool habitat with friendly dolphins. This interactive encounter lets you meet and learn about these intelligent animals in a secure and respectful environment.
September’s heat can be intense, so this controlled setting with shallow water is ideal. Trained educators guide you through gentle interactions, and professional photos capture the joy. It’s educational, unforgettable, and perfectly suited for all ages.
8. Watch a Storm Roll In from a Rooftop Cantina
September skies often put on a show. In the late afternoons, dramatic cloud formations gather over the Pacific, creating the perfect backdrop for a mezcal cocktail at a rooftop bar. From this vantage point, you can watch lightning flicker over the water as thunder rumbles in the distance.
Choose a terrace with a canopy or palapa for comfort, and settle in as the heat gives way to breezy suspense. Local favorites like tamarind margaritas or grilled shrimp tacos make this a moment to savor. It’s not just a break from the sun—it’s theater.
9. Discover the Magic of Todos Santos
The artistic soul of Todos Santos offers welcome respite from the heat with its higher elevation and relaxed charm. Cobblestone streets wind past 19th-century architecture, shaded courtyards, and colorful galleries tucked behind thick adobe walls.
Stroll through local missions, watch artisans at work, and savor regional dishes in breezy patios. Just an hour from Cabo San Lucas, this day trip experience offers a peaceful retreat that feels worlds away.
10. Paddle to El Arco at Sunrise
Before the sun heats the sand, grab a kayak and glide across glassy waters toward El Arco. The sea is quiet in these early hours, and the soft light makes the rock formations glow. Along the way, you might spot pelicans, rays, or even sea lions greeting the day.
This is a low-impact workout and an unforgettable photo opportunity. Guided outings ensure safety and provide storytelling about the area’s geology and history. Sunrise kayaking in September is calm, meditative, and cooler than later-day excursions.
11. Savor Mole and Mezcal at Dusk
As the sun sets, Cabo’s air cools and flavors come alive. Join a curated tasting experience where complex moles—like chocolatey negro or green pepita—are paired with smoky artisanal mezcals. Set in candlelit patios or breezy balconies, these tastings are as romantic as they are delicious.
Chefs and mezcaleros guide you through the pairings, sharing the ingredients’ cultural origins. The slower pace of September evenings makes this the perfect time to indulge your palate and enjoy conversation under soft lights.
12. Spot Birds and Crocs in the Estuary
Just outside San José del Cabo lies the Estero—a protected freshwater estuary teeming with life. In September, after rains fill its channels, it becomes a birdwatcher’s paradise. Herons, spoonbills, and egrets take flight among the reeds, while crocodiles sun themselves near the shore.
Take an early-morning stroll along the boardwalk or join a guided eco-tour for deeper insight. This shaded, serene habitat offers a peaceful contrast to Cabo’s high-energy attractions—a reminder of the wild world tucked within the city.
13. Experience Cabo’s Lush Side with the Ultimate Zipline and UTV Combo
September’s rain transforms the Baja outback into a surprisingly green landscape, revealing a wild side of Cabo that few expect. This is the perfect time to embark on Cabo’s top-rated zipline and UTV adventure—an adrenaline-fueled experience through a UNESCO-protected biosphere reserve. Soar across the longest and fastest zipline in Mexico, conquer the thrilling Pendulum ride, rappel down rock walls, and cross suspension bridges—all while surrounded by the rugged, rain-kissed beauty of the Sierra foothills.
After flying through the air, hop into a powerful UTV and kick up mud as you tear through riverbeds and dusty jungle-like trails. Outings are timed for the cooler morning hours and include scenic hiking trails between runs, plus a satisfying lunch of handmade quesadillas and fresh salsas. Whether you’re ziplining upside down or scaling a rock face, this all-in-one adventure pushes your limits while immersing you in Baja’s seasonal transformation.
14. Sip Coffee and Journal in a Colonial Plaza
Sometimes, the best activity is to slow down. Grab a seat under a jacaranda tree in a colonial plaza—perhaps in San José or Todos Santos—and let time stretch. Order a café de olla with cinnamon and cloves, and pull out your journal or sketchpad.
September’s slower pace and warm breezes encourage this kind of stillness. Watch as children play, elders chat, and church bells echo in the distance. These moments become some of the most meaningful.
15. Hike Desert Hills for Sunset Views
For those who crave a physical challenge, a sunset hike through Cabo’s desert hills delivers cinematic reward. Start late in the afternoon when shadows stretch long and the heat begins to fade. Trails near Pedregal or above the marina offer panoramic ocean views.
Bring water, wear proper shoes, and don’t rush—the experience is about immersion. As you crest the hill, the horizon flares gold, pink, and lavender. It’s nature’s final bow for the day.
16. Take a Surf Lesson on Swell-Fed Beaches
Hurricane season stirs up consistent southern swells, making September ideal for surfing—especially on beaches like Acapulquito. Early morning lessons provide the best light, calmer winds, and manageable waves for beginners.
Instructors explain ocean safety, stance, and wave timing, ensuring a confidence-building experience. It’s a thrilling, salt-soaked adventure that offers both challenge and joy. And post-surf tacos never taste better.
17. Take a Baja Nature Photography Workshop
With dramatic light, shifting clouds, and renewed landscapes, September is a photographer’s dream. Join a local photo guide for a half-day workshop focused on capturing Baja’s textures—from succulents to waves to stormy skies.
Workshops are timed for golden hour and often include desert or coastline stops. Whether you’re on an iPhone or DSLR, you’ll come away with stunning images and a deeper appreciation for Cabo’s wild beauty.
18. Drift Across the Water at Sunset
End your day on the water as the sky shifts through every shade of gold and crimson. Aboard a sleek sailboat, you’ll feel the warm breeze and see Land’s End in silhouette while enjoying gourmet bites and cool drinks.
These sunset sailing outings are timed to showcase dramatic skies and avoid afternoon storms. Dolphins or rays may appear near the surface, adding a little magic to the moment.
Set sail on a Luxury Sunset Sailing Tour or try the daytime Luxury Day Sailing option for equally stunning sea views.
19. Explore Hidden Beaches When It’s Calm
September’s quieter beaches invite spontaneous exploration—just be weather-aware. On calm mornings, visit Lover’s Beach, Santa Maria Bay, or Chileno, where waves are gentle and the sand feels untouched.
Bring shade, water, and a snorkel if conditions allow. Watch for tide changes and ask locals about safety. These secret hours on a nearly empty shore are what off-season travel is all about. If you're feeling adventurous, explore farther shores like Balandra Beach in La Paz for a quieter, pristine beach escape.
20. Visit a Working Ranch in the Sierra
When the coast feels too warm, escape inland to a Baja ranch where the air is cooler and life slows down. Watch horses graze near mesquite trees and learn how families raise livestock and grow food in harmony with the land.
Some ranches welcome visitors for half-day experiences that include horseback riding, tortilla-making, and riverside picnics. It’s a restful and revealing look into a side of Baja most tourists never see.
Final Thoughts
September in Cabo San Lucas isn’t for those chasing predictable beach weather—it’s for those seeking soul, story, and surprise. With lush backdrops, cultural celebrations, and warm, uncrowded seas, it’s the perfect month for thoughtful adventure.
By starting early, staying flexible, and traveling with guides who know the land, you’ll uncover a deeper version of Baja. The experiences above mix heart-pounding fun with quiet connection—and they’re all seasonally suited for a safe and meaningful trip.
Ready to plan your escape? Visit the Cabo Adventures Tours Page to choose your next September experience.
