Planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta in July? You're looking at a month that brings warm ocean water, lush green hillsides, and a rhythm to the days that rewards travelers who know what to expect.
This guide breaks down exactly what to expect, from temperatures and rain patterns to ocean conditions, packing essentials, and the best ways to spend your time.
What's the Average Temperature in Puerto Vallarta During July?
July in Puerto Vallarta is hot and humid, with daytime highs consistently landing between 89°F and 92°F (31–33°C) and nighttime lows settling around 73–76°F (23–24°C). That range keeps things warm around the clock, which means you'll want to plan your days around the heat rather than fight it.
Humidity levels averaging 78–92% make the air feel heavier than the thermometer suggests, so the heat is something you feel in your whole body, not just on the surface.
How Hot Does It Get in Puerto Vallarta in July?
The real story in July isn't just the temperature, it's the humidity. While the thermometer reads around 91°F during peak afternoon hours, humidity regularly exceeds 80% which makes the perceived temperature climb well above the actual reading.
That combination intensifies between late morning and mid-afternoon. Mornings feel manageable, afternoons demand shade or ocean time, and the occasional rain shower brings a brief but welcome cooldown.
Is It Cold in Puerto Vallarta in July?
Cold weather isn't something you'll encounter in Puerto Vallarta during July. Temperatures rarely dip below 70°F at any point during the day or night, and the humidity keeps the air feeling warm even after sunset. The only time you might reach for a light layer is inside heavily air-conditioned restaurants or buses, where the contrast between tropical heat and indoor cooling can catch you off guard.
Pack one lightweight cardigan for those moments and leave the rest of your cold-weather gear at home.
What's the Temperature Like at Night in Puerto Vallarta in July?
Evenings in Puerto Vallarta stay consistently warm through July, with overnight temperatures averaging around 68–72°F (20–22°C). Humidity keeps the air feeling warmer than those numbers suggest, so outdoor dining and evening strolls along the Malecón stay comfortable without layers.
Air conditioning becomes essential for comfortable sleeping, but outdoor evening plans call for the same breathable clothing you'd wear during the day.
Is the Water Warm Enough to Swim in July?
July delivers some of the warmest ocean temperatures of the year in Banderas Bay. Along the coastline, water temperatures average 85–87°F (29–31°C). That warmth makes extended swimming sessions comfortable without any thermal protection, and it opens up hours-long snorkeling without the chill that cuts shorter visits in cooler months. Divers benefit equally.
July falls within the peak June-to-October window when water conditions are at their best, with 130-foot visibility at some sites. A 2–3mm rashguard works well for sun protection and minor abrasion prevention, but it's not needed for warmth. Wetsuits and thermal gear stay in the suitcase entirely.
Does It Rain in Puerto Vallarta in July?
Yes, July brings rain to Puerto Vallarta, and it brings it often. Expect roughly 18 to 20 days of the month to record some measurable precipitation. The key detail is timing. Rainfall typically arrives in late-day bursts rather than stretching across entire days.
That pattern leaves mornings and early afternoons consistently clear, giving you a reliable window for outdoor plans before the sky opens up.
How Much Rain Should You Expect in Puerto Vallarta in July?
Puerto Vallarta averages around 13 to 14 inches of total rainfall in July, concentrated into those brief late-afternoon downpours rather than steady all-day drizzle.
A typical shower rolls through with thunder and intensity, then passes within 30 to 60 minutes, leaving evenings dry and noticeably cooler. Interestingly, mid-July drier conditions (roughly days 11 through 20) are statistically more common than in the first and last weeks of the month, which gives travelers scheduling flexibility if they can adjust their dates.
Is July Part of the Rainy Season in Puerto Vallarta?
July sits squarely within Puerto Vallarta's rainy season, which runs from June through mid-October along Mexico's Pacific coast. Within that window, July records 61% more rain than June but still falls short of the September peak.
Despite the label, "rainy season" in Puerto Vallarta translates to predictable afternoon showers bookended by sunshine, not the gray all-day rain the term might suggest.
Should You Worry About Storms and Hurricanes in Puerto Vallarta in July?
July falls within the Eastern Pacific hurricane season, but the month sits in the early, low-activity period when significant storm development remains rare. The hurricane peak doesn't arrive until late August through September, well after July has passed.
Puerto Vallarta also benefits from natural geographic protection. The Sierra Madre mountain ranges act as a storm buffer and can reduce storm intensity before it reaches the coast. Standard travel insurance with weather coverage is always a wise investment, but July doesn't warrant serious storm-related concern.
Is It Windy in Puerto Vallarta in July?
Wind conditions in July are remarkably calm, with wind speeds hovering between 2 and 7 knots and seas staying smooth across Banderas Bay. That stillness works in your favor for nearly every water activity.
Snorkeling benefits from minimal surface chop, kayaking and paddleboarding feel stable and accessible, and boat tours run comfortably. Wind-dependent sports won't find enough breeze, but for everyone else, the calm water is a genuine advantage.
What Wildlife Shows Up in Puerto Vallarta in July?
July opens the door to sea turtle season, with Olive Ridley and Pacific Green turtles beginning to arrive along Banderas Bay's beaches as early as mid-July, and evening turtle release programs become one of the month's most memorable activities. In the water, dolphins stay active in the bay year-round, while July's warm temperatures bring increased marine life to snorkeling sites like Los Arcos Marine Park, where tropical fish and rays gather around the rock formations.
The region delivers over 300 bird species, including blue-footed boobies at the Marietas Islands. Humpback whales, however, won't return until December.
Does the Weather Affect Tours in Puerto Vallarta During July?
Tour operations continue at full capacity through July, with cancellations being genuinely rare. The predictable rain timing, late afternoon and evening, means most daytime excursions wrap up before showers arrive, and we build our schedules around that pattern. Boat tours, snorkeling trips, zipline adventures, and jungle excursions all run on their regular calendars.
When weather does shift earlier than expected, covered facilities and indoor alternatives keep the day on track rather than shutting things down. Lower visitor numbers during July also mean easier rebooking if adjustments become necessary, giving you more flexibility than peak-season months typically allow.
What to Bring for Puerto Vallarta in July?
Weather determines everything you pack. Quick-dry synthetic or linen fabrics replace cotton entirely. The humidity means cotton clothing never fully dries and becomes uncomfortable fast. Pack at least two to three swimsuits so you always have a dry one ready.
A lightweight rain jacket and compact umbrella are non-negotiable for those afternoon downpours. Sun-protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and polarized sunglasses handle the extreme UV index, while a waterproof dry bag keeps your phone and valuables safe during water activities.
Best Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta in July
July brings specific advantages to Puerto Vallarta. Warm ocean temperatures create peak conditions for snorkeling and diving, with 130-foot visibility at some sites.
The rainy season transforms the Sierra Madre foothills into a lush, vivid green landscape that makes jungle zipline tours and ATV rides through mountain trails far more scenic than during the dry months. Waterfalls run at full force, sea turtle nesting programs begin, and lower visitor numbers mean more space on beaches and more personal attention on excursions.
We've put together a full guide covering the top experiences: Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta in July.
Our Top Pick to Enjoy the Best of Puerto Vallarta
A secluded beach on the southern coast of Banderas Bay, accessible only by boat, gives you a full day surrounded by jungle, warm turquoise water, and the kind of calm that resort-front beaches can't replicate. The Las Caletas Beach & Adventure Park experience makes July's ocean conditions even better. The water stays around 86°F, ideal for snorkeling the colorful reefs just offshore or floating on the iconic hammocks suspended above the waves.
Kids have their own adventure park with zip lines, climbing walls, and donkey rides, while adults can settle into cooking lessons, margarita-making classes, or mezcal tastings between dips in the ocean.
Everything is handled so you don't have to plan a thing. A scenic 45-minute boat ride gets you there, and the day includes an all-day open bar, buffet lunch on the beach, and all snorkeling and kayaking equipment.
Covered areas and shaded zones mean July's afternoon weather patterns don't interrupt the day, and your guides know exactly how to structure the day around the conditions. Animal encounters with macaws, flamingos, and native species round out a day built for families, couples, and anyone looking for something beyond the ordinary.
Save your spot now.
You're Ready for Puerto Vallarta in July
Now you know what Puerto Vallarta weather looks like in July. You can plan around the temperatures, prepare for afternoon rain, and time your activities to match the conditions. Between the warm ocean, the beginning of turtle season, and landscapes at their greenest, July delivers something that other months simply can't replicate. The rhythm of sunny mornings and brief evening showers becomes second nature within a day or two.
Ready to make it happen? Browse our full selection of Puerto Vallarta tours and find the adventures that fit your travel style. The best tours fill up fast, especially when summer savings make premium options more accessible, so book ahead and show up ready.
