Visiting Cabo in December is a great time for a beach getaway to this beautiful tropical paradise. The daytime weather is sunny and nighttime temperatures are mild, making for very comfortable weather all-round. Celebrating the holidays in Cabo is also a very special experience with many holy days not frequently observed in the USA. December is a time of frequent fiestas, family gatherings and devout observances of important days.
For anyone visiting Cabo in December, this is one of the best times of the year for many popular outdoor activities. Whale watching season begins on the 15th of December and is an incredible natural phenomenon to witness these majestic animals heading to their winter breeding grounds in Baja. December is also peak time for kitesurfing and windsurfing for watersports enthusiasts.
Weather in Cabo in December
The average daytime temperature in Cabo in December is 68 degrees with the sea temperatures generally hovering around 75 degrees, making for comfortable swimming and beach conditions. Without the scorching heat of the summer months, you can enjoy being on the beach and in the ocean for longer without the same risk of sunburn (although SPF is always recommended regardless of the time of the year!).
Top 10 things to do in Cabo in December
If you’re visiting Cabo in December you’ll never run out of things to do! From holiday celebrations to festivals and a wide range of outdoor activities to choose from, you’re in for a memorable trip.
Whale Watching Safari
A whale watching safari will definitely be a highlight of your trip to Cabo. During migration season, 5,000 to 10,000 whales migrate south for breeding season, with humpback whales being a common sighting and rarer sightings including sperm whales, blue whales and orcas. Most boating companies in the area offer whale watching tours during migration season with the best close encounters being on inflatable speed boats. One of the most highly-rated tour operators in Cabo is Whale Watch Cabo, with a variety of seasonal tours on offer.
Whale Shark Encounter
Take a drive to the capital of Cabo, La Paz and swim or snorkel alongside the world’s gentlest giants…whale sharks. Whale sharks can reach up to 40 feet in length and a hefty 20 tons in weight but despite their size they are completely safe to swim alongside, with a diet of plankton. Watching them in their natural habitat is a goosebump-inducing experience and not to be missed during your visit.
ATV Experience
With milder weather conditions in Cabo in December, it is a great time of the year to hit the sand dunes for an ATV experience. You can comfortably explore the nearby desert landscape without the blistering sun beating down on you.
Ziplining
If you’re a bit of a daredevil and not phased by heights, head to the iconic Cabo San Lucas zipline and get an aerial view of the beautiful region as you soar through the sky.
Annual Food and Wine Festival
The annual Sabor A Cabo Food and Wine Festival is a real treat for foodie travelers. The festival is generally held at the beginning of December and showcases the culinary talents of over 50 local chefs along with bringing representatives from local wineries and tequila distilleries in for an unforgettable culinary experience. There is also always live music and performances by renowned artists.
Windsports
As we mentioned before, December is a great time for windsports as the strong El Norte winds start to blow in late November. The La Ventana community is the best area for windsurfing, kiteboarding and kitesurfing.
Las Posadas
Las Posadas is observed from December 16th until December 24th, commemorating the journey Mary and Joseph took from Bethlehem to Nazareth. Every night locals hold candlelight processions and reenactments through town which end in festive house parties. Christmas Eve is the most important day of the holiday season in Mexico with most locals attending midnight mass followed by family dinners and presents. You can attend midnight mass at a number of local churches to join in the celebrations. Christmas Day itself is a quieter day in Cabo, however resorts do hold Christmas lunches and dinners to keep to Western tradition.
Nochevieja
If you’re visiting Cabo in December and happen to be in town on December 31st, know that New Years Eve is a big deal. Locals often have family dinners together and then proceed to parties or festivals afterwards to ring in the New Year. Cabo always puts on a dazzling fireworks display as the clock strikes midnight, ensuring it’s a New Years celebration you’ll never forget.
San Jose Art Walk
Every Thursday evening from 5pm to 9pm is an art walk through the historic Art District in Cabo San Lucas. We’d recommend booking a guided tour as your operator will know which galleries are participating in the art walk. Wander down the idyllic cobblestone streets sipping on wine and nibbling on cheese while admiring the incredible local artistic creations. When your tour is over, mosey on over to some of Cabo’s finest restaurants and bars including the Baja Brewing Company and La Lupita Taco and Mezcal.
Have a Drink
The locals in Cabo sure do know how to get into the holiday spirit fueled by, well, holiday spirits! We’re not talking about the ghoulish kind but rather the alcoholic kind of spirits. Cabo is well-known for its traditional spirits which includes mezcal and tequila amongst others. Local bars are famous for creating seasonal cocktails and beers. Look out for Ponche Navideño, Noche Bueno and Rompope on the menu when in Cabo in December.
While the weather is mild in December for excellent beach and swimming conditions, Cabo is also a mecca for cultural and seasonal activities in December. Don’t miss out on a whale watching safari or the weekly art walk during your stay and be sure to sample the local seasonal beverages when visiting the bar.
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