Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, stands out as a premier global fishing destination, celebrated for its diverse marine life, ranging from the majestic Black Marlin to the spirited Roosterfish. The waters surrounding Cabo teem with exceptional inshore and offshore species, attracting both seasoned anglers and those new to the sport. To help you plan your perfect fishing trip, we’ve compiled a month-by-month guide detailing the fish you can expect to encounter and pinpointing the best Time In Cabo Mexico to cast your line.
Fishing in Cabo Mexico in January
January offers some of the most pleasant weather conditions in Cabo throughout the year. With average temperatures hovering around a comfortable 74 degrees Fahrenheit and humidity at 68%, the climate is ideal for spending days out on the water. Rainfall is minimal, averaging only 0.20 inches, making it a typically dry month. Fishing in the Pacific Ocean during January is particularly rewarding for Striped Marlin, which are the primary target. Dorado are also abundant, with schools of these energetic fish consistently found. For Yellowfin Tuna, head offshore approximately 20-25 miles or eastward into the Sea of Cortez. Closer to shore, Roosterfish are actively biting, along with other species such as Pompano, Spanish Mackerel, and Triggerfish, offering a diverse inshore fishing experience.
Best Time to Fish in Cabo Mexico: February
February in Cabo Mexico is characterized by excellent weather, occasionally punctuated by brief rainstorms. Temperatures typically range from 75 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit, with humidity around 65%. The average rainfall in February is slightly higher at 1.10 inches, usually concentrated in short-lived storms lasting a couple of days. February can see dips in water temperature due to cold currents from the south, which can affect fish activity, sometimes slowing down some species while attracting others. Striped Marlin remain the top catch, with good numbers in the Pacific from the Lighthouse to the Finger Banks. Yellowfin Tuna fishing is also productive, although the fish tend to be smaller, typically in the 12 to 25-pound range. Bottom fishing starts to improve significantly in February, with Sea Bass, Snapper, and Grouper becoming more active. Inshore fishing is vibrant, offering a variety of species including Roosterfish, Pompano, Jacks, and Triggerfish.
Time in Cabo Mexico for Fishing in March
March in Cabo Mexico coincides with Spring Break and a slight shift in the billfish scene. Average temperatures are near 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with humidity at 68%, and virtually no rainfall, averaging 0.00 inches, making for ideal weather conditions. Winds can be a factor in March, and cold water influxes from the north can cool down fishing grounds. Despite these variables, fishing remains good. Marlin fishing typically slows down somewhat, but this is offset by strong bottom fishing, featuring large Sea Bass, Snapper, Cabrilla, and Grouper. Towards the end of March, Striped Marlin activity picks up again as waters begin to warm. Yellowfin Tuna are present early in the month but become less common by mid-March. Inshore fishing is lively with the appearance of Spanish Mackerel, Yellowtail, and Amberjacks. Yellowtail become more prevalent from mid to late March. Roosterfish and Triggerfish continue to be caught inshore as well.
Fishing in Cabo Mexico During April
April is an excellent month for fishing in Cabo Mexico. Temperatures rise to the mid-80s Fahrenheit, with lower humidity around 60%. Rainfall is practically nonexistent in April, averaging 0.00 inches. Offshore fishing in April is characterized by a strong Striped Marlin bite and very good Dorado catches. It’s not unusual to land multiple Marlin on a single day trip in April, along with impressive Dorado hauls. Inshore, the focus is on Yellowtail, Spanish Mackerel, Skipjack, smaller Dorado, and the occasional Roosterfish. For anglers seeking consistent action, April is a prime time to fish both in the Pacific and at the Gordo Banks.
May: Prime Marlin Time in Cabo Mexico
May in Cabo Mexico is synonymous with Marlin fishing, boasting a very strong Striped Marlin bite. The weather becomes significantly warmer, averaging around 89 degrees Fahrenheit with humidity in the low 60s—sun protection is essential. As temperatures rise, so does the water temperature, bringing about excellent Marlin action. Larger Dorado are also more frequently caught in May. Inshore, May marks the start of the Roosterfish season, with increased numbers being landed closer to shore.
June Fishing in Cabo Mexico: A Mixed Bag
June in Cabo Mexico offers a diverse range of fishing opportunities. While fishing calendars might not highlight it as a peak month, June is surprisingly productive. It’s hot in Cabo during June, with average daytime temperatures reaching 94 degrees Fahrenheit and humidity around 65%. These warmer temperatures heat up the water, stimulating great fishing activity. Striped Marlin lead the way, with occasional surprise catches of large Tuna, Blue Marlin, and Wahoo. Inshore, Roosterfish are dominant, accompanied by Jacks, Pompano, Snapper, and Grouper. June is a popular vacation month, so booking your fishing charters in advance is advisable.
July: Hot Weather, Hot Fishing in Cabo Mexico
July in Cabo Mexico is “muy caliente” (very hot), and the fishing is equally hot! Temperatures in July range from 95 to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, with humidity nearing 70%. For those who thrive in heat, the offshore waters provide thrilling deep-sea fishing. July is considered the best time for billfishing in Cabo Mexico, with a variety of billfish including Striped Marlin, Sailfish, and occasional Blue Marlin. Excellent Tuna fishing is also found at the San Jaime Banks and Gordo Banks in the Sea of Cortez. July is also a great month for Wahoo, as these prized pelagic fish become very active. Inshore, it’s all about Roosterfish, with many large specimens in the 40 to 50-pound range frequently seen. If you can handle the heat, July offers exceptional fishing.
August: Big Fish Season in Cabo Mexico
August in Cabo Mexico marks the start of big fish season. It’s very hot, with average temperatures in the mid-90s Fahrenheit and humidity above 70%, making it feel even hotter. For anglers who enjoy hot days and cold drinks, August is a prime time to fish in Cabo Mexico. Fishing in August is fantastic, with the start of a strong Sailfish bite and the appearance of larger Blue and Black Marlin, with fish over 300 pounds within reach. August also brings good Yellowfin Tuna fishing in the Sea of Cortez and along the 25-mile mark in the Pacific. Inshore, Roosterfish, Dorado, and Wahoo keep anglers engaged. Big game anglers should consider August for targeting larger species. However, it’s important to monitor weather forecasts as August is also part of the tropical storm season.
September: Peak Fishing Month in Cabo Mexico
September is often cited as one of the best months for fishing in Cabo Mexico all year. The weather remains very hot, with average temperatures in the mid-90s Fahrenheit and humidity around 70%. This warm weather brings warm waters and large fish into the fishing grounds. Large Yellowfin Tuna become more common along the San Jaime Bank in the Pacific and the Outer Gordo Banks in the Sea of Cortez. Black and Blue Marlin fishing improves, with fish over 300 pounds being frequently caught. Sailfish, Wahoo, and Dorado complete the offshore action in September. Inshore fishing starts to slow slightly, with pangas venturing offshore for Sailfish and Dorado, and occasional Roosterfish. Checking weather forecasts is crucial in September as tropical storms are possible.
October: Tournament Season and Big Catches in Cabo Mexico
Many consider October to be the absolute best month for fishing in Cabo Mexico. The weather cools down slightly, with temperatures in the high 80s to low 90s Fahrenheit and humidity in the high 60s. Crucially, water temperatures are ideal for big fish. October is also the month for major fishing tournaments, including the Bisbee’s Black and Blue, a multi-million dollar Marlin tournament. The primary targets this time of year are Black and Blue Marlin over 300 pounds, Yellowfin Tuna also exceeding 300 pounds, and abundant Striped Marlin and Dorado. Inshore fishing mainly yields Dorado, Wahoo, Sailfish, and bottom fish. October is the busiest time of year for fishing in Cabo due to the big fish action and tournaments, so booking trips well in advance (60 to 90 days), especially during tournament dates, is highly recommended.
November: Awesome Fishing Conditions in Cabo Mexico
November in Cabo Mexico brings awesome fishing conditions along with cooler weather. Average temperatures drop to 83 degrees Fahrenheit, and humidity decreases significantly to the high 50s. Fishing remains excellent, with plentiful Dorado, Sailfish, Striped Marlin, and Tuna found offshore around 25 miles in the Pacific and at the 1000 fathom line in the Sea of Cortez. A wide variety of species are available, including good Wahoo and Mako Shark fishing. Inshore fishing mainly focuses on Dorado, Sailfish, and Spanish Mackerel. The popular WON Tuna Jackpot Tournament takes place in early November, so anglers planning to participate or visit during this time should book well in advance. November is known for the high number of participating boats and often sees charters fully booked.
December: Great Weather and Fishing in Cabo Mexico
December is an ideal month to visit Cabo Mexico for fantastic weather and fishing. Average daytime temperatures are in the mid to high 70s Fahrenheit, with humidity around 65%, making December the month with the best overall weather conditions. Fishing in December offers an excellent mix of species, with Striped Marlin being the primary catch, closely followed by Dorado, Wahoo, and a good Yellowfin Tuna bite. Inshore fishing can also produce smaller Striped Marlin and Sailfish as they move closer to shore to feed. December is perfect for catching multiple fish in a day, from Dorado in the morning to Marlin in the afternoon. It’s a great escape from colder climates and a fantastic time to enjoy Cabo’s fishing.
Best Months for Fishing in Cabo Mexico at a Glance
| Fish | Best Month(s) |
|---|---|
| Striped Marlin | December, January, February |
| Blue Marlin | August, September, October |
| Black Marlin | August, September, October |
| Dorado | October, November |
| Wahoo | July, August, September |
| Yellowfin Tuna | September, October, November |
| Roosterfish | June, July, August |
| Yellowtail | March, April |
| Grouper | April, May, June |
| Spanish Mackerel | January, February |
Plan your fishing adventure to Cabo Mexico according to your target species and preferred time of year for the best experience on the water!
