BEST TIME TO VISIT CABO?

The best time to visit Cabo is from May to June, when the wintertime crowds have gone home and the summertime storms have yet to hit. October and November are also nice months for a vacation, but you'll need to begin your hotel search early if you want to save money. It could be that your motivation for visiting is not the beach: If you're into whale-watching, plan to visit between December and March. If you like to fish, look to come in the late summer or fall.

DECEMBER - APRIL
Vacationing now will mean contending with high prices and heavy crowds. The season usually comes with average temperatures in the mid-70s and toward the end of the season, the mid-80s. Room rates range from $300 to $600 a night at some of the popular resorts. What's more, in March and April, spring breakers descend on Baja California, which can make it difficult to find lodging in downtown Cabo. If you're into whale-watching, this is also the best time for a trip.

Key Events:
Festival of San Jose (mid-March
Spring Break (mid-March-early April)
Semana Santa (April)

MAY - JUNE
Early bookers will be treated to some of the best discounts during this short shoulder season as the area recovers from a busy winter and preps for a potentially stormy summer (begin your hotel search by late winter to score the sweetest deal). Plus, the springtime weather is comfortable, with temperatures hovering in the mid-80s.

JULY - SEPTEMBER
There's a slight chance of hurricanes in summer, but rainy days are a sure thing. Cabo's temperatures are also less than ideal ... that is, unless you like sticking to your beach chair (highs are in the 90s). But perhaps you'll be seduced by summertime discounts — even the swankiest resorts will offer some deals. Keep in mind that the worst of the Pacific hurricane season is over by late September.

OCTOBER - NOVEMBER
Hotel rates begin to climb as the area prepares for its peak season; if you want to experience Cabo at this time it's best to book at least a few months in advance. Otherwise, you could face room rates that are just as scandalous as in winter. There are also quite a few fishing tournaments in the fall; this is the season to find tuna, wahoo, blue marlin and sailfish swimming in Cabo's waters.

Key Events:
Los Cabos Billfish Tournament (October)
Baja Sur Tequila and Mariachi Festival (October)
Bisbee's Black and Blue Marlin Tournament (October)
Dia de los Muertos (November)
Tuna Jackpot Tournament (November)