Nashville may be best known as the home of country music, but this dynamic city contains multitudes of great things to do. Catch up-and-coming talent on intimate stages. Tour the Grand Ole Opry. Dine at some of the South’s best restaurants. Explore the city’s history, join the crowds listening to music in the streets and bars or hike through gorgeous wetlands bursting with wildlife. 

Here’s our guide to the best things to do in Nashville.

1. Make a pilgrimage to the Mother Church of Country Music

The Ryman Auditorium is Nashville’s premier music venue – this historic stage was the original home of the Grand Ole’ Opry and where superstars like Dolly Parton, Hank Williams and Johnny Cash jump-started their careers. Today it continues to welcome an impressive roster of country royalty, indie artists and internationally renowned speakers to its hallowed halls.

2. Discover Nashville rock ‘n’ roll at Basement East

Nashville may be known for its country scene, but Music City rocks hard. If you’re more into electric guitars than banjos, head to the Basement East. This local venue survived an encounter with a 2020 tornado and continues to churn out high-energy shows ranging from national touring acts to local cover bands. And if you’re lucky, one of Nashville’s rock elite just may make a surprise guest appearance.

3. Explore the artsy neighborhood of Wedgewood-Houston

This former industrial area is experiencing a major boom, but luckily it’s managed to hold on to some of the quirkiness that originally made it a haven for Nashville’s local art scene.

Edgy galleries like Zeitgeist and the Packing Plant commingle with unique bars – Diskin Cider, Flamingo Cocktail Club and Never Never, to name a few – and a growing number of delicious restaurants. Stop by on the first Saturday of every month for the neighborhood’s buzzy art crawl. 

Detour: Just because Nashville loves its down-home cooking doesn’t mean it doesn’t appreciate inventive high-end food, and the kitchen at Bastion delivers one of the best chef-curated tasting menus in the city.

4. Catch an MLS game at the new Geodis Park

Nashville’s newly minted Major League Soccer team has shown that this southern city embraces all versions of football. Locals show up en masse to cheer on the Coyotes at the sparkling new Geodis Park; come decked out in team colors and revel in a spirited night of soccer alongside a raucous crowd. 

5. Learn about music history at the National Museum of African American Music

Black music has been – and continues to be – the driving force behind the American music scene at large, and this expertly curated museum takes you through the history of these contributions, from jazz and blues to today’s rock and hip-hop scenes. Expect a hands-on approach – you can record yourself singing with a gospel choir, compose your own blues ballad or even participate in a virtual dance battle.

6. Go for a float on the Harpeth River

Nashville is a river city crisscrossed by large water thoroughfares and a circulatory system of smaller rivers and creeks. You can find some relief from the southern heat by paddling your way down the Harpeth River, an easygoing waterway perfect for lazy floats in the sun. If you’ve got your own boat, you can access the river at several different locations in and around Harpeth River State Park; if you need to rent a vessel, try booking with Foggy Bottom Canoe or Canoe Music City.

Planning tip: Always check the forecast for the day before your outing – heavy rains can make the water levels rise to dangerous levels. Follow Foggy Bottom or Canoe Music City on social media for updates on weather-related closures.

7. Listen to the next big thing at the Bluebird’s famous songwriter rounds

Even before the show Nashville made it a household name, the Bluebird Cafe has been a legendary locale for singer-songwriter rounds featuring the best of the best – Garth Brooks, Taylor Swift and Keith Urban all graced this stage before they hit it big. It’s all about the listening experience at this bar-restaurant, which puts audiences up close with both rising and established talent. 

Planning tip: The Bluebird’s storied status makes it a hot ticket – always book ahead.

8. Take a hike at one of Nashville’s green spaces 

Nashville may be an urban metropolis, but it’s also a place that values its green spaces. Head to Percy and Edwin Warner Parks to clock some miles on trails that feel far more remote than you’d think, or walk the extensive greenway at Shelby Bottoms, alongside East Nashville families. If you’re a wildlife fan, don’t skip Radnor Lake State Park, a striking nature reserve home to critters like barred owls, bald eagles, beavers, turtles and wild turkeys. 

Planning tip: Outdoor Nashville is so much fun to explore, but be careful during the hot months of July and August – temperatures and humidity levels soar and can be dangerous. Always bring water with you.

9. Learn to salsa dance at Plaza Mariachi

Managed by the Hispanic Family Foundation, this cultural center/music venue/food hall hosts everything from mariachi concerts to ballet folkórico performances to thumping DJ sets, but our favorite is the Bailamos party. Come early to learn salsa, bachata and merengue, and then test out your new skills on the dance floor the rest of the night.

Detour: Nashville is home to the country’s largest Kurdish community, and just across the street from Plaza Mariachi you’ll find Edessa Restaurant serving Kurdish and Turkish cuisine. Order the kabob festival for an indulgent culinary journey you won’t soon forget. 

10. Admire exhibitions at Nashville’s art deco treasure, the Frist Art Museum

At the center of Nashville’s thriving art scene sits the Frist Art Museum, a stunning space featuring rotating art exhibitions that range from exuberant contemporary installations to mid-century Italian concept cars to illustrated medieval textbooks. Housed in an art deco–era post office, this museum also hosts art workshops, live music events, lectures series and more.

11. Support local at Honeytree Meadery

Local businesses are Nashville’s beating heart, and the network of friendly folks working at and with Honeytree Meadery exemplify the camaraderie that can be found among business owners here. Their perfectly balanced mead is made with honey from East Nashville beekeepers; a favorite is the Flower Garden, a floral take on the old classic made with tea from local herbal experts High Garden, who lost their building across the street during the 2020 tornado.

If you’re hungry, snag a delectable creation from Alebrije truck parked out front, specializing in Mexico-City-style tacos made with heirloom corn tortillas.  

12. Test your taste buds at Prince’s Hot Chicken

Nashville Hot Chicken is an institution, and it all started with Prince’s, the city’s original hot-chicken shop. Still run by the great-niece of the founder, Prince’s brings the heat. Go easy with mild spice or give it all you’ve got with XXX hot – either way, you’ll be indulging in a quintessentially Nashville experience.

13. Join a dance party at the Blue Room

Part of Third Man Records’ headquarters – owned by Nashville’s most eccentric frontman, Jack White of the White Stripes and the Raconteurs – the Blue Room is a surreal art space/bar that hosts poetry readings, theater performances, film screenings and curated dance parties. It also features a cool “infinity wall,” a giant (fake) elephant head and a lush outdoor space, making an atmospheric setting for a night out.

Detour: Just around the corner from Third Man and the Blue Room is Tennessee Brew Works, one of the few local breweries that has truly nailed the art of having both excellent beer and excellent food. Open mics and live music also hit the small stage throughout the week – we love Bluegrass Wednesdays.

14. Watch the sunset from a downtown rooftop

Nashville’s ever-growing skyline is home to a number of spectacular rooftop bars delivering 360-degree views of Music City, each one with its own distinct personality. Channel your inner rockstar at the Bobby Hotel rooftop lounge, check out the latest themed pop-up at the Fairlane or swim in the infinity pool of the L27 Rooftop Lounge.

Detour: Nashville has bars in the sky – and bars down below. Seek out the Noelle’s Hidden Bar for a magical treat.

15. Tour the famous RCA Studio B

Now a branch of the Country Music Hall of Fame, RCA Studio B is a must-see for anyone interested in Nashville’s music history – you can tour the birthplace of what became known as the Nashville Sound, a particular recording style that highlighted background vocals and string instruments. Industry titans like Dolly Parton and Elvis Presley recorded some of their biggest hits here. 

16. Rollin’ on the Cumberland River

Take a four–hour journey down the Cumberland River aboard the General Jackson Showboat, the country’s largest paddle-wheel boat. The 274-foot boat which can accommodate up to 1000 passengers is named after the first steamboat to navigate the Cumberland River in 1817. Covering all the bases when it comes to entertainment, the General Jackson Showboat features a variety of cruise offerings. Dinner theater with live music, scenic cruises, and holiday shows (think New Year’s Eve and Merry Christmas City) take place in the two-story Victorian theater.

17. Explore the largest home built in pre-Civil War Tennessee

In an era where women were restricted in their ability to work, earn a decent wage or even engage in business, Adelicia Acklen became the wealthiest woman in Tennessee. 

Belmont, her magnificent pink mansion accented with white trim and green shutters, was the largest house in Tennessee prior to the Civil War and took ten years to complete in 1853. Located on the campus of Belmont University Campus in the hip Belmont-Hillsboro Neighborhood, many of the rooms feature period and original furnishings, drawing visitors even more into the feel of the home’s past.

But there is more to the story than just an opulently furnished, confection-like home and a shrewd businesswoman. Mansions like these prospered because of the enslaved people who toiled there. Through much research, their stories at Belmont are also emerging, providing a more comprehensive lesson in history. 

Planning tip: Take time to stroll through the Belmont-Hillsboro Neighborhood. Close to Vanderbilt University and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it’s a wonderful mix of Victorian-era mansions and fun restaurants and shops.

18. Savor French–Italian fare on 4th Avenue

Margot Cafe & Bar is a standout even on this stretch of 4th Avenue in Nashville’s cool Five Points neighborhood known for its trendy eating spots and one-of-a-kind boutique shopping. Founder Margot MacCormick was a 2019 James Beard Foundation Semifinalist for Outstanding Chef and her two–story restaurant with its gallery overlooking the first–floor bar and outdoor patio is always abuzz with serious food–seekers enjoying the take on local cuisine with French and Italian vibes. The menu changes frequently, giving visitors even more of a reason to come back. 

19. Bring the kids to Cheekwood Estate and Gardens

A lovely house museum and botanical gardens, Cheekwood is considered among the best of the American Country Era estates—the time between 1890 and 1930 when the wealth of Americans exploded because of the Industrial Revolution. The former home of Leslie and Mabel Cheek, the many rooms of the 30,000-square-foot mansion showcase furnishings and art original to the house. The surrounding 55-acres of cultivated gardens, divided into 13 distinct garden areas, are a lush accompaniment to the home’s stately beauty. There’s also a 1.5 woodland trail and statue garden to explore.

But what makes this estate even more unique is that it’s family-friendly with programs like the Enchanted Express, a garden railroad, hands-on art activities, summer camps and storytelling sessions. Adult education programs are also available including the Cheekwood Gardening School. 

20. Experience the ultimate celebration of country music

Mark your calendars for the annual CMA Fest, four days and four nights of non-stop music held each June. It’s a total music take-over covering more than two miles with seven day stages and two nighttime stages as well as activities and events all along Broadway. Organized and hosted by the Country Music Association, tens of thousands of people typically throng to the festival. 

Planning Tip: If you’re serious about going, buy your tickets and book your hotel rooms early. The countdown for next year’s fest begins as soon as the current one ends.

21. Celebrate a third-generation whiskey history

A road trip, historic marker, and two ancient bottles of Nelson’s Green Brier Tennessee Whiskey connected Andy and Charlies Nelson back three generations to their grandfather, a master distiller.

Using a century-old recipe, the brothers founded Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery, winning awards and honoring their heritage. Now the distillery, located in Marathon Village, a happening neighborhood that’s a five-minute drive from downtown Nashville, is a place to take tours and sample the wares. That includes Louisa’s Liqueur, a Coffee Caramel Pecan drink, named after the woman who ran the original Nelson’s from 1899 to 1909. 

The menu at the distillery’s restaurant is a creative combination of Southern comfort foods, historic foodways, and local produce and products—fried green tomatoes, schnitzel, house-made bratwurst, and German chocolate cake. Book ahead for weekend tours, as they sell out quickly. 

Local Tip: It’s only about a minute away so be sure to check out the calendar of events at the Marathon Music Works.

22. Discover 12South, Nashville’s coolest neighborhood

This half-mile stretch of 12 South Avenue known as 12South is packed with stylish boutiques, restaurants, and businesses including a couple owned by celebrities. See what’s in stock at White’s Mercantile. Founded in 2013 by singer-songwriter Holly Williams to save a vintage gas station and reimagine the old general store concept, there are now five locations selling food, apparel, and home décor.

Check out Reese Witherspoon’s curated selection of women’s fashions, books and gifts at Draper James. Stock up on local and regional products at Made in TN. 

Amble down to the Frothy Monkey for a Golden Monkey Latte (espresso with steamed milk, honey, cinnamon, and their house turmeric blend) and the Vanilla-Cinnamon French Toast. At Five Daughters Bakery, order hand-crafted 100-layer doughnuts. A cross between a croissant and doughnut, they can take up to three days to make and come in such flavors as Chocolate Sea Salt and Maple Glaze.

23. Take the Honkey Tonk Highway

Immerse yourself in live music on the Honky Tonk Highway, a stretch of honky tonks on Lower Broadway where, from 10 am to 3 am, music fills the streets – and it’s free! You’ll discover legendary country music venues, including Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, Ernest Tubb Midnite Jamboree at the Texas Troubadour Center on Saturday nights and Miss Zeke’s Juke Joint at Papa Turney’s BBQ. Robert’s Western World is known for its live country music and The Recession Special, a fried bologna sandwich served with a Moon Pie and cold PBR.

Planning Tip: Just like it’s free to walk the Honky Tonk Highway, you don’t have to spend a fortune or even a buck in Nashville to have fun. Check out these Music City destinations.

24. Follow Your Favorite Musicians at the Music City Walk of Fame Park

Located on Nashville’s Music Mile, between 4th and 5th Avenues, the Music City Walk of Fame Park on Nashville’s Music Mile honors musicians and others in the industry who have had an impact on the music world. 

25. Cross one of the world’s longest pedestrian bridges 

Take in incredible views of the river and downtown skyline by walking the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge, which is closed to car traffic. The historic bridge built from 1907–09 connects downtown Nashville to East Nashville. 

Planning Tip: Though the walk is free, there are shops and restaurants on either end so bring your wallet with you.

It’s a universal truth: the turning of the fall foliage is one of the world’s most enchanting natural phenomena, and in the US, it comes in many different iterations.

You can drive beneath the amber canopies of New England, watch fiery maples take over the vistas of the northern midwest, or marvel at the golden aspens as they contrast against the rocky peaks of the west.

All that said, determining peak leaf peeping season isn’t an exact science – color windows vary across the country due to weather patterns, elevation, and sometimes just pure chance. Luckily for you, we’ve pulled together a list of our favorite fall destinations and tips on when to catch the colors at their brightest.

1. Stowe, Vermont

Perhaps the most famous US destination for autumn lovers, Stowe delivers on all counts: spectacular palettes of reds, oranges and yellows; tons of mountain roads and hikes; and access to the highest points in Vermont’s photogenic Green Mountains. Rent a cabin or pitch a tent among some of New England’s most gorgeous forests and enjoy the scenery this region is renowned for.

Stowe’s fall foliage season generally lasts from early September through late October, with colors peaking in the middle of that period. Use Stowe’s Foliage Finder to follow the color progression on the area’s various scenic drives. 

Planning tip: Looking for a place to stay? The 120-acre Topnotch Resort, nestled at the foot on Mount Mansfield, features a spa and fitness center, tennis academy, fly fishing on the Lamoille River and equestrian center.

2. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia 

This expansive park encompasses nearly 100 miles of central Appalachian views, making it one of the most accessible – and scenic – fall destinations in the eastern US. Drive along the famous Skyline Drive for breathtaking autumnal vistas or take to the trails to wander beneath Virginia’s beautiful deciduous forests as they don their most exuberant colors. 

Shenandoah’s fall colors generally begin to emerge in October, peaking midway through the end of the month. The park posts weekly updates on the color changes to their social media accounts, but if you’re looking for a more robust tracker ahead of time, check out the Virginia Department of Forestry’s fall foliage reports.

3. Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

Imagine a large, mirror-like river buttressed by misty mountains and forested shores, all graced with explosions of gold and orange – a scene worthy of a painting. Happily, this place is real and it exists at the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area in Oregon, one of the best leaf-peeping destinations on the west coast. 

Marvel at the intermingling of evergreen forests with alders and maples, all against a mountainous backdrop. Fall colors in this region of Oregon reach their zenith in late October.

4. Zion National Park, Utah

If you visit Zion in the fall, you’ll see a scene you likely won’t see anywhere else on earth: vermillion maples and yellow cottonwoods accenting the striking red rock desert. The park’s deciduous forests hug the creeks and rivers, and routes like the Emerald Pools Trail offer immersive journeys through Zion’s autumnal wonders. 

Zion’s color-changing process varies depending on elevation in the park – higher elevations peak in mid-October, while lower elevations hold on to their colorful foliage as long as the middle of November.

Planning tip: Nestled on the north fork of the Virgin River Springdale, just 1.4 miles from the park, is a great place to set up base camp for those not staying at Zion. With its backdrop of red rocks, it’s fun to explore shops and galleries like Bumbleberry Gifts, where you can try the bumbleberry pie, and DeZion Gallery, which features the works of local and regional artists.  

5. Tennessee/North Carolina state line

The Tennessee/North Carolina state line is a marvelous region to visit year round, but it takes on a special charm in the fall, when the mountain forests shed the green for a warmer set of hues. Hike through the Pisgah and Cherokee National Forests, get a birds-eye-view of golden valley floors at Roan Mountain, or dig deep into the beauty of southern Appalachia at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 

Like its western counterparts, Southern Appalachia’s fall colors are elevation dependent. The region’s higher reaches develop colors in early and mid-October, while lower elevations reach their color peaks in late October and early November.

6. West Virginia

Perhaps one of the country’s most unsung – but most beautiful – destinations, West Virginia is a fall foliage fan’s dream. Covered in forests that wrap across the state’s undulating terrain, West Virginia offers an alternative leaf peeping experience that rivals some of the country’s most famous fall color destinations. Watch the colors collide with the waterfalls and craggy peaks of the Potomac Highlands, take in views of crimson and tangerine tree tops along one of the continent’s oldest rivers (ironically named the New River), or hike into the multi-hued hollows of the Hatfield McCoy Mountains. 

Leaves begin changing in late September, with peak colors appearing in mid-October; West Virginia tourism manages a live leaf map throughout the fall, so you can see the changes as they happen.

7. Northwestern Wyoming

Wyoming’s mountainous west knows how to deliver drama, and the region takes things up a notch in the fall. Aspens, cottonwoods, willows, and black hawthorns drape the landscape in color, a striking foreground to the imposing Tetons and the winding Snake River. Yellowstone gets in the spirit, too, and don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the area’s national forests. If you’re lucky, you may even get a light dusting of snow, which really sets the fall colors off. 

Colors peak in the Wyoming mountains from late September to early October, with colors changing earlier at higher elevations.

8. Wisconsin Northwoods

Home to sprawling boreal forests and glacial lakes, the Wisconsin Northwoods immerse visitors in true autumn glory. Take a scenic drive through the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, fish for trophy musky beneath the multihued canopy, or visit one of the region’s small communities for fall festivals.  

The fall foliage in northern Wisconsin begins its transformation in September, with colors maxing out in early October. Follow Travel Wisconsin’s fall color reports for live updates.

Detour: It’s a little over two hours away, but Door County, a peninsula bordered by Lake Michigan on one side and Green Bay on the other, is a spectacular fall foliage destination. Its scenic drives meander through a landscape of rolling hills, apple orchards, and such adorable small towns as Fish Creek and Egg Harbor. The area is known for its artist galleries, wineries, breweries, and distilleries as well as cheese. Peak fall color season is late September to mid-October.

9. Northern Nevada

Nevada may be well known for its deserts, but its mountainous north provides an oasis of fall foliage that just may surprise you. Head to Lamoille Canyon in the Ruby Mountains to see golden treetops wrap around the region’s rocky peaks, and if you’re feeling adventurous, don a backpack and immerse yourself in nature on the Ruby Crest Trail.

Fall colors emerge in mountainous Northern Nevada in October, usually reaching their most colorful state at the end of the month.

10. Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway, Arkansas

This 35-mile route crosses the Boston Mountain Range of the Ozarks in Arkansas, taking you through two national forests (Ozark and Ouachita), across the 165-mile Ozark Highlands Trail, and up to Buffalo National River, the country’s first. A joyous network of twists and turns through the state’s most lush countryside, this byway delivers autumn foliage in high definition.

Like other destinations in this part of the country, the Ozarks start seeing fall colors in late September or early October, with things peaking in late October and early November.

11. Tunnel of Trees, Northern Michigan

Considered one of the most scenic drives in the United States, the 20-mile stretch of M-119 winds its way along Lake Michigan under a canopy of treetops, giving the road the nickname of Tunnel of Trees. Pretty any time of the year, the two-lane road is spectacular in the fall when the leaves are a blaze of red, orange and yellow.

Following the crest of a bluff overlooking the blue waters of Lake Michigan, at times it’s possible to catch a glimpse of Beaver and Isle Aux Galets, two nearby islands. Designated as a Scenic Heritage Road, M-119 is also a trip through history. Originally used as a north/south trail by Native Americans, the road going north begins in historic Harbor Springs. Located on Little Traverse Bay, the town is a gem of lovely Victorian and Queen Anne homes and a downtown filled with boutiques, art galleries and restaurants. 

Peak fall color season is typically the last week of September and the first two weeks of October. 

Planning tip: Along the way, stop for ice cream and a look around the general store in Good Hart, which first opened its doors in 1934. Then continue to Cross Village and the legendary (at least to Michiganders) Leggs Inn. 

12. Catskill Mountains, New York

With its gorges and soaring peaks, vast vistas, lakes and the Hudson River, the Catskill Mountains has been a popular destination since the 1800s. That’s when its beauty, captured by such Hudson River School painters as Thomas Cole and Frederic Church, inspired city dwellers along the Eastern Seaboard to make their way there. Follow the Hudson River School Trail to learn more about these artists. Among the 21 stops are the Thomas Cole National Historic Site in the village of Catskill and the Hudson River from the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site. 

Stroll across the Hudson River Skywalk connecting Cole’s home to Frederic Church’s Olana, its fantastic architecture inspired by the artist’s time in Persia. Explore such natural wonders as Kaaterskill Falls. It’s New York’s highest waterfall–260ft compared to Niagara’s 167ft. 

Though the time varies according to elevation and weather, typically fall colors in the Catskills begin in late September and peak around the second week in October.

13. Covered bridges, Parke County, Indiana

Travel along scenic drives lined with leaves displaying their vibrant fall colors on a trip to the past in Parke County, Indiana. There are 31 wood-covered bridges here, the oldest dating back to 1856, in what locals call “The Covered Bridge Capital of the World.” Though they were designed for horse and buggies, the majority carry cars over waterways such as Raccoon and Sugar Creeks.

As an added plus, Parke County has two working grist mills. The picturesque  red mill in Bridgeton is next to the Bridgeton Covered Bridge that spans a 200ft long waterfall. The other, in the tiny town of Mansfield, is open only for festivals, including the 10-day Parke County Covered Bridge Festival that starts on the second Friday of October.

The timing is perfect as that’s when the fall colors peak and it’s also when this very rural county comes to life. Download the map and choose where to go. 

Planning tip: The festival attracts over two million people so expect delays and crowded roads. Or, go just before or after. You’ll still get a lot of colors though you’ll miss the events but also the crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which US state has the best fall foliage?

New York State typically ranks highest for fall colors often followed by other  Eastern Seaboard states such as Vermont. Others frequently listed include Oregon, Utah, Wisconsin, and Michigan.

What are the best weeks for fall foliage?

Depending upon the location and elevations, fall colors can begin as early as mid-September all the way and continue on through early November.

What state has the longest fall foliage?

Connecticut, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Missouri and New York are among the top states for the longest fall foliage.

Picture-perfect Los Cabos offers a desert-meets-sea aesthetic, with gorgeous golden rock formations that tumble down to the wide-open Pacific Ocean.

Not to be confused with the West African island nation of Cabo Verde, Los Cabos is on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. Its anchor cities of Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo are jam-packed with many of Mexico’s top five-star hotels, and they’re loaded with a wide array of all-inclusive resorts. With so many beautiful beaches and flashy resorts, it’s no wonder why it’s quickly become one of Mexico’s top tourist destinations. 

With that said, there is much more to this town at the tip of the Baja California peninsula than sprawling beach resorts. Cabo is also known for its world-class water sports, diving, yachting, culture, and events. Still, you have certain factors to consider when deciding your best time to visit Cabo. The winter and spring high season typically provides the mildest and driest weather, but it’s also the most expensive time to visit. On the flip side, summer’s low season often sports the lowest prices for flights and hotels, but it’s also the time when you need to be the most mindful of the potential for extreme weather. 

While Cabo manages to keep things fun and enjoyable year-round, we want to help you figure out when is your best time to plan your Los Cabos trip. Here’s our season-by-season, month-by-month guide to the best time to visit Cabo.

December to April: Pick the high season for perfect weather

With average temperatures that range between a delicious 77 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, most tourists consider high season their best time to visit Cabo. Thanks to cool breezes that ride in from the Pacific, visitors to Los Cabos can expect sunny and warm days with cooler desert nights. And since Cabo averages less than 1.5 inches (or under 3.5cm) of rain during these five months, you face the least risk of rain on your parade. 

As Cabo is where the desert meets the sea, the cooler and drier winter weather makes this the best time for sightseeing around the region. From outdoor adventures like ATV riding and hiking, to visiting the nearby Pueblo Mágico (or Magical Town) of Todos Santos, winter is the prime time to experience the best that Cabo has to offer. If you’re into whale watching, winter is also the best time to spot pods of gray and humpback whales (and whale sharks) enjoying the warm and nutrient-rich ocean water. 

But, of course, there’s a catch: The high season brings big crowds. If you come during the winter holiday season (Christmas and New Year’s) or spring break (March and April), you should expect top-shelf prices at Cabo’s resorts and restaurants. (Check our guide on where to eat in Los Cabos for some great restaurant recommendations!)

May to June: Pick the spring shoulder season for a quieter atmosphere

Cabo’s late spring shoulder season might be the destination’s best-kept secret. Not only are temperatures still perfectly pleasant (warm in the day, cool at night), but the majority of crowds have gone home. As a result, you’ll notice lower prices, and you’ll see that the frenzied, vivacious spring break scene gives way to much calmer vibes. Though the whales have left for cooler waters, the warmer sea water makes it more amenable for swimming. (Expect water temperatures in the mid-70s Fahrenheit during May and June.)

For Los Cabos’ most swimmable beaches, head to Medano Beach near the Cabo San Lucas Marina, Lovers Beach by the Arch at Land’s End, and the Santa Maria and Chileno Bay Beaches at the Tourist Corridor between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. These beaches have the safest and calmest sea water for swimming, making them some of the best free things to do in Los Cabos.

Come May and June, temperatures start to rise with daytime highs usually reaching the upper 80s. Also during this time, Cabo hardly gets any rain. With all that sunshine, the right amount of heat, and fewer crowds, you’ll see that the spring shoulder season makes for quite a lovely season in Los Cabos.

July to September: Rainy season brings the lowest prices 

Late summer into early fall is when temperatures rise well into the 90s (Fahrenheit) during the day, bringing a thick blanket of humidity and plenty of rain. While the rain makes it a bit more difficult to catch those southern Baja rays, the weather brings with it a green, lush landscape that contrasts beautifully against the otherwise rocky desert environment.

Because this is the Pacific hurricane season, you may need to keep a close eye on the weather forecast in case a major storm makes its way to Los Cabos. Though direct hurricane hits are rare, summer thunderstorms are to be expected.

For this very reason, the tourist crowds thin out making way for the cheapest hotel rates and airfares. As long as you don’t mind damper weather and reduced operating hours at some restaurants and nightclubs, the summer season is ideal for bargain hunters.

October to November: Pick the fall shoulder season for great weather and great deals

October typically marks the tail end of the Pacific hurricane season. There’s still some risk of tropical storms reaching shore, but Cabo almost always gets more rain and storms during August and September. By November, Cabo turns bone-dry all over again. Temperatures usually only reach into the mid-80s (Fahrenheit) during the day and drop to the 60s at night.

While you’ll notice prices rising in time for the Thanksgiving U.S. holiday at the end of November, you’ll find a number of great deals earlier in fall. If you don’t mind hotter temperatures and some risk of rain, book an October trip to enjoy some of the lowest prices and smallest crowds outside the summer low season. For nicer weather and more activities in and around town, go in November. 

Now that we’ve given you an overview of Los Cabos’ high, shoulder, and low seasons, here’s a more detailed month-by-month guide. Keep in mind that events and details are subject to change.

January

January is the coolest month in Los Cabos, but even the coldest day here is still pretty warm. Daytime highs almost always surpass 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and nighttime lows rarely fall below 50. Expect large crowds and high hotel prices through the first week of the month, due to New Year’s celebrations.

Key events: El Día de los Reyes Magos, Todos Santos Tropic of Cancer Music & Arts Festival

February

You’ll still be enjoying plenty of sunny days in Cabo, only this time with much more space to yourself. February offers a “sweet spot” of thinner crowds and pleasant weather, as it’s after the winter holidays and before the spring break rush. 

Key events: Todos Santos Art Festival, Los Cabos Half Marathon 

March

Daytime temperatures begin to inch their way into the 80s during the month of March, and with the start of spring break in schools, you’ll notice an uptick in both families and younger travelers looking to party poolside by day and bar-hop by night.

Key events: Cheese & Wine Festival

April

By April, US colleges’ spring break season is winding down, and Semana Santa (Holy Week) celebrations are kicking up in Los Cabos. Expect high room rates and lots of people out on the beaches, in the streets, and at the bars. Since Cabo San Lucas (at the southwestern tip of Los Cabos) has more of the luxury hotels and all-inclusive resorts catering to U.S. and Canadian travelers, expect a more exciting environment here. Meanwhile to the east of Cabo San Lucas and the Tourist Corridor of major name-brand resorts, San José del Cabo tends to be much more laid back. By the end of the month, the entire region begins to calm down as temperatures rise.

Key events: Spring Break, Semana Santa

May

May languidly rolls in on a heat wave. Yet it’s also one of the best times to visit Los Cabos because the vibe still hums with energy, especially if you’re a boater or a surfer. Surf season in Los Cabos runs from May through October, and you can expect good swells at various beaches from Todos Santos to San José del Cabo. May also brings thousands of aquatic enthusiasts to the marina to enjoy the Cabo Marine Show.

Key events: Cabo Marine Show

June

The southern tip of the Baja Peninsula is a tropical desert, and June weather will certainly remind you of that. The days stay hot, and precipitation is virtually nonexistent. But, that does not stop Los Cabos from hosting various events. From surf competitions to golf and music, Los Cabos has plenty to entertain.

Key events: Los Cabos Open of Surf, Stars & Stripes Fishing & Golf Tournament, Fiesta de la Música, Gala de Danza

July

Scorching temperatures peak in Los Cabos in July. You may see a rainstorm here and there, but precipitation is still pretty rare at the peak of summer. July begins turtle-nesting-season in Los Cabos. It’s also the peak time of year for summer vacations, which means beaches can be crowded and hotel occupancy high.

Key events: East Cape Dorado Shootout

August

Blazing temperatures and thick humidity continue. Thunderstorms start to become a more normal occurrence towards the end of the month. Still, fishing is in full swing in the Sea of Cortez. 

Key events: East Cape Bisbee Tournament, Festival del Mango Todos Santos

September

Los Cabos crashes into September with a roll of thunder and heavy rain. While hurricane season is said to start in June, the roughest storms actually tend to hit in September. If you’re coming during this month, prepare for the possibility of multiple rainy days.

Key events: Mexican Independence Day

October

Storms continue into October, though they tend to taper off considerably when compared to September. October is also when Los Cabos begins to prepare for the rush of the holiday high season. Hotel rates start to climb, and the events calendar starts to pick up again, especially when it comes to fishing tournaments.

Key events: Los Cabos Billfish Tournament, Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Tournament, Bisbee’s International Black & Blue Tournament, Fiestas Tradicionales Cabo San Lucas, Los Cabos Gran Fondo

November

After months of heat and humidity, the temperatures start to feel considerably cooler in November and the rain starts to fade away. Peak season is just around the corner, so it’s best to book November travel a few months in advance to secure lower prices, especially if you’re planning for a tropical (and popular) Thanksgiving getaway.

You’ll also notice a busier event calendar in November, which includes events like the San José del Cabo Art Walks and the organic market.

Key events: Day of the Dead, Los Cabos International Film Festival, Todos Santos Film Festival, VIP Summit

December

Peak season officially kicks off when the calendar flips to December. This month kicks off whale watching season and crowds start to arrive in droves. Hotel rates reach all-time highs, especially around Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Still, this is one of the most energetic times to be in Los Cabos, with holiday celebrations, foodie events, and many parties to enjoy.

Key events: Gastrovino Baja Food & Wine Festival, Sabor a Cabo Festival, Las Posadas Christmas celebrations, New Year’s Eve Fireworks

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