The morning mist lifts from Banderas Bay at 7 AM, revealing crystal-clear water at 75°F while the air temperature sits at a cool 63°F. By noon, that same spot will reach 81°F, providing the warm, protected waters that are ideal for humpback whale breeding and calving in these protected areas.
This guide breaks down exactly what to expect from Puerto Vallarta's weather in February. We'll cover temperatures, rain patterns, ocean conditions, and how all of it affects your adventures. By the end, you'll understand why February creates some of the year's most reliable wildlife encounters and outdoor experiences.
What's the Average Temperature in Puerto Vallarta During February?
February delivers consistently warm temperatures with daily highs averaging 80-81°F (27°C) and nighttime lows around 62-64°F (17-18°C). You'll experience a comfortable 17-19°F temperature differential between day and night. This exceptional temperature stability creates ideal conditions for humpback whale breeding behavior, as the consistent thermal patterns maintain calm bay conditions perfect for nursing calves.
The protected mountain-coastal geography creates this stable microclimate with minimal day-to-day variation, allowing for multi-day jungle and marine expeditions without weather uncertainty.
How Hot Does It Get in Puerto Vallarta in February?
February combines comfortable air temperatures with significant humidity that affects how heat feels during jungle canopy and marine adventures. While daytime temperatures reach 81°F (27°C), the 75% average humidity creates heat index conditions that make zip-line courses and hiking trails feel considerably warmer.
With 9 hours of daily sunshine and only 40% cloud cover, proper hydration and sun protection become essential for sustained wilderness activities. Plan adventure activities and strenuous hikes for early morning hours (7-10 AM) when temperatures remain in the comfortable 70s, avoiding the peak heat index period between 11 AM and 3 PM.
Is It Cold in Puerto Vallarta in February?
You won't encounter cold weather in Puerto Vallarta during February. The coldest temperatures drop to around 57°F (14°C) on rare occasions, but nighttime lows typically stay in the comfortable 62-64°F (17-18°C) range.
February falls squarely within the dry season, when Pacific storm systems move north and the coastal mountains create stable weather patterns, maintaining consistently pleasant temperatures that never approach anything resembling winter conditions.
What's the Temperature Like at Night in Puerto Vallarta During February?
February evenings require light layering due to noticeable temperature drops from daytime highs. Nighttime temperatures settle around 62-64°F (17-18°C), creating a 15-20°F difference from afternoon heat. Pack a light sweater, cotton jacket, or long-sleeve shirt for evening beach walks, dinner, or sunset sailing trips.
This temperature drop actually enhances evening activities - you'll be comfortable walking along the malecón and dining on outdoor patios without the intensity of midday heat.
Is the Water Warm Enough to Swim in February?
The Pacific Ocean maintains comfortable temperatures averaging 75-76°F (24°C) in February, making swimming and snorkeling enjoyable without thermal protection. Surface water feels pleasant for multi-hour sessions in the 72-79°F range. However, 5mm wetsuits are recommended for scuba diving despite comfortable surface temperatures.
This happens because deeper waters remain cooler than the surface, creating noticeable temperature differences during longer underwater activities. While resort pools maintain artificial temperatures, the wild Pacific Ocean in February offers dynamic thermal experiences that connect you directly to marine ecosystems.
Does It Rain in Puerto Vallarta in February?
February brings minimal rainfall with only 2 rainy days expected during the entire month. When rain does occur, it typically arrives as brief tropical showers rather than prolonged storms, with each event averaging around 11.5mm of precipitation.
These brief rain events create enhanced adventure conditions - revealing hidden waterfalls in the mountain foothills and intensifying the sounds and scents of the tropical forest. The month maintains 93% of days completely dry, making it exceptionally reliable for wilderness expedition planning.
How Much Rain Should You Expect in Puerto Vallarta in February?
February receives approximately 10–12 mm (0.4–0.5 inches) of total rainfall, typically spread over just 1 or 2 days during the month in Puerto Vallarta. When brief rain does occur, it transforms the experience rather than hindering it - jungle trails become more lush, bird activity intensifies, and hidden mountain waterfalls emerge that remain dry during other months.
Is February Part of the Rainy Season in Puerto Vallarta?
February sits firmly within Puerto Vallarta's dry season, which runs from November through May. This positioning makes February one of the most predictable months for adventure travel planning, falling 2.5 months into the reliable dry period.
The contrast with summer months is dramatic - February's single inch of rainfall is much lower than the heavy afternoon storms common during the June-October rainy season. This dry season timing coincides with critical wildlife patterns - whale migration peaks, bird activity increases, and jungle access opens to remote mountain locations.
Should You Worry About Storms in Puerto Vallarta in February?
February poses essentially zero tropical storm risk for adventure travelers. The Pacific hurricane season runs May 15 through November 30, placing February 2.5 months before any potential severe weather activity.
Historical records show no tropical cyclone impacts during February, allowing expedition planning without weather-related contingencies for severe storm activity.
Is It Windy in Puerto Vallarta in February?
Banderas Bay experiences predominantly light wind conditions ranging from 2-9 mph with occasional 11 mph gusts. Southern wind patterns create favorable conditions for kayaking through hidden coves and snorkeling at remote reefs, contributing to improved water clarity and minimal wave action.
Sailing expeditions require light-air techniques during these gentle conditions. The protected bay geography combined with gentle southern winds creates what marine mammal experts call "nursery conditions" - the calm waters essential for humpback whale mothers nursing their calves.
What Wildlife Shows Up in Puerto Vallarta in February?
February represents the peak of wildlife season, when mountain ecosystems and Pacific marine environments converge in remarkable ways. Humpback whales reach peak migration activity, with highly dependable sightings throughout the month – marine mammal experts note that February's calm conditions may help provide protected nursing grounds important for calf survival.
The dry season creates prime bird watching conditions with both resident mountain species and migratory species active. Sea turtle encounters remain minimal in February, as nesting season ends by December.
Does the Weather Affect Tours in Puerto Vallarta During February?
February weather creates optimal conditions for all major adventure activities with minimal weather-related disruptions. Whale watching operates during peak season with a high likelihood of sightings and reliable marine conditions that have proven consistent for decades.
Zip-lining and mountain jungle expeditions run consistently, with any brief weather variations actually creating enhanced ecosystem experiences - revealing hidden waterfalls and intensifying wildlife activity.
Water sports enjoy excellent conditions with minimal cancellation risk. Step beyond resort boundaries into wilderness areas where February's stable weather patterns ensure reliable expedition availability and ideal experiences across all adventure categories.
What to Bring for Puerto Vallarta in February
Weather determines everything you pack for wilderness adventures. February's conditions in Puerto Vallarta mean you'll want strategic layering for the day-to-night temperature variation, comprehensive sun protection for high UV exposure in open ocean and canopy environments, and minimal rain preparation.
For a complete breakdown of exactly what to bring, check out our detailed guide: What to Pack for Puerto Vallarta in February.
Best Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta in February
February brings specific advantages to Puerto Vallarta wilderness adventures. Peak whale migration combines with favorable weather conditions for mountain canopy tours and marine expeditions. The dry season ensures reliable conditions for multi-day outdoor itineraries while wildlife activity reaches annual highs throughout interconnected mountain and marine ecosystems.
We've put together a full guide covering the top experiences: Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta in February.
Our Top Pick to Enjoy the Best of Puerto Vallarta
Whale Watching Adventure
This all-inclusive whale watching adventure takes families and nature lovers aboard steady, spacious catamarans guided by Marine Mammal experts who've studied the annual migration patterns. You'll witness whales breaching, fin slapping, and diving while listening to their melodic songs through unique hydrophones.
Marine mammal experts share insights about whale behaviors and social dynamics while February's perfect weather ensures comfortable viewing from the deck. The experience includes scenic catamaran cruises across Banderas Bay, deli-style lunch with vegetarian options, and open bar service, all enhanced by February's stable conditions and active whale behavior.
You're Ready for Puerto Vallarta in February
Now you understand how Puerto Vallarta's unique February weather patterns create ideal adventure conditions. Whether you're here for whale watching, jungle expeditions, or marine exploration, February delivers some of the year's most reliable weather for memorable outdoor experiences.
Ready to step beyond resort boundaries? Browse our full selection of Puerto Vallarta expeditions and discover the adventures that harness February's favorable conditions. The best whale watching tours fill up fast during peak migration season, so book ahead and prepare for Puerto Vallarta's most predictable adventure weather in truly wild settings.
