Best Time to Visit Puerto Vallarta

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Updated: April 10, 2026

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Beach resort in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

What is the best time of year to visit Puerto Vallarta?

I have spent a lot of time in Puerto Vallarta, and I think the best weather is from November to April. This period offers the most reliable sunshine and comfortable temperatures. For those looking for the best overall compromise of weather, lower prices, and manageable crowds, I recommend visiting in late April to June or late October to November.

Most Puerto Vallarta beaches are swimmable, unlike the rougher waters in Cabo. A major advantage of this coast is that you do not have the Caribbean sargassum (seaweed) problem found in Cancun. During the rainy season (June-October), mornings are often sunny and good for sightseeing, while showers and storms are more common later in the day.

  • Best Time for Good Weather: November through April is the dry season, featuring clear skies and highs around 28C. While the city is protected by the bay, the official hurricane season runs from June through November, with the highest practical risk usually occurring from August to October.
  • Best Time for Families and Kids: The best choice involves a tradeoff. For the nicest air temperatures, whale watching, and virtually no rain, visit from December to March. For warmer ocean temperatures and fewer crowds, choose May-June or October-November, though it will be hotter and more humid.
  • Best Time for Avoiding Crowds: August and September are the quietest months. You will find empty beaches and deep hotel discounts, but the humidity is at its peak. Avoid the weeks of Christmas, New Year, and Easter (Semana Santa) if you want to stay away from the heaviest crowds.
  • Best Time for Great Deals: The absolute best rates for luxury resorts are found from August through October. Late May and June are also excellent “sweet spot” months for value before the heaviest summer rains arrive.
  • Best Time for Surfing: Sayulita and northern breaks are surfable year-round. December through early April is generally favored for dependable north swells, while the summer can still produce useful swells at various breaks like Quimixto to the south.
  • Best Time for Whale Watching: Official whale-watching season runs from December 15 to April 15, with the best sightings usually from January through March when calves are most active in the bay.
  • Best Time for Snorkeling and Diving: Best overall snorkeling is from November to May for calmer water and clearer visibility; best warm-water snorkeling is July to October, but expect more humidity and a higher chance of afternoon chop or storms. I always recommend going in the morning when the water is flattest.
  • Best Time for Exploring the Jungle: For hiking the Botanical Gardens or ziplining, December to March is ideal. These are the coolest months with the lowest humidity. Avoid the jungle in the summer (July-September) when mosquitoes are most active.
  • Best Time for Sportfishing: Fishing is productive year-round. September through December is peak season for Marlin and Sailfish, while summer attracts larger Yellowfin Tuna.

Puerto Vallarta Travel Seasons

  • High Season (December through Easter): Best weather, active whales, and the busiest social scene. Expect the highest prices and crowded beaches in the Romantic Zone.
  • Shoulder Season (May-June and October-November): The best window for finding a balance between decent weather and affordable rates. May is hot and mostly dry; June is hotter, more humid, and usually marks the start of regular afternoon showers. October and November see a drop in humidity and the return of clear skies.
  • Low Season (July through September): The hottest and most humid time. Expect heavy but short afternoon tropical downpours. This is the prime season for budget travelers and warm-water swimming.

Puerto Vallarta Weather by Month

Puerto Vallarta is tropical and humid for much of the year. During the rainy season, mornings are typically sunny, while storms usually arrive in the late afternoon. Use these averages for planning:

  • January: Avg Max 28C. Rainfall 23mm. Coolest month with sunny days and crisp nights. Great for whales.
  • February: Avg Max 28C. Rainfall 12mm. Very dry and sunny. Best time to see active baby humpbacks.
  • March: Avg Max 29C. Rainfall 5mm. Temperatures rise slowly. Excellent for clear beach days.
  • April: Avg Max 31C. Rainfall 4mm. The driest month of the year. Intense sun requires plenty of sunscreen.
  • May: Avg Max 32C. Rainfall 12mm. Hot and muggy. A great month for hotel deals before the rains start.
  • June: Avg Max 32C. Rainfall 159mm. Rainy season begins. Expect high humidity and regular afternoon showers.
  • July: Avg Max 33C. Rainfall 285mm. Hot and sticky. The ocean is very warm and visibility is good for divers.
  • August: Avg Max 33C. Rainfall 300mm. Hottest and rainiest month. High humidity but great for budget stays.
  • September: Avg Max 32C. Rainfall 288mm. Very humid with daily tropical downpours, usually late in the day.
  • October: Avg Max 31C. Rainfall 117mm. Transition month. Rain becomes less frequent by late October.
  • November: Avg Max 31C. Rainfall 24mm. Dry weather returns. Humidity drops and whales begin to arrive.
  • December: Avg Max 29C. Rainfall 21mm. Beautiful weather with warm days and cool evenings.

Puerto Vallarta Festivals and Events

March

  • Banderas Bay Regatta: A major five-day international sailing event featuring races in the bay and nightly parties.

May/June

  • Vallarta Pride: Typically held in late May. Vallarta is a top LGBT destination, and this festival features a massive parade and beach events.
  • Restaurant Week: Typically runs from mid-May to early June. Many of the city’s best restaurants offer discounted three-course menus.

October

  • Vallarta Nayarit Gastronómica: A high-end culinary event typically in October attracting international chefs for workshops and gala dinners.

November

  • Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead): November 1-2. The city center and Malecon are filled with massive altars and Catrina displays.
  • Festival Gourmet International: A prestigious ten-day event in mid-November where local chefs collaborate with global celebrity guests.

December

  • The Guadalupe Processions: December 1-12. Hundreds of nightly processions to the Guadalupe Church featuring Aztec and Catholic traditions.
  • New Year’s Eve: Major street parties in the Romantic Zone and fireworks over the Los Muertos Pier.

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