Cancun's beaches are warmer for swimming in winter. And many of Cabo's beaches aren't swimmable. So if you're a beach bum with your heart set on ocean dips – and you're holidaying in winter – we'd recommend Cancun.
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The ocean in Los Cabos is generally warm, especially during the summer months. The average temperature ranges from around 72°F to 84°F, making it great for water activities.
Cancun has better beaches, nicer water, better food, cleaner buses and nicer shopping areas. If you venture down to Puerto Morelos or across to Isla Mujeres, the snorkeling is 100X better than Cabo. The other MAJOR strong point was I had a total of ONE person ask me if I was interested in an excursion.
Both Cabo and Cancun have glorious beaches to wash away your winter blues. They both also have 5-star resorts (and luxury all-inclusives), delicious Mexican food and holiday activities vastly different from the 9-to-5 routine of home. (Hello whale sharks! We'll tell you about swimming with them in a jiff…)
You can't go wrong choosing between Cabo and Cancun for your Mexican getaway. Cabo is a better option for luxury travel and families, while Cancun beats out Cabo for nightlife and partying. However, especially if you're traveling as a family, you should research flight time and non-stop service.
Once winter hits in Cabo, the temperatures “cool down” to a comfortable average of 68 degrees, with the water temperatures ranging from 72-75. The mild temperatures mean you can stay outside longer and enjoy the sunshine, making the winter months, including December, a popular season to visit Cabo.
Because there are a number of places around Cabo where strong undertows, unpredictable tides, and hardy waves make for less than ideal swimming conditions, these places have been red flagged around the community as the Cabo San Lucas beaches you wouldn't want to visit if you're looking to frolic in the water.
How a trip to Cancún or Los Cabos fits into your budget depends on what type of traveler you are, but usually, Cancún is the more affordable option. As Cancún has a larger variety of accommodations, you're more likely to find a good deal, especially if you stay in the downtown area instead of the pricier Hotel Zone.
East Coast: Mexico's east coast, particularly the Caribbean Sea's turquoise waters in spots like Tulum, are the stuff beach vacation dreams are made of. The east coast also has a reputation for soft white sand and warm, calm waters.
Cabo beaches that are known to be swimmable include Medano Beach, Palmilla Beach, and Chileno Beach. Look for colored flags. Cabo has a beach color-coding system that lets you know the level of safety onsite. Black flags indicate the most dangerous conditions.
However, most people prefer to hit the beaches between April and September when warm sea temperatures make for the best swimming and sunbathing experience. In early April, you could still see migrating whales with calves. Mid-May through late June is considered the most comfortable for hot-weather activities.
It's up to personal preference whether Tulum is nicer than Cabo. Tulum has a rustic, hippie feel compared to Cabo. It also has lush jungle and beaches that often contain natural debris. If you travel to Tulum from May to October, you likely won't think it's nicer than Cabo.
You can swim peacefully! There are no dangerous species near the coasts of Cancun and the Riviera Maya. No shark attack, no jellyfish schools, no sea snakes! Beware of stingrays in the Caribbean Sea.
Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo make up what is known throughout the world as Los Cabos: a Mexican paradise located south of the Baja California peninsula. Its landscape is imposing, with dramatic cliffs, vast deserts and beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters and exotic rock formations.
Your Definitive Guide to a 3-Day Cabo TripPerhaps it's the stunning beaches with their unruly waves and soft sand. Or maybe it's the vibrant color buildings set amongst cactus-covered hills. Cabo San Lucas is ideal for a 3-day getaway as it's just a quick flight from many of the USA's and Mexico's biggest cities.
This charming village boasts a thriving art scene, quaint boutique shops, and a relaxed atmosphere compared to its livelier neighbor, Cabo San Lucas. If you're after a more action-packed holiday with numerous restaurants, bars, and tourist attractions, then Cabo San Lucas is your go-to destination.
So if you visit Cabo in winter, don't expect super hot weather. It's perfect for golfing and hiking, as well as for lazing about in the sun. But when the sun sets, it's definitely cooler than Cancun in winter.
CABO SAN LUCAS CLIMATE INFORMATIONBecause it doesn't have the tropical humidity of other vacation destinations in Mexico, and is further north, the evenings will cool off significantly, so bring a light jacket or sweater, particularly in the winter months.
Yes, you can still swim in Cabo during December, thanks to warm water temperatures. The average high in December is around 79 degrees, with a low of 59. Most days are overcast. We recommend packing shorts or light pants, a light jacket for boating, sandals as well as hiking shoes.