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When is the best time for whale watching in Cabo?
February is the best month for whale watching in Cabo, inside a federally regulated season that runs 15 December to 15 April. January and March are close behind. Trips cost $50–$95 per person, and Mexican law requires boats to stay 60–80 metres from the animals.
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Key facts
- Regulated season
- 15 December – 15 April
- Best single month
- February
- Peak window
- January – March
- Price
- $50–$95 per person
- Legal approach distance
- 60–80 metres
- Species commonly seen
- Gray whale, humpback whale
| Option | Sightings | Weather | Crowds | Sea temp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| December (from the 15th) | Building | 80°F, 0.6" | Peak from the 18th | 77°F |
| January | Strong | 79°F, 0.4" | Peak | 73°F |
| February | Best | 80°F, 0.2" | Peak | 72°F |
| March | Strong | 82°F, 0.0" | Peak + spring break | 72°F |
| April (to the 15th) | Declining | 86°F, 0.0" | High | 72°F |
The ranking, and why
1. Best for the best odds
February
The driest month of the year at 0.2 inches, peak sighting rates, and both gray and humpback whales present.
$50–$95 pp
2. Best for peak season travellers
January
Effectively the same sighting rates as February with slightly higher rainfall. Peak crowds and peak hotel rates.
$50–$95 pp
3. Best for those staying outside cabo san lucas
March
Excellent sightings, zero rain, and 82°F days — but spring break reshapes downtown Cabo San Lucas for three weeks.
$50–$95 pp
4. Best for value
Early April
Sightings decline through the month but the first two weeks are still strong, and rates drop after spring break clears.
$50–$95 pp
5. Best for holiday travellers
Late December
Season opens on the 15th and sightings build from there. Prices double from around the 18th for the holidays.
$50–$95 pp
Frequently asked questions
What month is best to see whales in Cabo?
February. It has the highest sighting rates of the season, the least rainfall of the year at 0.2 inches, and both gray and humpback whales are present.
Can you see whales in Cabo in November?
Whales are frequently in local water from early November, but the regulated season does not open until 15 December and no permitted operator runs whale tours before then.
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