Major city · Mexico
San José del Cabo
Stay 3 nights in the Centro or Gallery District, not the beach strip: walkable plaza, art walk Thursdays, and the hotel zone is a 30-min walk or short taxi away.
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- MXN
- Best months
- Nov–May
- avoid Aug–Oct (hurricane season, heat and humidity)
- Airport
- SJD
- Nights
- 3–5
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.
San José del Cabo is the quieter half of Los Cabos: a colonial plaza, a gallery district and the Estero lagoon, with the resort strip and swimmable beaches a short ride south. Most visitors come for 3–5 nights between November and May, split between town and beach. It is the better base if you want a town to walk in; Cabo San Lucas is the party-and-marina half, 30–45 min west by bus or car.
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about San José del Cabo, 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
- SafetyDowntown and the resort strip are generally safe for tourists; the main risks are ocean currents at non-swimmable beaches, summer heat…
- RestroomsPut paper in the bin, not the toilet, in most places; public toilets charge MXN 5–10.Mexico-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 078 Tourist assistance (Ángeles Verdes / tourist help)
- 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 (About 16 km north of downtown; Ruta del Desierto bus outside Terminal 1, or shuttle/taxi).SJD Los Cabos International (About 9.9 mi north of downtown; Ruta del Desierto bus outside Terminal 1, or shuttle/taxi).
- Getting aroundDowntown is walkable.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeM$40–80 (≈ US$3–5)
- Street or quick mealTaco or quesadillaM$25–60 (≈ US$2–4)
- Beerbottle at a bar / can at a shopM$50–90 (≈ US$3–5)M$25–40 (≈ US$2–3)
- Metro or bus rideLocal bus rideM$15–60 (≈ US$1–4) (check)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekM$200–400 (≈ US$11–25)
- Budget bedHostel or budget room, a night, per personMX$400 (≈ US$25)
- Mid-range bedMid-range double room, a night, per roomMX$2,200 (≈ US$120)
- High-end bedMid-range double room, a night, per roomMX$4,500 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget MX$900 (≈ US$50) · Mid MX$1,800 (≈ US$100) · High MX$3,500 (≈ US$190)
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 →
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 (About 16 km north of downtown; Ruta del Desierto bus outside Terminal 1, or shuttle/taxi)SJD Los Cabos International (About 9.9 mi north of downtown; Ruta del Desierto bus outside Terminal 1, or shuttle/taxi)
Weather and climate
San José del Cabo: 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°C77°F
13°C55°F
1 rd
Feb
25°C77°F
13°C55°F
1 rd
Mar
26°C79°F
14°C57°F
0 rd
Apr
28°C82°F
15°C59°F
0 rd
May
30°C86°F
17°C63°F
0 rd
Jun
32°C90°F
20°C68°F
0 rd
Jul
33°C91°F
23°C73°F
2 rd
Aug
33°C91°F
24°C75°F
4 rd
Sep
32°C90°F
24°C75°F
4 rd
Oct
31°C88°F
21°C70°F
2 rd
Nov
28°C82°F
17°C63°F
1 rd
Dec
26°C79°F
14°C57°F
1 rd
High / low °C°F · rd = rain days
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Downtown is walkable. Local buses run between San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas every 20–30 min, about 30–45 min, and stop at corridor beaches; pay the driver, service ends around 23:00. Taxis and ride-hailing cover the corridor. Rent a car only if you plan to explore beaches or the East Cape; check whether your rental agreement allows unpaved roads.
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Cabo San Lucas
goDoor to door: About 45–60 min
Local bus from San José del Cabo, about 30–45 min, or car on Hwy 1
Marina, El Arco boat trips and nightlife; easy return by bus until around 23:00.Marina, El Arco boat trips and nightlife; easy return by bus until around 11:00 PM.
La Paz
overnightDoor to door: About 3 h
Bus from the San José del Cabo terminal, about 2.5 h
Better as an overnight stop for whale sharks and the malecón.
La Ventana
overnightDoor to door: About 2.5–3 h
Car or bus north on Hwy 1 toward La Paz, then east
Wind-sports village; needs a car or a long transfer.
Loreto
overnightDoor to door: About 6–7 h
Bus north on Hwy 1, about 6 h
Too far for a day trip; plan at least one night.
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Centro / Gallery District
Plaza Mijares, church, galleries and restaurants on foot; best for a town-based trip.
Zona Hotelera / La Playa
Beachfront resorts south of town; 30-min walk or short taxi to the plaza.
Corridor (Hwy 1 toward Cabo San Lucas)
Resorts and golf between the two towns; car or taxi needed for everything.
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- M$900–1,600 (≈ US$50–90) excl. bed
- Mid
- M$1,600–3,000 (≈ US$90–170) excl. bed
- High
- M$3,000 (≈ US$170)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid-range double room1 × 3 nights × MX$2,200 | MX$6,600 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 3 days × MX$1,800 | MX$10,800 |
| Airport shuttle or taxi, one way2 × MX$300 · check | MX$600 |
| Local bus San José del Cabo ↔ Cabo San Lucas, one way2 × MX$60 · check | MX$120 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × MX$250 | MX$500 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | MX$1,862 |
| Trip total≈ MX$3,414 per person per day, bed included | MX$20,482≈ US$1,200 |
2026 estimate in pesos; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | M$40–80 (≈ US$3–5) |
| Taco or quesadilla | M$25–60 (≈ US$2–4) |
| Seafood plate (ceviche, filete) | M$200–400 (≈ US$11–25) |
| Beer: bottle at a bar / can at a shop | M$50–90 (≈ US$3–5) / M$25–40 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Local bus ride | M$15–60 (≈ US$1–4) (check) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | M$200–400 (≈ US$11–25) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Hurricane season runs roughly Aug–Oct; check forecasts and insurance before booking.
- Some corridor beaches have strong currents and are not swimmable; ask locally before entering the water.
- Rental-car insurance terms vary; confirm what is covered, especially on unpaved roads.
- Bring pesos for buses, markets and small taquerias; card use is common in hotels and upscale restaurants.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Tourist assistance (Ángeles Verdes / tourist help)
- 078
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
San José del CaboSan José del Cabo
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Tourist assistance078
Embassy
No US consulate in Los Cabos; the nearest is in Cabo San Lucas (check address). Other countries: embassies in Mexico City.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- SJD airport → downtown, bus: about M$60 (≈ US$4), 20–30 min (check)
- SJD airport → downtown, taxi or shuttle: M$300–800 (≈ US$17–45) (check)
- San José del Cabo → Cabo San Lucas, bus: about M$60 (≈ US$4), 30–45 min (check)
Say or show
- Buenos días — Hello / Good day (BWEH-nos DEE-as)
- Gracias — Thank you (GRAH-see-as)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (KWAN-to KWES-ta)
- La cuenta, por favor — The bill, please (la KWEN-ta por fa-VOR)
- ¿Dónde está la playa? — Where is the beach? (DON-de es-TA la PLA-ya)
- ¿Es seguro nadar aquí? — Is it safe to swim here? (es se-GU-ro na-DAR a-KEE)
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 San José del Cabo. 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–May · avoid Aug–Oct (hurricane season, heat and humidity) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for SJD: Ruta del Desierto bus, shuttle and taxi options field-checked with last-departure times.
- Walking clusters for Centro, Gallery District, Estero and La Playa with rescue anchors.
- Beach pages with swim-safety notes and seasonal access, plus eat pages with last orders.
- Hurricane-season fixtures so arrival and cancellation gates can go green.