Hurricane Season in Los Cabos: How Often Cabo Gets Hit and How to Protect Your Home
By Karla & Erick | Cabo Realty | Century 21 Paradise Properties
When is hurricane season in Los Cabos, and how often does Cabo get hit? Hurricane season in the Eastern Pacific runs from May 15 to November 30, with activity peaking in late August and September as the month to watch for Baja. Many storms form every year, but most pass offshore. Direct hits by a major hurricane on Los Cabos are rare: the strongest in the satellite era were Odile (2014) and Olivia (1967). Still, every homeowner should have a plan, especially part-time owners living in California, Texas or Arizona. Here's what you need to know.
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If today's date falls between May 15 and November 30, yes. In practice, the early weeks are usually quiet. Most Eastern Pacific storms form between late June and early October, and activity peaks in late August. For Los Cabos, September is historically the month to watch: Odile hit in September 2014, and in September 2026 Hurricane Polo made landfall on the Pacific coast of Baja California Sur, far north of Los Cabos, without serious damage reported.
Storms form off Mexico's Pacific coast every season, and many move west, away from land. Some come close enough to bring rain, wind and big surf to Los Cabos for a day or two. A direct hit by a major hurricane is a different story, and it's rare.
The two strongest hurricanes to hit Baja California Sur in the satellite era were Olivia (1967) and Odile (2014).
Odile made landfall near Cabo San Lucas on September 15, 2014, as a Category 3 hurricane. It knocked out power to most of the state, damaged the Los Cabos airport terminal, and left thousands of tourists stranded for several days. The recovery was fast:
Los Cabos rebuilt stronger. Building standards, utility response and hotel preparedness all improved after Odile.
Both coasts of Mexico get hurricanes: the Pacific side (where Los Cabos is) and the Gulf and Caribbean side (including Cancún and the Yucatán). Los Cabos sits at the southern tip of the Baja peninsula, where many Pacific storms curve out to sea or weaken over cooler water before arriving. Comparing the two coasts? See Is Cabo Safer Than Cancún?
Mexico uses an early warning system for tropical cyclones (SIAT-CT) with five colors, from lowest to highest risk: blue, green, yellow, orange and red. Local Civil Protection (Protección Civil) announces the alert level and, if needed, shelters and closures. Follow official channels and your HOA's updates, not rumors in Facebook groups.
☐ Review your insurance. Make sure your Mexican homeowner policy covers hurricane and flood damage (fenómenos hidrometeorológicos). Ask what the deductible is for hurricane damage, because it's often different from the standard one.
☐ Check shutters and windows. Test hurricane shutters or impact glass and make sure someone knows how to close them.
☐ Service the generator if you have one, and keep fuel on hand.
☐ Clean roof drains and gutters so heavy rain can drain away.
☐ Trim palm trees and large trees near the house.
☐ Photograph your home and belongings for any insurance claim.
☐ Keep the cistern full. After a storm, water and power can be out for days. See Is the Water Safe to Drink in Cabo?
☐ Bring in or tie down patio furniture, umbrellas, planters and anything that can fly.
☐ Close shutters and secure doors.
☐ Stock drinking water, non-perishable food, medicines, flashlights and batteries for at least 3–5 days.
☐ Charge phones and power banks. Download offline maps.
☐ Have cash in pesos. ATMs and card terminals may not work without power.
☐ Fill the car's gas tank.
☐ Follow Protección Civil and your HOA.
☐ Stay inside until authorities give the all-clear.
☐ Check for damage and take photos before cleaning up.
☐ Report damage to your insurer as soon as possible.
💡 Tip from Karla & Erick: Most of our clients from California, Texas and Arizona aren't in Cabo in September. If that's you, the most important protection isn't shutters, it's people. Before you buy, ask who closes the shutters, secures the furniture and sends you photos after a storm. Communities like Palmilla, Pedregal, Querencia, Puerto Los Cabos, Cabo del Sol and Diamante have HOA staff and protocols, and a good property manager adds a written hurricane plan for your specific home.
☐ How is the home built? Concrete and block construction, standard in Los Cabos, handles wind much better than wood frame.
☐ Does it have hurricane shutters or impact-rated windows?
☐ How did the home and the community do during Odile, or the most recent storm?
☐ Is the home in an arroyo (dry riverbed) or a low area that can flood? Elevation matters.
☐ What's the HOA's hurricane plan, and is there a backup generator for the community?
☐ Does the home have a generator and a large cistern?
☐ What does insurance cost for this home, and what's the hurricane deductible?
See also Best Neighborhoods to Live in Los Cabos for Wealthy Americans and the Step-by-Step Guide to Buying Property in Los Cabos.
For most of our clients, no. It's a manageable risk, much like wildfire season in California, tornado and hail season in Texas, or monsoon season in Arizona. The key is preparation: a well-built home, good insurance, a reliable property manager and a clear plan. In exchange, you get a place with sunshine most of the year and calm, beautiful winters when you'll likely spend the most time here.
Add hurricane prep to your first 90 days. See the full timeline in Moving to Los Cabos from the U.S.: Step-by-Step Checklist, and plan a backup connection in Internet and Cell Phone Service in Los Cabos.
From May 15 to November 30, the official Eastern Pacific hurricane season.
Storms come close some years, bringing rain, wind and surf. Direct hits by major hurricanes are rare. The strongest in the satellite era were Olivia (1967) and Odile (2014).
Eastern Pacific activity peaks in late August. For Los Cabos, September is historically the month to watch.
Yes, most of the time. Many travelers visit in summer and fall without problems. Watch the forecast, get travel insurance, and follow local alerts if a storm approaches.
It's strongly recommended. Make sure your policy covers hurricane and flood damage, and check the deductible.
Odile caused major damage in 2014, but recovery was fast: power was back for about 95% of customers within nine days, and most hotels reopened within months. Los Cabos rebuilt with better preparation.
Want a home that's ready for every season?
We'll show you how each home and community is built and protected, so you buy with confidence.
Sources: NOAA National Hurricane Center, Tropical Cyclone Climatology (Eastern Pacific season and peak); Wikipedia, Hurricane Odile (landfall, damage and recovery data); PBS NewsHour / Associated Press, Hurricane Polo makes landfall in Baja California (September 29, 2026); Mexico's Early Warning System for Tropical Cyclones (SIAT-CT).
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. Always follow official alerts from Protección Civil and the Mexican authorities during a storm, and confirm insurance coverage with a licensed insurer. Information verified October 2026.
Karla & Erick | Cabo Realty | Century 21 Paradise Properties
Your home in Los Cabos, with people who live here.
Karla Andreu and Erick Flores are MLS members with Century 21 Paradise Properties, focused on luxury golf and oceanfront communities: Querencia, Palmilla, Pedregal, Quivira, Diamante, Cabo del Sol, Cabo Real, Club Campestre and Puerto Los Cabos.
Most of our clients come from California, Texas and Arizona. We help them buy, sell and relocate with real market data, honest advice and one clear plan from the first video call to closing day.
No pressure. No surprises. Just the right home for the way you want to live.
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