We watch May bring some of Cabo's finest conditions: steady sunshine, calm seas, and temperatures that stay comfortable whether you're exploring tide pools at dawn or settling into a marina restaurant after sunset. With mid-80s daytime highs and fewer crowds between winter high season and summer arrivals, we see travelers finding more space at popular sites and excellent water conditions for sailing around Land's End. The month delivers nearly zero rainfall and extended daylight hours.
We've designed this guide to remove the guesswork from trip preparation. You'll find specific packing recommendations organized by activity type, from water adventures to upscale dining, along with a pre-departure timeline that helps you show up prepared whether you're rappeling down canyon walls in the morning or settling into a marina-side restaurant by evening.
What to Expect from May's Weather in Cabo
May's transitional weather sits between Cabo's mild winter season and the warmer summer months, delivering consistently excellent conditions with virtually no weather disruptions.
Average temperatures
Daytime highs reach 85-87°F (29-31°C) with comfortable conditions that rarely push past 92°F. Nighttime temperatures drop to around 67°F (19°C), creating pleasant evenings that might require a light layer if you're dining outdoors near the water. These temperatures prove ideal for all-day exploration without the exhaustion that comes with peak summer heat.
Rainfall
May marks the tail end of the dry season with only 1mm (0.04 inches) of total monthly rainfall (https://www.cabo-adventures.com/en/blog/rain-in-cabo). You'll encounter rain on average just one day during the entire month, giving you less than 1% probability of precipitation on any given day. This predictability makes planning outdoor adventures straightforward without weather contingencies.
Humidity
Cabo's tropical desert climate keeps May humidity at comfortable levels relative to the Caribbean or tropical destinations. The consistent ocean breezes flowing across the peninsula create natural ventilation that makes outdoor activities comfortable throughout the day.
Sea temperature
The water hovers around 74°F (23-24°C), which feels refreshing without the initial shock of colder ocean temperatures. This makes extended snorkeling sessions, paddleboarding, and swimming comfortable for most people. In our observations, the Sea of Cortez becomes notably calm during May, particularly in morning hours.
Daylight hours
May provides approximately 13 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 6:45 AM and sunset near 7:45 PM. These extended hours give you flexibility to schedule morning ocean activities before the midday warmth and still have plenty of evening light for exploring the marina boardwalk or catching the golden hour from a sailboat.
Essential Packing List for Cabo in May
Some items belong in every Cabo suitcase regardless of when you visit, but we recommend May-specific items that reward travelers who pack with the shoulder season in mind. The combination of warm days, minimal rain, and varied activities from desert adventures to upscale dining means your packing list needs strategic versatility rather than excessive volume.
Travel Documents & Money
Start with the fundamentals that get you across borders and keep transactions smooth:
- Valid passport (at least 6 months validity)
- Travel insurance documentation
- Driver's license or ID
- Credit/debit cards (notify bank of travel)
- Mexican pesos for tips
Electronics & Power
May's long daylight hours and water activities require protected, charged devices:
- Phone charger and car charger
- Waterproof phone case or dry bag
- Portable power bank
- Camera with extra memory cards
- Headphones or earbuds
Health & Safety
Cabo's intense sun and outdoor focus demand preventive care items:
- Prescription medications (extra supply)
- Basic first aid kit
- Sun-protective long-sleeve clothing
- After-sun care or aloe vera
- Insect repellent
- Hand sanitizer
Practical Items
These versatile pieces solve common beach and adventure challenges:
- Plastic bags for wet/sandy items
- Travel-sized laundry detergent
- Quick-dry towel
- Lightweight backpack
- Dry bags for electronics
- Reusable water bottle
Clothing and Accessories
Build your wardrobe around quick-dry versatility and temperature flexibility:
- 3-4 swimsuits for rotation
- Lightweight t-shirts and tank tops
- Shorts and swim shorts
- Quick-dry underwear
- Comfortable sleepwear
- Beach cover-ups or sarongs
- Light cardigan or pashmina
- Dressy outfits for upscale dining
- Wrinkle-resistant linen shirts
- Sundresses
- Lightweight breathable pants
Footwear
Your three pairs should cover water, walking, and evening venues:
- Flip-flops or water-friendly sandals with secure straps
- Comfortable walking shoes with good traction
- Dressier sandals or shoes for evening venues
Top Clothing and Footwear Suggestions for May
Daytime Comfort: Multiple swimsuits for rotation, lightweight shorts, breathable tank tops and t-shirts, UV-protective rash guards for extended water time, wide-brimmed hat, UV-protective sunglasses.
Ocean Ready: Quick-dry swimwear in multiple styles, secure water-friendly sandals with straps, beach cover-ups or sarongs, waterproof phone case, sun-protective long-sleeve swim shirts.
Evening Comfort: Light cardigan or pashmina for air-conditioned restaurants, casual dresses or breathable linen pants, comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets and boardwalks, dressier sandals for marina dining.
Cabo Nightlife Considerations for May
Cabo's nightlife scene maintains full energy through May, with venues along the marina and downtown Cabo San Lucas offering diverse options. We see rooftop bars delivering craft cocktails with Land's End views, high-energy dance clubs keeping floors packed late into the night, and the marina boardwalk transitioning from dinner venues to lively bars as evening progresses.
Pack versatile pieces that transition from dinner to dancing: dressy outfits in breathable fabrics that handle warm evening air, comfortable shoes with good traction for extended walking on varied surfaces from smooth boardwalks to textured stone, and a light cardigan or pashmina since upscale venues maintain cool air conditioning that contrasts with the 67°F outdoor temperatures.
Top May Adventures & What You'll Need
May's warm temperatures of 85-87°F and clear, dry conditions with less than 1% rain probability create ideal circumstances for Cabo's signature adventures. The moderate warmth means extended outdoor activity stays enjoyable rather than exhausting, while the Sea of Cortez remains notably calm, particularly in morning hours, providing stable conditions for water-based exploration.
With approximately 13 hours of daily sunlight and virtually zero rainfall expected, we consider May the perfect balance of comfortable conditions and extended daylight for maximizing time on beaches, water activities, and adventure tours.
Canyon, Zipline, and Rappel Adventure
Desert trails that wind through cactus-covered terrain, aerial perspectives that reveal the full sweep of Baja's coastline, vertical canyon walls that test your nerve: Cabo's adventure landscape reveals itself in layers when you move through it on foot, by air, and on rope. We've found that combining all three perspectives in a single morning creates the most complete introduction to Baja's terrain. May's comfortable temperatures and clear weather make each activity stage enjoyable rather than exhausting.
Families with children as young as 8 can tackle the full terrain together through the Outdoor Adventure 4x4 + Cabo Zipline + Rappel, making it accessible for multi-generational groups who want to discover the landscape together.
What you'll need for this tour: Comfortable closed-toe athletic shoes with good traction, lightweight quick-dry athletic clothing, long-sleeve sun-protective shirt, refillable water bottle, secure sunglasses with retention strap, and a change of clothes for afterward.
Desert Racing Meets Traditional Travel
High-speed desert exploration through arroyos and across sand creates one kind of connection to Baja's landscape. Peaceful camel riding along the same terrain offers another perspective entirely. We love watching travelers discover how the contrast between motorized adventure and traditional animal-powered travel reveals different aspects of the same environment.
The UTV Off Road + Camel Tour combines both encounters, letting you shift between adrenaline-fueled exploration and calm interaction with Baja's terrain. May's 85-87°F temperatures create comfortable conditions for both segments. The dry conditions mean minimal dust interference, excellent visibility across the desert terrain, and comfortable temperatures that make switching between motorized adventure and traditional camel riding enjoyable rather than exhausting.
What you'll need for this tour: Closed-toe athletic shoes or sneakers (required for UTV operation), lightweight long pants or athletic leggings, long-sleeve sun-protective shirt, secure sunglasses with retention strap, bandana or buff for dust protection, refillable water bottle, and camera with secure storage.
Four-Hour Sailing Adventure
Sailing past Land's End with nothing but wind power, snorkeling in calm waters where tropical fish gather, paddleboarding across smooth morning seas: these activities define Cabo from the water rather than the shore.
We recommend the 4-hour Luxury Cabo Sailing Boat Tour, which lets you engage with all these activities using French-made boats with crews who handle all technical aspects while you focus on the encounter. May's particularly calm Sea of Cortez, especially in morning hours, makes this tour smoother and more comfortable than other months. The water temperature at 74°F stays refreshing without feeling cold, and the extended daylight hours mean afternoon departures still provide ample sailing time before sunset approaches Land's End.
What you'll need for this tour: Multiple swimsuits for rotation, beach towel, sun-protective long-sleeve swim shirt, secure hat with chin strap, waterproof phone case.
Pre-Departure Preparation Timeline
2-3 Weeks Before Departure
Planning & Reservations
- Research May weather patterns: expect daytime highs of 85-87°F with nighttime lows around 67°F
- Reserve popular tours to guarantee availability
- Confirm tour operator details 1-2 weeks before travel
- Download offline maps of Los Cabos corridor, Cabo San Lucas downtown, and San Jose del Cabo
Documentation Preparation
- Verify passport validity (6 months minimum)
- Organize travel insurance documentation
- Notify bank of travel dates
- Gather driver's license and credit cards
24 Hours Before Departure
- Check updated weather forecasts
- Confirm offline maps downloaded
- Charge all electronics fully
- Pack carry-on essentials separately
- Verify tour confirmations
Airport & Travel Day
- Carry-on with essentials accessible
- All electronics fully charged
- Offline maps ready
- Booking details on phone
- Small bills in pesos for tips
You're All Set for Cabo in May
Planning ahead means trading pre-trip stress for present-moment enjoyment once you arrive. We've found that May's combination of excellent weather, manageable visitor levels, and calm sea conditions creates circumstances where your main challenge involves choosing between morning snorkeling or sleeping in, not worrying whether you packed the right gear.
Cabo's desert landscape, calm morning seas in the Sea of Cortez, and extended daylight hours of approximately 13 hours per day are waiting. The only question involves which adventure you'll tackle first. This shoulder season delivers peak-season quality without the intensity, giving you more space to explore Land's End, better restaurant access, and comfortable conditions that make every outdoor activity enjoyable rather than exhausting. We recommend May to travelers who want the best of what Cabo offers without peak season intensity.
