How to Make the Most of October in Cabo San Lucas

13 min read

Best for:

Explorers, Couples, Families

Two women paddleboarding near yachts in a calm bay with rocky hills in the background.

Article Summary

October is one of the most rewarding times to visit Cabo San Lucas, offering the perfect balance of sunny days, warm seas, and vibrant cultural experiences. As humidity fades and temperatures hover in the low 80s, visitors can enjoy everything from underwater adventures with sea lions to golden hour marina strolls and lively art walks. Whether you're seeking outdoor thrills, oceanfront relaxation, or a taste of Baja's creative scene, this guide highlights the best ways to experience Cabo at its autumn best.

October in Cabo San Lucas is pure magic. Humidity fades throughout the month, rain showers become rare, and the sea warms to about 80 °F (27 °C) with crystal-clear visibility. These conditions invite travelers to split their time evenly between land and sea, enjoying cool breezes on desert trails before plunging into bath-warm water filled with migrating mobula rays.

Daytime temperatures hover between 80 °F (27 °C) and 85 °F (29 °C), while evenings cool to a comfortable 70 °F (21 °C). The social calendar also springs to life. World-famous gourmet festivals, and art nights fill the marina and historic districts with contagious energy. Whether you crave heart-pounding zip lines, a refined sunset sail, or a leisurely boardwalk stroll, October delivers the sweet spot of smaller crowds and peak adventure potential. Pack light, breathable layers, plenty of reef-safe sunscreen, and an appetite for delicious food . The twenty experiences below reveal why many locals call October the best month of the year in Cabo.

1.- Watch the sun set from a luxury sailboat

Sailboat cruising at sunset near the iconic Arch of Cabo San Lucas, with golden skies and blue sea.

Golden hour in October feels endless on the Pacific. Board a sleek vessel, find a cushioned spot on deck, and watch the sky shift from tangerine to indigo while gentle swells rock the hull.

Soft music mingles with seabird calls as crew members pass chilled wines and gourmet bites. Whether you prefer a group excursion or a more intimate experience, options like a luxury sunset sailing experience or a luxurious private sunset sail add premium service and open-bar cocktails to the natural spectacle, turning a simple cruise into a floating lounge perfect for proposals, celebrations, or pure unplugged bliss.

2.- Explore an underwater paradise on a Land’s End dive

With visibility often exceeding 80 feet and water temps matching the air, October is prime time to descend beneath Cabo’s famous Arch. Rocky pinnacles hide sea lions, schooling jacks, and the start of the annual sardine run.

Even first-time divers can join a guided Land’s End scuba program that supplies full gear, instruction, and PADI pros who know the currents. Experienced enthusiasts rave about the chance to spot mobula rays gliding overhead in perfectly lit water that needs no wetsuit.

3.- Tackle desert canyons by 4x4 then soar on zip lines

Post-rain green desert panoramas greet thrill seekers in October. Temperate mornings make steering a rugged side-by-side across arroyos and riverbeds feel exhilarating instead of sweltering.

Between revs, swap engines for gravity on a series of cliff-to-cliff zip lines and a heart-thumping rappel. The Outdoor Adventure combo packages every element with professional guides, safety gear, and cold drinks so you only worry about choosing the loudest victory whoop.

4.- Snorkel a living reef at Cabo Pulmo National Park

Couple snorkeling in clear blue water surrounded by colorful tropical fish and coral reef.

Two hours north lies a UNESCO-listed reef nicknamed the Aquarium of the World. In October, calm seas and 80 °F water reveal kaleidoscopic corals, turtle clean-up stations, and swirling schools of big-eye jacks.

A Cabo Pulmo snorkel expedition provides transport, marine-biologist guides, and park permits, leaving you free to drift over vibrant bommies that feel closer to the South Pacific than mainland Mexico.

5.- Sip and stroll through an art and wine evening

Cool twilight and light coastal breezes make October perfect for exploring San José del Cabo’s cobblestone lanes. Galleries throw open their doors, local musicians play soft sets, and regional winemakers pour limited vintages you will not find in airport duty-free.

The curated Art and Wine Evening blends guided gallery hops with sommelier-led tastings, letting you chat with painters one moment and swirl a velvety Nebbiolo the next.

6.- Cheer on anglers at the Bisbee’s tournaments

If Cabo had a Super Bowl, this would be it. Mid-to-late October sees yachts from around the world jockeying for position in the Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore and Black and Blue Marlin events.

Even non-fishing visitors can feel the excitement. Head to the marina for dramatic weigh-ins, live music, and fireworks as million-dollar fish hit the scales. Grab a seat at a waterfront bar and witness history in the making.

7.- Browse a Farmer’s Market for Local Treats and Souvenirs

Fresh chayote and nopales displayed at a colorful local market stand in Cabo San Lucas.

October marks the return of Cabo’s open-air markets after the hot summer lull. Stroll through stalls at the Organic Market in San José del Cabo or The Shoppes at Palmilla, where you’ll find everything from handmade soaps and jewelry to local honey, tamales, and seasonal produce.

It’s a mellow way to support artisans, pick up unique gifts, and discover the ingredients that shape the region’s cuisine.

8.- Paddle a kayak to Lover’s Beach and the Arch

October seas are placid enough for casual paddlers to glide from Médano Beach to the golden sands tucked behind El Arco. En route, pelicans dive for sardines and sea lions bark from their rocky throne.

Beach your kayak, snorkel in transparent shallows, then snap the postcard shot of granite formations framing turquoise water. Outfitters rent gear by the hour, but guided excursions supply dry bags, snorkeling masks, and local lore.

9.- Hop between beach bars on Médano after dark

Médano’s palapa-roofed bars buzz year-round, yet October’s mild nights encourage longer crawls. Start with sunset margaritas, move to live rock bands after dinner, and finish with a DJ-driven dance floor where toes curl in the sand.

Many spots offer two-for-one drink specials before 9 pm, and barhopping on foot keeps logistics simple. Stay hydrated, pair cocktails with fish tacos, and let the ocean breeze cool your salsa spins.

10.- Join the legendary Thursday Art Walk

From late afternoon to 10 pm every Thursday, San José del Cabo’s historic center morphs into an open-air gallery. Street performers, jewelry designers, and muralists line the streets, welcoming browsers with smiles and complimentary wine.

October’s thinner crowds mean more conversation time with artists and shorter lines at farm-to-table eateries serving herb-infused cocktails. Arrive early to capture sunset photos of the pastel Mission Church before the streets glow with string lights.

11.- Stroll the marina boardwalk at golden hour

As the day cools, locals and visitors meander along the Cabo San Lucas Marina. Luxury yachts gleam, sea lions nap on dinghy decks, and restaurants plate up just-caught tuna.

Bring a camera for reflections of candy-colored skies on still water. Window-shop for handcrafted silver, or pause for a craft beer while mariachi tunes float across the docks.

12.- Watch artisans shape molten glass into keepsakes

Inside a cavernous workshop, master blowers gather globs of 2,000 °F glass and breathe life into shimmering fish, pitchers, and holiday ornaments. Sparks fly under neon-orange furnaces, offering both warmth and drama.

Visitors can purchase one-off pieces direct from the studio or place custom orders engraved with travel dates. It is a quick cultural stop that doubles as a souvenir hunt.

13.- Cruise desert trails on an electric mountain bike

Woman on a mountain bike rides through a desert trail at sunset, surrounded by dust and sunlight.

Post-summer rains leave the Baja outback peppered with wildflowers and temporary streams. Electric-assist bikes flatten steep dunes, making it easy to cover miles without overheating.

Guided rides, such as an electric bike adventure, weave from cactus forests to secluded Pacific beaches where you can cool off with a barefoot shoreline walk before pedaling back under a peachy sunset.

14.- Snorkel and paddleboard with playful sea lions

Calm bays like Santa Maria and Chileno sparkle in October. Speedboats whisk small groups to reef gardens where turtles and fish swim close to mask-wearing guests.

A two-bay snorkel and paddleboard outing supplies stand-up boards, wetsuit tops if desired, and marine guides who point out pufferfish and porcupinefish hiding among coral fingers.

15.- Dance until dawn in downtown nightclubs

When tournament crews finish weighing fish, they head straight for Cabo’s legendary nightlife. Clubs around the Marina unleash have great music, cocktails and amazing views.

October’s cooler temps keep open-air terraces comfortable, so you can bounce between salsa, reggaeton, and EDM without sweating through your outfit. Many venues waive cover before 10 pm.

16.- Greet the sunrise from Mount Solmar

View of Playa del Amor and rocky formations at Land’s End in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

This privately-owned peak near the marina opens to hikers early each morning. A friendly pack of dogs often leads the way up steep switchbacks to a 360-degree view of Cabo waking up.

In October, dawn arrives around 7 am, meaning no brutally early alarm. Pack water, tip the caretaker at the gate, and be rewarded with pastel panoramas of the Pacific and Sea of Cortez colliding.

17.- Play championship golf with ocean backdrops

Cabo’s courses rank among the world’s most scenic, and October’s gentle breezes make tee times blissful. Fairways carved into desert bluffs provide whale-tail vistas you will brag about back home.

Keep eyes peeled for roadrunners darting across greens and frigatebirds circling overhead. Post-round, unwind with cold cervezas on a shaded patio overlooking crashing surf.

18.- Explore the artsy surf town of Todos Santos

An hour north, white-washed galleries and farm-to-table cafés line the streets of a Pueblo Mágico that feels worlds away from resort corridors. Temperatures here run a few degrees cooler, ideal for browsing artisan boutiques without haste.

Consider joining a Magical Todos Santos tour to make the most of your visit. Grab an iced latte at the famed Hotel California, then check out contemporary murals before returning to Cabo in time for sunset cocktails.

19.- Hike through the Sierra de la Laguna biosphere reserve

Hidden waterfall and natural pool among rocky cliffs in the Sierra de la Laguna, Baja California Sur.

October’s fading humidity opens the door to inland adventure. Trails wind past freshwater pools, granite boulders, and rare blue palms found only in this mountain range.

A guided eco hike secures permits, 4x4 transport, and commentary that transforms each orchid and lizard sighting into part of the Baja story you will be experiencing.

20.- Enjoy live music under the stars

Open-air courtyards and beach clubs schedule acoustic sets, jazz quartets, and Latin fusion bands throughout October. With temps in the low 70s after dark, you can linger over Baja-Med cuisine while melodies drift across candle-lit tables.

Check venue calendars for visiting artists or simply follow the sound of trumpets echoing down cobblestone alleys. A chilled glass of Baja Chenin Blanc completes the scene.

Final Thoughts

October gifts Cabo San Lucas a rare blend of perfect weather, lively events, and fewer crowds than winter’s high season. Warm seas invite endless snorkeling and diving, cooler air unlocks desert trails, and cultural happenings, from gallery nights to multi-million-dollar fishing tournaments, add texture to every itinerary.

Choosing expertly guided activities amplifies each moment. Cabo Adventures links you with marine biologists, zip-line pros, and urban explorers who turn simple outings into stories you will retell for years. Whether you chase marlin at dawn, toast a watercolor sunset from the bow of a yacht, or wander art-filled streets with a glass in hand, October sets the stage for your most balanced Baja escape yet. Book early, stay curious, and let Cabo’s golden month surprise you at every turn.

Published on June 21, 2025

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