Puerto Vallarta Weather: A Complete Month-by-Month Guide for 2026
Understanding Puerto Vallarta weather is essential for planning the perfect trip. This guide breaks down temperatures, rainfall, humidity, sea conditions, and practical recommendations for every month of the year, so you can choose exactly when to visit based on your travel style, budget, and preferred activities.
Recommended Tour
Airport-Hotel Private Car Puerto Vallarta Transportation
Puerto Vallarta Climate Overview
Puerto Vallarta has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons:
- Dry Season: November to April – Warm, sunny days with minimal rainfall and lower humidity. This is peak tourist season.
- Rainy Season: May to October – Hotter, more humid, with frequent afternoon and evening showers. The landscape becomes lush and green.
Average temperatures range from 24 to 34 degrees Celsius (75 to 93 degrees Fahrenheit) year-round. Sea temperatures remain warm enough for swimming throughout the year (24-30 degrees Celsius / 75-86 degrees Fahrenheit).
Month-by-Month Weather Guide
Recommended Tour
City Tour Puerto Vallarta - Churches, Tequila Test and more
January – Peak Dry Season
- Average Temperature: 22-28 degrees Celsius (72-82 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Rainfall: 35mm over 2 days (very low)
- Sea Temperature: 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit) – warm enough for swimming
- Humidity: 77 percent
- Hours of Sunshine: 7.5 hours per day (68 percent of daylight)
- Ideal For: Sightseeing, beach relaxation, whale watching (season begins), outdoor excursions
- Travel Tip: Book accommodations 3-4 months in advance due to high demand. This is one of the busiest months.
February – Ideal Weather Continues
- Average Temperature: 22-29 degrees Celsius (72-84 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Rainfall: 5mm over 1 day (minimal)
- Sea Temperature: 24.3 degrees Celsius (76 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Humidity: 77 percent
- Hours of Sunshine: 8.5 hours per day (73 percent of daylight)
- Ideal For: Romantic getaways, water activities, snorkeling, boat tours
- Travel Tip: Prices remain high, especially around Valentine Day. Ocean conditions are excellent for water sports.
Recommended Tour
Hop On Hop Off Tour with Free Stops in Puerto Vallarta
March – Transition to Warmer Weather
- Average Temperature: 23-30 degrees Celsius (73-86 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Rainfall: 0mm (no rain)
- Sea Temperature: 24 degrees Celsius (75 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Humidity: 75 percent
- Hours of Sunshine: 8.5 hours per day (72 percent of daylight)
- Ideal For: Spring vacations, outdoor adventures, hiking, cultural events
- Travel Tip: Late March may see Spring Break crowds. Weather is nearly perfect with zero rainfall.
April – Warm and Sunny
- Average Temperature: 24-31 degrees Celsius (75-88 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Rainfall: 0mm (no rain)
- Sea Temperature: 24.7 degrees Celsius (76 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Humidity: 75 percent
- Hours of Sunshine: 8.5 hours per day (69 percent of daylight)
- Ideal For: Beach lovers, pool days, fewer crowds toward end of month
- Travel Tip: Pack high SPF sunscreen and light clothing. This is the last month of consistently dry weather.
Recommended Tour
Whale Watching Cruise In Puerto Vallarta & Nuevo Vallarta
May – Beginning of Rainy Season
- Average Temperature: 26-33 degrees Celsius (79-91 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Rainfall: 15mm over 1 day (increasing)
- Sea Temperature: 26.5 degrees Celsius (80 degrees Fahrenheit) – pleasantly warm for long swims
- Humidity: 75 percent
- Hours of Sunshine: 9 hours per day (67 percent of daylight)
- Ideal For: Budget travelers, warm ocean swimming, photography
- Travel Tip: Expect fewer tourists and better hotel deals. Rain showers are usually short and occur in the evening.
June – Lush Green Season Begins
- Average Temperature: 27-33 degrees Celsius (81-91 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Rainfall: 190mm over 11 days (moderate)
- Sea Temperature: 28.2 degrees Celsius (83 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Humidity: 77 percent
- Hours of Sunshine: 7.5 hours per day (56 percent of daylight)
- Ideal For: Nature lovers, waterfall hikes, lush landscapes, photography
- Travel Tip: Lightweight rain gear is helpful. Mornings and early afternoons are often sunny.
Recommended Tour
Puerto Vallarta Airport to Hotel Private Transfer by Minivan
July – Hot and Rainy
- Average Temperature: 27-33 degrees Celsius (81-91 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Rainfall: 330mm over 16 days (high)
- Sea Temperature: 29.4 degrees Celsius (85 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Humidity: 78 percent
- Hours of Sunshine: 6.5 hours per day (49 percent of daylight)
- Ideal For: Off-season travel, lowest prices, photography, fewer crowds
- Travel Tip: Plan outdoor activities earlier in the day. The city feels greener and less crowded.
August – Hottest Month
- Average Temperature: 27-34 degrees Celsius (81-93 degrees Fahrenheit) – hottest month
- Rainfall: 310mm over 15 days (high)
- Sea Temperature: 29.9 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Humidity: 80 percent
- Hours of Sunshine: 6.5 hours per day (51 percent of daylight)
- Ideal For: Travelers who do not mind heat and rain, budget-conscious visitors
- Travel Tip: Stay hydrated and take midday breaks in air conditioning. Despite rain, many enjoy the quieter atmosphere.
Recommended Tour
ATV and RZR Jorullo Bridge Experience in Puerto Vallarta
September – Wettest Month
- Average Temperature: 26-33 degrees Celsius (79-91 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Rainfall: 370mm over 16 days (highest of year)
- Sea Temperature: 29.6 degrees Celsius (85 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Humidity: 81 percent
- Hours of Sunshine: 6 hours per day (50 percent of daylight)
- Ideal For: Lowest prices, relaxed travel pace, hurricane season awareness
- Travel Tip: Consider travel insurance during hurricane season (Pacific hurricane season runs June-November). Heavy rains and occasional tropical storms are possible, though not constant.
October – Transition Back to Dry
- Average Temperature: 25-32 degrees Celsius (77-90 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Rainfall: 95mm over 5 days (decreasing)
- Sea Temperature: 29.6 degrees Celsius (85 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Humidity: 78 percent
- Hours of Sunshine: 7.5 hours per day (64 percent of daylight)
- Ideal For: Fewer crowds, improving weather, late October especially pleasant
- Travel Tip: Rainfall decreases significantly toward end of month. Late October offers excellent value with improving conditions.
Recommended Tour
Private Tour: Puerto Vallarta ATV Adventure
November – Dry Season Returns
- Average Temperature: 24-30 degrees Celsius (75-86 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Rainfall: Low (transitioning to dry season)
- Sea Temperature: Warm and pleasant
- Humidity: Decreasing
- Hours of Sunshine: Increasing
- Ideal For: Outdoor activities, cultural events, whale watching season begins
- Travel Tip: Early November offers good value before peak season prices rise. Weather is warm, fresh, and comfortable.
December – Holiday Season
- Average Temperature: 23-29 degrees Celsius (73-84 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Rainfall: Very low
- Sea Temperature: Warm
- Humidity: Lower
- Hours of Sunshine: High
- Ideal For: Holiday travel, whale watching, festive events
- Travel Tip: One of the busiest months. Book flights and hotels well in advance. Combines excellent weather with festive holiday events.
Recommended Tour
Horseback Riding Tour in Sierra Madre from Puerto Vallarta
When to Visit Based on Your Travel Style
Best Weather: January-April, November-December
These months offer the most predictable, sunny weather with minimal rainfall. Ideal if you want guaranteed beach days and outdoor activities without rain interruptions. January and February are particularly perfect.
Best Value: May-October
The rainy season brings significantly lower hotel rates and fewer crowds. If you do not mind afternoon showers and higher humidity, you can save 30-50 percent on accommodations. May and October offer the best balance of value and weather.
Best for Whale Watching: December-March
Humpback whales migrate to Banderas Bay during these months. Boat tours are available daily, and sightings are nearly guaranteed. January and February are peak whale watching months.
Best for Water Activities: April-October
Sea temperatures are warmest (28-30 degrees Celsius / 82-86 degrees Fahrenheit) from July through October, making these months ideal for snorkeling, diving, and extended swimming sessions.
Best for Photography: June-September
The rainy season transforms the landscape into lush, vibrant green. Dramatic cloud formations and rainbows are common. Morning light is often spectacular before afternoon showers.
Hurricane Season Awareness
Puerto Vallarta hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30, with the highest risk in September and October. However, direct hurricane hits are rare due to the bay geography. The area is generally safe, but it is wise to:
- Purchase travel insurance if visiting during peak hurricane months (September-October)
- Monitor weather forecasts
- Have a flexible itinerary
- Stay informed through local resources
Final Recommendations
For First-Time Visitors: January through March offer the most reliable weather and the classic Puerto Vallarta experience. You will get sunny days, comfortable temperatures, and all activities operating at full capacity.
For Budget Travelers: May and October provide the best combination of value and acceptable weather. You will save significantly on accommodations while still enjoying plenty of sunshine.
For Nature Enthusiasts: June through September showcase Puerto Vallarta at its greenest. Waterfalls are flowing, rivers are full, and the Sierra Madre mountains are spectacular.
For Whale Watchers: December through March is non-negotiable. Book whale watching tours in advance, as they sell out quickly during peak season.
Regardless of when you choose to visit, Puerto Vallarta offers something special year-round. The key is matching your travel priorities with the right season.
