Living on the beach in Los Cabos means more than 300 days of sunshine a year, but it also means planning for the season when storms are possible. Owners who think about it at the buying stage, rather than the first time a storm is forecast, tend to sleep better and spend less on repairs.
When the season runs
The eastern Pacific hurricane season officially runs from May 15 to November 30. For the southern tip of Baja, the months that usually deserve the most attention are August through October. Most seasons pass with nothing more than a few days of rain and big surf, but Los Cabos has taken direct hits, most memorably Hurricane Odile in September 2014, which led to stricter attention to construction quality across the area.
What to look at in a beachfront home
- Elevation and setback. How high is the home above the beach, and how far back from the high tide line? Storm surge and big swell reach further than everyday waves.
- Windows and doors. Impact-rated glass or proper storm shutters make a real difference, and are easier to evaluate before you buy than after.
- Roof and drainage. Heavy rain is often a bigger issue than wind. Look for good roof drainage and grading that moves water away from the house.
- Backup systems. A generator, water storage and a cistern help a home ride out power and water interruptions.
- Seawalls and slopes. For bluff-top homes, ask about erosion control and who maintains it, especially in a condo or gated community.
Salt air is the everyday storm
Even in a quiet year, the ocean is working on a beachfront home every day. Salt air corrodes metal fixtures, railings, air conditioning units and electronics faster than it does inland. Build an annual maintenance budget into your ownership costs, and ask sellers what has been replaced recently and when.
Insurance and management
Insurance for beachfront homes in Mexico is widely available, including hurricane and flood coverage, but terms and deductibles vary a lot between policies. Get quotes during your due diligence, not after closing. If you will not be in town year-round, a good property manager is worth having: someone who can secure the home when a storm is forecast and check on it afterward.
The upside
Storms are part of the picture, but they are a small part of the year. The rest is calm mornings, whale season from roughly December through April, and long evenings on the terrace. Browse current beachfront homes and condos, or ask us how a particular property has held up over the years.
