Water conditions in Baja California Sur (May–August)
A diver & snorkeler’s guide to temps, visibility, wind/sea state, wildlife highlights, and what to pack for a smooth summer ocean week.
Quick look by month
| Month | Surface temp* | Typical visibility | Wind & sea state | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May | 72–77°F (22–25°C) | 30–60 ft (9–18 m), can drop with blooms | Calm AM; light PM seabreeze | Start of warm-up; occasional plankton bloom & light thermoclines |
| June | 75–82°F (24–28°C) | 25–60 ft (8–18 m) | Generally mellow; occasional chop | Stable warming; great for mixed snorkel/dive groups |
| July | 80–86°F (27–30°C) | 30–80 ft (9–24 m) when stable | Calm to light breeze; tropical moisture possible | Warm, comfy water; viz often improves between wind pulses |
| August | 82–88°F (28–31°C) | 30–80 ft (9–24 m), variable with storms | Calm AM; watch tropical systems | Peak warmth; keep plans flexible around stormy weeks |
*At depth, thermoclines can sit 5–15°F (3–8°C) cooler—pack a thin hooded vest if you chill easily.
Temperature & suits
Trend: A steady warm-up from late spring. By July/August most guests are comfy in a 2–3 mm shorty or full, and many snorkel in just a rashguard.
Thermoclines: Expect cooler layers on some reefs and island drop-offs. If you run cold, pack a 3/2 mm full plus a 1–2 mm hooded vest—tiny layer, big comfort.
Visibility & bloom cycles
Early summer can bring plankton blooms that tint the water green and trim viz. The tradeoff: more life in the water (bait, jellies, turtles feeding).
As seas stabilize mid-summer, visibility often opens back up, especially after a string of quiet, low-wind days. Heavy wind or passing storms can temporarily reduce viz near beaches—captains choose clearer lee sides and island points.
Wind, seas & storm season
Winter Nortes are gone; summer favors glassy mornings and a light afternoon sea breeze.
Tropical season spans late spring–fall, with August–September most active. Most weeks are unaffected, but flexible itineraries shine—protected coves, reefy lee shores, and snorkel options keep the stoke high when seas kick up.
Marine-life highlights (May–August)
- Sea lions at island rookeries—playful, great for mixed-ability groups.
- Mobula rays often show in late spring/early summer; keep an eye out during crossings.
- Reef regulars: pargo, cabrilla, eels, turtles, schooling jacks, healthy reef fish on structure and walls.
- Whale sharks: generally off-season for La Paz (peak is fall–winter). Bonus if they appear.
Always respect marine-park rules and permit zones—your captain will brief the day’s plan.
What to pack
- Wetsuit: 2–3 mm (plus thin hooded vest if you chill easily)
- Sun: long-sleeve rashguard, wide-brim hat, reef-safe sunscreen, lip block
- Eyes: polarized sunglasses
- Boat kit: dry bag, light windbreaker, water bottle, snacks
- Comfort: seasickness tabs if you’re new to pangas/catamarans
- Nice to have: spare mask & defog
Sample 4-day summer flow (La Ventana base)
- Day 1: Arrival, casita check-in, afternoon snorkel cove + sunset dinner on site.
- Day 2: Two-tank island reefs; sea-lion snorkel add-on if conditions look playful.
- Day 3: Wall/point dive with thermocline hunt; relaxed beach lunch; optional night snorkel.
- Day 4: Calm-water snorkel morning or boat play for non-divers; airport transfer.
By Beth Statton
