Cabo San Lucas is a world-famous paradise where the desert dramatically meets the sea. It’s known for sun, fun, and nightlife. But for those in the know, it’s a premier surf destination with a surprising variety of waves.
The most common question we hear at the shop is, “When is the best time to surf in Cabo San Lucas?” It’s a great question, but the answer isn’t a single month. It truly depends on what kind of wave you’re chasing.
Cabo has a unique geography, sitting at the tip of the Baja Peninsula. This means it gets swell from two different directions: the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez. Each “coast” has its own distinct peak season for surfing.
This guide will break down the seasons, swells, and spots. We want to help you plan your perfect trip and find your best time to surf in Cabo San Lucas. Let’s dive in and explore the rhythms of Baja’s waves.
Summer Surfing: The South Swell Season (May – October)
When most people picture Cabo surfing, they’re thinking of summer. This season is defined by powerful, long-period swells generated by storms deep in the Southern Hemisphere. These south swells march thousands of miles to light up the coastline.
These swells primarily hit the Sea of Cortez side of the peninsula, also known as the East Cape. This is when the famous “Cabo Corridor” truly comes alive. The water is warm, the sun is high, and the vibes are classic.
Breaks like Zippers, The Rock, and Old Man’s turn into magnets for surfers from around the globe. This is arguably the best time to surf in Cabo San Lucas if you’re an intermediate to advanced surfer looking for performance waves.
Keep in mind; this is also hurricane season (or “Chubasco” season). While storms can be dangerous, they also spin off unique, powerful swells. If you’re experienced and careful, you might score the waves of your life during this time.
Winter Waves: The Pacific Awakens (November – April)
Don’t overlook the winter! While the Sea of Cortez goes dormant, the Pacific side of Cabo awakens. This season is dominated by northwest swells coming down from the North Pacific, bringing cooler water and consistent, clean lines.
This is the best time to surf in Cabo San Lucas for adventurers willing to explore. The Pacific coast is more rugged and exposed, offering a different kind of surf experience. The air is cooler, and the crowds are often thinner.
Advanced surfers will flock to powerful, heavy waves like Monuments, a tricky left-hand reef break. For those seeking a gentler ride, spots like Cerritos Beach (a bit north) offer waves for all skill levels, from beginners to experts.
The winter provides incredible consistency. While the waves might not have the tropical perfection of a summer south swell, you can surf nearly every day. Just remember to pack a spring suit or a 3/2 wetsuit, as the Pacific water gets chilly.
Decoding the Breaks: Where to Go When
Knowing when to come is half the battle; knowing where to go is the other. In summer, the focus is the Corridor. Zippers is a fast, rippable right-hander, famous for hosting surf competitions. It’s the area’s high-performance hot spot.
Right next to it, Old Man’s (also called Acapulquito) offers a mellower, slower wave perfect for longboarding or those stepping up from beginner lessons. The Rock (La Roca) provides a fun, wedgier right and left peak. These spots define the summer surf scene.
In winter, your GPS will be set for the Pacific. Monuments is a serious, expert-only wave breaking over shallow rocks right by the iconic Arch. Further north, breaks like San Pedrito, Pescadero, and Cerritos offer classic point break and beach break experiences.
This diversity is what makes finding the best time to surf in Cabo San Lucas so exciting. You can have two completely different surf trips in the same town, just by visiting six months apart. Each coast has its own unique character.
Conditions Beyond the Waves: Water, Wind, and Crowds
Let’s talk comfort. In summer (May-Oct), the water in the Sea of Cortez is amazing. You’ll be in boardshorts or a bikini all day. The water temps are tropical, often cresting 80°F (26.7°C). This is tropical surfing at its finest.
Winter (Nov-Apr) is a different story. The Pacific water temperature can drop significantly, into the 60s (15.6−20.5°C). A 3/2 fullsuit is recommended, especially for longer sessions. The Sea of Cortez is cooler too, but often just a spring suit is needed.
Wind is a huge factor. Mornings are almost always the best time to surf in Cabo San Lucas. The wind is typically calmest at dawn, offering glassy conditions. By late morning, the onshore breeze often picks up, making the surf choppy.
Crowds are the final piece. Summer swells at Zippers can get packed with talent from all over. Winter on the Pacific is generally less crowded, but popular spots will have a solid local crew. Always surf with respect, share waves, and know the etiquette.
So, What’s the Real Best Time to Surf in Cabo?
After all this, what is the definitive best time to surf in Cabo San Lucas? The truth is, it depends entirely on you. Are you a longboarder looking for a cruisey ride? A beginner? Or a charger hunting for barrels?
If you want warm water, rippable walls, and a classic surf trip vibe, aim for summer (June-August). If you prefer cooler weather, consistent swell, and fewer people, plan your visit for winter or spring (December-March) and explore the Pacific.
Our personal favorite? The “shoulder” months. September and October can offer a magic blend of late-season south swells and early north swells. May and June often have clean conditions before the main summer crowds arrive, with perfect warm water.
The best way to score is to be prepared. Stop by our shop, surfshopcabo.com, when you get to town. We’ll give you the local scoop, point you to the right break for the day, and get you set up with the perfect board.
