Fishing Calendar — San José del Cabo
What's biting each month? Water temps, sea conditions, and the best time of day — planned by local captains.
When to fish in San José del Cabo
The "best month" depends on your target. Summer–fall favors dorado, tuna and marlin offshore; late spring is prime for roosterfish inshore; winter is steady for snapper and grouper. For the most accurate call, cross-check with our Fish Reports the day before you go.
Plan Your Trip Like a Local
The best time to fish in San José del Cabo changes with the season. From striped marlin and dorado offshore to roosterfish along the beaches, each month brings a different highlight. Use this month-by-month calendar to time your trip, then confirm conditions with our Fish Reports the day before you go.
Best Months by Species
Striped Marlin
Oct–Feb · Peak tournament window in fall. Learn more about marlin fishing charters in San José del Cabo.
Blue/Black Marlin
Jul–Oct · Warm currents, offshore runs.
Yellowfin Tuna
Jun–Nov · Consistent summer–fall action. Learn more about yellowfin tuna fishing in San José del Cabo.
Dorado (Mahi)
Jul–Dec · Nearshore windows in late summer.
Roosterfish
May–Jul · Inshore sight-casting.
Snapper / Grouper
Oct–Mar · Cooler water, steady bottom bite.
Month-by-Month Fishing Guide
January
Cool, dry mornings; occasional north wind. Bottom bite steady near structure.
February
Watch wind windows; sunrise departures for calmer seas.
March
Transition month; clearer mornings, breeze in the afternoon.
April
Calm mornings; bait schools build along beaches/points.
May
Nearshore action turns on; prime rooster sight-casting begins.
June
Calm seas, excellent visibility; offshore bite builds.
July
Hot days; strong offshore bite — start early.
August
Peak heat/humidity; monitor tropical systems.
September
Tropical activity possible; peak offshore runs.
October
Tournament season; calm weather windows.
November
Reliable weather; versatile targets.
December
Cooler seas; steady nearshore + winter billfish.
Current Sea Conditions
We check these daily and match them to bait reports and port guidance:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to fish in San José del Cabo?
It depends on your target. Summer–fall favors dorado, tuna, and marlin offshore; late spring peaks for roosterfish inshore; winter is steady for snapper and grouper.
When is striped marlin season in Cabo?
Striped marlin is strongest from October through February, overlapping with tournament season and stable offshore conditions.
When do dorado and tuna come closest to shore?
Typically July through September as warm currents push bait and pelagics within nearshore range, especially on early departures.
Is winter good for families on a panga?
Yes. October–December often provides calm morning windows and reliable nearshore action for a comfortable family trip.