Looking for real experiences in Puerto Vallarta in May? You've come to the right place. This month delivers warm days, ocean breezes, and the tail end of dry season, ideal for beach days, boat trips, and jungle adventures.
Puerto Vallarta in May also shows a quieter side. Vegetation shifts, rivers recede, and waterfalls slow, but the tradeoff is fewer crowds, easier access to popular spots, and lower prices on flights and stays.
Whether you're chasing adventure, great tacos, or a celebration by the ocean, here are the top things to do to make your trip one worth talking about.
1. Luxury Sailing and Sunset Cruises
There's nothing quite like seeing Puerto Vallarta from the water, and May brings some of the best sailing winds of the year. Consistent breezes and calm seas create ideal conditions for getting out on Banderas Bay. Luxury sailing aboard elegant French-made catamarans and sailboats offers a refined way to take in the coastline, complete with gourmet dining and a premium open bar. Snorkel in clear water, try paddleboarding, or simply stretch out on deck with views of the Sierra Madre mountains.
For couples or anyone celebrating a milestone, a sunset cruise with champagne toasts as the sun drops into the Pacific is hard to top. With fewer visitors in May, you'll enjoy a more intimate journey across the bay with excellent sailing conditions.
2. Dance Under the Moon at Majahuitas Beach Club
From February through May, Majahuitas Beach Club takes its legendary DJ performances to the next level with the iconic Moon Stage, a suspended glowing full moon set above the dance floor. It creates a striking connection between the crowd and the artists in a way that doesn't happen anywhere else.
Nestled in a secluded cove accessible only by boat, Majahuitas blends breathtaking nature with tropical jungle hiking, snorkeling, and swimming in protected waters. Surrounded by headlands where the Sierra Madre meets the bay, the cove's sheltered geometry keeps conditions calm even when the broader bay is choppy, making it a reliable and tranquil escape for paddleboarding and kayaking without the crowds.
May is your last chance of the season to dance under the Moon Stage before it disappears.
3. Vallarta Pride
Vallarta Pride, one of Puerto Vallarta's biggest LGBTQ+ celebrations, returns for its 13th edition under the theme "A New Era. A Very Mexican Pride." Puerto Vallarta was recognized with a Magellan Award, and this year's celebration leans into Mexican cultural identity with a fresh perspective.
The highlight is the Pride Parade on May 21 along the Malecón, featuring elaborate floats and costumes that bring the streets alive with color. Other confirmed events include a Pet Parade on May 18 at Parque Lázaro Cárdenas and a Block Party with tickets available through Eventbrite. Accommodations fill up quickly, especially in the Romantic Zone, so booking early is wise.
Art exhibits and workshops add depth, spotlighting local talent and pivotal moments in LGBTQ+ history. Join a week packed with vibrant PV events, parties, and parades in one of the world's top LGBTQ+ destinations.
4. Bird Watching and Scenic Boat Rides
Explore the breathtaking Marietas Islands, a protected biosphere, on a guided tour. You'll have the chance to admire the famous blue-footed booby, with nesting colonies established here on the islands. Along the way, tropical marine birds including herons, brown pelicans, and magnificent frigatebirds will accompany your journey.
May's quieter season means a more intimate visit to the islands, making this one of the top things to do in Puerto Vallarta in May for nature lovers. Knowledgeable guides provide insights into local wildlife and conservation efforts. After exploring the islands, enjoy a fresh BBQ lunch at the exclusive Majahuitas Beach with kayaking and paddleboarding included.
5. Restaurant Week Puerto Vallarta
Restaurant Week Puerto Vallarta invites food lovers to sample exclusive menus at top restaurants. Since 2005, this annual event has grown into one of the region's most anticipated gastronomic festivals. Participating restaurants offer three-course prix-fixe menus showcasing their creativity and range.
The timing is perfect. Restaurant Week overlaps with Pride week and the tail end of May, meaning the dining scene is buzzing even in what's technically low season. It's one of the most delicious ways to explore Puerto Vallarta's culinary depth.
6. Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddleboarding
May's calm waters and uncrowded beaches make it ideal for getting on the water at your own pace. Join a tour to Las Caletas, a natural reserve accessible only by boat. With over 20 activities for all ages, kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling gear are all included.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced paddler, it's an excellent way to combine exercise with sightseeing. The protected cove at Las Caletas keeps conditions calm, and May's warm water temperature around 79°F means you won't need a wetsuit.
7. Movie Picnic Under the Stars
Movie Picnic hosts an outdoor cinema night every Thursday evening from November through May at Jardín de Luna Garden in Puerto de Luna Hotel, in the heart of Puerto Vallarta's North Hotel Zone.
For over a decade, this unique open-air screening has offered blockbusters and commercial films in a relaxed setting perfect for friends, families, and even pets. Movie Picnic is also Puerto Vallarta's only petate cinema, where guests can relax on traditional woven mats while enjoying a film under the stars. May screenings wrap up the season, so catch one before it's gone.
8. Snorkeling at Majahuitas Beach
Majahuitas Beach is a secluded paradise and one of the top places to visit in Puerto Vallarta in May. With crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life, snorkeling here feels like swimming in an aquarium. May's calm seas offer excellent visibility, and with fewer visitors, you'll have the underwater world mostly to yourself.
To arrive aboard a sleek catamaran yacht, available Monday through Saturday, book the Majahuitas snorkeling option through luxury sailing. For a more laid-back day, the Majahuitas All Inclusive Beach Day runs on Sundays aboard a spacious catamaran with an all-inclusive BBQ lunch and boho-chic lounge areas. Both are great ways to enjoy snorkeling at Majahuitas.
9. Festival Fiestas de Mayo Puerto Vallarta
Fiestas de Mayo has historically taken place at Explanada Vallarta, near the Puerto Vallarta International Convention Center. This vibrant cultural fair typically offers live music featuring top regional Mexican artists, carnival rides, artisan markets, sports events, and a gastronomic showcase with traditional local dishes. It's a family-friendly celebration that adds genuine local flavor to any May visit.
Puerto Vallarta's municipal anniversary celebrations, commonly called Fiestas de Mayo, have historically run May 21 to 31, adding historical significance to the festivities.
10. Spend a Special Evening at Rhythms of the Night
Rhythms of the Night takes you across Banderas Bay as the sun sets, leading to a one-of-a-kind evening at Las Caletas Beach, accessible only by boat. Torches guide you along lantern-lit paths to an open-air amphitheater where a world-class theatrical performance unfolds, featuring acrobatics, dance, live music, and storytelling, all set against the backdrop of a private jungle beach.
The evening includes a gourmet candlelit dinner by the ocean with open bar, wrapping up with a lively boat ride back under the stars. For an elevated option, the Premier option features fine dining by Chef Paco Ruano from Alcalde, recognized among the Top 50 Best Restaurants in the World, with unlimited champagne.
With May being low season, you can avoid crowds and enjoy a more intimate setting. This is one of the top things to do in Puerto Vallarta in May for couples and anyone wanting a truly special night out.
11. San Sebastián del Oeste and Tequila and Raicilla Tasting
Journey to San Sebastián, a charming Pueblo Mágico founded in 1605 and renowned for its tequila and raicilla production. Agave is used to produce tequila and raicilla, both deeply tied to this region's traditions.
The cool mountain air, preserved colonial architecture, and cobblestone streets make for a rewarding day trip. You'll visit agave fields, taste artisanal tequila at a local distillery, sample freshly brewed coffee at a historic plantation, and enjoy a traditional three-course Mexican lunch. Book the San Sebastián del Oeste tour to discover, learn, and taste the artisanal process behind these beloved spirits.
12. Fresh Seafood at Los Muertos Beach
Treat yourself to some of the freshest seafood in Puerto Vallarta at Los Muertos Beach. Local restaurants serve up standout catches and classic beachside favorites. Think grilled red snapper, shrimp tacos, octopus ceviche, all enjoyed with a cold margarita and your feet in the sand.
Many spots offer tables right on the beach, from casual taco stands to more refined dining. Whether you prefer street-style simplicity or a proper sit-down meal, it's a seafood lover's paradise. And watching the sunset while you eat? That's the icing on the cake.
13. Scuba Diving at Los Arcos Marine Park
Discover the underwater wonders of Los Arcos Marine Sanctuary on a snorkeling tour. This iconic site features dramatic granite rock formations, underwater caves and tunnels, and thriving marine life including angelfish, pufferfish, stingrays, sea turtles, and moray eels. May's dry-season conditions mean clear waters and reliable visibility, providing excellent conditions to explore this marine sanctuary.
With fewer visitors around, you'll have more space to take it all in. Whether you're a certified diver or looking to take your first dive, a Los Arcos dive offers an incredible underwater experience led by PADI-certified instructors.
May also marks the beginning of manta ray season in Banderas Bay, with peak activity running from mid-May through October. This makes May diving especially rewarding for those hoping to spot these graceful creatures.
14. Taco and Street Food Exploration
Explore family-run stands and lesser-known spots serving authentic al pastor, birria, and seafood tostadas. May's comfortable evenings are perfect for wandering the streets with an appetite. Smaller groups and less-crowded restaurants mean you'll have more time with vendors and a more relaxed pace overall.
Whether it's your first time or you're a returning visitor, walking through the Romantic Zone and surrounding neighborhoods with a local guide is one of the best ways to dive into the food culture. Come hungry.
15. Hidden Beach Tour
Hidden Beach, or Playa del Amor, is a natural wonder tucked inside a volcanic crater at the Marietas Islands. This secluded stretch of golden sand is accessible only by swimming through a narrow sea tunnel, and only during low tide. Access is permit controlled and limited to 110 visitors per day. May's lower visitor volume makes permits easier to secure than during peak season months.
Inside, you'll find a breathtaking beach surrounded by towering rock walls open to the sky, with crystal-clear protected water. Access is limited to 30 at a time with a maximum of 110 visitors per day. Discover the magic of Hidden Beach on the Hidden Beach tour.
16. Art & Market Marina Vallarta
Every Thursday, Art & Market Marina Vallarta transforms the Marina Vallarta boardwalk into a lively artisan market. It's a great opportunity to browse locally made goods and soak up the relaxed, low-season atmosphere that makes shopping here more enjoyable than during the busier winter months.
Fresh produce and international cuisine round out the experience, all in a vibrant, oceanfront setting. May's lower visitor traffic means more relaxed interactions with vendors and an unhurried pace for browsing.
17. Pueblos Culinary Tour
Discover the rural landscapes surrounding Puerto Vallarta and the state of Nayarit on a Pueblos Culinary tour. The tour takes you to Valle de Banderas, founded in 1904, where you'll visit an organic cacao farm, taste traditional chocolate drinks, roll your own tortillas at a local tortillería, and learn a hands-on Mole Negro recipe from a local chef.
In May, you'll see trees heavy with mangos along the road and seasonal plantations across the fertile valleys. The journey often includes visits to colonial landmarks, centuries-old churches, and artisan markets. It's a genuine taste of country life beyond the resort zone, with a family-style al fresco lunch beside a lagoon to cap the day.
18. Zip Lining Through the Jungle Canopy
Experience the thrill of zip lining through lush jungle canopies in the Sierra Madre mountains. Soar on Mexico's longest and fastest zipline, drive powerful ATVs through off-road jungle routes, face a free-fall pendulum jump, and fly in a skydiving simulator wind tunnel. May's warm but comfortable weather makes it a great time for this adventure, especially if you schedule for the morning when temperatures are most manageable.
19. Explore Yelapa, Art, Views, and a Taste of Raicilla
May marks the end of the dry season, but that doesn't take away from the charm of this car-free fishing village. Accessible only by boat, Yelapa has plenty to offer. A laid-back beach, fresh seafood at local restaurants, and quieter snorkeling all come with a fraction of the day-trippers you'd find elsewhere.
Stroll through the village, meet the friendly locals, and sip on raicilla, one of Jalisco's traditional agave spirits. Whether you're soaking in the laid-back vibes or discovering the artistic side of Yelapa & Majahuitas Beach BBQ, this off-the-beaten-path adventure is a highlight in May.
20. Explore Sayulita and San Pancho
Head north of Puerto Vallarta for a day trip to two of the Riviera Nayarit's most charming coastal towns. Sayulita, a designated Pueblo Mágico, brings a blend of surf culture, hippie vibes, and a thriving Huichol art scene. Browse photogenic streets draped with colorful papel picado banners, pop into boutiques selling handcrafted jewelry and textiles, and soak up the creative energy.
San Pancho, just a few minutes further, is the quieter alternative. Cobblestone streets, striking murals, and an unhurried pace make it feel worlds away from the tourist corridor. May falls within San Pancho's sweet spot, with sunny days and shoulder-season calm. Together, the two towns make for one of the best day trips from Puerto Vallarta in May.
21. Visit the Vallarta Botanical Gardens
A short bus ride south of the city, the Vallarta Botanical Gardens is one of those spots that consistently surprises visitors with how rewarding it is. Wander through curated tropical gardens showcasing the region's plant diversity, enjoy the on-site restaurant, and take in the lush setting where the Sierra Madre foothills meet the coast.
As the dry season ends in May, vegetation reaches peak lushness before the full rainy season arrives, giving the gardens a unique character. It's a peaceful half-day activity, especially rewarding when paired with the bus ride south of the city.
22. Hike to Colomitos Cove
For a quick adventure that feels genuinely off the beaten path, take the route from Boca de Tomatlán to Colomitos Cove. This small, sheltered beach sits at the base of verdant cliffs and offers clear water for swimming and snorkeling.
In May, lower visitor numbers mean you can arrive to near-solitude, especially if you go early in the morning. The hike itself is a pleasant walk through wooded coastal terrain, and you can catch an inexpensive local bus from Zona Romántica to Boca de Tomatlán to start the trail.
Practical Tips for Visiting Puerto Vallarta in May
Plan your days around the heat. The most comfortable hours for hikes, walks, and outdoor exploration are the early morning. Sea breezes pick up through the afternoon, making boat trips and beach time comfortable mid-day. Evenings cool down for dining and strolling the Malecón.
Pack smart for the season. Bring sun-protective clothing, quality insect repellent, and a light rain layer for the last week of May when brief evening showers occasionally appear. Have cash in pesos for local buses and market vendors. For a complete rundown, check out this guide on what to pack for Puerto Vallarta in May.
Getting around is straightforward. Uber works well for most trips. The local bus system is cheap and reliable. For the best southern beaches, catch the bus marked Boca de Tomatlán from the corner of Constitución and Basilio Badillo in Zona Romántica, then hire a panga boat to reach Las Ánimas, Madagascar, or Yelapa.
Why May Is One of the Best Times to Visit Puerto Vallarta
May in Puerto Vallarta offers fewer crowds, excellent beach days, and a packed calendar of cultural events. Stroll the Malecón, enjoy lively nightlife guide, and explore charming towns like San Sebastián del Oeste. With great travel deals, vibrant festivals like Pride and Restaurant Week running simultaneously, and the start of manta ray season in Banderas Bay, it's one of the most rewarding months to visit. Start planning your Puerto Vallarta adventure today.
