Cabo in December: whales, early sunsets and the holidays on the water

December in Cabo means mild days around 79°F (26°C), water near 78°F (26°C), rain on about 5% of days and some of the earliest sunsets of the year, around 5:35 PM. Humpback whales are already arriving, since the first ones come in November. The last official whale-watching season opened December 15, and the 2026 to 2027 dates come out in the DOF, Mexico's federal register, each autumn. Christmas to New Year is the busiest stretch of the year on the water, so book early.

Cabo weather in December

December is the first month that feels like winter in Cabo, mostly in the evenings. These are typical conditions on three dates, from the 10-year averages (2015 to 2024) in our trip guide:

Here is the live forecast for Cabo San Lucas.

"Rainy days" means days with at least 1 mm of rain. By the holidays it is about one day in thirty.

Days on deck are close to ideal, and our guide rates December "best" for both sunsets and days on deck. The air cools quickly once the sun goes down, though. A low of 67°F (19°C) on the water, with wind and a wet swimsuit, calls for a sweater or light jacket on any charter that ends after sunset.

The water is still good for a swim. It drops from about 80°F (27°C) to about 76°F (24°C) over the month, so the guide rates snorkeling "good" rather than "best". A rash guard helps late in the month.

Early December is the better half for snorkeling. A 4-hour charter on the Santa María route takes in the Arch and then the reef at Santa María Bay, with a swim stop on the way back. Closer to town, Pelican Rock is inside the bay at the foot of Land's End, the first snorkel stop on most charters, and it fits into a 2-hour trip.

Whale watching in December

Humpback whales start arriving in Cabo in November, and by December you can see them from the boat on any route. They travel along the coast and through the mouth of the bay, often within sight of Land's End.

The official whale-watching season, when SEMARNAT-regulated whale tours run, ran December 15 to April 30 for 2025 to 2026. The 2026 to 2027 dates come out in the DOF each autumn, so check before you book a dedicated whale trip in early December. January and February are the peak, with mothers and calves in the area, and our guide rates December "good".

Our whale watching experience is a typical 3-hour charter. The captain heads out past Land's End to open water at the mouth of the bay, everyone scans for blows, and you pass the Arch and the sea lions on the way back. Sightings are never guaranteed, and captains follow Mexico's whale-watching rules: they keep their distance, slow down and never chase. Our Cabo whale watching season article has the details.

Mornings are usually calmer for spotting blows on the water. Sunrise is around 6:53 AM in mid-December, so a 7 or 8 AM departure gives you good light.

Sunset times in December

Sunsets in December are early and change little. Cabo is on Mountain Standard Time all year, with no daylight saving.

A sunset cruise usually runs 2 hours. With the sun down before 6 PM, you're back at the dock in time for an early dinner, which works well with kids. Our article on the best sunset cruise in Cabo compares the Pacific and bay routes.

Morning whales or an afternoon sunset?

In December you can fit both into a trip, but they work best as two different charters.

For whales, go in the morning. The water is usually calmer before the wind builds after midday, which makes it easier to spot a blow, and a 3-hour charter gives the captain time to search open water beyond Land's End.

For the sunset, leave in the late afternoon. The Pacific sunset route goes around Land's End to face the sun, 12 miles round trip, and you might still see a whale on the way. If you only have one boat day, a late-afternoon charter of 3 hours gives you some whale time and the sunset at the Arch.

Whales stay through the winter, with the peak in January and February. If your trip runs into the new year, our Cabo in January guide covers the peak months.

Christmas in Cabo on the water

Christmas week falls inside the busiest stretch of the year on the water. If you're traveling with extended family, send your date as soon as you know it.

For a family group, the Sea Ray 55 is a good fit. It takes up to 15 guests, the largest group on any yacht in the fleet except the Pontoon 38, and it has air conditioning, cabins and heads, plus bottled water, sodas and ice. Grandparents can sit inside out of the wind while the kids are on the bow.

Food is optional on most yachts. Order breakfast, box lunches, boards or a Mexican feast from our menu in the planner. Guests 18 and over can bring their own drinks, since alcohol isn't sold on board.

New Year's Eve on the water in Cabo

A New Year's Eve charter is possible, but not at midnight. These are the rules:

• Departures run from 7 AM to 7 PM.
• Yachts sail until 8 PM.
• Yachts from the marina may stay anchored in the bay until 10 PM.
• The Sea Ray 65 meets you at Fisherman's Landing restaurant, by the Cabo Escape terminal, and must be back by 8 PM, when the terminal closes.

Sunset on December 31 is about 5:45 PM. A charter leaving around 4 PM catches the light at the Arch, then anchors in the bay for dinner and drinks as the town lights come on. You're back at the dock by 10 PM at the latest, with time to get to a party.

For a full evening, the McKinna 70 is the all-inclusive option. Its crew of five, including the captain, deckhands and a chef, serves a multi-course menu cooked on board, welcome snacks with fresh guacamole, and complimentary drinks. It has a 3-hour minimum.

What to book in Cabo in December

Prices are per boat, not per person, with 16% IVA tax included. The customary 15% crew tip is not included.

A 6-hour McKinna 70 evening, for example 4 PM to 10 PM with the last hours at anchor in the bay, is USD 8,599 / MXN 163,399. The Sea Ray 40 is a flybridge, so you get a high vantage point for spotting whales, and it comes with towels and snorkel gear.

Booking a boat in December

Send your date, group size and the plan (whales, sunset, family day or New Year's Eve) through the planner. We reply in writing within 2 hours, 8 AM to 8 PM Cabo time, and payment goes through a secure Stripe link once your date is confirmed.

If you're coming on a ship, December is when the winter-only cruises start. The Norwegian Star makes three calls, the Ovation of the Seas its first overnight of the season, and Holland America's Koningsdam and Zaandam call three and two times. Each page has the hours ashore and a whale or Arch plan that fits them.

For anything between December 20 and January 1, book as soon as your flights are set.

Yachts in this guide

Sea Ray 55Flybridge motor yacht · up to 15 guestsfrom $2,129 / 3 hSea Ray 65Express motor yacht · up to 12 guestsfrom $2,509 / 3 hMcKinna 70Luxury motor yacht · up to 12 guestsfrom $4,499 / 3 hSea Ray 40Flybridge yacht · up to 12 guestsfrom $879 / 2 h

Questions people ask

What is the weather like in Cabo in December?

Mild and dry. Highs average about 79°F (26°C), lows about 69°F (21°C), and rain falls on roughly 5% of days. Evenings on the water feel cool by late December, so bring a light layer.

Can you see whales in Cabo in December?

Yes. Humpback whales start arriving in November and can be seen from the boat on any route. The official whale-watching season set by SEMARNAT ran December 15 to April 30 in 2025 to 2026, with January and February as the peak.

Can I be on a boat at midnight on New Year's Eve in Cabo?

Not on our charters. Yachts sail until 8 PM, and yachts from the marina can stay anchored in the bay until 10 PM. The Sea Ray 65 must be back by 8 PM because the Cabo Escape terminal closes.

What is the water temperature in Cabo in December?

About 80°F (27°C) on December 1, cooling to about 76°F (24°C) by December 31. The monthly average is about 78°F (26°C).

When should I book a boat for Christmas or New Year in Cabo?

As early as you can. Christmas to New Year is the busiest stretch of the year on the water, so send your date as soon as your flights are set.

Plan your day on the water

Pick a yacht, the hours and the food in the planner. A written reply within 2 hours, 8 AM to 8 PM Cabo time.

Check availabilitySee the fleet