For travelers who want to experience the beauty of Mexico without the luxury resort vibe of Cabo, Puerto Vallarta is the perfect coastal getaway. This destination has managed to stay true to its small town roots while still boasting every amenity you can wish for, from elegant oceanfront accommodations to boutique shopping to a vibrant nightlife. People are also drawn to Puerto Vallarta for the beautiful views of the Sierra Madre Mountains and Banderas Bay, as well as the sub-tropic Puerto Vallarta weather - which is just perfect!
Because Puerto Vallarta is on the same latitude as the Hawaiian Islands, the climate is very similar. Humidity is definitely a defining factor of Puerto Vallarta weather for part of the year. This part of Mexico is very humid in July, August, and September - which also happens to be the Puerto Vallarta rainy season. And yet, thanks to the beautiful landscapes in this part of the year, low season can be just as busy as the high season!
The Average Temperature in Puerto Vallarta
What’s nice about the average temperature in Puerto Vallarta is that it is relatively mild when compared with other travel destinations in Mexico. The wet season is hot but not oppressively hot for those travelers who like the heat, and in the dry season you might want to bring a sweatshirt or a light jacket when you’re seeing the sights at night.
Over the course of a year, the average temperature in Puerto Vallarta seldom dips below 56F or rises above 93F. You’ll experience the hottest temperatures from June through October, when the daily highs are usually above 88F. The hottest day of the year is typically August 2nd, which has an average high of 90F. In the cooler and driest months between December and April, the high temperature is usually below 82F. The coldest day of the year is typically January 23rd, with a high below 80F (and a pleasant night time low of 62F).
Puerto Vallarta Weather by Month
Many factors affect the average temperature in Puerto Vallarta, as well as the rainfall. As noted above, temperatures remain fairly constant throughout the year though there are distinct seasons that impact the Puerto Vallarta weather by month - so plan your visit accordingly.
January-March:If you are not the biggest fan of heat and humidity, this is an amazing time to visit Puerto Vallarta. You’ll enjoy temperatures in the mid to upper 70s and very little rainfall. Evenings will be a little cooler - sometimes cool enough for a light jacket. Of course, pleasant temperatures mean more tourism, so expect PV to be busier and more expensive during the most temperate and driest months.
April-June:The average temperatures in Puerto Vallarta in springtime are still relatively temperate, with highs between 70F and 80F (especially in May). At the end of this season, the humidity starts to spike and you may have to deal with a bit more rain during your stay. The tradeoff is that tourism starts to taper off and hotel prices can go down.
July-September:Travelers who like (or simply don’t mind) the heat and humidity can take advantage of travel deals in summer. While the low season is when Mexican nationals flock to PV, there are still plenty of discounts to be had. Don’t be scared off by the prospect of rain. Precipitation often comes in short bursts that are followed by hours and hours of sunshine
October-December:Just like spring, fall is a wonderful time to visit PV because temperatures are mild with highs in the mid 70s and high 80s. And many travelers fly to PV in November, so the recommendation is to plan accordingly.
Learn more about the seasonal weather of Puerto Vallarta here.
The Puerto Vallarta Rainy Season
Between April and June, rain is scarce, but don’t let the fear of ruined beach days keep you from visiting during Puerto Vallarta’s rainy season. Even in the wettest parts of the year, rainfall comes in short bursts and much of it falls in the evenings after hot, dry days. Daytime tours and other outings aren’t usually affected by the rain. Street vendors selling inexpensive umbrellas are plentiful, and that should be all you need to make it through any quick daytime downpours.
Puerto Vallarta is almost entirely protected from hurricanes because Banderas Bay acts as a natural barrier that forces storms further up the coast or out to sea. Other storms, however, can provide a welcome break from the heat and humidity along with amazing displays of lightning streaking across the hills.
FAQs
Climate in Puerto Vallarta
In fact, it's quite common for March and April to see just 2mm of precipitation each month. Rainfall amounts increase dramatically from June until October. The rainiest month is September, seeing 370mm, although July and August are not far behind with 330mm and 310mm respectively.
What is the best weather to go to Puerto Vallarta? ›
December through April bring Puerto Vallarta's most ideal weather conditions, which is why these months are also the most popular among tourists. The average daily high temperature during this time ranges from around 80°F (27°C) to 85°F (29°C), with low humidity and very little rainfall.
Is this the rainy season in Puerto Vallarta? ›
The rainy season runs from June through Mid-October, with virtually no precipitation the rest of the year. Even in rainy season, the rain normally falls in short bursts, most often at night, with most days being hot and dry. Tours and fishing trips are seldom affected by the weather in Puerto Vallarta, it's very rare.
Does it rain during the day in Puerto Vallarta? ›
But remember, rainy season, for the most part, just means that it is likely to rain almost every day, usually a morning shower and early evening rain. The rest of the PV day is gorgeous and sunny. And, in case you are worried, hurricanes are rare in Puerto Vallarta due to the protection by Banderas Bay.
What month is hurricane season in Puerto Vallarta? ›
The Puerto Vallarta hurricane season typically spans from June 1st to November 30th, with the peak of activity occurring between August and October. During this period, warm ocean waters create the perfect conditions for hurricanes to form and intensify.
What month is good to go to Puerto Vallarta? ›
January, February, March
In terms of temperature, the first quarter of the year is when Puerto Vallarta's conditions are the most ideal. The average temperature around this time of the year is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, which makes for cool evenings and very few days of rain.
What to wear in Puerto Vallarta weather? ›
Light and breathable clothing: The weather is hot and humid, so it is important to pack light and breathable clothing to stay cool. Shorts and skirts: Shorts and skirts are perfect for the warm weather in Puerto Vallarta.
What is the cheapest month to go to Puerto Vallarta? ›
Good to know
| Low season | September |
|---|
| High season | December |
| Cheapest flight | $76 |
Puerto Vallarta is located on beautiful Banderas Bay where the waters are calmer than the Pacific Ocean. The bay and beaches are perfect for swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, and kayaking. Summers have less wave action and the water is clearer.
Does it get cold at night in Puerto Vallarta? ›
When it comes to the winter months, the weather in Puerto Vallarta is particularly attractive, boasting mild, pleasing temperatures with daytime averages of 82ºF (28ºC), and lows dipping to around 61ºF (16ºC) during the coolest part of the night.
Our city has a wonderful blue water ocean along the beautiful Banderas Bay.
Is the water clear in Puerto Vallarta? ›
Puerto Vallarta is home to some of the most beautiful and unspoiled beaches in Mexico. Visitors can enjoy swimming in crystal clear waters and soft sandy beaches.
Are thunderstorms common in Puerto Vallarta? ›
Occasional showers and thunderstorms can occur during the rainy season from June to October. No matter the time of year, the weather in Puerto Vallarta is sure to be a delight.
How many days is good in Puerto Vallarta? ›
Puerto Vallarta is a vacation resort that still feels real. Added to that, it's the perfect base for whale-watching tours and visits to local nature trails or villages. You could easily spend a week or more in Puerto Vallarta. But three days is enough to give you a well-rounded introduction.
What month is the hottest in Puerto Vallarta? ›
Weather Averages Puerto Vallarta
June is the hottest month in Puerto Vallarta with an average temperature of 27°C (81°F) and the coldest is January at 22°C (72°F) with the most daily sunshine hours at 12 in May. The wettest month is September with an average of 358mm of rain.
What is the coolest month in Puerto Vallarta? ›
The coldest month in Puerto Vallarta is January at 72 °F. Hurricane season in Puerto Vallarta lasts from July to October, although most precipitation falls in September. Winter temperatures are comfortable, with daily highs averaging 79 °F and lows of 55 °F.
What is the off season for Puerto Vallarta? ›
Low Season: July through September is the low season in Puerto Vallarta. Days are typically hot and humid with highs around 33°C and at least a little rain on more than half of the days. Skies are mostly grey, and surf is generally poor.
What is the wettest month in Mexico? ›
Most of the rain falls during the wet season, which is from May to October. The temperature in Cancun in the summer is around 28°C with average highs of 34°C at midday and the early to mid-afternoon. September is the rainiest month of the year, expecting at least ten wet days with an average monthly rainfall of 270mm.
Are there mosquitos in Puerto Vallarta? ›
The risk for mosquito activity is extremely high. Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when spending time outdoors to prevent bites. The risk for mosquito activity is high. Consider an EPA-registered repellent to deter mosquito bites.
