Everything you need to know before visiting Cabo San Lucas and Baja California Sur — weather, etiquette, and more

• If you're planning a trip to Cabo San Lucas and Baja California Sur, here's what you need to know.
• Always make sure you wear sunscreen and don't forget to tip your tour guides.

COVID-19

Baja California Sur, including Los Cabos (Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo, etc.), Cabo Pulmo, and La Paz, is not under any COVID-19 travel restrictions for entry or exit, like the rest of Mexico.

American citizens are not required to do a COVID-19 test before returning to the US. That requirement was lifted on June 12, 2022. Read more here for complete, up-to-date information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on any new restrictions that may have been put into effect.

Weather

Baja California Sur is known to be a generally safe place to visit, with sunny, warm weather virtually all year round in its desert climate. The best time to visit Los Cabos and the other popular areas of Baja California Sur are in the winter months, when temperatures are not oppressively hot; that is also when the whales, whale sharks, and other migrating sea creatures are found in the waters.

The sun is very strong here all year round, so pack sunscreen, hats, and SPF-protective garments. Bug spray isn't often needed, but sometimes mosquitoes can be a problem, so pack accordingly.

Tipping

Tipping is common in this region, for both restaurant and bar servers, as well as for adventure and tour guides. American dollars are readily accepted as tips, as are the Mexican peso.

View Insider's comprehensive guide to visiting Cabo San Lucas and Baja California Sur, Mexico.