Best Times to Go Freediving in La Ventana, Baja California Sur: A Month-by-Month Guide
Baja California, Mexico, is renowned for its rich marine biodiversity and diverse underwater ecosystems, making it a popular destination for diving enthusiasts. In particular La Ventana is small town located on the Sea of Cortez east coast of the peninsula and has been growing in tourism and popularity for its unreal waters!
Now.. the interesting thing about La Ventana is that it was originally coined its name, translating to ‘The Window’ because of its impressive winds during the winter months.
My biggest mistake coming to this town was thinking just because it’s a wind sport town means that the marine life is meh… I was so wrong.
But, as kiters and wind-enthusiasts leave, the sleepy summer town has been attracting scuba divers, free divers, and spearfishermen alike! Maybe you’ve seen Instagram Influencers diving with fevers of hundreds of Mobula rays. Or, perhaps the divers alongside colonies of playful sea lions.
Regardless of your underwater itch to come to La Ventana, in this blog you have access to a month-by-month guide of when the best time to come. Here we will break down the climate conditions (wind and rain), temperatures in and out of the water, visibility, and an overall summary of the best times to come dive and explore the underwater world.
Here’s a brief breakdown before we get into the month-by-month guide:
January to March: Mild to warm temperatures with occasional northerly winds (El Norte), calm waters, and good visibility for diving.
April to June: Increasing warmth with calm to moderate breezes, warm waters ideal for diving, and excellent underwater visibility.
July to September: Hot temperatures, occasional moderate winds, warm waters perfect for extended diving sessions, and excellent visibility.
October to December: Cooling temperatures with occasional northerly winds (El Norte), calm waters, and good to excellent visibility for diving.
In short, wind season ranges between November to March and diving season, aka the best time to come dive, ranges between April to October.
Month-by-month guide
January
Daytime Temperatures: Daytime temperatures generally range from 70 to 80°F (21 to 27°C) during January in La Ventana.
Nighttime Temperatures: Nighttime temperatures can drop to around 50 to 60°F (10 to 16°C).
Wind: Averaging around 5-10 knots. These winds can occasionally pick up to 15-20 knots during El Norte events.
Water Temperature: Around 68-72°F (20-22°C).
Recommended wetsuit: 5mm full wetsuit.
Visibility: Good, typically 30-60 feet (10-20 meters).
February
Daytime Temperatures: Daytime temperatures typically range from 70 to 80°F (21 to 27°C).
Nighttime Temperatures: Nighttime temperatures can drop to around 50 to 60°F (10 to 16°C).
Wind: Winds average around 5-10 knots with occasional increases up to 15-20 knots during El Norte wind events.
Water Temperature: The water temperature ranges from approximately 68 to 72°F (20 to 22°C).
Recommended wetsuit: 5mm full wetsuit.
Visibility: Underwater visibility is meh, typically ranging from 10 to 50 feet (5 to 15 meters), as wind conditions start to pick up the water starts to get green.
March
Daytime Temperatures: Daytime temperatures in March range from 75 to 85°F (24 to 29°C).
Nighttime Temperatures: Nighttime temperatures typically range from 55 to 65°F (13 to 18°C).
Wind: Winds averaging around 5-10 knots. Northerly winds (El Norte) can occasionally increase to 15-20 knots during specific weather patterns.
Water Temperature: The water temperature in March warms slightly, ranging from approximately 70 to 75°F (21 to 24°C).
Recommended wetsuit: 5mm full wetsuit.
Visibility: Underwater visibility improves to excellent levels in March, typically ranging from 40 to 80 feet (12 to 25 meters).
April
Daytime Temperatures: Daytime temperatures typically range from 80 to 90°F (27 to 32°C) in April, often sunny and warm, perfect for outdoor pursuits.
Nighttime Temperatures: Nighttime temperatures in April generally range from 60 to 70°F (16 to 21°C). Wind: Winds in April are generally calm to moderate, averaging around 5-15 knots. Northerly winds (El Norte) can occasionally reach 20 knots, but overall, conditions are favorable for water activities.
Water Temperature: The water temperature in April warms further, ranging from approximately 74 to 78°F (23 to 26°C).
Recommended wetsuit: 5mm full wetsuit
Visibility: Underwater visibility in April is excellent, typically ranging from 50 to 80 feet (15 to 25 meters). This clarity enhances the diving experience, allowing for clear views of marine life and underwater landscapes.
May
Daytime Temperatures: Daytime temperatures typically range from 85 to 95°F (29 to 35°C).
Nighttime Temperatures: Nighttime temperatures in May generally range from 65 to 75°F (18 to 24°C). It remains mild, with pleasant evenings ideal for stargazing or relaxing by the coast.
Wind: Winds in May are generally calm, averaging around 5-10 knots. Northerly winds (El Norte) are less frequent during this month, contributing to tranquil water conditions.
Water Temperature: The water temperature in May is warm, ranging from approximately 78 to 82°F (26 to 28°C), creating comfortable conditions for diving, snorkeling, and swimming.
Recommended wetsuit: 3mm full wetsuit, 5mm full wetsuit to those who get cold easily
Visibility: Underwater visibility remains excellent in May, typically ranging from 50 to 80 feet (15 to 25 meters).
June
Daytime Temperatures: Daytime temperatures typically range from 90 to 100°F (32 to 38°C).
Nighttime Temperatures: Nighttime temperatures generally range from 70 to 80°F (21 to 27°C). I
Wind: Winds in June are generally light to moderate, averaging around 5-15 knots but overall, conditions are favorable for water activities.
Water Temperature: The water temperature in June is warm, ranging from approximately 80 to 84°F (27 to 29°C).
Recommended wetsuit: 3mm full wetsuit.
Visibility: Underwater visibility remains excellent in June, typically ranging from 50 to 80 feet (15 to 25 meters). This clarity allows for clear views of marine life and underwater landscapes.
July
Daytime Temperatures: Daytime temperatures typically range from 90 to 100°F (32 to 38°C).
Nighttime Temperatures: Nighttime temperatures in July generally range from 70 to 80°F (21 to 27°C).
Wind: Winds in July are generally light, they are calm in the mornings and pick up in the afternoons averaging around 5-10 knots.
Water Temperature: The water temperature in July is warm, ranging from approximately 82 to 86°F (28 to 30°C), providing comfortable conditions for diving, snorkeling, and swimming.
Recommended wetsuit: 3mm full wetsuit.
Visibility: Underwater visibility remains excellent in July, typically ranging from 50 to 80 feet (15 to 25 meters).
August
Daytime Temperatures: Daytime temperatures typically range from 90 to 100°F (32 to 38°C).
Nighttime Temperatures: Nighttime temperatures in August generally range from 70 to 80°F (21 to 27°C).
Wind: Winds in August are generally light, and like July, they are calm in the mornings and pick up in the afternoons averaging around 5-10 knots.
Water Temperature: The water temperature in August is warm, ranging from approximately 82 to 86°F (28 to 30°C).
Recommended wetsuit: 3mm full wetsuit.
Visibility: Underwater visibility remains excellent in August, typically ranging from 50 to 80 feet (15 to 25 meters).
September
Daytime Temperatures: Daytime temperatures typically range from 85 to 95°F (29 to 35°C) in September.
Nighttime Temperatures: Nighttime temperatures in September generally range from 65 to 75°F (18 to 24°C).
Wind: Winds in September can vary, with occasional moderate breezes averaging around 10-15 knots. Northerly winds (El Norte) may occasionally increase to 20 knots, influencing water conditions.
Water Temperature: The water temperature in September ranges from approximately 78 to 82°F (26 to 28°C).
Recommended wetsuit: 3mm full wetsuit.
!! Hurricane Season! !: September falls within the hurricane season in La Ventana. While hurricanes are relatively rare in this region compared to more northern parts of Mexico, there is a potential risk of tropical storms or hurricanes affecting weather patterns and sea conditions during this time.
Visibility: Underwater visibility remains good to excellent in September, typically ranging from 50 to 80 feet (15 to 25 meters).
October
Daytime Temperatures: Daytime temperatures typically range from 80 to 90°F (27 to 32°C) in October.
Nighttime Temperatures: Nighttime temperatures in October generally range from 60 to 70°F (16 to 21°C).
Wind: Winds in October are usually calm, averaging around 5-10 knots.
Hurricane Season: While October marks the tail end of the hurricane season in La Ventana, there can still be occasional tropical weather systems influencing wind patterns and sea conditions.
Water Temperature: The water temperature in October ranges from approximately 74 to 78°F (23 to 26°C).
Recommended wetsuit: 3mm full wetsuit or 5mm full wetsuit to those who get cold easily.
Visibility: Underwater visibility remains good in October, typically ranging from 40 to 70 feet (12 to 20 meters).
November
Daytime Temperatures: Daytime temperatures typically range from 75 to 85°F (24 to 29°C) in November.
Nighttime Temperatures: Nighttime temperatures in November generally range from 55 to 65°F (13 to 18°C).
Wind: Winds in November are usually calm to moderate, averaging around 5-15 knots.
Water Temperature: The water temperature in November ranges from approximately 70 to 74°F (21 to 23°C).
Recommended wetsuit: 5mm full wetsuit.
Visibility: Underwater visibility remains good in November, typically ranging from 40 to 70 feet (12 to 20 meters).
December
Daytime Temperatures: Daytime temperatures typically range from 70 to 80°F (21 to 27°C) in December.
Nighttime Temperatures: Nighttime temperatures in December generally range from 50 to 60°F (10 to 16°C).
Wind: Northerly winds (El Norte) may occasionally reach up to 15 knots, influencing water conditions slightly.
Water Temperature: The water temperature in December ranges from approximately 68 to 72°F (20 to 22°C).
Recommended wetsuit: 5mm full wetsuit
Visibility: Underwater visibility remains good in December, typically ranging from 30 to 60 feet (10 to 20 meters).