Many visitors worry when they see rain in the Puerto Vallarta forecast, but we wake up most mornings to bright skies and calm seas. That initial concern quickly transforms into appreciation when they discover nearly all of Puerto Vallarta's 1,400 millimeters of annual rain falls in just five months.
Late-day storms rarely linger through the night, and direct hurricane hits are uncommon because most Pacific systems turn offshore before reaching Banderas Bay. This rain-refreshed landscape creates more vivid and unforgettable nature experiences than you'd find during the dry season.
We'll share the rhythms locals rely on, the gear that keeps you comfortable, and how we adjust our tours so you can plan with confidence, knowing that our rainy season actually enhances your adventure rather than diminishes it.
When Is Puerto Vallarta's Rainy Season?
Our rainy season settles in from June through October. August and September carry the bulk of the water, with about 310 to 370 mm falling over roughly 16 days each month. Long-term averages show September tops the chart, reaching close to 370 mm across 17 short storm days.
Most of that rain arrives as dramatic, late-day downpours that roll in after four or five in the afternoon. By the time you finish breakfast and head out for a boat ride or a jungle hike, skies are usually blue and the air is fresh.
Outside these five months, rain is scarce. From November to May we see little more than a passing sprinkle. March and April often register almost zero precipitation on local gauges. The shift is so sharp that many of us mark the first big June shower as the unofficial start of summer.
How Much Does It Actually Rain?
Spend a July morning on the Malecón, and the sky feels like high summer. By late afternoon, clouds build over the Sierra Madre, then a warm downpour sweeps through town and clears before dinner. That is the rhythm we live with.
Even in the wettest stretch, July to September, storms arrive on only about 15 to 17 days each month and rarely last more than a couple of hours. July and August bring around 310 to 330 millimetres of precipitation, while September peaks near 370 millimetres over those 17 short stormy evenings. Local forecasters note these 15 rainy days per month as typical for the wettest period.
Because showers arrive late in the day, our mornings stay bright for beach time, boat trips, or a jungle hike. Water visibility around Los Arcos often improves after a squall, so most snorkeling and diving trips remain on schedule. We plan dinners under covered patios and watch lightning skate across Banderas Bay.
Hurricanes & Tropical Storms: Should I Worry?
Pacific hurricane season runs from June through November, the same stretch that brings our warm afternoon showers. You might expect that pairing to spell trouble, yet Puerto Vallarta rarely takes a direct hit. The Sierra Madre mountains form a protective barrier behind town, Banderas Bay curves inward, and most Pacific storms angle west or northwest into open water.
When a tropical system does pass offshore, you will notice heavier bands and a stronger swell on outer beaches. City infrastructure is designed for wet weather. Drainage channels, sea walls, and well-rehearsed emergency plans stand ready each season.
Hotels and marinas coordinate with civil protection teams and keep guests informed. This layered protection, natural and human, means you can plan your holiday with confidence.
What to Pack for Rain in Puerto Vallarta
Afternoon thunderstorms roll in almost daily between July and September, with humidity hovering near 75 percent throughout the season. We dress for those warm, muggy mornings and the sudden downpours that follow. The key is light layers that dry fast, protect electronics, and keep you comfortable on slick cobblestones or muddy jungle paths.
Basics:
- A lightweight jacket or packable poncho that folds into its own pocket
- Quick-dry shirts, shorts, and undergarments to beat persistent humidity
- Two or three swimsuits (they rarely dry overnight in 24°C tropical nights)
- Grip-friendly sandals or water shoes for slippery cobblestones
- Waterproof phone pouch for essential electronics
- Compact umbrella for afternoon strolls on the Malecón
- Bug spray for mosquito-heavy evenings
- Sun-protective clothing
- Anti-chafe balm and a microfiber towel for quick touch-ups between tours
A lightweight daypack with a roll-top closure keeps everything tidy on boat decks or jungle trucks. Pack smart now, and you will spend less time worrying about the weather and more time enjoying those cooled sunsets over Banderas Bay.
Can I Still Enjoy Outdoor Adventures in the Rain?
Puerto Vallarta's wet season is not a deterrent but rather an enhancement to experiencing the great outdoors. The storms transform the landscape, painting it with lush greens and bringing cooler temperatures that make outdoor activities more inviting.
Many adventures become even more memorable with the added vibrancy of this season. Most tour operators here are well-prepared for wet weather, providing the necessary gear to enhance your experience.
Snorkeling After the Storm
Light precipitation can calm surface waves, improving snorkeling conditions by clearing sediment from reefs near Los Arcos or Marietas Islands. Marine wildlife, like sea turtles and rays, is often more active after a storm, offering a truly captivating underwater experience. With fewer boats around, you'll enjoy a quieter and more immersive outing, guided by our team's expertise in finding the best post-storm snorkeling spots.
Horseback Adventures on Rain-Refreshed Trails
Or perhaps you'd enjoy a horseback ride through cooled trails with our Sea Safari tour. Wet weather enriches the trails, softening the ground and reducing dust, while the Sierra Madre mountains come alive with vibrant life and fragrant vegetation. Post-storm waterfalls and riverbeds create the perfect setting for incredible photos. Our guides know these trails intimately, choosing routes that offer the best conditions and views after downpours.
Zipline Through Misty Jungle Canopies
If you're feeling adventurous, soar through misty jungle canopies on a zipline, thanks to our Outdoor Adventure tour. Light rain not only cools the platforms and equipment but also crafts dramatic views with cloud formations and rainforest mist. Ziplines here are safe even in light showers, with robust safety protocols and weather-adapted equipment ensuring a thrilling, yet secure, adventure.
We encourage you to embrace the storms that come to Puerto Vallarta. They open up a fresh perspective on the natural beauty of our home, offering vibrant, unique experiences that you won't want to miss.
Best Indoor Things to Do When Skies Open Up
When afternoon clouds burst, embrace Puerto Vallarta's vibrant indoor scene. Join a cooking class to learn family recipes while rain drums on clay roofs, and reserve ahead as these popular sessions fill quickly. Hillside spas offer tranquil retreats with misty jungle views; most accept walk-ins, though calling ahead secures your preferred time.
Art enthusiasts can explore Gallería Vallarta and Malecón studios, where artists often greet visitors, even during storms. The Naval Museum provides interactive maritime exhibits perfect for families waiting out the rain, while the nearby Isla Río Cuale market offers covered shopping for traditional crafts and silver.
For hands-on experiences, book a chocolate-making workshop at Cacao Magíco or enjoy tequila and coffee tastings available same day. Rainy afternoons provide the perfect opportunity to discover Puerto Vallarta's cultural treasures while staying comfortably dry.
Will My Tours Get Canceled?
We watch the sky as closely as the tide. Most tours run as planned because summer storms in Puerto Vallarta arrive late in the day and rarely last more than an hour. If lightning, strong winds, or flooding make a route unsafe, we pause. Safety comes first, adventure follows right behind.
When wet weather is in the forecast we adjust rather than cancel. Morning departures avoid the usual afternoon showers. Guides may steer a boat to a calmer cove or swap a jungle trail for one with solid footing. We carry light ponchos and dry bags so your gear stays dry. If streets pool with water after a downpour we arrange covered transport back to the marina or your hotel.
You will never be left guessing. We send updates by text, email, and through hotel concierges once the forecast becomes clear, usually the evening before an early tour or at least two hours before an afternoon trip. Questions reach us fast through the same channels.
If conditions force a full cancellation we offer three options. Pick a new day, switch to another tour that is running, or request a refund. Guests who shift dates often find they gain a smaller group and brighter weather the second time around.
Off-Season Perks: Savings & Smaller Crowds
Visit Puerto Vallarta between June and October to enjoy significant savings. The rainy season brings lower prices on everything from flights and hotels to restaurants. With fewer visitors, tour groups stay small, guides are more attentive, and popular spots like Los Arcos feel wonderfully uncrowded.
The rain transforms the landscape dramatically. The Sierra Madre foothills turn vibrant green, waterfalls flow abundantly, and wildlife thrives, hummingbirds hover near heliconias while blue morpho butterflies navigate rejuvenated jungle paths. Post-storm sunsets create spectacular displays over Banderas Bay that locals cherish.
Strategic travelers plan outdoor activities in the clear mornings and move to indoor pursuits when afternoon clouds gather. Beaches remain spacious all day, and photographers find exceptional opportunities when sunlight breaks through the mist. The reward is experiencing a more authentic, verdant Puerto Vallarta that many tourists miss.
Explore Puerto Vallarta Rain or Shine with Our Unforgettable Experiences
Wet weather here is part of the show. Showers arrive mainly as short, late afternoon events, leaving most mornings bright and clear for tours. The burst of water cools the air, deepens jungle greens, and sends waterfalls rushing. We plan around that rhythm every day.
Our crew tracks weather in real time, adjusts departure times when needed, and keeps extra gear on hand. Safety comes first, but we rarely need to cancel. Instead, we lean in. A cloudy sky often calms the bay for our Luxury Yacht and Snorkel outing. Cooled trails make the Sea Safari horseback ride more comfortable. Light mist turns the Outdoor Zip Line into a glide through clouds.
When weather patterns shift, our unique experiences only become more magical. Book online now to secure your spot on our one-of-a-kind tours, where rain enhances rather than hinders your adventure. Our exclusive rain-season excursions offer experiences most visitors never witness—discover why locals celebrate rather than avoid these refreshing tropical showers.
