Cabo in October: warm water, the best snorkeling of the year and what to know about the weather

October is one of the best months of the year for snorkeling in Cabo. The water averages about 85°F (29°C), highs run around 87°F (31°C), and rain falls on about 10% of days, dropping to about 4% by the end of the month. The catch is the first half of October, the tail end of the stretch when the Port Captain is most likely to close the harbor under a storm threat.

Cabo weather in October

October starts like summer and ends like fall. These are the typical conditions on three dates, from the 10-year averages (2015 to 2024) behind our trip guide:

Here is the live forecast for Cabo San Lucas.

"Rainy days" means the share of days with at least 1 mm of rain. On October 1, about one day in seven has some rain. By Halloween it is closer to one in twenty-five.

It is still hot. Nights barely drop below the high 70s°F in the first half of the month, and midday on deck feels warm. The wind is usually light, with a typical daily top around 11 to 12 mph (18 to 19 km/h).

Our guide rates October "best" for snorkeling, "good" for sunsets and "good" for days on deck. Only the heat and the early-month rain keep it from scoring best across the board.

Cabo water temperature in October

The sea around Cabo is at its warmest from August through October. In October it holds at about 85°F (29°C) through mid-month and eases to about 83°F (28°C) by October 31.

That is about as warm as the sea here gets. A swimsuit is enough for most people, and a rash guard is more about sun than warmth. For a full year of numbers, see our Cabo water temperature by month table.

Warm water and clear coves are why our guide calls October prime snorkeling. The usual plan is the 4-hour route on our Santa María snorkel experience: the Arch first, then up the coast to Santa María Bay, a sheltered horseshoe cove 6.7 miles (11 km) from the marina with reef along both points. October is one of that experience's three best months, along with July and November.

Update, October 10, 2026: Santa María Bay is closed for snorkeling for now; we expect it to reopen in November. Until then, the snorkel stop is Pelican Rock, next to the Arch, on the 2 hour charter.

If you'd rather stay close to town, Pelican Rock is the first snorkel stop on most charters, inside the bay at the foot of Land's End, 0.8 miles (1.3 km) from the dock. Our guide to the best snorkeling in Cabo compares the spots.

Is October a good time to visit Cabo?

Yes, with one thing to plan around. September and the first half of October are when the harbor closes most often.

The Port Captain (Capitanía de Puerto, part of the Mexican Navy) decides when the harbor closes. It does so only under a hurricane or storm threat or another extraordinary situation, and most closures fall between September and mid-October. When it happens, every boat in the harbor stays at the dock, ours included. You choose a new date or get your payment back in full.

That shapes how to book:

• If your dates are flexible, aim for the second half of October. Rain is less frequent and the closure window has mostly passed.
• If you are in town for several days, put the boat day early in your stay. If the harbor closes, there is room to move it.
• Watch the forecast. Our trip guide shows about nine days ahead, and the planner shows typical conditions for your exact week beyond that.

Our article on weather cancellations explains how a closure is handled step by step.

In 2026, Canadian Thanksgiving falls on Monday, October 12, still inside the September to mid-October window. If that long weekend is your trip, book the boat for your first full day in town.

Sunset times in Cabo in October

Sunsets move earlier fast in October, by about 25 minutes over the month. Cabo is on Mountain Standard Time all year, with no daylight saving, so the time on your phone won't jump.

A sunset cruise usually runs 2 hours. The Pacific sunset route goes around Land's End to face the sun as it drops toward the Cabo Falso lighthouse, 12 miles round trip. In mid-October that means leaving the marina in the late afternoon and being back around dark, early enough for dinner.

Morning or afternoon on the water?

With highs near 87°F (31°C), the time of day matters more in October than in winter. Departures run from 7 AM to 7 PM.

A morning charter is cooler and usually calmer, since the wind tends to build after midday. That makes it the better slot for a snorkel day. Sunrise is around 6:17 AM in mid-October, so a 7 or 8 AM departure gets you to Santa María in the cooler part of the day.

An afternoon charter that ends at sunset gets the softest light at the Arch and avoids the hottest hours on the way home. Whichever you pick, shade matters. A flybridge yacht like the Sea Ray 40 has a covered helm deck up top and towels on board, which helps on a hot day.

What to book in Cabo in October

Prices are per boat, not per person, with 16% IVA tax included. The customary 15% crew tip is not included. Every one of our yachts includes snorkel gear.

The 6-hour day adds Chileno Bay, the next cove past Santa María, with time to snorkel both and lunch at anchor. For larger groups, the Pontoon 38 takes up to 18 guests and has a water slide from the upper deck, a good fit for 85°F water.

Food is optional. You can order breakfast, box lunches or boards from our menu in the planner. Alcohol isn't sold on board, but guests 18 and over can bring their own. Every yacht includes a cooler.

October is also the start of the cruise season. The Disney Magic and Virgin's Brilliant Lady each call twice this month, the Zaandam once and the Voyager of the Seas three times. Each page lists the hours ashore and a plan that fits them, and the cruise port day covers the 2 hour version.

What to bring on an October boat day

Pack for heat. Nights stay in the mid to high 70s°F (24 to 26°C), so you won't need a jacket even on a sunset cruise.

Bring more water than you think you'll drink. Several yachts include bottled water, and you can add more from the menu for MXN 17 a bottle.

Booking a boat day in October

Send your date, group size and whether you want snorkeling or sunset 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 your dates fall in the first half of the month, say so in your message. We'll suggest a day early in your stay so there's room to move if the Port Captain closes the harbor.

Yachts in this guide

Sea Ray 40Flybridge yacht · up to 12 guestsfrom $879 / 2 hBayliner 33Express cruiser · up to 8 guestsfrom $599 / 2 hPontoon 38Double-deck party pontoon · up to 18 guestsfrom $869 / 2 h

Questions people ask

Is October a good time to visit Cabo?

Yes, especially the second half. The water averages about 85°F (29°C), our trip guide rates October best for snorkeling, and rain falls on about 10% of days, dropping to about 4% by October 31. The first half of the month is the tail of the period when the Port Captain most often closes the harbor under a storm threat.

What is the water temperature in Cabo in October?

About 85°F (29°C) for most of the month, easing to about 83°F (28°C) by October 31. That is among the warmest water of the year in Cabo.

What is the weather like in Cabo in October?

Hot and mostly dry. Highs average about 87°F (31°C), nights stay in the high 70s°F (about 26°C), and rain falls on roughly 10% of days, less as the month goes on.

What time is sunset in Cabo in October?

Sunset is about 6:07 PM on October 1, 5:54 PM on October 15 and 5:42 PM on October 31, Cabo time. Cabo stays on Mountain Standard Time all year, so the clocks don't change.

What happens to my boat charter if a storm closes the port in October?

Only the Port Captain closes the harbor, and only under a hurricane or storm threat or another extraordinary situation. If your date is closed, you choose a new date or get a full refund.

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