If you are looking for a winter getaway that blends warm sunshine, cultural richness, and a touch of magic after the holidays, Los Cabos, Mexico is the place to be especially around January 6, when the country celebrates Three Kings’ Day (Día de Reyes). While much of the world has already packed away its decorations, Mexico’s holiday spirit is still going strong, and in Los Cabos you can enjoy it all against a backdrop of turquoise waters, desert landscapes, and world-class hospitality.
This article will walk you through why visiting Los Cabos around January 6 is such a memorable experience: from the traditions of Three Kings’ Day and local flavors to outdoor adventures and practical tips for making the most of your trip.
The Magic of Three Kings’ Day in Mexico
In Mexico, the holiday season doesn’t truly end on December 25. It continues through the New Year and culminates on January 6, when families celebrate the arrival of the Three Wise Men who, according to Christian tradition, brought gifts to the baby Jesus.
For many Mexican children, Día de Reyes is as exciting as Christmas, and you’ll feel that sense of joy in the air when you visit Los Cabos at this time of year. It’s a day filled with:
Gift-giving and family time
Children often wake up to toys and presents said to be brought by the Three Kings. You may see families out in the plazas and shopping areas, proudly carrying new toys, bikes, or balloons, and strolling along the marina or beaches.
Traditional “Rosca de Reyes”
One of the most charming customs is sharing the Rosca de Reyes, a ring-shaped sweet bread decorated with colorful candied fruits. Hidden inside is a small figurine representing the baby Jesus. Whoever finds it in their slice is “blessed” and traditionally agrees to host a gathering on February 2, Candlemas Day.
As a visitor, you can join in by ordering a slice at local bakeries, cafés, or hotel restaurants. Many resorts in Los Cabos prepare a special Rosca de Reyes on January 6 for their guests, sometimes accompanied by hot chocolate or atole, a warm, comforting corn-based drink.
Community celebrations
Depending on where you stay, you may find local events, small parades, and special activities for families. In more local neighborhoods of San José del Cabo or Cabo San Lucas, plazas may host music, games, and community gatherings. As a traveler, it’s a unique chance to see authentic Mexican holiday traditions up close, rather than just as a tourist show.
Perfect Winter Weather and Post-Holiday Calm
January is one of the best times of year to visit Los Cabos for weather alone. While many places in the Northern Hemisphere are bundled up in coats and scarves, Los Cabos offers:
- Pleasant daytime temperatures that are warm but not overwhelmingly hot
- Cooler, comfortable evenings ideal for walking along the marina or enjoying outdoor dining
- Clear skies and vivid sunsets that paint the horizon in pinks and oranges over the Pacific and the Sea of Cortez
Because the early January rush is starting to fade after New Year’s, visiting around January 6 often feels a bit more relaxed. You can enjoy festive energy without the peak crowds of Christmas and New Year’s Eve. It’s a sweet spot where you still feel the holiday spirit, but also begin to reclaim a calmer, more peaceful pace.
Whale Watching Season in Full Swing
One of the most extraordinary reasons to visit Los Cabos in early January has nothing to do with human holidays at all: it’s prime whale-watching season.
Every winter, thousands of gray and humpback whales migrate to the warm waters around the Baja California Peninsula to breed and give birth. From late December through March, it’s common to see:
- Humpback whales breaching dramatically out of the water
- Mothers swimming side-by-side with their playful calves
- Spouts and tails visible from whale-watching boats or even from the coastline, if you are lucky
Booking a guided whale-watching tour in the days around January 6 can turn your Three Kings’ Day trip into an unforgettable marine adventure. Many tour operators depart from Cabo San Lucas Marina or from nearby bays, offering morning and afternoon trips. Imagine starting your day with coffee and Rosca de Reyes, then heading out to sea to watch whales against the backdrop of El Arco, the iconic rock arch at Land’s End.
Beaches, Land’s End, and Outdoor Adventures
Los Cabos is famous for the dramatic meeting of desert and sea, and January’s weather makes it ideal for exploring.
Relax on world-class beaches
From the family-friendly sands of Medano Beach, where you can swim, paddleboard, or simply sunbathe, to more secluded coves along the Tourist Corridor, the coastline offers something for every mood. In early January, beach clubs and seaside restaurants are still buzzing with energy, but the atmosphere is a bit more laid-back after the New Year celebrations.
Visit El Arco and Lover’s Beach
A boat tour to El Arco de Cabo San Lucas, the natural stone arch at Land’s End, is almost a rite of passage. Many excursions will also take you to Lover’s Beach and Divorce Beach, allowing you to see the dramatic contrast between the calm Sea of Cortez and the powerful Pacific Ocean. Around Día de Reyes, operators often still have a festive feel music, laughter, and a celebratory mood that lingers from the holidays.
Try adventure activities in mild weather
If you want more adrenaline, you can explore the desert landscapes that frame Los Cabos. Activities like ATV rides, zip-lining through canyons, camel rides along the beach, or hiking in the Sierra de la Laguna foothills are particularly enjoyable in January, when the sun is warm but not sweltering.
Food, Drink, and a Taste of Local Culture
One of the best ways to connect with the spirit of Three Kings’ Day in Los Cabos is through its food and local experiences.
Rosca de Reyes and holiday treats
On and around January 6, many bakeries and cafés in Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo offer Rosca de Reyes in different sizes, perfect whether you are traveling as a couple, a family, or a larger group. Pair it with a Mexican hot chocolate or café de olla (coffee brewed with cinnamon and piloncillo sugar) for a comforting treat.
Fresh seafood and Baja cuisine
Beyond holiday sweets, Los Cabos is a culinary destination. You can savor:
- Freshly caught fish and shrimp tacos at casual stands near the marina
- Ceviche, aguachile, and grilled octopus at oceanfront restaurants
- Farm-to-table menus in San José del Cabo, where nearby farms supply organic produce
In January, after the more indulgent late-December feasts, many travelers appreciate the abundance of fresh, light dishes, perfect for resetting while still savoring delicious flavors.
Art and culture in San José del Cabo
If your visit overlaps with a Thursday, head to the Art Walk in San José del Cabo’s historic center (a popular event from November through June). Galleries open their doors in the evening, offering visitors a chance to stroll cobblestone streets, browse local artwork, and enjoy live music. During the week of Día de Reyes, you’ll often notice seasonal decorations and a lingering festive ambiance.
Family-Friendly Celebration and Romantic Escapes
One of the best aspects of Los Cabos around January 6 is that it works for many types of travelers.
For families
Día de Reyes can be a meaningful cultural experience for children. They can:
- Try Rosca de Reyes and learn about the story of the Three Kings
- Enjoy beach time, gentle boat rides, or kid-friendly whale-watching tours
- Participate in resort-organized activities that may include crafts, games, or small celebrations tied to the holiday
For couples
The combination of holiday charm and post-New Year calm is ideal. You can:
- Enjoy quieter resorts and more intimate dinners by the sea
- Take sunset cruises along the coast, with the lingering festive lights still glowing in the marinas
- Combine relaxation at a spa with a bit of adventure, like snorkeling, sailing, or exploring nearby beaches
Whatever your travel style, early January in Los Cabos delivers warmth, beauty, and a touch of magic.
Practical Tips for Visiting Los Cabos Around January 6
To make the most of your Three Kings’ Day trip, keep a few simple tips in mind.
Book accommodation in advance
Although early January can be slightly less crowded than Christmas and New Year’s Eve, it is still part of the high season. It’s wise to reserve your hotel or vacation rental ahead of time, especially if you want a specific beachfront property or all-inclusive resort.
Ask your hotel about Día de Reyes activities
Many hotels and resorts in Los Cabos organize special touches around January 6, such as serving Rosca de Reyes at breakfast, offering themed kids’ activities, or highlighting traditional Mexican dishes on their menus. Ask in advance so you can plan to participate.
Plan a whale-watching tour
January is too good an opportunity to miss. Book your whale-watching trip earlier in your stay in case winds or sea conditions require rescheduling. This gives you flexibility and increases your chances of a perfect outing.
Pack for sun and cool evenings
You’ll want light clothing, swimwear, and sun protection for the day, but it’s smart to bring a light jacket for evenings, especially if you plan to dine outdoors or take night walks along the beach or marina.
Extend the Holiday Spirit in Los Cabos
While many travelers feel a bit of a letdown when the holidays end, visiting Los Cabos, Mexico around Three Kings’ Day on January 6 lets you stretch that festive feeling just a little longer, only this time, under a warm sun and with the sound of waves in the background.
You can wake up to a peaceful ocean view, share a slice of Rosca de Reyes, learn about cherished Mexican traditions, and then head out to spot whales leaping from the sea, explore desert landscapes, or unwind on golden-sand beaches. It’s a rare combination: an authentic cultural celebration wrapped in a luxurious, naturally beautiful setting.
If you’re dreaming of starting the year with something memorable, consider planning your next January escape to Los Cabos. Let the Three Kings lead you not just to gifts, but to one of Mexico’s most enchanting coastal destinations.