Every November, roughly 15,000 Americans and Canadians trade their snow shovels for margaritas and migrate south to Los Cabos. They are not tourists. They are seasonal residents — people who have figured out that spending five months on the Baja peninsula is both cheaper and warmer than spending those same five months anywhere north of the 35th parallel.
Key Takeaways
- ✓ Winter weather in Los Cabos: 72-82°F days, 55-65°F nights, virtually zero rainfall November-May
- ✓ A 180-day tourist visa covers the full November-April season with no advance application
- ✓ Monthly living costs for snowbird owners: $2,000-$4,000 including groceries, dining, and entertainment
- ✓ Peak whale watching: mid-January through mid-March — 20,000+ gray and humpback whales pass through the Cabo corridor
- ✓ The snowbird vs full-time comparison covers the tax and visa tradeoffs
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Contact MeNovember: The Arrival
November is when the exodus begins. Direct flights from Calgary, Toronto, Denver, Phoenix, Dallas, Los Angeles, and a dozen other cities deposit the first wave of seasonal residents into SJD airport. The weather has just turned the corner — the last of the September-October humidity has burned off, daytime highs settle into the upper 70s, and the Sea of Cortez cools from bathtub-warm to refreshingly swimmable at 78-80°F.
What to expect in November:
- Weather: 78°F average high, 63°F low. Virtually zero rain. Crystal clear skies.
- Water temp: 78-80°F — still warm enough for long swims without a wetsuit
- Crowds: Building but not yet peak. Restaurants have tables. Golf courses have tee times.
- Events: Day of the Dead celebrations (Nov 1-2) — stunning altars throughout San Jose del Cabo's downtown and the Art District. Bisbee's Black & Blue fishing tournament in early November brings the sportfishing world to the marina.
- Pro tip: November is the best value month of snowbird season. Rental rates are 20-30% below December-February peak. Book your home opening service, grocery provisioning, and car situation before you arrive.
December: The Holidays
December is when Cabo shows its full hand. The weather is postcard-perfect — 75°F days, 57°F nights, zero humidity, zero rain. This is the month you call your friends in Minnesota while sitting on your terrace watching a pod of humpback whales breach offshore.
- Weather: 75°F average high, 57°F low. Dry season fully established.
- Water temp: 73-76°F — comfortable for most swimmers, a bit brisk for the tropical-only crowd
- Crowds: Heavy from December 15 through January 5. Restaurants require reservations. Traffic on the Corridor doubles. Hotel rates peak.
- Events: Posadas (traditional pre-Christmas celebrations) throughout San Jose del Cabo, Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve fireworks visible from anywhere along the waterfront.
- Whale watching: Gray whales begin arriving in numbers. Early sightings of humpbacks. Book a responsible whale watching tour (no jet ski tours — they stress the animals).
- Pro tip: If you own your place, December is when your rental income peaks if you are renting it during holiday weeks you do not use. A well-located 2BR condo can generate $4,000-$8,000 for Christmas week alone.
January: Peak Winter
January is the coldest month in Los Cabos — and "coldest" means highs of 77°F and lows of 57°F with the occasional dip into the low 50s at night. You will need a light jacket for evening dinners on the patio. That is the extent of the hardship.
- Weather: 77°F average high, 57°F low. Occasional cool breezes. Dry.
- Water temp: 68-72°F — this is wetsuit territory for some, refreshing for others
- Crowds: Still heavy through mid-January as holiday visitors depart. Settles into a comfortable rhythm by the third week.
- Whale watching: Peak season. 20,000+ gray and humpback whales migrate through the Cabo corridor. You can see them from your terrace in many Corridor and Pacific-side communities.
- Golf: Course conditions are perfect. Temperatures are ideal for 18 holes. Tee times are easier to book than in December.
- Social scene: This is when the snowbird community is fully operational. Weekly bridge games, golf groups, beach walk clubs, potluck dinners, and volunteer organizations are all running at full capacity.
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Book a CallFebruary: Carnival and Sweet Spot
February is many veteran snowbirds' favorite month. Holiday crowds are gone, the weather is warming slightly, whale watching is still peak, and Carnival brings a burst of Mexican cultural energy that you will not find at any resort.
- Weather: 78°F average high, 58°F low. Warming trend begins. Zero rain.
- Water temp: 69-73°F — similar to January
- Crowds: Moderate. The sweet spot between holiday peak and spring break.
- Events: Carnival (usually mid-to-late February) — La Paz hosts the largest Carnival in Baja, a 90-minute drive that every snowbird should experience at least once. Parades, costumes, music, and food that makes Mardi Gras look understated. Valentine's Day is celebrated enthusiastically throughout Cabo with special dinners and events.
- Farmers markets: The San Jose del Cabo Organic Market on Saturday mornings is at its peak — full vendor roster, live music, the best fresh produce and artisan goods of the season.
March: Spring Perfection
March is arguably the best weather month in Los Cabos. Temperatures climb into the low 80s, the water warms, the air is still dry, and the desert landscape greens slightly from overnight dew. This is the month where everything works.
- Weather: 80°F average high, 60°F low. Perfection.
- Water temp: 72-75°F — comfortable for swimming without a wetsuit
- Crowds: Spring break brings a surge in Cabo San Lucas, particularly around Medano Beach and the marina. San Jose del Cabo remains relatively calm.
- Golf: Course conditions are still excellent before the summer heat sets in. Many clubs host member-guest tournaments in March.
- Whale watching: Last good month. Gray whales begin their northward migration. Humpbacks linger.
- Pro tip: If you are a buyer, March is a strategic time to tour properties. You experience the weather at its best, see the community fully populated, and can attend open houses without the December frenzy.
April: The Farewell
April is when snowbirds start closing up. Temperatures push into the mid-to-upper 80s, approaching the threshold where air conditioning shifts from optional to essential. The dry season continues, but the desert heat is unmistakable.
- Weather: 85°F average high, 63°F low. Still dry. Starting to feel hot.
- Water temp: 74-78°F — warming into prime swimming territory
- Crowds: Thinning. April is shoulder season. Restaurants are quieter, golf courses are wide open, and rental rates drop 20-30%.
- Events: Semana Santa (Holy Week) brings a surge of Mexican domestic tourists — a different energy than the international winter crowd. Art Walk season in San Jose del Cabo runs through May.
- Closing up: This is when you schedule your property manager for the summer shutdown — close water valves, set AC to maintenance mode, arrange pest control and security checks through the summer months.
Setting Up Your Snowbird Life
The logistics of seasonal living in Cabo are simpler than most people assume:
- Visa: Your 180-day FMM tourist card covers the full November-April window. No advance application needed — you receive it at immigration on arrival.
- Vehicle: Most snowbirds either ship a car (via temporary import permit), buy a Mexican-plated car ($5,000-$15,000 for a reliable used vehicle), or go car-free using Uber and rental services.
- Healthcare: Private hospitals offer excellent care at 50-70% below US costs. Get Mexican health insurance ($1,500-$3,000/year) or international coverage.
- Banking: Most snowbirds maintain US bank accounts and use ATM withdrawals for pesos. A Mexican bank account is helpful for paying utilities and local bills.
- Mail: Use a US mail forwarding service that scans and emails your mail. Physical mail delivery in Mexico is unreliable.
- Internet: Starlink or Telmex fiber provides reliable internet for streaming, video calls, and remote work.
What It Costs Month-by-Month
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Groceries (cooking at home) | $500–$800 |
| Dining out (3-4x/week) | $400–$800 |
| Utilities (electric, water, internet) | $150–$300 |
| Transportation (gas/Uber) | $200–$400 |
| Entertainment/activities | $300–$600 |
| Household help (cleaning 2x/week) | $200–$400 |
| Total (property owner) | $1,750–$3,300 |
This does not include fixed costs (HOA, property tax, insurance) which you pay year-round. For a complete cost picture, see our cost of living breakdown and annual ownership costs guide.
Ready to Plan Your First Winter South?
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Contact MeThinking about buying here rather than just visiting? Our free 33-page Buying Property in Mexico guide covers the fideicomiso, closing costs in real dollars, and the 27-point checklist we run on every property.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do most snowbirds arrive in Los Cabos?+
The main snowbird arrival window is late October through mid-November. Some early birds arrive in October to catch the tail of the warm season at lower prices. The peak snowbird population runs November through March, with a significant exit around Easter/mid-April when temperatures climb into the high 80s and low 90s.
What is the weather like in Los Cabos during winter?+
Winter in Los Cabos is the dry season — virtually no rainfall from November through May. Daytime temperatures range from 72-82°F (22-28°C), with nighttime lows of 55-65°F (13-18°C). January is the coolest month with highs averaging 77°F. Sea temperatures drop to 68-72°F in January-February. The sun shines 350+ days per year, and winter months average 10+ hours of daylight.
How much does it cost to spend winter in Cabo?+
For property owners, the incremental cost of spending 4-6 months in Cabo is roughly $2,000-$4,000/month including utilities, groceries, dining, transportation, and entertainment — lower than most US metros. For renters, a furnished 2-bedroom condo rents for $2,500-$5,000/month during peak season, and $1,500-$3,000/month in the shoulder months of November and April.
Do I need a visa to spend winter in Cabo?+
US and Canadian citizens receive a 180-day tourist visa (FMM) on arrival — enough for a full November-April snowbird season. No advance application required. If you plan to stay more than 180 days or want to drive a US-plated car, you will need a Temporary Resident Visa. See our visa and residency guides for details.
What about healthcare during winter in Cabo?+
Los Cabos has modern private hospitals (H+, Blue Medical, AmeriMed) with English-speaking staff. US Medicare does not cover you in Mexico, so snowbirds need either Mexican health insurance ($1,500-$3,000/year), international health insurance, or pay-as-you-go cash pricing (typically 50-70% less than US costs for comparable procedures). Many snowbirds use Mexican doctors for routine care and fly home for major procedures.
Aaron Cuha
Real Estate Advisor & Los Cabos Market Expert
Real estate advisor and founder of Living In Cabo. 15+ years helping families navigate complex real estate decisions. Strategic partner with Ronival — Baja's largest brokerage.
