If you’re planning a trip to Mexico or thinking about making it your next home, and you’re curious about the best time to visit Puerto Vallarta, you’ve come to the right place! This guide helps you understand the different seasons and offers a month-by-month breakdown so you can decide when to travel.
Puerto Vallarta (PV) is a safe beach town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast with warm weather year-round, so you can leave those heavy jackets at home. While PV doesn’t have the typical four seasons, it does have distinct high, low, and shoulder seasons based on weather and tourist influx.
The best time to visit depends on your plans, budget, and how you feel about crowds. I’ve experienced every month in PV and stayed through all the seasons, so here’s what I’ve gathered to help make your planning easier.
Generally, the high season in PV runs from November to March, peaking around Christmas and New Year’s. The weather is great, but it’s crowded and expensive. People often book their accommodations a year in advance to escape colder climates up north. Many are willing to pay the higher prices for a tropical getaway.
In my opinion, the best times to visit are just before or after the high season—either in November before the holiday rush or in April/May, depending on Spring Break and Easter schedules. During these months, the weather is pleasant, the crowds are manageable, and prices are more reasonable.
PV has a few different peak seasons: December to mid-January and during American Spring Break and Easter’s Holy Week. During these times, the town is packed, prices soar, and it’s busy everywhere you go.
I think the shoulder seasons offer the best balance. During these months (October-November and April-May), it’s not too hot or rainy, and it’s less crowded and expensive.
I love May in PV as most of the winter visitors have left, and you can enjoy good weather without the intense rain and humidity that comes later. May is also when Restaurant Week is celebrated, offering excellent deals at over 50 participating restaurants—a great time for food enthusiasts.
November is also a fantastic month to visit, particularly because of the Day of the Dead festivities. You can find good accommodation deals and enjoy the cultural celebrations.
The rainy season runs from June to October, marked by heavy downpours and high humidity. If you visit during these months, ensure your accommodation has A/C and a pool and be prepared for flexible plans. The upside? Fewer crowds and lower prices.
For beach and water activities, April and May are ideal. The water is warm, and you avoid the runoff from the rainy season. These months are relatively quiet, except for Easter.
PV hosts numerous festivals, such as Mexico’s Independence Day on September 17th, featuring parades and outdoor events, and a massive Gay Pride Week at the end of May. You’ll also experience the Day of the Dead celebrations with colorful altars on the Malecon.
Unlike the Riviera Maya, PV is not known for many ruins or historical sites. However, the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe in El Centro is important culturally and worth a visit, especially during the festival from December 1st to 12th.
For wildlife enthusiasts, the whale-watching season from December to March is a must. Thousands of humpback whales migrate to Banderas Bay, and you can easily spot them on a whale-watching tour.
If you’re traveling on a budget, August to October are the cheapest months, though it’s hot, humid, and rainy. Prices are significantly lower in September after Mexican schools reopen.
Hiking enthusiasts should visit between December and March. While PV isn’t a famous hiking destination, trails like the one from Boca de Tomatlan to Las Animas Beach are less crowded and offer beautiful scenery.
Deciding which month is best for you depends on what you’re looking for:
– January: Pleasant with no rain, great for whale watching.
– February: Similar to January, perfect for outdoor activities.
– March: Busy with snowbirds and Spring Breakers, great for boating.
– April: Warming up, with longer days, ideal except during Semana Santa.
– May: Shoulder season, fewer crowds, and Pride Week celebrations.
– June: Start of the rainy season, requiring flexible plans.
– July: Hot, rainy, good time for all-inclusives or mountain escapes.
– August: Peak rainy season, good deals on accommodations.
– September: High humidity and constant rain, but lively for Independence Day.
– October: Still rainy, but the weather starts improving.
– November: End of rainy season, great for Day of the Dead celebrations.
– December: High season begins with perfect weather and festive atmosphere.
No matter when you visit Puerto Vallarta, whether it’s rain or shine, there’s always something to enjoy. From delicious tacos to lively reggaeton and cold drinks, you’re bound to have a great time. Enjoy Puerto Vallarta, amigos!
