Planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta in September means stepping into the heart of the tropical rainy season, a time when the jungle turns electric green, waterfalls thunder at full force, and the beaches feel like they belong to you.
This guide breaks down exactly what to expect from Puerto Vallarta's weather in September, covering temperatures, rain patterns, ocean conditions, and how all of it shapes your plans. By the end, you'll know whether September fits what you're looking for and how to make the most of it.
What's the Average Temperature in Puerto Vallarta During September?
September keeps Puerto Vallarta locked into consistent tropical heat, with daytime highs landing around 87–91°F (31–33°C) and the overall monthly average hovering around 81°F (27°C). Nighttime lows settle between 69–76°F (21–24.5°C), which means the temperature barely dips enough to notice a difference after dark.
What makes this range worth paying attention to is how little it varies. There's no cool front rolling through mid-month or a sudden spike to plan around. The consistency actually works in your favor because it removes guesswork and lets you pack and plan with confidence.
How Hot Does It Get in Puerto Vallarta in September?
The thermometer tells one story, but humidity rewrites it. With moisture levels running between 84% to 87% throughout September, the perceived temperature pushes into the low 90s°F even when the air reads 88°F. That gap matters because your body struggles to cool itself through sweat when the air is already saturated.
Peak heat hits between late morning and mid-afternoon, making that window the most important one to manage. Scheduling strenuous activities for early morning hours and building in air-conditioned breaks during midday keeps the heat from cutting into your enjoyment.
Is It Cold in Puerto Vallarta in September?
Cold isn't part of September's vocabulary in Puerto Vallarta. This is one of the warmest months of the year, and even the lowest recorded nighttime temperatures stay well above what anyone would consider chilly. The persistent humidity amplifies that warmth around the clock, so the air holds onto heat even after the sun sets.
If you're someone who runs cold in air conditioning, a lightweight layer for indoor dining or shopping is the most you'd ever need. Outdoors, warmth is guaranteed from sunrise to well past midnight.
What's the Temperature Like at Night in Puerto Vallarta in September?
Evenings stay warm and muggy, with temperatures settling between 70–76°F (21–24°C) and humidity remaining high enough to keep the air feeling thick. That combination means you won't need jackets, sweaters, or any layering strategy for nighttime walks along the Malecón or open-air dining.
Lightweight, breathable clothing works just as well after dark as it does during the day. The only scenario where a thin long-sleeve shirt earns its place is on an evening boat ride, where wind over the water can create a slight cooling effect.
Is the Water Warm Enough to Swim in September?
September's ocean temperatures average 84–86°F (28–30°C), making Banderas Bay feel like a heated pool you never want to leave. That warmth sits well above the comfort threshold for extended swimming, and it's one of the reasons September stands out for water activities.
Guided snorkeling tours become more enjoyable when you're not fighting the urge to get out, and the same goes for paddleboarding or kayaking where you're in and out of the water repeatedly.
Divers benefit from excellent conditions at this temperature range, with no wetsuit required at standard recreational depths. For families with younger children who tend to be more sensitive to cooler water, September removes that concern entirely, so everyone stays comfortable for as long as they want to be in the ocean.
Does It Rain in Puerto Vallarta in September?
Yes, and frequently. September is the wettest month in Puerto Vallarta, with rain falling on roughly 16 to 20 days throughout the month. That sounds daunting until you understand the pattern behind it.
The key detail is that most precipitation arrives in short, intense afternoon or evening bursts rather than lingering all day. Mornings and early afternoons are often sunny, which creates a reliable window for outdoor plans before the clouds build.
How Much Rain Should You Expect in Puerto Vallarta in September?
Monthly rainfall totals land between 14–17 inches (350–430mm), concentrated into those predictable afternoon downpours. A typical rain event drops about 0.87 inches and passes within an hour, leaving clear skies in its wake.
Despite the impressive monthly totals, Puerto Vallarta still averages six to seven hours of sunshine per day, which means the rain compresses itself into brief, dramatic episodes rather than spreading gray drizzle across your itinerary. Thinking of it as a daily weather reset, intense then done, helps frame the experience accurately.
Is September Part of the Rainy Season in Puerto Vallarta?
September sits squarely in the middle of Puerto Vallarta's rainy season, which runs roughly from June to October. Within that window, September represents the peak in terms of total rainfall, which explains the lush green landscapes and roaring waterfalls that define this time of year.
The rainy season also drives some of September's biggest advantages. Dramatically fewer visitors, lower prices across accommodations, and natural scenery that's impossible to replicate during the dry months. Understanding that rain is a feature of this season rather than a flaw changes how you approach planning.
Should You Worry About Storms in Puerto Vallarta in September?
September falls within the Eastern Pacific hurricane season, and it's statistically one of the more active months for tropical storm formation. That said, Puerto Vallarta's actual track record tells a reassuring story. The last significant hurricane impact was in October 2002, more than two decades ago.
Banderas Bay and the Sierra Madre mountains provide natural barriers that often redirect storms or weaken them before they reach the coast. Travel insurance with weather coverage is a smart addition, and monitoring forecasts a week before departure gives you plenty of lead time if anything develops offshore.
Is It Windy in Puerto Vallarta in September?
Wind is barely a factor in September, with speeds holding between 5.8 and 10 km/h (3.6–6.2 mph), classified as a light breeze. That calm works heavily in favor of water activities. Snorkeling conditions improve with minimal surface chop, boat rides stay smooth and comfortable, and paddleboarding becomes accessible even for first-timers.
The gentle breeze also provides just enough airflow to offer slight relief from the heat without creating uncomfortable conditions on the beach. The one trade-off is that wind sports like kiteboarding and windsurfing won't find enough power to function during this month.
What Wildlife Shows Up in Puerto Vallarta in September?
September delivers one of the year's best wildlife windows, headlined by sea turtle season. This month sits at the critical overlap between turtle nesting and hatching season, meaning you could witness both adult females coming ashore and tiny hatchlings making their first sprint to the ocean. Olive ridley and Pacific green turtles are the most commonly seen species.
Underwater, warm water temperatures support abundant marine life at snorkeling sites. Expect angelfish, parrotfish, manta rays, and moray eels at spots like Los Arcos. Birders benefit from the region's 300-plus species, including 20 endemics found nowhere else. Whale watching, however, doesn't begin until December, so that particular adventure belongs to a different trip.
Does the Weather Affect Tours in Puerto Vallarta During September?
Most tours operate throughout September, with schedules designed around the predictable weather pattern.
Light rain and overcast skies don't trigger cancellations. Only severe thunderstorms or conditions that compromise safety result in schedule changes. When cancellations do happen, standard policies typically include the option to reschedule or receive a full refund. Booking morning time slots is the simplest strategy to keep the weather from affecting your plans.
What to Bring for Puerto Vallarta in September
Weather determines everything you pack, and September's conditions in Puerto Vallarta mean prioritizing breathable, quick-dry fabrics over anything heavy or slow to dry. Pack three to four swimsuits instead of the usual two, because humidity means they won't dry overnight between uses.
A packable rain jacket or poncho earns daily carry for afternoon showers, and a waterproof dry bag protects your phone and wallet when downpours arrive suddenly. Comfortable walking shoes handle morning excursions, water shoes protect against rocky shorelines, and sandals cover everything in between. Sun-protective clothing like long-sleeve rash guards and wide-brimmed hats protect against the high UV index, and biodegradable reef-safe products are required for coastal water activities.
Best Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta in September
September's combination of peak rainfall and warm ocean temperatures creates conditions that don't exist during the dry months. Waterfalls across the Sierra Madre reach their most dramatic flow, turning hikes into fully immersive days out.
Snorkeling benefits from bathwater-warm seas and significantly fewer people at popular sites like Los Arcos. Sea turtle release programs run at peak frequency, and the canopy tours feel entirely different when you're zipping through rainforest that's fully alive and green. Morning scheduling unlocks the best conditions for all of these.
We've put together a full guide covering the top experiences: Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta in September.
Our Top Pick to Enjoy the Best of Puerto Vallarta
September is when the Yelapa waterfall comes roaring to life, fed by weeks of steady rain until it becomes a thundering cascade that makes its dry-season trickle unrecognizable. That alone makes this the ideal month to hop on a scenic boat ride south along Banderas Bay to two of the most beautiful coves on the coast, all in a single day.
Our Yelapa & Majahuitas Beach BBQ experience is built around exactly that rhythm. You start in the charming fishing village of Yelapa, a place only reachable by water, where a guided walk takes you through cobblestone streets lined with colorful murals and local artisan shops. The waterfall visit hits different in September, when the rainy season has it performing at full volume.
From there, you continue to Majahuitas beach, a jungle-framed cove with golden sand, emerald water, and a hippie-chic lounge atmosphere that makes you want to stay all afternoon. The snorkeling here ranks among the best in Puerto Vallarta, and you can also paddleboard, kayak, or ride a banana boat between dips in the water.
The morning departure lines up perfectly with September's weather pattern, getting you on the water during the sunniest hours with onboard music and entertainment for the ride. Everything is handled. Snorkeling gear, paddleboards, kayaks, and banana boats are all included alongside a beachside BBQ spread of ribs, grilled chicken, fresh ceviche, salads, and traditional dessert, with beer and fruit-flavored water to wash it all down.
You're Ready for Puerto Vallarta in September
Now you know what Puerto Vallarta weather looks like in September. The heat, the humidity, the afternoon rain pattern, and how all of it shapes what you can do and when. You can plan around the conditions, time your activities to the morning window, and pack for the climate with confidence. Between the warm ocean, the peak wildlife season, and the dramatic green landscapes, September delivers adventures that simply aren't available during the busier months.
Ready to make it happen? Browse our full selection of Puerto Vallarta tours and find what fits your travel style. The best tours fill up fast, especially when fewer departures mean smaller groups, so book ahead and show up ready.
