While the average temperatures of the Puerto Vallarta weather don’t typically vary too much throughout the year, there are distinct differences between the dry and rainy seasons. This weather guide full of useful information can help you to properly prepare and plan the PV getaway that is perfect for you.
Puerto Vallarta, Weather
The best weather in Puerto Vallarta is all up to the traveler and what they prefer. This is a tropical climate, so in general, the weather is hot and humid, with temperatures that range from 71-83°F/21-28°C.
The Dry Season
The dry season runs November through June, with December through May being the mildest months. The afternoon highs average 86°F/30°C, with lovely cool evenings in the upper 60s°F/teens °C. There is very little rain February through May, so you can soak up every minute of sun during these months.
In addition to the slightly cooler temperatures, January through April is also much less humid. If you love the tropical breezes blowing through your hair, this is the time of year to go.
The Rainy Season
Puerto Vallarta weather has a slightly shorter rainy season than similar tropical destinations in the Pacific. July through September are the rainy months, the most rain coming in September with about 15 days of rain. 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 to Wear for the Weather in Puerto Vallarta
All year round, you will be perfectly comfortable in swim clothes, sundresses, shorts, tanks, and flip-flops. Keep in mind that you may be closer to the equator in Puerto Vallarta than where you live, so the sun is more intense and you will burn faster. Make sure to use a sunscreen with a high SPF, and reapply often if in the water or sweating.
Surf shirts are awesome for those days when you have had enough sun, but not enough surf. Evenings may feel cool, particularly in the cooler months of December through May, so definitely pack a long-sleeve shirt, or even a light, comfy hoodie. After a day at the beach, your skin may feel hot, so the air will feel cooler.
Which Activities, When?
If you are into snorkeling and diving, October has the best water for those marine activities. If you are into surfing or want to take some surfing lessons, you can catch waves any time of the year, but the biggest Pacific waves roll in December through April. Even humpback whales enjoy the Puerto Vallarta weather and migrate from the North for their breeding season. The best time to see them breaching with their calves in a Whale Watching Adventure is from December through mid-March.
Remember, the summer months of July through September are the rainy season, so it can be hot and humid, and hiking or other trips into the jungle will be a lot more hot and sweaty. The cooler winter months of February and March are ideal for exploring the many beautiful and captivating beaches like Las Caletas, Yelapa, Majahuitas, Pizota, and Quimixto, among others.
Visit Puerto Vallarta
It is hard to say anything negative about the Puerto Vallarta weather because it really is beautiful nearly all the time. Even the rains bring a cool respite to a hot day and the beauty of rainbows to an already stunning location. Book a tour with Vallarta Adventures today, and be on your way to paradise!
FAQs
This is a tropical climate, so in general, the weather is hot and humid, with temperatures that range from 71-83°F/21-28°C.
What is the weather usually like in Puerto Vallarta? ›
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.
What is the best month 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.
What is the rainy month 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.
What month is hurricane season in Puerto Vallarta? ›
The Puerto Vallarta hurricane season typically spans from June through November, with peak activity occurring between August and October.
What to wear in Puerto Vallarta weather? ›
Puerto Vallarta is warm and humid, so come prepared—pack T-shirts and plenty of tank tops to stay comfortable on outdoor adventures on land and during shopping and strolls. Pack a few nicer shirts for dinner, and more casual shirts than you think you'll need so you can change if you get sweaty.
What is the weather like on the Mexican Riviera cruise? ›
The Mexican Riviera's weather is warm and sunny year round, with average temperatures ranging from the low 80s during the day to the high 60s in the evening hours. Be sure to pack the following: Summer clothes. Multiple swimsuits.
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.
What is Puerto Vallarta best known for? ›
From its gorgeous beaches and stunning sunsets to its delicious cuisine and exciting nightlife, Puerto Vallarta has something for everyone. Puerto Vallarta also boasts some of the best restaurants in the country, featuring delicious traditional Mexican cuisine as well as international fare.
How many days is enough 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.
Myth: It rains all day
Fact: During rainy season, it does rain most days and more than in the other Puerto Vallarta seasons, but the rainfall generally lasts for just a few hours and typically only comes around at night.
What is the slow season in Puerto Vallarta? ›
The summer season in Puerto Vallarta tends to be much more low key than in the winter, and you will find the city is less busy at this time of year, which is perfect if you plan to enjoy the city at your leisure. Not only is it much less crowded, but the weather is usually great.
Is Puerto Vallarta more humid than Cancun? ›
Puerto Vallarta: Location and Climate Summary. Overall, both Cancun and Puerto Vallarta have warm and tropical climates, with similar temperatures throughout the year. However, Cancun tends to be more humid than Puerto Vallarta, and its rainy season runs for a longer period of time.
Is the ocean warm in Puerto Vallarta? ›
Puerto Vallarta Rivermouth sea water temperatures peak in the range 28 to 31°C (82 to 88°F) on around the 29th of July and are at their coldest on about the 10th of March, in the range 22 to 25°C (72 to 77°F). Year round warm sea water temperatures at Puerto Vallarta Rivermouth climb to their maximum in late July.
When was the last time a hurricane hit Puerto Vallarta? ›
In 2015, Hurricane Patricia, a Category 5 hurricane, also made landfall on the same sparsely-populated stretch of coastline between the resort of Puerto Vallarta and major port of Manzanillo. Lidia was expected to soak the region with heavy rain, and the hurricane center warned of possible flash flooding.
What are the coldest months in Puerto Vallarta Mexico? ›
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.
What is the coldest month in Puerto Vallarta? ›
The coldest month in Puerto Vallarta is January at 72 °F. What month is hurricane season in Puerto Vallarta? Hurricane season in Puerto Vallarta lasts from July to October, although most precipitation falls in September.
Is Puerto Vallarta better than Cancun? ›
Overall, Cancun has a far greater selection of hotels. Cancun takes the edge over most places when it comes to hotels. But Puerto Vallarta has a more authentic Mexican feel – Cancun is very Americanised. So, go for Cancun if you favor big resorts and Puerto Vallarta if you favor boutique hotels.
Can you swim in the ocean in Puerto Vallarta? ›
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.
