Major city · Mexico
Cabo San Lucas
Give Cabo 3–4 nights: one marina day, one boat day to El Arco, one beach or fishing day. Skip it if you want a walkable colonial town.
Cabo San Lucas is the resort and nightlife half of Los Cabos, at the tip of the Baja peninsula. The town itself is small and mostly marina, bars and hotels; the reasons to come are the sea — El Arco, Lover's Beach, diving, whale watching in winter and some of the best sport fishing in Mexico. It is a fly-in destination, not a stop on a road trip, and it is priced like the US, not like the rest of Mexico.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- MXN
- Best months
- Nov–Apr (dry, 20–28 °C (68–82 °F), whales Jan–Mar)Nov–Apr (dry, 68–82 °F (20–28 °C), whales Jan–Mar)
- avoid Aug–Oct (heat, humidity and hurricane season); late Dec–early Jan and spring break for crowds and peak prices
- Airport
- SJD
- Nights
- 3–4
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Mexico ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Mexico's National Migration Institute (INM) or your nearest Mexican consulate; keep proof of your entry (stamp or digital record) until you leave.
- Mexico ↗Security advice differs by state: some governments advise against travel to parts of several states. Check your own government's advice for each region on your route.
- Mexico ↗Do not drink tap water; use bottled or filtered water and ice from reliable places.
- Mexico ↗Foreign visitors to Quintana Roo (Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Bacalar, Holbox) pay the state VISITAX online at visitax.gob.mx only; lookalike sites add fees.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Cabo San Lucas911 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Cabo San Lucas, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Mexican peso (MXN, $).Mexico-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelcel has the widest coverage; AT&T and Movistar are cheaper in cities.Mexico-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap; garrafón (20-litre jugs) and filtered water in hotels.Mexico-wide
- TippingcheckRestaurants: 10–15%; check the bill for an included 'servicio'.Mexico-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 127 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Mexico-wide
- SafetyResort areas are busy and generally safe by day; the real risks are unmetered taxis, drink spiking and bar bills in the marina strip…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPut paper in the bin, not the toilet, in most places; public toilets charge MXN 5–10 (≈ under US$1).Mexico-wide
- Emergency numbers911 All emergencies · 078 Tourist assistance (Ángeles Verdes / SECTUR)
- Sundays & holidaysMost museums and many archaeological sites close on Mondays; banks close on public holidays.Mexico-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportSJD Los Cabos International (San José del Cabo) (About 45 km (28 mi) / 40–60 min from Cabo San Lucas by road; shared shuttles, private vans…SJD Los Cabos International (San José del Cabo) (About 28 mi (45 km) / 40–60 min from Cabo San Lucas by road; shared shuttles, private vans…
- Getting aroundThe centre is walkable: marina to Playa Médano is about 15 minutes on foot.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeMX$50–90 (≈ US$3–5)
- Sit-down mealMarina restaurant main courseMX$250–500 (≈ US$14–30)
- Street or quick mealTaco or fish tacoMX$35–70 (≈ US$2–4)
- Beerdraught in a bar / can at a shopMX$60–110 (≈ US$4–6)MX$25–40 (≈ US$2–3)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)5 km (3.1 mi) taxi3.1 mi (5 km) taxiAgree the fare before boarding; no meters.MX$150–300 (≈ US$9–17)
- Metro or bus rideLocal bus, Cabo San Lucas–San José del CaboMX$30–50 (≈ US$2–3) (check)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personMX$450 (≈ US$25)
- Mid-range bedMid-range double room, a night, per roomMX$3,000 (≈ US$170)
- High-end bedMid-range double room, a night, per roomMX$6,000 (≈ US$350)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget MX$1,200 (≈ US$65) · Mid MX$3,000 (≈ US$170) · High MX$7,000 (≈ US$400)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- SJD Los Cabos International (San José del Cabo) (About 45 km (28 mi) / 40–60 min from Cabo San Lucas by road; shared shuttles, private vans, taxis and the Ruta del Desierto bus.)SJD Los Cabos International (San José del Cabo) (About 28 mi (45 km) / 40–60 min from Cabo San Lucas by road; shared shuttles, private vans, taxis and the Ruta del Desierto bus.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Care*
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Feb
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Mar
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Apr
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
May
not flagged
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Jun
not flagged
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Jul
not flagged
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Aug
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Sep
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Oct
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Nov
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Dec
Care*
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Best: Feb–Apr, Nov. Mixed: Dec–Jan. Avoid: Aug–Oct. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)), coolest Jan (13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C) low), wettest Aug (2 rain days), driest Mar (0). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Cabo San Lucas: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
1 rd
Feb
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
1 rd
Mar
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
0 rd
Apr
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
0 rd
May
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
0 rd
Jun
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
0 rd
Jul
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
1 rd
Aug
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
2 rd
Sep
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
2 rd
Oct
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
1 rd
Nov
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
1 rd
Dec
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
1 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is walkable: marina to Playa Médano is about 15 minutes on foot. Taxis have no meters — agree the fare before you get in. Local buses run along the main road between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo for a few pesos; rental cars make sense for the Corridor, the East Cape and day trips.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
San José del Cabo
goDoor to door: 40–60 min
Local bus or taxi along the Transpeninsular highway
Old-town plaza, art walk on Thursday evenings in season, and the airport is on that side.
Todos Santos
goDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min
Bus or car north on Highway 19
Surf town with a small historic centre; easy half-day or overnight.
Cabo Pulmo
overnightDoor to door: About 2 h
Car on the East Cape road
Protected reef for diving and snorkelling; rough road, so sleep one night rather than rush back.
La Paz
overnightDoor to door: 2.5–3 h
Bus or car north on Highway 1
Malecón, sea-lion colony at Espíritu Santo island; a separate trip, not a day return.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Marina and Centro
Walk to boats, bars and restaurants; noisy at night, so ask for a room away from the strip.
Playa Médano
Beachfront hotels, swimmable water, 10–15 min walk to the marina.
The Corridor (Cabo San Lucas–San José)
Resorts and golf between the two towns; you need a car or shuttle for everything.
San José del Cabo
Quieter old town, closer to SJD airport; 30–40 min by road from Cabo San Lucas.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- MX$1,200–2,000 (≈ US$65–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- MX$2,500–4,500 (≈ US$140–250) excl. bed
- High
- MX$6,000 (≈ US$350)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid-range double room1 × 3 nights × MX$3,000 | MX$9,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 3 days × MX$3,000 | MX$18,000 |
| Airport shuttle or bus, both ways2 × MX$500 · check | MX$1,000 |
| El Arco / Lover's Beach boat trip2 × MX$500 · check | MX$1,000 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × MX$400 | MX$800 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | MX$2,980 |
| Trip total≈ MX$5,460 per person per day, bed included | MX$32,780≈ US$1,800 |
2026 estimate in pesos; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | MX$50–90 (≈ US$3–5) |
| Taco or fish taco | MX$35–70 (≈ US$2–4) |
| Beer: draught in a bar / can at a shop | MX$60–110 (≈ US$4–6) / MX$25–40 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Marina restaurant main course | MX$250–500 (≈ US$14–30) |
| 5 km taxiAgree the fare before boarding; no meters. | MX$150–300 (≈ US$9–17) |
| Local bus, Cabo San Lucas–San José del Cabo | MX$30–50 (≈ US$2–3) (check) |
| El Arco boat trip | MX$400–700 (≈ US$25–40) (check) |
| Panga fishing, half dayFull-day charters on larger boats cost far more. | from about US$175 (check) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Airport timeshare touts offer 'free' transfers or tours: the presentation can run up to 4 hours and ends in a hard sell. Your pre-booked transfer waits outside the terminal, never inside.
- Taxis are unmetered and quotes vary by driver and hour: fix the price first.
- Strong currents and steep drop-offs at some beaches — Playa Médano and Lover's Beach are the usual swimming choices; ask locally before entering the water elsewhere.
- Hurricane season runs roughly Jun–Nov, peaking Aug–Oct; check forecasts and insurance before booking late-summer trips.
- Cruise-ship days fill the marina and El Arco boats: book water tours for a non-ship day if you can.
Emergency numbers
- All emergencies
- 911
- Tourist assistance (Ángeles Verdes / SECTUR)
- 078
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
Cabo San LucasCabo San Lucas
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- All emergencies911
- Tourist assistance078
Embassy
No US consulate in Cabo San Lucas; the nearest US consular agency is in San José del Cabo (check address and hours). Other countries: embassies in Mexico City.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- SJD airport → Cabo San Lucas, Ruta del Desierto bus: about MX$80 (≈ US$5), 30–60 min (check)
- SJD airport → Cabo San Lucas, private van: MX$600–1,200 (≈ US$35–65) per vehicle (check)
- Taxi Marina → Playa Médano: MX$150–250 (≈ US$9–14) (check)
Say or show
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (KWAN-to KWES-ta)
- La cuenta, por favor — The total, please (la KWEN-ta por fa-VOR)
- No quiero el tour — I don't want the tour (no KYEH-ro el tour)
- ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? — Can I pay by card? (PWEH-do pa-GAR kon tar-HEH-ta)
- ¿Dónde está el baño? — Where is the bathroom? (DON-de es-TA el BA-nyo)
- ¡Ayuda! — Help! (a-YU-da)
Cruise passengers: allow for the tender ride both ways when booking independent tours.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Cabo San Lucas. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Nov–Apr (dry, 20–28 °C, whales Jan–Mar) · avoid Aug–Oct (heat, humidity and hurricane season); late Dec–early Jan and spring break for crowds and peak prices · month by month →
- 1 airport and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for SJD: last shuttle and bus times, taxi fallback, late-arrival rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: marina and Centro, Playa Médano, the Corridor resorts, San José old town.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (El Arco boats, Lover's Beach access, Cabo Pulmo reef rules) and eat pages with last orders.
- Hurricane and cruise-ship-day fixtures so gates A–D can go green.