December is when this destination shines in its most vibrant yet relaxed state. Beaches feel lively without being crowded, daytime temperatures hover around 79–82°F, and evening breezes bring a refreshing calm. The season adds an extra layer of charm, with festive holiday decorations, sparkling boat parades, and the thrill of whale season beginning.
The dry season arrives with perfect weather conditions—minimal rainfall averaging just 6mm for the month and brilliant sunshine lasting 9 hours daily. The waters transform into Jacques Cousteau's legendary "World's Aquarium," with only gentle Pacific breezes to remind you of the desert's edge. From marine encounters with migrating giants to desert adventures in ideal temperatures, here are 20 unforgettable experiences that make December the perfect time to discover Cabo's diverse treasures.
1. Investigate Marine Wonders on an Ocean Safari Adventure
Glide across the Sea of Cortez to reach pristine snorkeling locations where tropical fish, sea turtles, and vibrant coral formations thrive in crystal-clear waters. Expert marine guides point out migrating humpback whales, playful dolphin pods, and the dramatic rock formations of Land's End while sharing insights about this UNESCO-protected marine environment.
The Ocean Safari combines the thrill of a high-speed marine adventure with intimate wildlife encounters impossible from larger vessels. This nimble boat experience allows access to secluded coves and beaches unreachable by traditional tours, while professional-grade snorkeling equipment and expert guidance ensure meaningful connections with Cabo's underwater treasures.
2. Savor Culinary Excellence at Sabor a Cabo Festival
December showcases Cabo's premier gastronomic festival, where internationally renowned chefs present signature dishes highlighting Baja's unique culinary identity.
This exclusive event features live music, premium wine tastings, and innovative cuisine that blends local seafood with international techniques.
3. Explore Coastal Terrain on Electric Bikes
December's ideal temperatures create perfect conditions for electric bike tours along Baja's dramatic coastline, where desert meets sea. The Electric Bike Adventure combines easy pedaling with battery-powered assistance as you glide past iconic landmarks and discover hidden viewpoints most visitors never see. Professional guides share insights about local ecology and geology while ensuring safety on carefully selected routes with minimal traffic.
The mild December climate means comfortable riding without summer heat concerns, while e-bikes make hills and longer distances accessible to riders of various fitness levels.
4. Make Friends With Dolphins
The warm December waters provide perfect conditions for educational marine mammal encounters at the professional Dolphin Center. Interactive Dolphin Experience tours combine conservation education with hands-on learning about these intelligent creatures.
Enjoyable air and water temperatures make swimming programs enjoyable for all ages, while smaller winter crowds ensure more personalized attention from marine educators. These meaningful encounters support local conservation efforts and marine research.
5. Snorkel in the Sea of Cortez
The Sea of Cortez reaches perfect snorkeling conditions in December, with water temperatures around 75°F and exceptional visibility exceeding 100 feet. Explore vibrant coral reefs at Chileno Bay and Santa Maria Beach, where tropical fish, rays, and sea turtles thrive in crystal-clear waters.
Calm seas and mild surface conditions create ideal environments for underwater photography and marine life encounters. Professional guides identify species and share conservation insights about this UNESCO World Heritage marine ecosystem.
6. Navigate Desert Terrain on ATV Off-Road Expeditions
Comfortable 79°F daytime temperatures create perfect conditions for high-energy ATV adventures through Baja's dramatic desert landscapes. Navigate remote canyons, hidden beaches, and mountain viewpoints while experienced guides share local ecology and geology insights.
The cooler winter weather eliminates overheating concerns, allowing full exploration of desert trails and Pacific coastline vistas.
7. Experience Traditional Las Posadas Celebrations
From December 16–24, Mexico celebrates Las Posadas, a cherished tradition that reenacts Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter. In Los Cabos, the festivities often include candlelit processions, villancicos (carols), piñatas, and seasonal treats like tamales and buñuelos.
While neighborhood celebrations are more common in central Mexico, many hotels and resorts in Los Cabos bring this tradition to life with festive activities for guests. With mild December evenings, it’s a warm and welcoming way to experience Mexican holiday culture.
8. Discover Local Culture at Los Cabos
December's pleasant temperatures create the perfect conditions for exploring both Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo on the comprehensive City Tour Los Cabos. This guided cultural journey takes you through charming neighborhoods, historic districts, and scenic viewpoints while professional guides share insights about the region's rich heritage.
Visit the iconic blown glass factory to witness traditional artisans at work, and explore San José del Cabo's historic church and picturesque town square adorned with holiday decorations. December's festive atmosphere adds special charm to the colonial architecture and plaza. Complete your cultural immersion with guided shopping opportunities for authentic Mexican crafts and a tequila tasting featuring premium local varieties.
9. Race Across the Bay on a Jet Ski Adventure
Perfect water conditions create ideal circumstances for the Jet Ski Tour along Cabo's stunning coastline. Zoom past the famous Arch, Lover's Beach, and Divorce Beach while feeling the refreshing ocean spray against your skin. Professional guides lead small groups to ensure safety while maximizing thrills as you navigate between the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean.
The mild December air temperatures balance perfectly with the excitement of high-speed marine exploration. Morning tours offer calmer waters and exceptional visibility of underwater rock formations visible through crystal-clear waters. After your adrenaline-filled ride, relax at Médano Beach or enjoy a refreshing drink at one of the waterfront restaurants with spectacular views of the bay you just conquered.
10. Sail into Paradise on a Luxury Sunset Cruise
Mild evenings and spectacular sunsets create perfect conditions for elegant sailing experiences. Our Luxury Sunset Sailing tour features gourmet appetizers, premium wines, and live music while cruising past the iconic Arch of Cabo San Lucas.
December sunsets paint the sky in brilliant oranges and purples, with the famous Land's End formations silhouetted against the Pacific. Evening temperatures in the comfortable 60s make deck lounging ideal. Complete your evening with beachfront dining at Médano Beach or stroll through the festively decorated Marina district.
11. Soar Through Desert Canyons on Ziplines
Ideal weather conditions make zipline courses through Baja's rugged canyons exhilarating and comfortable for adventurers of all ages. Professional guides ensure safety while participants traverse high-speed lines, rappel down canyon walls, and navigate rope bridges with panoramic desert and ocean views.
The cooler temperatures prevent overheating during active adventures, while clear December skies provide optimal photography conditions. Our adventure tour includes educational components about desert ecology and conservation efforts. Combine ziplining with traditional Mexican lunch experiences or explore nearby organic markets featuring local artisans and sustainable products.
12. Witness Migrating Giants on a Whale Watching Safari
December 15th marks the official start of Cabo's legendary whale watching season, when humpback and gray whales arrive from Arctic waters to birth in the warm Sea of Cortez. These magnificent creatures, reaching 50 feet and weighing up to 80,000 pounds, perform breathtaking breaches and acrobatics just offshore.
Join our Whale Watching tour with hydrophones to hear whale songs and expert commentary on migration patterns. Early December offers pristine viewing conditions with smaller crowds before peak season. Pair your whale encounter with sunset sailing or explore the Marina's nautical Christmas decorations afterward.
13. Conquer Desert Terrain in a High-Performance UTV
December's perfect weather creates ideal conditions for an Off-road UTV Adventure through Baja's rugged desert landscapes. Navigate challenging terrain in a state-of-the-art UTV while following professional guides through canyons, dry riverbeds, and mountain trails rarely seen by other travelers.
This adventure combines the thrill of performance vehicles with spectacular desert scenery and ocean views that showcase Cabo's unique geography. Expert guides ensure safety while sharing insights about the region's distinctive desert ecosystem.
14. Explore Pristine Marine Reserves Through Scuba Diving
December's excellent underwater visibility and comfortable water temperatures make December the perfect time to try the PADI Discover Scuba Diving program, even if you've never dived before. This professionally guided introduction to diving requires no previous experience and includes pool training before exploring the vibrant underwater world of the Sea of Cortez.
PADI-certified instructors provide comprehensive safety training and close supervision while you discover coral formations and tropical fish in shallow, crystal-clear waters.
Our program's small group size ensures personalized attention, making it ideal for first-time divers wanting to experience the thrill of underwater breathing. December's calm sea conditions create the perfect learning environment for this introductory underwater adventure.
15. Ride a Camel in the Desert
Mild temperatures make camel riding through Baja's unique desert terrain an unforgettable adventure. Trek along pristine Pacific beaches and through cactus-studded landscapes while learning about local flora and fauna from knowledgeable guides.
The cooler weather alleviates summer heat concerns, allowing for a comfortable exploration of this unique camel experience.
16. Participate in Christmas Nautical Festival Celebrations
Marina San Lucas hosts the spectacular annual Christmas Boat Parade, where decorated yachts and boats cruise the harbor accompanied by fireworks, music, and festive lighting displays. This unique celebration combines Cabo's maritime culture with Mexican Christmas traditions, creating memorable family experiences.
Mild evening temperatures make waterfront viewing comfortable, while the festive atmosphere includes food vendors, live entertainment, and traditional holiday crafts. Local families and visitors gather along the marina boardwalk to enjoy this distinctive celebration. Continue the festive spirit with traditional posada celebrations in local neighborhoods or holiday-themed dining experiences at beachfront restaurants.
17. Venture into Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere Reserve
Agreeable temperatures make day trips to the nearby Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere Reserve ideal for hiking through pine forests, discovering hidden waterfalls, and exploring scenic mountain overlooks. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve offers dramatic elevation changes from desert coast to mountain peaks, providing unique flora and fauna encounters.
Professional naturalist guides share insights about endemic species and conservation efforts protecting this unique ecosystem. The cooler weather allows comfortable hiking at higher elevations without summer heat concerns.
18. Escape to a Secluded Beach Club Paradise
Mild temperatures create the perfect climate for relaxing at Tierra Sagrada, an exclusive beachfront sanctuary with pristine golden sands and panoramic Sea of Cortez views. The comfortable 79°F weather paired with cooling ocean breezes creates an ideal atmosphere for unwinding in private cabanas rarely found on public beaches.
Experience the Tierra Sagrada Beach Club, where professional staff deliver premium service in an intimate setting. This secluded paradise balances luxury amenities with natural beauty, offering gourmet dining featuring fresh seafood and the unique opportunity to spot migrating whales from your oceanfront lounger while sipping craft cocktails.
19. Immerse in Local Markets and Artisan Workshops
December's comfortable shopping weather makes exploring local markets and artisan workshops especially enjoyable, with holiday-themed crafts and seasonal specialties enhancing traditional offerings. San José del Cabo's organic market and downtown artisan districts showcase authentic Mexican handicrafts, jewelry, and textiles created by local artists.
Holiday preparations bring special foods and decorative items not available year-round. These authentic experiences provide insights into local culture and opportunities to purchase meaningful souvenirs directly from creators. Combine market visits with cooking classes featuring traditional ingredients or workshops learning traditional crafts from master artisans.
20. Celebrate New Year's Eve on Médano Beach
Cabo's main beach transforms into a spectacular celebration venue for New Year's Eve, with bonfires, fireworks, live music, and beachfront parties welcoming the new year. December's mild evening temperatures make outdoor celebrations comfortable, while the festive atmosphere includes traditional Mexican foods, craft cocktails, and international entertainment.
Both locals and visitors gather for this iconic beach celebration, creating an authentic yet cosmopolitan New Year's experience. The oceanfront setting provides a dramatic backdrop for midnight fireworks displays and traditional countdown celebrations. Continue New Year's festivities with beachfront brunches featuring traditional Mexican breakfast specialties or recovery spa treatments at luxury resorts.
Why Visit Cabo San Lucas in December?
December delivers the perfect Cabo experience: ideal 79-82°F daytime temperatures, minimal rainfall, and the excitement of whale season's arrival. Festive holiday celebrations blend Mexican traditions with international flair, while comfortable weather enables every activity from marine adventures to desert explorations.
The real adventures await beyond typical resort activities—book your spot to witness transformative marine encounters. Enjoy professional guidance and conservation education while maintaining flexibility for spontaneous cultural discoveries like art walks, local markets, and traditional celebrations. December rewards travelers willing to venture beyond expected tourist paths into Cabo's authentic marine and cultural treasures.
