Hello to our Baja travelers! Welcome to our 2024 updated post 🌵🌴😎
If you are interested in exploring this popular travel destination in Mexico but don’t want to break the bank, keep reading our article and discover the cheapest time to travel to Cabo San Lucas.
You know how it is—Cabo San Lucas is a family-friendly destination that has become the go-to spot for most tourists in Baja California Sur, all thanks to its great weather, epic marine life, and fascinating culture. And let’s not forget about the party scene—it’s off the charts!
With all these amazing offerings, this prime location isn’t lacking in luxurious all-inclusive resorts, which could give the impression of it being an expensive vacation spot. But we have great news: With careful and strategic planning, even with the tightest pocket, you can have a good time in Cabo.
Step 1: Choose your dates
So, if you want to hit up Cabo without blowing all your dough, the first step is picking the right dates. As a local, I must say the weather is a big deal here and can totally change up your whole experience.
From December to April, Cabo San Lucas is normally flooded with tourists from around the globe, mainly because it offers a one-stop shop for everything: great weather, a fantastic food scene, and beach fun. Needless to say, this is the best time to witness the greatest nature event you can encounter: humpback and grey whales migrating from the north to mate and give birth, a fantastic show no one wants to miss.
For all of those reasons, winter and spring have become much-desired periods for most visitors, and that’s why they are not the best choices for those trying to pinch pennies.
May and June — Travel cheap and safe
Planning your visit between May and June might be a good idea when traveling on a budget. Why? This last bit of springtime weather is still quite pleasant since temperatures are not too high. Plus, you don’t have to worry about Cabo hurricane season yet—safe bet! This is the “in-between” period when most visitors have already left Baja, and discounts start to play a role in keeping occupancy on track.
Also, those who prefer avoiding crowds will appreciate Cabo San Lucas’ beauty as it is almost tourist-free (except for those who have the same goal).
July to September — The Off-Season
If having great weather is not crucial to you (after all, there is something magical and romantic about staying in on rainy days), then your best option is the off-season. This is when the best flights and hotel rates are available, so it is definitely the cheapest time to travel to Cabo San Lucas.
Even at the most luxurious all-inclusive resorts, you will be able to find travel packages, and attractive discounts. Just keep in mind that there’s a chance of rain or even a hurricane during this time. But hey, on the bright side, it’s also the hottest time of the year (maybe too hot for some), so you can expect plenty of sunny days.
Summer Hacks in Cabo San Lucas
For those hitting up Cabo in the summer, let’s remember that Baja California Sur is pretty much a desert, and rain is a rare sight. Even during hurricane season, you might go a whole two weeks without a single raindrop—taking an educated risk!
But how do you beat the blazing heat in Cabo? Well, lucky for budget travelers, there are plenty of ways to handle it. First off, you’ll probably have the stunning beaches and pool areas all to yourself since most folks avoid Cabo during this time. So, just grab your swimsuit 😎.
In any case, these are other great ways to “keep it cool” during Cabo summer:
- Slather on lots of sunscreen (eco-friendly is the way to go)
- Avoid direct sun exposure from 12:00 to 16:00 (take this time for indoor activities)
- Plan all your outdoor activities during mornings and evenings
- Stay in the shade as much as possible
- Stay hydrated (sipping on electrolytes every now and then can help)
- Rock a rash guard with at least UPF 40+ or slip into some neoprene for water adventures
Step 2: Get a cheap flight
As most of us already know, hitting up a site like Skyscanner.com can totally score you some savings. To find the cheapest time to travel to Cabo San Lucas, we suggest getting your search game on at least three months before your planned dates. Just remember, when hunting for that perfect flight, you have to search under “San Jose del Cabo (SJD).”
Step 3: Get a cheap stay
If you are not into ocean view all-inclusive hotels, this is one of those deets you have to be on top of because it could turn your vacay into a total headache. As any seasoned traveler knows, the lowest prices don’t always mean you’ll land a budget-friendly dream trip. Just like with flights, we suggest hitting up dedicated online spots like Booking.com or Expedia to scope out the top alternatives—it’s all about customer reviews!
With that being said, Baja California Sur is still a developing area, and it is not always easy to find wallet-friendly hotels or B&B options online. That’s why it’s always good to be there to explore the town and figure out where the hidden gems are (think about it as a treasure hunt!). If you decide to pop in Los Cabos again, you’ll realize this is a beautiful place that deserves more than one visit.
Step 4: Find cheap activities
The best time to visit Cabo San Lucas depends on what you’re after. If you’re all about saving cash, heading there during the off-season might be the wisest choice. But even when you’re rolling in during the peak season, you can try exciting activities that won’t cost a fortune. After all, this travel spot is a place full of social events with art galleries, live music, local festivals, and much more. Alrighty, here is a list of fun things to do in Cabo without burning a hole in your pocket:
1. Whale-watching tours
Every year, from December to mid-April, humpback whales migrate from the Arctic Ocean to the Sea of Cortez. Whale-watching tours are a great way to admire these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat, and since most tours are organized in groups, they are also a pocket-friendly activity.
2. Taco Buffets in Cabo San Lucas
Discovering new cultures is always exciting, and a big part of that is tasting local cuisine. You haven’t really been to Mexico if you haven’t tried their world-famous tacos. The best part: you don’t have to visit a fancy beanery to try the local goods. Furthermore, to have the most authentic experience, it is best to stay away from expensive Michelin-star restaurants.
3. The Art Walk in San José del Cabo
Just a 30-minute drive from Cabo San Lucas, you can take the fascinating art walk in San José del Cabo. Every Thursday from November to June, the galleries in the art district open their doors to any curious visitors. You can admire the stunning work created by artists from Baja California Sur and even get the chance to taste some free wine and cheese samplers!
4. Hit The Beach (And Snorkel)
It is no secret that Los Cabos is well known for its stunning beaches and fascinating sea life. Booking a snorkeling tour, renting the gear, or bringing your own can be a cheap and easy way to catch a slight tan and enjoy a relaxing swimming session with hundreds of tropical fish living their best life. Either way, you are guaranteed to have a good time!
5. Visit Land’s End
The impressive rock formations known as “El Arco” are nestled between Playa del Amor (Lovers Beach) and Playa del Divorcio (Divorce Beach). The picturesque area is famous for its fantastic sunsets and iconic looks; to reach The Arc, you must take a water taxi for 150-200 MXN or join a boat tour. If you are lucky, you might notice some sea lions, as they are frequent visitors to Land’s End.
6. Visit Medano Beach
There is no more popular beach in Cabo than Medano Beach (Playa El Médano). With its clear blue waters and dope activities like jet skiing, kayaking, volleyball, and more, it’s a spring break hotspot for tourists and locals alike. Whenever hunger kicks in, there’s a bunch of nearby eateries and bars to check out. What can be better than a fun beach day?
Welcome to Cabo San Lucas
We hope you have enjoyed reading our guide for the cheapest time to travel to Cabo San Lucas. If you liked this article and found it helpful in planning your next Cabo adventure, you know what to do!
Drop your thoughts in the comments section, shoot this post over to your crew, or do both! We’re all ears and would love to hear from you.
Happy Travels!
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