Cabo San Lucas is a popular resort city on the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula. It’s known for its beaches, scuba diving locations, and marine life.
If you’re planning a trip to this beautiful destination, it’s important to know about hurricane season. This article will tell you when hurricane season in Cabo San Lucas is, what the risks are, and how to prepare for them. We’ll also cover the best time to visit Cabo to avoid potential storms.
When is hurricane season in Cabo San Lucas?
Officially, hurricane season in Cabo lasts from May 15 to November 30. However, most of the action happens between August and October. September tends to be the busiest month.
The Northeastern Pacific region, where Cabo San Lucas is located, is actually the second most active hurricane area on the planet.
Each year, the region sees more than 16 tropical storms, and more than half of those turn into hurricanes. On average, Cabo gets hit by a tropical cyclone about once every year and a half.
How hurricanes have affected Cabo San Lucas in the past
Because of its location, Cabo San Lucas is vulnerable to hurricanes. Cabo sits right on the edge of the eastern Pacific hurricane track, and tropical storms and hurricanes sometimes pass through the area.
Here are a few of the notable storms that have affected Cabo over the years:
- Hurricane Olivia (1967). Olivia crossed the Baja peninsula as a tropical storm.
- Hurricane Kiko (1989). Kiko was one of the few major hurricanes to hit Cabo since the early 1900s.
- Hurricane Odile (2014). The last major hurricane to make landfall in Cabo, Odile caused significant damage. The eye of the storm passed directly over the town.
- Hurricane Olaf (2021) and Hurricane Kay (2022). These more recent storms also impacted the region.
Hurricane Odile: A case study
Hurricane Odile was particularly devastating. It caused more than 100 injuries and 11 deaths, along with an estimated billion U.S. dollars in damage.
The airport had to close, which left around 30,000 tourists stranded. The storm hit local Mexicans especially hard.
Is Cabo safe during hurricane season? Assessing the risks
Cabo San Lucas is actually relatively safe during hurricane season. That’s because storms tend to weaken before they make landfall.
While it’s true that the Baja California Peninsula is vulnerable to tropical cyclones, Cabo hasn’t seen a direct hit from a major hurricane in quite some time. In fact, only nine hurricanes have affected the area in the last ten years.
Another factor to consider is that hurricanes often move over the sea, minimizing the impact on land.
It’s worth noting that maritime activities may be restricted during hurricane season, so you may not be able to do as much boating or swimming as you’d like.
Preparing for Hurricane Season: Safety Tips for Travelers
If you’re planning a trip to Cabo San Lucas during hurricane season, a little preparation can go a long way toward keeping you safe and minimizing disruptions to your vacation.
Pre-Trip Preparations
- Travel Insurance: Spring for travel insurance that includes trip cancellation coverage. That way, if a hurricane threatens, you’ll have options.
- Emergency Kit: Put together a small emergency kit with essentials like a flashlight, batteries, first-aid supplies, and any medications you take regularly.
- Document Copies: Make copies (both physical and digital) of your passport, driver’s license, and other important documents. Keep them separate from the originals.
On-Site Precautions
- Hotel Safety Plan: Find out what your hotel’s hurricane safety plan is. Ask about evacuation routes and emergency procedures.
- Emergency Contacts: Keep a list of emergency contacts handy, including local emergency numbers (078 and 911 in Mexico), and the contact information for your consulate or embassy.
- Weather Monitoring: Keep an eye on the local weather forecast and check the National Hurricane Center’s website for updates on any potential storms.
General Awareness
- Hurricane Season Dates: Remember that hurricane season in the Eastern Pacific runs from May 15 to November 30.
- Potential Disruptions: Be realistic about the possibility of travel disruptions, such as flight cancellations or mandatory evacuations. Having a flexible mindset can help you cope with unexpected changes.
What’s the weather like during hurricane season?
Expect heat and rain if you visit Cabo San Lucas during hurricane season.
August is typically the hottest month, with average highs above 91°F and lows around 78°F. But September tends to be the rainiest and most prone to tropical storms. The average rainfall in September is about 2.5 inches, but it rarely exceeds 3 inches.
When is the best time to visit Cabo during hurricane season?
If you’re looking for the best deals, try visiting at the beginning or end of hurricane season (May-June & Oct-Nov). You’ll often find cheaper prices and fewer crowds.
Though there’s always a risk of storms, hurricane season is often the cheapest time to visit Cabo. If you’re willing to take a gamble, you could save a lot of money.
Conclusion
With careful planning and preparation, you can still enjoy Cabo San Lucas even during hurricane season. Pay close attention to weather forecasts, heed any warnings, and know what to do in an emergency.
Don’t let the possibility of a hurricane keep you away from this beautiful destination! Consider a trip to Cabo, but be sure to stay informed and stay safe.