Traveling to Cabo San Lucas in January: Weather, Events, and Things to Do

Located at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula, Cabo San Lucas is a popular tourist destination for its sunny weather, stunning beaches, and vibrant nightlife.

January is one of the best times to visit the city, with perfect weather and very little rain. Thousands of visitors every year visit the town during January to escape the cold weather and enjoy some time in the sun.

Before you go to book your tickets and make your reservations, it’s a good idea to do some research about your destination.

That’s what you’re here for, to find out if it’s a good idea to visit Cabo in January and what kind of weather to expect.

I’ll answer all of these questions, and more, in the post below. Let’s get started!

Weather in Cabo San Lucas in January – At a Glance

As far as the weather is concerned, you’ll be visiting at a time when the conditions are absolutely perfect.

January is one of the best times to visit Cabo, as the weather is sunny and dry with average temperatures ranging from 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18-25 degrees Celsius) depending on the time of the day.

In addition, there are plenty of events and activities to keep visitors entertained (more on those later in the article).

With so much to see and do, Cabo San Lucas is the perfect place to escape the winter blues.

The temperature in Cabo San Lucas in January

The maximum high temperature you’ll see in Cabo during January is 86 F (30 C), but that’s very rare.

On average, the temperatures will range between 70 to 78 degrees F (21-25 degrees C), providing very enjoyable conditions suitable for all activities Cabo has to offer.

Nights can get a little bit chilly, with temperatures sometimes falling to 61 F (16 C) or even a little below.

Combined with a sea breeze, it can feel cold if you’re out and about at night; so I highly recommend packing a jacket or a sweater just for those chilly nights.

Precipitation in Cabo San Lucas in January

With an average rainfall of 0.5 inches in the month of January, precipitation in Cabo during this month is almost non-existent.

Humidity is quite low too, and you’ll usually see only about 2-3 rainy days. If you’re visiting in January, I wouldn’t worry about having to cancel any plans due to rain or inclement weather.

Sunshine in Cabo San Lucas in January

Cabo is visited this month by thousands of tourists who are looking to escape the cold and enjoy some sunshine. And, with around 11 hours of sunshine per day, it’s the perfect place to do just that!

Throughout the month, the chance of a clear or partly cloudy day is 82%, which means you’ll almost always have picture-perfect weather, no matter which activities you have in mind.

Sea water temperature

The seawater temperature in the Sea of Cortez is also very pleasant at this time of year, averaging around 74 degrees Fahrenheit (or 23 degrees Celsius).

This temperature in January is especially perfect for lounging on the beach, swimming, snorkeling, and diving to your heart’s content.

Sargassum Seaweed in Cabo San Lucas in January

Due to rising temperatures, sargassum seaweed has become quite a problem in Mexico’s “touristy” locations that are famous for their beaches.

The good news is that you won’t have to worry about sargassum if you’re visiting in January.

The seaweed is only a problem in warmer months, from June to October.

When you visit in January, the beaches of Cabo will be picture-perfect and very enjoyable for all activities.

Events in Cabo San Lucas in January

📆 🥂 New Year’s Eve parties

New Year’s Eve parties are aplenty in Cabo San Lucas.

From raucous beach bashes to upscale soirees, there’s something for everyone looking to celebrate the end of another year.

And, with the town’s convenient location and beautiful weather, it’s no wonder Cabo is such a popular spot to ring in the new year.

🪁 Lord of the Wind festival

The Lord of the Wind festival is a windsurfing competition that takes place every year.

It attracts some of the world’s best windsurfers, as well as spectators from all over.

Even if you’re not into windsurfing yourself, watching athletes surf using colorful kites is very entertaining; plus, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy at the festival.

There’s live music, food vendors, and plenty of opportunities to explore the beautiful scenery of Cabo San Lucas.

👑 Fiesta de Los Reyes Magos

The Fiesta de Los Reyes Magos is a holiday celebrated in Cabo.

The festival is held every year on January 6th and commemorates the three wise men who brought gifts to baby Jesus.

The holiday is celebrated with a parade, music, and food.

🐾 The feast of Saint Antonio de Abad

Saint Antonio de Abad is the patron saint of animals, and the feast day is also a time to bless pets and livestock.

The services and processions for the feast are popular tourist attractions, and visitors can expect to see many locals and tourists alike celebrating the holiday.

🐳 Whale watching

January is one of the best times to go whale watching in Baja, including Cabo San Lucas.

The weather is relatively calm and the whales are migrating north to mate and calve.

Seeing these gentle giants up close is an experience that you won’t get very often, no matter how adventurous you are.

There are several tour operators that offer whale-watching tours, so finding one that’s suitable for you is pretty easy.

Just be sure to do some research and pick a tour operator that’s reliable and trustworthy.

Pros of Visiting Cabo San Lucas in January

✅ Great weather: One of the biggest pros of visiting during January is that you get absolutely perfect weather. The humidity is at its lowest and you won’t get a lot of rainy days. In short, you won’t have to cancel any activities due to bad weather and you’ll have tons of activities available.

✅ Water temperature is lovely and warm: Speaking of perfect weather, a pleasant side effect is the enjoyable sea water temperature. At 74 degrees Fahrenheit (or 23 degrees Celsius), the water temperatures are very suitable for any water-related activity you might want to engage in.

✅ Tons of available activities: January is a great time to visit Cabo San Lucas because there are many fun events taking place. Some of the most popular activities include swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, scuba diving, whale watching, and much more.

There are also plenty of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs to enjoy; Cabo San Lucas is famous for its nightlife.

Travelers can also take part in cultural activities such as visiting the local museums and art galleries or attending a traditional fiesta.

Cons of Visiting Cabo San Lucas in January

👎 Very crowded: January is part of the high season, which means there’ll be plenty of other tourists around and the town will be very crowded. Especially around New Year’s, there are a lot of parties taking place. If crowds are not your thing, January might not be the best month for you.

👎 Higher prices: With more crowds come higher demands and, subsequently, higher prices. If you’re visiting during this month, or any month that falls within the high season, you’ll be paying noticeably more for everything from tickets to accommodations to activities.

👎 You’ll have to make your bookings way in advance: The town hosts thousands of tourists during January, most of whom make their bookings months in advance. I highly recommend doing the same if you’re planning to visit Cabo during January.

Things to Do in Cabo San Lucas in January

► Snorkel and swim with the marine life

The sea water temperature and visibility are perfect during January, making it one of the best times for some swimming and snorkeling. You can double the fun of it by going on a tour to see the exotic marine life of Cabo up close.

You will encounter whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins, sea lions, and many other marine animals. I highly recommend this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

► Go shopping

The shopping experience offered in Cabo is really amazing.

You will find almost every kind of stuff in the many shops and markets around town, including traditional Mexican items, souvenirs, and gifts. If you like shopping, you will definitely enjoy the experience here.

► Visit the various cafes and restaurants

Shopping and dining out go hand in hand, and Cabo happens to have some of Mexico’s best cuisines on offer in its cafes and restaurants.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enjoy delicious food and drinks here!

► See the famous El Arco

The famous Arch of Cabo San Lucas is a must-see attraction if you’re visiting here. It’s a stunning rock formation located at Land’s End (southern tip) of Cabo.

And while you’re there, you can also visit Lover’s Beach. The breathtaking views and great weather of January make these the perfect places to see.

You can also watch the arch from Monument Beach, which is the best beach for surfing and watching the sunset over the arch, like in the picture below.

► Visit the nearby San José del Cabo and Todos Santos

The resort-city vibe of Cabo is great, but if you want a refreshing break in the form of a traditional destination, visit the San Jose del Cabo Art District. This is where you will find a far more laid-back vibe and lots of culture to explore.

Similarly, Todos Santos is another great day trip from Cabo San Lucas if you’re looking for a traditional town nearby. Originally founded as a Mission in 1724, this small Mexican town is famous for its laid-back community, art galleries, and beautiful beaches.

► Enjoy the nightlife

The party vibe in the bars and clubs of Cabo San Lucas is quite vibrant and lively. You can choose from the different places in town, each one of which has a unique atmosphere on offer.

But one thing is common with them all—you will get to party as much as you want.

Tips For Visiting Cabo San Lucas in January

✔️ Get travel insurance: Healthcare in Mexico can cost quite a bit if you don’t have insurance. Getting sick is the last thing you want to think about when planning your vacation, but having insurance is pretty cheap and can potentially save you a lot of money.

✔️ Check the weather forecasts: As perfect as the weather is in January, it’s still a good idea to check the weather forecasts before finalizing your tickets and activities. The same goes for when you’re in the city and are about to start the day. Chances are almost non-existent that you’ll get forecasts during January that force you to reschedule any plans you’ve made, but it still pays to be careful.

✔️ Remember to pack suitable clothes: During the day, you can easily get by with light clothes; the weather is warm enough that you won’t feel chilly. Nights can get a bit cold, though, especially if you’re out and about. Make sure to pack some warm clothes for those nights.

✔️ Take SPF 30 (or higher) sunscreen with you: The sunlight is one of the biggest draws to a location like Cabo San Lucas. Enjoy the sunlight as much as you like, but remember to take sunscreen with you and apply it regularly. Even on cloudy days, you can get sunburn if you stay outside during the day for too long.

✔️ Take an insulated water bottle: Outdoor adventuring is part of the fun when you visit a new location, but keep in mind that it’s very important to stay hydrated, especially in a sunny location like Cabo. In order to avoid plastic waste, I highly recommend carrying an insulated water bottle with you when you depart. You can easily get it refilled with filtered water in Cabo at your hotel and any restaurant you go to. Just don’t use tap water for drinking purposes while you’re in Mexico.

✔️ Explore the activities that you like: At the end of the day, you can find a hundred lists of activities and events to enjoy in Cabo. But it’s also important to explore and go off the beaten path to find activities that you enjoy. Take all these lists and guides as general recommendations and try to explore new things while you’re in the area.

Cabo San Lucas Packing List Suggestions

Cabo San Lucas in January FAQs

Is Cabo San Lucas worth visiting in January?

January is one of the best months to visit Cabo. The weather is absolutely perfect with lots of sunshine every day and very little rain throughout the month.

If that wasn’t good enough, the high season is packed with activities to do and events to enjoy.

So yes, Cabo San Lucas is definitely worth visiting in January.

What is the weather like in Cabo San Lucas?

Cabo is known for its year-round warm weather, pristine beaches, and clear blue waters. No matter which month you visit in, you’ll find the weather to be warm.

On the other hand, humidity and rainfall vary greatly throughout the year. Some months have very high humidity and 12-15 days of rainfall.

During this kind of season, the temperature is also on the warmer end and feels hotter than it is due to the high humidity.

Luckily, you don’t have to worry about weather like that because you’ll be visiting in January which is famous for its perfect weather, little rain, and low humidity.

What is the best time to visit Cabo San Lucas?

There’s no one best time to visit Cabo. It all depends on your budget and your vacation goals.

During the high season, which lasts from December to April, the weather is perfect and there are tons of activities available, but your trip will cost more and the town will be quite crowded.

If that’s not your cup of tea, you can visit during the low or shoulder seasons to avoid the crowds and reduce your expenses.

But be aware that especially during the low season there won’t be as many activities and events available, the weather will be noticeably hotter, and it rains very frequently.

Is Cabo San Lucas a safe place to visit?

Absolutely! Cabo San Lucas is one of the safest cities in Mexico.

In fact, the crime rate in Cabo San Lucas is actually lower than in many other parts of the world, including the US and Europe.

Of course, no place is completely safe and there are always risks when traveling to any new place.

But if you take precautions and use common sense, you should be able to enjoy your trip to Cabo San Lucas without any problems.

Cabo San Lucas in January: final thoughts

Even in January, one of the coolest months of the year in Cabo San Lucas, you can expect large crowds and high hotel prices.

Nevertheless, with some key events such as El Día de Los Reyes Magos and Todos Santos Music Festival, you are guaranteed to have a good time.

It’s no wonder that Cabo is one of Mexico’s best year-round destinations, with desert-meets-the-sea views, gorgeous beaches, and vibrant nightlife.

Don’t forget to check out our month-by-month guide for visiting this stunning resort city.