Your Complete Guide to a Sunny, Unforgettable Holiday
Is December a Good Time to Visit Los Cabos?
December is, hands down, one of the best months to visit Los Cabos, and locals will tell you the same. The brutal summer humidity is gone, hurricane season has wrapped up, and you're left with what many consider Cabo's sweet spot: warm days, cool evenings, and that dry desert-meets-ocean air that makes the Baja peninsula so unique.
Daytime temperatures in December typically hover between 75–80°F (24–27°C), dropping to a comfortable 60–65°F (16–18°C) at night. Rain is virtually nonexistent this time of year, and the skies stay clear more often than not, perfect for anyone trading in snow boots for sandals.
It's also the unofficial start of high season in Los Cabos, which runs through May. That means more restaurants and beach clubs are in full swing, more events on the calendar, and a livelier overall energy, but it also means rental homes book up fast, especially around the holidays. Not sure how long to stay? Our guide on how many days you need in Cabo San Lucas breaks down the ideal trip length depending on what you want to see and do. If a December escape is on your radar, this is the moment to lock in your dates.
Where's the Best Place to Spend Christmas in Mexico?
Mexico has no shortage of holiday destinations, but Los Cabos consistently tops the list for U.S. and Canadian travelers, and for good reason. Unlike beach towns that shut down or scale back over the holidays, Cabo leans into the season. You'll find twinkling lights strung along the marina, festive menus at waterfront restaurants, and a mix of traditional Mexican Christmas warmth with resort-town polish.
What sets Los Cabos apart from other Mexican Christmas destinations:
- Easy access — direct flights from most major U.S. and Canadian hub cities land you in Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) in a matter of hours.
- Dry, sunny climate — no humidity, no rain, just consistent desert-meets-ocean weather.
- A range of experiences — from the buzz of Cabo San Lucas's marina to the quieter, art-and-food scene of San José del Cabo.
- Space to spread out — rather than being boxed into a single resort, staying in a private villa or condo means your whole group has room to actually enjoy the holiday together.
That last point matters more than people expect. Christmas is a time for togetherness, and hotel rooms rarely accommodate that well. This is where a lot of returning visitors shift from hotel bookings to short term rentals in Cabo San Lucas , private homes with full kitchens, multiple bedrooms, and outdoor space where the whole family (or friend group) can actually gather, cook a holiday meal, and relax without tripping over each other in a single hotel room. Traveling with kids or multiple generations? Our guide on whether Cabo is good for families covers what to expect and how to pick the right home base.
Can I Swim in Cabo in December?
Yes, absolutely. Water temperatures in December sit around 74–77°F (23–25°C), which is comfortably swimmable for most travelers, especially those coming from colder climates. It's a touch cooler than the peak of summer, but it's still warm enough to spend hours in the water without a second thought.
A few things worth knowing:
- The Sea of Cortez side (Medano Beach, the Corridor toward San José) tends to be calmer and better for swimming. If you want to know exactly where to post up, read our guide on the best swimmable beach in Cabo before you go.
- The Pacific side near Cabo San Lucas can have stronger currents and surf, better suited for experienced swimmers or surfers — check out our roundup of the best surfing beaches in Cabo if catching a few December waves is on your list.
- Pools stay warm too. Many private villas heat their pools in the cooler winter months, so even if the ocean feels a little brisk in the early morning, your rental's pool won't.
If swimming and beach time are non-negotiables for your trip, this is another point in favor of booking a Cabo rental home with a private or heated pool, you get resort-quality amenities without competing for a lounge chair.
Christmas Events in Los Cabos
Los Cabos doesn't just tolerate the holiday season, it celebrates it. While the exact lineup shifts slightly year to year, you can typically expect:
- Marina light displays and holiday décor throughout Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, especially along the boardwalks and town squares.
- Posadas — traditional Mexican pre-Christmas celebrations with music, food, and community gatherings, often held in the days leading up to Christmas Eve.
- New Year's Eve fireworks over the marina, one of the most-watched events of the season, with restaurants and beach clubs hosting dinners and countdown parties.
- Special holiday menus at many of Cabo's top restaurants, blending traditional Mexican Christmas dishes with the region's seafood-forward cuisine. Planning where to eat? Our guide to the best restaurants in Cabo has you covered, holiday season and beyond.
- Church and town square events in San José del Cabo's historic center, offering a more authentic, local take on the holidays.
Because these events are spread across both Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, staying somewhere central, or planning your itinerary in advance, makes a real difference in how much of the season you get to experience.
Thinking Beyond the Holidays? Consider a Longer Stay
Here's something more travelers are catching onto: December is a beautiful entry point into Cabo's entire high season, which stretches all the way through May. Rather than a one-week trip, plenty of visitors, especially remote workers, retirees, and snowbirds from the U.S. and Canada, are choosing to stay for a month or more.
If that sounds appealing, it's worth looking into long term rentals in Los Cabos. A long term rental in Cabo typically comes with better monthly rates than stringing together back-to-back short stays, plus the comfort of settling into a real home rather than living out of a suitcase. Many of our Cabo apartments for rent and villas are fully equipped for extended stays, reliable wifi, full kitchens, laundry, and the kind of space that makes working or relaxing from Cabo genuinely enjoyable.
Los Cabos monthly rentals have become especially popular with Canadians escaping the worst of winter and Americans looking to swap a short vacation for a full season by the sea. Whether you're staying for two weeks over the holidays or settling in from December through spring, there's a rental option built for your timeline.
Whether you're coming for a Christmas week getaway or planning to stay through the season, ProperSavvy makes it easy to find the right home for your trip. Our local team ensures every stay is seamless, whether you're visiting for a week or settling in for months. Want help planning beach club reservations, restaurant bookings, or day trips? Our concierge services can put together your full Cabo itinerary so all you have to do is show up and relax.