Puerto Vallarta in December: Weather, Activities and Why It Is One of the Best Times
December transforms Puerto Vallarta into a magical destination where tropical paradise meets holiday celebration. This guide covers everything you need to know about visiting during this spectacular month, from perfect weather conditions to unique cultural traditions that make December unforgettable.
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December Weather Overview
December offers some of the most comfortable weather conditions of the entire year in Puerto Vallarta. Average daytime temperatures range from 23 to 29 degrees Celsius (73-84 degrees Fahrenheit), creating ideal conditions for beach activities and outdoor exploration. Nighttime temperatures drop to a pleasant 15-17 degrees Celsius (60-63 degrees Fahrenheit), perfect for evening strolls along the Malecon.
Rainfall is minimal at just 28mm (1.1 inches) spread over approximately 6.5 days during the entire month, making it one of the driest months. Average humidity settles at 71 percent, significantly lower than the rainy season months. Sea temperatures remain inviting at around 25-26 degrees Celsius (77-79 degrees Fahrenheit), comfortable for swimming throughout the month.
Christmas and Holiday Events
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Festival of Guadalupe (December 1-12)
The holiday season kicks off with the Festival of Guadalupe, one of the most important religious celebrations in Puerto Vallarta. From December 1st through December 12th, the streets come alive as people make their way to the Cathedral of Our Lady Guadalupe in the Historic Center. This festival marks the anniversary of the day the Virgin Guadalupe made her miraculous appearance to a peasant in Mexico.
The central plaza fills with street vendors selling fruits, local specialties, Mexican street food, sweet treats, souvenirs, art, and crafts. Colorful floats and dancers create a vibrant atmosphere throughout the celebration. On December 12th, the closing day, a magnificent fireworks display illuminates Banderas Bay, providing a spectacular finale to the festivities.
The Tallest Christmas Tree in Mexico
The lighting of the Christmas tree at Los Muertos Pier is one of the most anticipated events of the holiday season. This spectacular tree is considered the tallest in Mexico, rising majestically in front of the sea and becoming a meeting point for both locals and visitors.
The pier, already an icon of Puerto Vallarta due to its distinctive architecture and panoramic views, becomes decked out with multicolored lights that create a festive atmosphere. The lighting ceremony officially kicks off the holiday season and the Mar de Regalos Christmas Festival, featuring live music, artistic performances, and a family atmosphere that captures the essence of holidays on the Mexican Pacific coast.
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Mar de Regalos Christmas Festival (December 18 - January 1)
The Mar de Regalos Christmas Festival is one of the season's great attractions in Puerto Vallarta. Organized by the municipal government, this celebration runs from December 18th to January 1st and features free activities in the main public areas of El Centro and the Romantic Zone.
The festival includes a varied program of activities:
- Live Performances: Local artists perform diverse musical genres including jazz, rock, boleros, traditional Mexican music, pop, and Christmas carols.
- Folkloric Dance: The Xiutla Folkloric Group presents traditional Mexican dances, a Puerto Vallarta tradition for more than 30 years.
- Christmas Movies: Holiday-themed films are shown in Hidalgo Park for family entertainment.
- Oceanfront Entertainment: Live DJ and evening performances by the ocean, set against the light display on the Los Muertos beach pier.
- New Year's Festival: Held on December 31st starting at 8:00 p.m. at the Puerto Vallarta Malecon boardwalk, featuring live performances by Mariachi CHG, Sonora Song Cumbia, and The Blaze.
New Year's Eve Beachfront Celebrations
Puerto Vallarta bids farewell to the year with one of the most vibrant celebrations on the Mexican Pacific coast. The bay lights up with a spectacular fireworks display that reflects off the waters of the Pacific, creating a breathtaking show visible from virtually anywhere along the Malecon or the beach.
Hotels, bars, and beach clubs offer gala dinners and themed parties for those seeking a more formal celebration. However, many travelers prefer to welcome the New Year barefoot on the sand, accompanied by music and a glass of sparkling wine, embracing the relaxed tropical atmosphere.
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First Sunset Festival (January 1)
On New Year's Day, Palmares Beach in the southern part of Puerto Vallarta hosts the First Sunset Festival. This inaugural event features DJ sets and live tunes from noon until the first sunset of the new year, providing a perfect way to begin the year with music, beach vibes, and community celebration.
Whale Watching Season Begins
December marks the beginning of the humpback whale watching season in Banderas Bay. Each winter, these colossal marine mammals migrate from icy polar zones to seek the warm refuge offered by the waters of the bay.
Many whales choose the waters of Puerto Vallarta to give birth and guide their calves through the complexity of life under the sea. Others engage in fascinating male courtship and mating rituals. For a period of 4 months, the Mexican Pacific Ocean becomes a fertile territory for observing these magnificent creatures leaping, breaching, playing, and flapping.
The official whale watching season runs from December through March, with January and February being the peak months. Average tours last approximately 3 hours and cost around $87 USD for adults and $77 USD for children. Tours take place in the morning and are recommended for people of all ages.
Professional whale watching companies in Puerto Vallarta employ certified crews often led by marine biologists, nature photographers, and specialized guides who share their knowledge and experience. Many boats feature special hydrophone devices that allow passengers to hear the whales hypnotic songs, which can sometimes last for half an hour or more.
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Christmas Traditions
Posadas (December 16-24)
Celebrated throughout many communities in Mexico, Posadas are a recreation of when Joseph and the Virgin Mary set out looking for shelter for the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. Occurring nightly from December 16th until December 24th, each neighborhood participates with processions traveling to designated homes to ask for lodging in song. When the host throws open the door, the party begins with food, music, and celebration.
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Christmas Eve Traditions (December 24)
December 24th is when the main Christmas celebrations happen throughout Mexico. The feast centers around turkey accompanied by many other delicious dishes, including sweet and savory tamales that are a staple of Mexican holiday cuisine.
Pinatas are a fun and traditional part of Christmas celebrations. These paper mache and clay star shapes are filled with sweets. Participants take turns being spun around and hitting the pinata with a stick, trying to break it to collect the scattered sweets.
Three Kings Day (January 6)
The Christmas season does not end in December in Mexico. Every year on January 6th, children in Mexico look forward to Three Kings Day (Dia de los Reyes), synonymous with gifts for all little ones. This day commemorates the adoration of the Child Jesus by the three wise men who came from the East to pay honors and bring presents to the newborn.
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Why December is Perfect
December combines ideal weather conditions with a festive atmosphere that makes it one of the best times to visit Puerto Vallarta. The Historic Center cobblestone streets glow with holiday lights and are adorned with nativity scenes, creating a magical walking experience.
Restaurants throughout the city offer special menus that blend Mexican flavors with international influences, providing culinary experiences unique to the holiday season. The festive spirit is elevated by the exuberant celebration of Posadas in neighborhoods across the city.
A walk along the Malecon in December is an experience in itself, with street performances, live music, and a relaxed atmosphere that invites enjoyment without rushing. For those seeking a more spiritual touch to their December vacations, the parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe and other churches such as La Santa Cruz in Old Town Vallarta and Del Refugio in the 5 de Diciembre neighborhood offer masses and celebrations.
Practical Tips for December Visitors
Book Early: December is peak tourist season. Book accommodations 3-4 months in advance due to high demand, especially for Christmas and New Year periods.
Whale Watching: Arrive early or at least 45 minutes in advance at the boarding location. If prone to seasickness, consult with a physician regarding available options. Choose certified whale watching companies with visible authorization flags from Mexican authorities.
What to Bring: Pack sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, non-slip shoes, and a light waterproof jacket for evening activities and whale watching tours. Have your camera ready to capture the spectacular holiday decorations and whale encounters.
Responsible Tourism: Choose certified companies for whale watching to ensure adherence to good navigation and observation practices. Tour prices often include a donation fee that goes toward important conservation and scientific research on these marine giants.
Hotel Selection: Consider booking a hotel room with a front ocean view to maximize chances of watching whales from your balcony, especially on full moon nights when the spectacle can be truly impressive.
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Conclusion
December in Puerto Vallarta offers the perfect combination of tropical paradise weather, rich cultural traditions, spectacular holiday events, and unique wildlife encounters. Whether you are seeking relaxation on pristine beaches, immersion in Mexican Christmas traditions, or the thrill of whale watching, December provides an unforgettable experience that captures the magic of the holiday season in one of Mexico most beautiful destinations.
