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Cabo San Lucas weather in December is generally mild and sunny, with average daytime highs around 75 to 79°F (24 to 26°C). Evenings are cooler, and published average lows vary widely, so bring a light sweater or jacket. The sea averages about 77°F (25°C), according to CaboSanLucas.net.
December suits beach time, boat trips, and sightseeing without summer heat. But it’s not a guarantee of balmy nights, and a forecast for Christmas week is not the same thing as a long-term climate average. Here’s how to plan for the weather, the water, and the holiday period.
What is the weather like in Cabo in December?
Daytime temperatures are comfortable rather than hot. Different climate summaries put the average high between 75 and 79°F (24 and 26°C). Their low-temperature estimates disagree more, ranging from 55 to 66°F (13 to 19°C). Those figures come from different datasets and methods, so treat them as a guide, not a promise for any particular night.
| Source | December average high | December average low |
|---|---|---|
| CaboSanLucas.net | 75°F (24°C) | 66°F (19°C) |
| Time and Date | 79°F (26°C) | 61°F (16°C) |
| Sunseason | 78°F (26°C) | 55°F (13°C) |
| WhenRome | 79°F (26°C) | 65°F (18°C) |
The figures above are climate estimates, not a forecast. Time and Date says its averages use weather reports collected from 2012 to 2021 and notes that its annual averages are attributed to La Paz, 147 kilometers from Cabo San Lucas. Sunseason uses WorldClim 2.1 monthly normals from 1970 to 2000. Different periods and methods help explain why the numbers don’t match exactly.
Are Cabo’s December evenings cold?
They can feel cool, especially after sunset, on a boat, or on the Pacific side. CaboSanLucas.net describes winter evenings as cool and says temperatures can differ between the Pacific coast and the Sea of Cortez coast. Its guidance is practical: wear light clothing during the day, then keep a sweater or light jacket handy for evening plans and boat trips.
Rain is usually a small part of the December forecast, but published monthly estimates differ. WhenRome lists 3 millimeters of average rainfall, Time and Date lists 12 millimeters, and Sunseason lists 16 millimeters (0.6 inches). Those are climate estimates, not a guarantee of dry weather on your travel dates.
For Christmas Day 2026, AccuWeather’s current forecast lists a high of 75°F and a low of 68°F. That’s a forecast for one date, not a typical Christmas-day average, so check it again closer to your trip. The same page lists a 75°F average high and 70°F average low for December, but its daily forecast figures should not be confused with climate normals.
Compare December stays
Check prices for your exact dates before you choose a hotel, since the sources here don’t provide current Christmas-week rates.
Can you swim in Cabo in December?
The average December sea temperature is about 77°F (25°C), according to CaboSanLucas.net. That gives you a useful general idea, but water conditions vary by location. The site says Pacific-side water can be 5 to 10°F (2.7 to 5.5°C) cooler than water on the Sea of Cortez side. If you’re sensitive to cool water, consider a rash guard or wetsuit top for snorkeling or diving.
Don’t assume every beach is a swimming beach just because the air feels warm. Check the specific beach before you go, and use our guide to Cabo’s swimmable beaches to narrow down your options. For snorkeling plans, compare the locations in our Chileno and Santa Maria guide.
What about whales and Christmas in Cabo?
If seeing the first whales of the season is part of your plan, check the timing and trip details in our Cabo whale-watching guide. The weather sources reviewed for this article don’t verify arrival dates or the odds of sightings on a particular trip, so we won’t promise that a December outing will deliver a whale sighting.
Christmas in Cabo can still be planned around the weather: daytime outdoor plans are a sensible fit for mild conditions, while a layer helps for dinner outdoors or a boat ride after dark. The research available here doesn’t include Christmas event schedules, restaurant hours, or hotel and flight prices. Don’t rely on a general article for those details; check the businesses and travel dates you’re considering directly.
For a stay, choose the area that fits your plans rather than picking a hotel based on the month alone. Our guide to Cabo’s four areas can help you compare locations. If your trip is centered on the holiday itself, check the total price for your exact dates and confirm what your booking includes before paying. The sources used here don’t provide current holiday rates, so there’s no reliable price figure to quote.
What should you pack for December?
- Daytime: light, breathable clothes for mild, sunny weather.
- Evenings: a light sweater or jacket, especially for the Pacific side and boat trips.
- Beach days: swimwear, plus a rash guard or wetsuit top if you expect to spend time snorkeling or diving.
- Sun: sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. CaboSanLucas.net recommends these because the area is sunny much of the year.
Our take: December is a good fit if you want comfortable daytime weather and don’t mind packing one extra layer for night. It’s less suited to anyone expecting tropical heat around the clock. Check the forecast as your trip approaches, and make holiday plans using current rates and opening details rather than assumptions.
Quick answers
What is Cabo San Lucas weather like in December?
Average daytime highs are generally around 75 to 79°F (24 to 26°C), while evenings can feel cool. Average low estimates vary among climate sources, so pack a light layer.
Is Christmas in Cabo warm?
Days are usually mild, but nights can be cool. For Christmas 2026, AccuWeather lists a forecast high of 75°F and low of 68°F, which is a forecast for that date, not a long-term average.
Can you swim in Cabo in December?
The average sea temperature is about 77°F (25°C), though Pacific-side water can be cooler than water on the Sea of Cortez side. Water conditions vary by beach.
Are Cabo hotels more expensive at Christmas?
The sources used here don’t provide Christmas hotel prices, so they can’t establish a price premium. Compare rates for your exact dates and check what each booking includes.
Can you see whales in Cabo in December?
The weather sources reviewed here don’t confirm whale arrival dates or sighting chances. Check a dedicated whale-watching guide and current tour information before making plans.
