Should you’re planning a visit to Mexico and are questioning when the perfect time to go to Puerto Vallarta is likely to be, you’ve come to the proper place! This information takes a take a look at all of the totally different seasons, in addition to a more in-depth look into every month that will help you determine when to journey to Puerto Vallarta.
As a seaside city on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, the climate is heat year-round in PV. No matter while you go to, you possibly can depart these heavy jackets at house.
That being stated, there are nonetheless seasons right here – simply not your typical 4. Briefly, there’s a excessive season and a off-season, that are very a lot depending on the climate, after which there are shoulder seasons in between.
The most effective time to go to Puerto Vallarta is dependent upon what you propose to do there, your price range, and the way you are feeling about crowds. I’ve skilled PV in each month through the years and have stayed throughout all of the seasons, so I’m right here to share my discoveries and make planning your journey simpler.
General Finest Time To Go to Puerto Vallarta
So, when’s the perfect time to journey to Puerto Vallarta? It is a difficult query to reply, because it is dependent upon the way you need to spend your journey (and your cash).
Usually talking, the excessive season in PV lasts from November to March with the height being round Christmas and New 12 months’s. Whereas the climate is beautiful this time of 12 months, the crowds are dense and the costs are excessive.
Individuals guide their lodging for the excessive season a 12 months or extra upfront – it’s that aggressive lately. Many are pleased to pay the elevated costs to flee the tough winters up north, as snowbirds flock right here 12 months after 12 months.
In my humble opinion, the perfect time to go to is on the cusp of excessive season on both finish. This implies visiting in both November earlier than the vacation rush or in April/Could relying on Spring Break and Easter schedules. Like I stated, it’s a tough query!
The rationale I select these months is as a result of the climate is nice, the crowds both aren’t fairly there but or have thinned out, and costs are extra affordable.
Peak Season in Puerto Vallarta
(December – January and March – April)
There are a couple of totally different peak seasons in PV. The primary comes between Christmas and New 12 months’s, lasting from mid-December to mid-January.
At the moment, the city is totally packed. Airways and inns jack up their costs and folks pay them, as many vacationers eagerly plan to trip on the seaside and rejoice the vacations.
New 12 months’s Eve is a big get together in PV with a fireworks present on the Malecon and plenty of particular occasions within the bars and golf equipment. You’ll see a mix of locals and vacationers and the site visitors might be insane.
There’s one other peak season that coincides with American spring break and the Holy Week main as much as Easter. It’s vital to examine the calendar to see when these are going down.
Through the former, the resorts and golf equipment are stuffed with boozy American youngsters. Through the latter, the city bursts on the seam with vacationers from Guadalajara and Mexico Metropolis coming to get together on the seaside. For each, the costs go up and availability goes down.
Shoulder Season in Puerto Vallarta
(October – November and April – Could)
It may be argued that the perfect time to go to Puerto Vallarta is in both shoulder season. Throughout these months, it’s not too scorching or too wet. It’s additionally not as crowded or as costly because it will get from December to March.
I really like the month of Could in PV. A lot of the snowbirds have gone again up north and the busy vacation seasons are over. The extraordinary rain and humidity hasn’t arrived but, making it a pleasant time to go to weather-wise.
That is usually the time of 12 months when Restaurant Week is widely known. It’s extra like a month lately, and 50+ eating places take part by providing set menus for a closely discounted worth. For foodies, this is likely to be the perfect time to go to Puerto Vallarta.
I additionally take pleasure in Puerto Vallarta in November due to the Day of the Useless festivities. Should you get to city simply earlier than, you possibly can lock down a very good deal on lodging should you’re trying to keep by means of the winter.
Off Season in Puerto Vallarta
(June – October)
You already know that outdated saying “when it rains, it pours”? Nicely, go to Puerto Vallarta in the summertime or early fall months and also you’ll reside to expertise the phrase for your self.
From June till October, PV experiences its wet season. When it’s not pouring rain, it’s fairly scorching and humid. This climate will not be for the faint of coronary heart, my buddies.
Should you plan on touring to Puerto Vallarta throughout these months, I’d advise making certain you could have a spot with A/C and a pool. Due to the climate, you’ll have to be fairly open-minded and versatile along with your plans as they will rapidly want to vary as a result of fixed downpours.
On the intense aspect, the crowds are far smaller and costs plummet throughout this time.
When to Go to Puerto Vallarta For Seashores
If you wish to spend some high quality time on la playa and plan on getting within the water lots, my suggestion is to go to in April or Could. The water is heat this time of 12 months and also you received’t see any unwelcoming runoff that comes through the wet season.
Except for Semana Santa (Holy Week), which I like to recommend avoiding just like the plague should you’re touring to benefit from the seashores, this can be a comparatively quiet time of the 12 months in PV.
Whereas there are many individuals out having fun with the seaside always of the 12 months, the water can get fairly chilly through the excessive season and the seashores can develop into fairly crowded. The spring months present a cheerful medium that’s excellent for hitting the seaside.
When to Go to Puerto Vallarta For Festivals
There are all types of festivals to rejoice in PV. One which I significantly take pleasure in is Mexico’s Independence Day. It falls on September seventeenth and the times main as much as it are stuffed with parades, out of doors markets and gala’s, and a enjoyable and vigorous ambiance. See what it appears like on this brief video:
As a number one LGBTQ+ vacation spot, Puerto Vallarta hosts an enormous homosexual satisfaction week yearly, usually on the finish of Could. Accommodations refill upfront for this celebration which features a parade, pool events, a celebration within the park, and many extra.
The normal Mexican vacation, Day of the Useless, supplies a novel cultural expertise. The Malecon fills up with colourful ofrendas (altars) that individuals create to honor those that have handed on.
When to Go to Puerto Vallarta For Historic Websites
In contrast to the Riviera Maya on the opposite coast of Mexico, Banderas Bay isn’t house to many ruins. And in contrast to the massive cities, Puerto Vallarta doesn’t have an excessive amount of historic websites.
For probably the most half, individuals journey right here to loosen up on the seaside, go on adventures, or simply wine and dine their means round city. Should you’re thinking about seeing a variety of historic websites in Mexico, I encourage you to make a journey to Mexico Metropolis or Oaxaca.
The primary historic web site in PV is the Church of Our Girl of Guadalupe in El Centro. It’s the image of town and an vital a part of the native tradition. Many individuals make a pilgrimage to the church between December 1st and twelfth. This competition celebrates the Virgin Mary and her vital function in Mexican tradition, with processions and different festivities centered round the primary sq..
When to Go to Puerto Vallarta For Wildlife
Certainly, the perfect time to go to Puerto Vallarta for wildlife is through the whale-watching season. A number of thousand humpback whales migrate to the waters right here in Banderas Bay each December to mate and provides delivery – it’s an unforgettable expertise to witness these creatures.
You’ll be able to take a whale-watching tour all through the excessive season from December to March the place you’ll be all however assured to see whales and possibly dolphins. Should you’re fortunate, it’s possible you’ll even see a whale breach.
It’s one in every of my favourite issues I’ve executed in PV through the years and there’s some powerful competitors there!
When to Go to Puerto Vallarta For Low cost Costs
For these questioning about the perfect time to journey to Puerto Vallarta on a price range, August to October are the most cost effective months. Whereas it’s scorching, humid, and wet within the mid-summer months, a number of Mexican households nonetheless journey to PV for a seaside trip.
Consequently, costs don’t are likely to drop all that a lot in June and July. Positive, it’s cheaper than the excessive season, however you’ll get a greater deal should you wait till Mexican colleges are again in session.
I child you not, an Airbnb or native short-term rental is more likely to be half the worth or much less in September when in comparison with December or January. These prepared to courageous the rain and the humidity are at the very least rewarded with low-cost lodging prices.
When to Go to Puerto Vallarta For Climbing
Should you’re trying to do extra mountain climbing than lounging, I like to recommend visiting between December and March. Sure, that is the excessive season, however most individuals are occupied with mendacity on the seaside or going out to eating places and bars.
Puerto Vallarta isn’t usually thought of a mountain climbing vacation spot. Nonetheless, that is excellent news should you’re trying to work up a sweat because the few trails within the space are by no means significantly crowded. Even higher, you’ll know that tacos and margaritas await when you’re again on the town.
My favourite hike is the one from Boca de Tomatlan to Las Animas Seashore. You’ll be able to take the native bus down there from the Romantic Zone for simply 10 pesos ($0.58), cross the bridge, and simply observe the path alongside the coast. Click on right here for instructions to the bus cease.
It’s not too strenuous of a hike and it passes by a number of distant seashores if you wish to take a break. When you make it to Las Animas, you possibly can seize lunch and drinks whereas chilling on the seaside earlier than catching a water taxi again.
The Finest Time to Go to Puerto Vallarta By Month
By now it’s possible you’ll be questioning what month is greatest to go to Puerto Vallarta. Actually, my reply modifications 12 months to 12 months because it relies upon lots on the climate. Right here’s a quick description of every month in PV targeted on the climate and issues to do.
Puerto Vallarta in January
The New 12 months kicks off with a bang in Puerto Vallarta, as the entire city is one huge fiesta on December 31. It’s an incredible place to recuperate from a hangover, that’s for positive!
Climate in Puerto Vallarta in January
January is a really nice time to be in PV. The typical every day excessive is 27°C/80F whereas the low is 16°C/60F, and there’s usually no rain.
With freezing temperatures reigning supreme up north, it’s no surprise Puerto Vallarta is such a well-liked snowbird vacation spot. Higher to be plowing sand than snow, am I proper?
Whilst you can positively hit the seaside in January, the water is a bit chilly for my liking. I normally simply hang around on Los Muertos Seashore with fish tacos and margaritas rejoicing in the truth that I’m not in Michigan.
Issues To Do in Puerto Vallarta in January
One beauty of being right here in January is that it’s peak whale-watching season. The whales normally begin arriving in December and there are many them within the bay by January. Click on right here for whale-watching tour choices.
That is additionally a very good time of 12 months to be lively outside. In different months it’s merely insufferable with the warmth and humidity. Get on the market and jog the Malecon and even run up the steps to the mirador (viewpoint). Click on right here for instructions.
Puerto Vallarta in February
The excessive season remains to be going robust in February, because the climate is way the identical as it’s in January.
Climate in Puerto Vallarta in February
It’s nonetheless excellent climate right here in February, with loads of sunshine and never a rain cloud in sight. And the crowds are nonetheless right here soaking all of it up…
Through the day, you possibly can hang around on the seaside after which stroll by means of city after sundown. After darkish, although, you positively don’t desire a moist bathing go well with on and you may want a lightweight sweater – it may be just a little chilly.
Issues To Do in Puerto Vallarta in February
February in Puerto Vallarta is the proper time to get on the market and do some mountain climbing. As I discussed earlier, the Boca de Tomatlan to Las Animas is a superb alternative and is definitely accessible from PV.
It’s additionally a very good month to discover extra of Banderas Bay. The entire little seaside cities are hopping this time of 12 months; head to Yelapa, Bucerias, Sayulita, or San Poncho.
Puerto Vallarta in March
March in Puerto Vallarta is that odd time when all of the snowbirds and American highschool & school children are all on the town on the similar time. For sure, it might get attention-grabbing.
Climate in Puerto Vallarta in March
“Spring Break! Wooooo!” You would possibly hear that a few times in March. College students flock right here to resorts to unwind and slam Piña Coladas, so yeah, the solar is shining down right here.
The Spring Breakers hardly ever make it to city, however it’s possible you’ll encounter a few of them barefoot, (barely inebriated), and confused on the native bus. Partygoers apart, the climate remains to be wonderful at the moment of 12 months!
Issues To Do in Puerto Vallarta in March
With larger temperatures and plenty extra rain on the horizon, March is a superb month for taking a ship journey. Top-of-the-line is the journey to the Marietas Islands, the place you possibly can swim to a hidden seaside and look out for blue-footed boobies.
The water will get just a little hotter in March, and it’s throughout this time of 12 months that almost all I really like going out to SUP (stand-up paddleboard) or snorkel. You are able to do each on a visit to Los Arcos simply south of PV.
Puerto Vallarta in April
Issues are beginning to heat up a bit in April and plenty of the high-season people begin making their mass exodus.
Climate in Puerto Vallarta in April
By April, the typical every day excessive is 29°C/84F and the low is nineteen°C/66F. There’s nonetheless little or no to no rain, making April a super month to go to PV.
Actually, the hotter climate and longer days make April one in every of my favourite months.
Issues To Do in Puerto Vallarta in April
One factor to contemplate in April (and March generally) is Semana Santa. The Holy Week main as much as Easter is an extremely busy time for journey in Latin America, and PV is without doubt one of the prime locations in Mexico.
Throughout Semana Santa in PV, the seashores are packed all day lengthy and site visitors is insufferable. The sensible expats simply get out of city, so I discourage you from planning your trip throughout this time.
Should you do end up in Puerto Vallarta outdoors of Semana Santa, it’s an superior time to be right here. Get on the market and do the Rhythms of the Evening tour. It’s a sundown cruise, connoisseur dinner, an open bar, and an unbelievable efficiency multi functional.
Puerto Vallarta in Could
Ahhh… Could in PV. It’s formally shoulder season and also you don’t want to attend for a seaside chair or a seat on the bar. Life is nice.
Climate in Puerto Vallarta in Could
Come Could, the typical every day excessive hits 30°C/86F. The most well liked time of the day is certainly siesta hour because it begins to develop into disagreeable to be out within the scorching solar – any excuse for a nap!
It’s very a lot tank-top and flip-flop climate by this level within the 12 months. There nonetheless isn’t a lot rain in Could, however these rainy-season vibes begin to creep in on the finish of the month.
Issues To Do in Puerto Vallarta in Could
Could in Puerto Vallarta is all about Satisfaction Week which generally takes place the final week of the month. There are parades and events all through the week and the city is bustling.
I additionally like hanging out down on the Isla Cuale in Could. It’s straightforward to search out some shade and it’s good to loosen up by the river earlier than the mosquitoes come out to play.
Puerto Vallarta in June
We’ve reached the off-season in Puerto Vallarta, as the warmth and the rain scare many a gringo away. Solely the robust survive at this level within the 12 months!
Climate in Puerto Vallarta in June
June is when you must begin to consider carrying an umbrella with you. This may be to protect you from the solar or the rain relying on the day, and generally each.
The typical every day excessive is 32°C/89F with lows generally dropping to 25°C/77F. It additionally begins raining fairly often, however the actually intense storms don’t normally occur in June.
Issues To Do in Puerto Vallarta in June
A June journey to PV requires some flexibility along with your itinerary. You would possibly get a number of good seaside days, and also you would possibly solely get one. Anticipate boat journeys specifically to be rescheduled due to storms.
It’s greatest to drift because the wet season kicks off. Fortunately you possibly can nonetheless do issues like go on superior meals excursions even on a wet day. Mas tacos y tequila por favor!
Puerto Vallarta in July
Summertime and the dwelling’s wet… welcome to July in PV.
Climate in Puerto Vallarta in July
These good days of June begin to slip away in July, because it rains on a near-daily foundation at this level. It’s tremendous scorching and humid as properly, so that you would possibly find yourself spending a variety of time within the room with the A/C on.
A July go to to PV isn’t a foul time to contemplate an all-inclusive. You’ll be able to nonetheless hang around on the swim-up bar even when it’s raining!
Issues To Do in Puerto Vallarta in July
Whereas it’s scorching, wet, and humid, July is a type of low season high-season in PV. There aren’t any snowbirds and worldwide vacationer numbers are low, however Mexicans flock right here in droves for summer time trip.
July is a enjoyable time to flee town and head up into the mountains. A bit mud doesn’t cease the ATV excursions from operating, they usually’re truly extra enjoyable in the summertime months.
Puerto Vallarta in August
By August, PV begins to develop into considerably of a ghost city. At the very least it’s straightforward to discover a deal on a resort room…
Climate in Puerto Vallarta in August
There’s about an 80% probability of rain every day in August. That is hurricane season right here, and whereas Banderas Bay is normally fairly sheltered, it’s develop into an space of upper threat in recent times.
Rain will most positively thwart a few of your plans should you’re visiting in August. There may very well be worse locations to be caught than a enjoyable bar in Puerto Vallarta, although. Una mas cerveza?
Issues To Do in Puerto Vallarta in August
It’s good to have some indoor actions as backup plans. Fortunately, PV has some good air-conditioned malls with nice cinemas.
Different enjoyable indoor actions embody the Choco Museum and the Tilt PV Museum. You’ll be able to take a chocolate-making workshop on the former and a few trippy footage on the latter.
Puerto Vallarta in September
Locals right here name this month “Sep-hambre” (hambre which means “starvation”) as a result of it’s the depths of the off-season. The numerous who depend on tourism listed below are scraping to get by till the following excessive season, so if you end up right here in September and also you’re in a position, be beneficiant with suggestions.
Climate in Puerto Vallarta in September
At this level in the summertime, you’re simply so sick of the warmth, humidity, and fixed energy outages that September brings.
That is the time of 12 months when your shirt sticks to you all day and you might want to bathe 3 times or extra. Then you definitely get caught operating house within the rain for a 4th bathe.
Issues To Do in Puerto Vallarta in September
Should you do courageous the climate situations, you’ll be rewarded with with the ability to take pleasure in Independence Day. It’s celebrated on September 17 and there are festivities held all through the week main up.
Rain or shine, there’ll be parades, road markets, fireworks, and a bunch of “Viva Mexico!” chants. Regardless of the sticky shirts, it truly is a enjoyable time to be within the metropolis.
Puerto Vallarta in October
There’s a lightweight on the finish of the tunnel, however it’s additionally flooded. Such is life in PV in October.
Climate in Puerto Vallarta in October
Come October, there are indicators that nicer climate is across the nook. That being stated, it’s nonetheless sticky, scorching, and really, very wet.
Should you’ve survived the entire off-season, by this level you simply take the downpours and energy outages in stride. Should you’re simply visiting for a couple of days, it’d put a damper in your journey…
Issues To Do in Puerto Vallarta in October
Sports activities return to the scenes in October. There are many nice sports activities bars on the town the place you possibly can watch no matter form of sports activities tickles your fancy.
In a celebration city, it ought to come as no shock that Halloween is a enjoyable time right here. Loads of shops have costumes and numerous get together provides, so get within the spooky spirit.
Puerto Vallarta in November
Similar to that – the rains begin to dissipate and the crowds begin to return. It’s the circle of PV life.
Climate in Puerto Vallarta in November
Lastly – after months of rain and warmth – we’re again to a pleasant 30°C/86F common excessive and 20°C/68F for the lows. The umbrellas can get stuffed again within the closet (in the event that they haven’t been retired after the wet season, that’s).
It is a lovely time in PV to take pleasure in being outdoors and bouncing round city earlier than the excessive season actually kicks in. It’s one in every of my favourite occasions of the 12 months to be right here for positive.
Issues To Do in Puerto Vallarta in November
The month kicks off with the Day of the Useless, which is a superb time to be in Puerto Vallarta. Whereas the celebrations right here aren’t fairly as huge as they’re in Mexico Metropolis or Oaxaca, it’s nonetheless a really attention-grabbing cultural expertise.
With the return to beautiful climate, November is an effective time to leap on a ship and spend the day at a seaside hideaway. Sit again, loosen up, and drink it in.
Puerto Vallarta in December
December in PV means the floodgates are open, because the airport is packed every day with individuals coming right here to spend the vacation season.
Climate in Puerto Vallarta in December
As soon as once more, it’s chilly up north and nearly excellent right here in PV. Each day common highs hover at 28°C/82F and the lows dip so far as 18°C/64F, so you possibly can chortle in any respect your pals scraping ice off their windshield whilst you sip daiquiris by the pool.
The seashores and the Malecon are as soon as once more full as the possibility of a random downpour could be very low. It’s excessive season in PV, and everyone seems to be out having fun with the climate.
Issues To Do in Puerto Vallarta in December
On December 12, Puerto Vallarta celebrates the Feast of Our Girl of Guadalupe. Individuals from throughout Mexico make a pilgrimage right here to the cathedral and there’s a festive ambiance in the primary sq. all week.
Within the lead-up to Christmas, the Malecon is embellished with a bunch of little homes. There’s even an enormous Christmas tree all lit up. After all of the Christmas enjoyable, it’s time to get together. New 12 months’s Eve is large in PV and the 12 months goes out with a bang right here.
Finest Time to Go to Puerto Vallarta: FAQs
Listed below are some solutions to probably the most generally requested questions on the perfect time to go to Puerto Vallarta:
The wet season lasts from June to November.
It may very well be any time from June to November however is often between August and October.
April has very nice temperatures with little to no rain.
The excessive season lasts from late November till March in PV.
The off-season happens between June and October, though July might be busy with households on trip.
Both July or August is normally the most well liked month in PV.
December, with Christmas and New 12 months’s Eve, is the busiest time of 12 months.
In Conclusion
I hope this submit helps you determine on the perfect time to go to Puerto Vallarta for you. As a result of that’s the factor – what’s greatest for you may not be greatest for me, and vice versa.
Reality be advised, there isn’t a dangerous time to go to Puerto Vallarta. Even once I’ve been caught in a downpour with no raincoat or umbrella in my flip-flops, I’ve managed to have a very good time.
Rain or shine, there’s all the time somebody cooking up tacos al pastor, somebody cranking the reggaeton up, and somebody pouring drinks. I’m positive you’ll have enjoyable whatever the climate. Disfruta Puerto Vallarta, amigos.
