Cabo Fishing Weather — Best Months, Water Temps & Live Forecast
The only Cabo weather guide built by a local captain for anglers. Month-by-month conditions, water temps, wind, rain, species & fishing rating 1–10.
When is the best time to fish Cabo?
The best overall months to fish Cabo San Lucas are July through November, with October widely considered the #1 month — warm water (82°F / 28°C), low wind, and all major species (marlin, tuna, dorado, wahoo) active simultaneously. December–March are best for striped marlin with cooler, calmer water. April–June shine for roosterfish inshore. Avoid peak hurricane weeks in September.
Planning a fishing trip to Cabo? This page is built for one thing: helping you pick the right month. Unlike generic weather sites, we track what actually matters to anglers — water temperature, wind, rain, and which species are biting. The data below comes from 30+ years of local records plus daily fishing logs from Puerto Los Cabos captains.
Cabo Fishing Weather by Month (Full 12-Month Chart)
The most complete Cabo fishing weather chart online. Scroll sideways on mobile to see all columns. Ratings are based on species variety, weather comfort, and water conditions.
| Month | Air (°F) | Water (°F) | Wind | Rain (in) | Top Species | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 74 / 58 | 72 | Medium | 0.4 | Striped Marlin PEAK, Tuna, Wahoo | 8 / 10 |
| February | 74 / 58 | 70 | High | 0.2 | Striped Marlin, Mako Shark, Yellowtail | 7 / 10 |
| March | 77 / 60 | 70 | High | 0.0 | Striped Marlin, Snapper, Grouper, Yellowtail | 7 / 10 |
| April | 80 / 62 | 72 | Medium | 0.0 | Striped Marlin, Dorado, Roosterfish starts | 8 / 10 |
| May | 84 / 65 | 74 | Medium | 0.04 | Roosterfish START, Tuna, Dorado | 8 / 10 |
| June | 89 / 70 | 78 | Low | 0.3 | Blue/Black Marlin arrive, Dorado, Roosterfish | 9 / 10 |
| July | 92 / 74 | 82 | Low | 1.0 | Blue Marlin PEAK, Dorado, Tuna, Wahoo | 9 / 10 |
| August | 93 / 75 | 84 | Low | 2.9 | Blue/Black Marlin, Dorado, Sailfish, Tuna | 9 / 10 |
| September | 92 / 74 | 84 | Low | 3.2 | Marlin, Sailfish PEAK, Wahoo, Tuna | 9 / 10 |
| October | 89 / 70 | 82 | Low | 0.9 | ALL SPECIES BISBEE'S | 10 / 10 |
| November | 84 / 64 | 78 | Medium | 0.3 | Striped Marlin returns, Wahoo, Tuna, Dorado | 9 / 10 |
| December | 77 / 60 | 74 | Medium | 0.2 | Striped Marlin PEAK, Tuna, Wahoo | 8 / 10 |
🎯 How to read this chart: If you want variety → October. If you want trophy striped marlin → December–March. If you want warm water + easy weather → July–October. If you want low crowds + low prices → April–May.
Best Month to Fish Cabo: October (Here's Why)
Ask any Cabo captain to name one month and most will say October without hesitation. Here's the reason: in October, every major species overlaps in the same water. Striped marlin are pushing back from their winter range, blue and black marlin are still active from the summer run, wahoo hit peak season, tuna schools are thick, and dorado are still biting. This overlap doesn't happen in any other month.
October is also when Bisbee's Black & Blue takes place — the world's richest sport fishing tournament with a prize pool that has exceeded $7.4 million. Water temps stay at 82°F (28°C), wind is light, and hurricane risk drops sharply from September. For sheer variety and trophy potential in calm conditions, October is the answer.
Second-best pick: July through September. Peak blue and black marlin season with warmest water of the year. Only downside: afternoon tropical showers in August-September, and September carries the highest hurricane risk of the year.
Cabo Fishing Seasons at a Glance
Winter Season
Comfortable 74°F air, 70°F water. Striped marlin peak — some days boats release 10+ fish. Mild crowds, whale-watching bonus.
Spring Season
Transition period. March/April windy but rain-free. Roosterfish season kicks off in May. Best for inshore variety + low crowds.
Summer Season
Hot & humid (90°F+) but big game season explodes. Blue/black marlin, dorado, tuna all peak. Watch tropical weather late August.
Fall Season
The fishing superbowl. October is #1 pick with Bisbee's tournament. All species active simultaneously. Best month: book early.
Peak Season by Species
- 🐠 Striped Marlin: Year-round; PEAK November–May (December–January is best)
- 🐟 Blue Marlin: June–November; PEAK July–September (300–600 lb fish)
- ⚫ Black Marlin: June–October; PEAK August–September
- 🐬 Dorado (Mahi-Mahi): May–November; PEAK August–October
- 🎣 Yellowfin Tuna: Year-round; PEAK May–December (cow tuna 200 lb+ at offshore banks)
- ⚡ Wahoo: August–February; PEAK September–November
- 🐓 Roosterfish: May–October; PEAK inshore species
- 🎯 Sailfish: August–November; PEAK September
Cabo Hurricane Season & What to Avoid
Hurricane season in Cabo runs June through November, with highest risk in August–October — September is the peak. That said, major hurricanes are rare (the last direct hit was Hurricane Odile in September 2014). Most "hurricane season" days are simply cloudy with afternoon showers — fishing continues. The port closes only when real storms approach, and we always refund or reschedule when that happens.
💡 Local insight: August afternoon showers often improve the bite — cooler water near shore concentrates bait and predators. Many of our best dorado days come right after a brief squall.
When Is Cabo Too Windy to Fish?
Cabo's windiest months are February through May, with gusts of 15–25 knots (17–29 mph) — sometimes exceeding 30 knots on exposed days. This is when a larger boat matters most. June through October are the calmest months with light breezes that let pangas run fast and smooth all day.
Even during windy months, mornings are almost always calm. If you're booking between February and May, ask for early departures (6:00 AM) — we're back at the dock before the wind builds. Alternatively, a 33ft or 38ft sportfisher handles chop better than a panga.
Live Weather Map — Cabo & Los Cabos
Real-time wind, waves, and temperature for Los Cabos waters. Powered by Windy.com.
From Our Captains — Real Trip Logs
Real fishing notes from our boats at Puerto Los Cabos Marina.
Released 6 striped marlin before noon on the Habanero. Water was 71°F, light wind, flat sea. This is why January is our favorite month for fly-and-tease marlin action.
Panga trip to Punta Gorda, landed 3 roosterfish on live bait including a 45-pounder. Inshore water was 73°F — the trigger temp for roosters to push in close.
Double hookup on blue marlin off the 95 Spot. One went 380 lbs, biggest of the year so far. Water 83°F, sea glass-flat in the morning. This is prime time for big game.
Nine species in one day: striped, blue & black marlin, dorado, wahoo, tuna, sailfish, roosterfish, skipjack. Every angler caught. October = unbeatable.
Cabo Fishing Weather FAQ
What's the best month to fish in Cabo?
October is the consensus pick among local captains. Every major species is simultaneously active (all three marlin types, tuna, dorado, wahoo, sailfish), water is at 82°F, wind is light, and Bisbee's Black & Blue tournament takes place. Second-best: July–September for big game marlin, December–March for striped marlin.
How warm is the water in Cabo by month?
Water temps range from 70°F (21°C) in February–March to 84°F (29°C) in August–September. The Sea of Cortez side (where we fish from Puerto Los Cabos) is typically 2–3°F warmer than the Pacific side.
When is Cabo hurricane season?
Hurricane season runs June–November, with September being the peak risk month. However, major hurricanes are rare — the last direct hit was Hurricane Odile in 2014. Most "storm days" are just cloudy with brief afternoon showers, and fishing continues. The port only closes for serious weather, and we always refund or reschedule in those cases.
Is Cabo too windy to fish in February and March?
Windier, yes — gusts of 15–25 knots are common February through May. But mornings are still calm, so early 6 AM departures work great. If you're booking during these months, we recommend a 33ft ABAMAR or 38ft YNOKT for chop comfort, or stick to inshore panga trips in protected waters.
Does it rain a lot in Cabo during fishing trips?
Very little. Cabo is a desert climate with only 8–9 inches of rain per year. Most rainfall happens August–October during brief afternoon squalls. March through June are essentially rain-free. Even during "rainy" months, you rarely lose a morning fishing trip to weather.
What's the best month for striped marlin in Cabo?
December through March is peak striped marlin season. Cooler water (70–74°F) concentrates huge numbers of fish right off the coast. December and January are the absolute best months — some days boats release 10+ fish.
When is blue marlin season in Cabo?
Blue marlin arrive in June, peak July through September, and run strong through October. August is when 500 lb+ fish are caught weekly. Water temps in the 80s draw them close to shore.
What's the best time to fish Cabo for a family vacation?
April–May or November. Weather is comfortable, water is calm, prices are lower than peak season, and fishing is productive for variety (roosterfish, dorado, striped marlin). Summer (June–August) is hot but kids love the action-packed big game season.
How windy is it really in Cabo?
It depends on the month. Average wind speeds: February–May: 15–25 knots (often 10-20 knots early morning). June–October: 5–10 knots (calm glass-flat mornings). November–January: 10–15 knots. Puerto Los Cabos Marina (our departure) is more protected than Cabo San Lucas marina.
When is Cabo water warmest for fishing?
Late August through mid-October — water peaks around 84°F (29°C). This warm water brings in blue and black marlin, dorado, tuna and sailfish. By December it drops to 74°F. By March it bottoms out at 70°F.
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