Beaches & Islands · Best Nov–Apr
Los Cabos packing list for families
Los Cabos is desert sun and ocean breeze, with resort pools and whale watching in the same trip. A few smart extras make beach days safer and boat days more comfortable for the kids.
Photo by Mario Mendez on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Los Cabos
- Many Cabo beaches have strong surf and are not safe for swimming. Ask your resort which beaches are swimmable, and plan snorkeling at protected coves like Chileno or Santa Maria.
- Winter is whale season, and a morning boat trip is one of my favorite family activities here. Bring a light layer, because it is cooler on the water than at the pool.
- Late summer and early fall are very hot and humid and fall within hurricane season. If those are your only dates, plan for pool days and flexible plans.
Best timeNov–Apr
PlugsUS plugs, no adapter needed
MoneyMexican peso (US dollars widely accepted)
PassportYes
Your packing edit
Los Cabos
This time of year
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Every item links to what Kristina would buy. Tap Add to bag on what you're missing, then check out on Amazon in one tap.
Carry-on8
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Clothing5
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Light windbreakerWhale-watching boats and winter evenings get breezy.
Shoes1
Sandals
Beach & pool10
Swimsuits2 per person
UPF rash guardsKristina's pick
Mineral sunscreen
Wide-brim sun hats
Swim diapers
Hyperlite life jacket for boat and ocean daysKristina's pickA properly fitted life jacket for boats and open water.
Lightweight beach tote
Goggles
Kids' snorkel setKristina's pickThe protected coves have great fish close to shore.
Beach cover-upDesert sun is intense even in winter.
Little ones4
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Little things15
AirTag in each checked bagKristina's pickYou'll know your bag made the connection before you do.
Stain remover penGelato happens. Photos still look great.
Laundry detergent sheetsOne sink wash halfway through means packing half the clothes.
Gallon zip bags, a handfulWet swimsuits, sandy shoes, and the occasional car-sick emergency.
Pen in your carry-onFor arrival forms, so you're not borrowing one in the immigration line.
Hair ties and a small detangling brush
Hand sanitizer wipes and pocket tissues
Lollipops or gum for takeoff and landingSwallowing helps little ears pop.
A few wrapped surprise toys for the flightUnwrapping buys you twenty minutes. Unwrapping slowly buys thirty.
Tap night lightHotel rooms are pitch dark, and the bathroom is never where they expect.
Kids' nail clippers and tweezersSplinters from boardwalks and docks are a vacation classic.
Kids' sunglasses
Wet bag for swimsuits
Electrolyte packetsHot days and long walks catch up with kids before they say they're thirsty.
Earplugs and an eye mask for the grown-ups
Health & toiletries5
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Bug spray
Hanging toiletry bag
Motion sickness bandsOpen-water boat trips can be bumpy.
Documents & tech2
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip
The outfit edit
Island whites
White, sand, sea glass, coral
For photos
- Everyone in white and one pop of coral
- Shoot at golden hour on the sand
Tap any piece to shop the look.
Month by month
Los Cabos weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 78°F 26°C | Dry, sunny, and mild, with cool evenings and cooler ocean water. | Humpback whales pass close to shore, with breaching visible from land. Calm, clear days make this a good stretch for snorkeling trips. |
| February | 79°F 26°C | Dry, sunny, and mild, with cool evenings and cooler ocean water. | Humpback whales pass close to shore, with breaching visible from land. Calm, clear days make this a good stretch for snorkeling trips. |
| March | 81°F 27°C | Dry, sunny, and mild, with cool evenings and cooler ocean water. | Humpback whales pass close to shore, with breaching visible from land. Spring break crowds peak in March. Calm, clear days make this a good stretch for snorkeling trips. |
| April | 84°F 29°C | Warming up quickly, still dry, with calm days. | Humpback whales pass close to shore, with breaching visible from land. |
| May | 88°F 31°C | Warming up quickly, still dry, with calm days. | |
| June | 92°F 33°C | Warming up quickly, still dry, with calm days. | |
| July | 94°F 34°C | Hot and humid, with occasional storms during hurricane season. | |
| August | 94°F 34°C | Hot and humid, with occasional storms during hurricane season. | Sea turtle hatchling releases at some resorts and beaches. |
| September | 93°F 34°C | Hot and humid, with occasional storms during hurricane season. | Sea turtle hatchling releases at some resorts and beaches. |
| October | 91°F 33°C | Hot and humid, with occasional storms during hurricane season. | Sea turtle hatchling releases at some resorts and beaches. A big sportfishing tournament fills the marina in October. |
| November | 85°F 29°C | Warm, drier, and much more comfortable again. | Sea turtle hatchling releases at some resorts and beaches. Calm, clear days make this a good stretch for snorkeling trips. |
| December | 80°F 27°C | Dry, sunny, and mild, with cool evenings and cooler ocean water. | Humpback whales pass close to shore, with breaching visible from land. Sea turtle hatchling releases at some resorts and beaches. Calm, clear days make this a good stretch for snorkeling trips. |
Questions families ask
Los Cabos with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Los Cabos with kids?
The best time is Nov–Apr. Dry, sunny, and mild, with cool evenings and cooler ocean water.
What's the weather like in Los Cabos?
Typical daytime highs range from about 78°F (26°C) in January to about 94°F (34°C) in July. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Los Cabos?
Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Los Cabos?
None. Los Cabos uses the same plugs as the US.
What's your top tip for Los Cabos with kids?
Many Cabo beaches have strong surf and are not safe for swimming. Ask your resort which beaches are swimmable, and plan snorkeling at protected coves like Chileno or Santa Maria.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.