Puerto Vallarta becomes a magical destination in November, offering travelers a perfect blend of cultural celebrations, ideal weather, and unforgettable experiences. This month marks the transition from rainy season to dry season, creating optimal conditions for exploring everything this coastal paradise has to offer.
During the first weeks of November, you might still get some rain, but temperatures start cooling into a comfortable range of 76°F to 82°F. These are the shorter days of the year, with stunning sunsets happening around 6:20 PM. Día de Muertos falls at the start of the month, setting a reflective tone that carries through the weeks that follow. By month's end, winter birds begin flocking to Puerto Vallarta to escape the coldest months in their cities of origin, while flights and hotels reach their highest rates starting in November.
Experience Día de Muertos by the Ocean
Picture yourself boarding a sunset catamaran across Banderas Bay, arriving at a secluded beach framed by tropical jungle, and settling in for a candlelit dinner at the water's edge. This is how many travelers spend a Día de Muertos evening in Puerto Vallarta, trading busy plaza crowds for something slower, quieter, and closer to nature.
From the end of October and the first weeks of November, two coastal spots reachable only by boat, Las Caletas and Majahuitas, host special evenings that honor the season in immersive settings.
At Las Caletas, ALMA, Rhythms of the Night presents a Día de Muertos edition of its open-air performance. The evening blends a sunset cruise, a candlelit dinner by the ocean, and a theatrical show of music, dance, and storytelling rooted in Mexican heritage. During this week, altars decorated with cempasúchil flowers, candles, and traditional touches like Pan de Muerto with hot cocoa carry the season's spirit through the whole experience.
At Majahuitas Beach Party, a boat-access beach club surrounded by jungle, the mood shifts to something more relaxed. Hundreds of candles illuminate the shoreline at twilight, world-class DJs play under the palms, and a Mediterranean-Mexican menu is served on Balinese beds facing the ocean. The seasonal nod comes through thoughtful design, ambiance, and details woven into the night.
Discover Charming Mountain Villages and Local Traditions
Tucked into the Sierra Madre mountains just a couple of hours from the coast, San Sebastián del Oeste is a former silver-mining town founded in 1605 and now recognized as a Pueblo Mágico. Cobblestone streets wind past white adobe walls and tile roofs; an 18th-century church with a blue dome anchors the plaza, and small family workshops still turn out silver, coffee, and raicilla the old way.
November's cooler mountain air is ideal for slow walks between the plaza, a working coffee farm, and the agave fields outside town. Our San Sebastian del Oeste day trip handles the drive and lines up tastings, a silversmith visit, and a traditional Mexican lunch, so you can settle into the town's pace.
See the Altars and Catrinas
For the city-side counterpart to the ocean celebrations, head to the Malecón on November 1 and 2. Massive altars line the boardwalk, decorated with marigold flowers, sugar skulls, and offerings that speak to the artistry and meaning behind the tradition.
The boardwalk also features the world's tallest Catrina, a Guinness World Record holder that towers over the walk. On November 2, the observance moves to local cemeteries, where families gather with flowers, food, and mariachi music to remember those who came before.
Sail into Spectacular Pacific Sunsets
November brings some of the year's most spectacular sunsets, with the sun setting around 6:20 PM and painting the sky in brilliant oranges and purples over Banderas Bay. Calm waters and mild evenings turn this into prime sailing weather, ideal for a slow, glassy ride across the bay as the light shifts.
Imagine watching Puerto Vallarta's skyline and the Sierra Madre bathed in golden light from the deck of an elegant French sailboat. The Puerto Vallarta Sunset Cruise, Adults-Only makes it easy to live that scene, with a trio of tapas, a premium open bar, and made-to-order cocktails served by an attentive crew. It's also a memorable way to mark Thanksgiving on the water.
Shop at Weekly Farmers Markets Across the Region
Starting in November, vibrant weekly farmers markets begin appearing throughout Puerto Vallarta and surrounding areas. These markets showcase the region's agricultural bounty with fresh produce, artisanal products, and local crafts. From San Pancho and Sayulita to La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Nuevo Vallarta, Marina Vallarta, and downtown Puerto Vallarta's Olas Altas, each market offers unique local flavors and handmade treasures.
These markets provide authentic cultural experiences where visitors can interact with local farmers, artisans, and food vendors while discovering seasonal ingredients and traditional Mexican products. The weekly schedule allows travelers to explore different communities and their unique market offerings throughout their stay.
Walk the Malecón in the Heart of the Season
November is one of the best months to enjoy the Malecón, Puerto Vallarta's iconic waterfront boardwalk. The weather is cooler and drier, making evening walks especially comfortable. Locals and visitors alike come out to enjoy the fresh ocean breeze and vibrant energy of this popular gathering spot.
Along the way, you'll find public art, street performers, and spontaneous live music. As the sun sets over Banderas Bay, the sky puts on its own show. Whether you're stopping for a drink, watching local artists at work, or simply taking it all in, the Malecón in November offers an easy, authentic way to experience the city's creative spirit.
Spend a Day Cooking Through the Pueblos
November's cooler air and the start of harvest season make this a great month to head inland from the coast and eat your way through the small towns of the Sierra Madre foothills. Fields of mango, papaya, and pineapple line the drive, and roadside stands are stocked with what's just come in.
The Pueblos Culinary Tour turns that landscape into a full day. You'll visit an organic cacao farm and taste chocolate the way the Mayans drank it, stop at a honey shop, roll fresh tortillas at a working tortilleria, and walk the plazas of Valle de Banderas.
The day ends beside a quiet lagoon with a hands-on cooking lesson led by a local chef, where you'll prep a proper Mole Negro and salsas, then sit down to a family-style lunch with mezcal, tequila, and beer on the table.
Snorkel the Clear Waters of Majahuitas
November rewards snorkelers with some of the year's calmest, clearest water. As the rainy season winds down, visibility opens up across the bay, and the swell settles into an easy, glassy rhythm that makes for long, unhurried time in the water.
Majahuitas, a boat-access cove south of Puerto Vallarta, is one of the best spots to feel it. Moorish idols, king angels, puffer fish, eels, and the occasional spotted eagle ray move through the rocky shallows just off the beach.
The Luxury Yacht & Snorkeling trip sets the scene aboard a Leopard catamaran, with a premium open bar, a charcuterie board, and paddleboards and kayaks waiting at the beach for anyone who wants to keep exploring after the snorkel session.
Discover the Best Scuba Diving Conditions of the Year
November delivers some of the best scuba diving conditions of the year around Puerto Vallarta. Calm, clear water, excellent visibility, and comfortable temperatures make for long, easy dives where you can slow down and really take in the reef.
If you want to swim among schools of tropical fish, hover near sea turtles, and glide over volcanic reefs full of nudibranchs and colorful corals, the Marietas Islands Scuba Diving trip inside a UNESCO-protected sanctuary is a great choice. Closer to shore, Los Arcos Scuba Diving takes you through tunnels, caves, and natural arches teeming with rays, eels, octopuses, and tropical fish.
Certified divers looking for something more advanced can drop into the pinnacles, caverns, and granite walls of El Morro Scuba Diving, where sharks, manta rays, and sea turtles glide through deeper open water. Whether you're getting started or chasing your next underwater challenge, PADI professionals guide every dive.
Enjoy Beachfront Dining and Ocean Views
November's mild temperatures and gentle ocean breezes create ideal conditions for beachfront dining. Restaurants along the coast offer fresh seafood preparations, tropical cocktails, and stunning sunset views. Many establishments feature outdoor seating where guests can enjoy meals with their toes in the sand while watching pelicans dive and waves gently lap the shore.
Local specialties include grilled red snapper, shrimp prepared in various traditional styles, and fresh ceviche made with the day's catch. The combination of excellent cuisine, ocean views, and comfortable November weather creates memorable dining experiences that capture the essence of coastal Mexican living.
Explore Jungle Canopy Adventures
Imagine flying over the treetops on Mexico's longest zipline at nearly 4,000 feet, then crossing a suspension bridge behind the wheel of a Polaris RZR before rappelling from a 50-foot jungle platform. November's cooler temperatures and lower humidity make this the ideal month to push into the Sierra Madre and try it all in one day.
The Extreme Adventure, Suspension Bridge, ATV & Ziplines tour strings these moments together with a pendulum free-fall jump, a wind-tunnel skydiving simulator, tightrope challenges, and a hillside water slide to cool off at the end. Expert guides handle the logistics and safety so you can focus on the rush and the views.
Participate in Traditional Tequila and Mezcal Tastings
November's cool, dry weather is a perfect setup for a day in the agave fields and inside a working distillery. Picture walking through rows of blue agave with a jimador, watching the ancient tahona stone crush the piñas, then stepping into cool cellars where tequila rests in oak barrels.
On the Private Tequila Tour & Jose Cuervo Distillery, you'll get a VIP tour of La Rojeña, taste the Maestro Tequilero line of blanco, reposado, and añejo, and even blend your own personalized tequila to take home in a commemorative bottle. A three-course meal with tequila pairing at La Antigua Casona closes the day.
Attend Live Music and Cultural Performances
Puerto Vallarta's cultural calendar becomes particularly rich during November with outdoor concerts, traditional dance performances, and mariachi celebrations taking advantage of the pleasant evening weather. Local venues host both traditional Mexican music and contemporary performances while street musicians provide spontaneous entertainment throughout the downtown area.
Comfortable November temperatures open up plenty of chances to experience authentic Mexican music and dance. Many performances take place outdoors, where visitors can enjoy cultural entertainment under the stars while learning about Mexican artistic traditions.
Annual Day of the Dead Parade
Discover Las Caletas, a Secluded Coastal Retreat
Just 45 minutes by boat from Puerto Vallarta, Las Caletas Beach & Adventure Park unfolds along a stretch of coast framed by jungle-covered mountains. Picture yourself swaying in a hammock suspended over the waves, floating in crystal-clear water, or paddling a kayak past macaws and flamingos moving through the reserve.
The day can be as slow or as active as you want. Snorkel over vibrant reef, join a cooking class or margarita-making session, taste mezcal in the shade, or hike a jungle trail past squirrel monkeys and lemurs.
Families gravitate toward the Kids Adventure Park, where little ones fly on a child-friendly zip line, climb jungle walls, and ride donkeys in a safe, playful setting. Adrenaline Cove adds surfing, zip-lining, and a full mix of water sports for anyone chasing more thrills.
Add-ons like scuba diving, paddleboarding with sea lions, and beachside massages round out one of the most complete days on Banderas Bay, all set at a spot once ranked among the world's most beautiful beaches.
Take Scenic Sunset Photography Tours
November's spectacular sunsets and comfortable evening temperatures create ideal conditions for photography enthusiasts. The golden hour lighting, combined with dramatic cloud formations over Banderas Bay, provides endless opportunities for capturing stunning images.
Popular photography locations include elevated viewpoints in the surrounding mountains, secluded beaches with interesting rock formations, and iconic locations along the Malecón. The comfortable November weather allows photographers to spend extended time outdoors capturing the natural beauty that makes Puerto Vallarta so photogenic.
Final Thoughts
November transforms Puerto Vallarta into an extraordinary destination where perfect weather meets rich cultural celebrations and diverse outdoor adventures. The rainy-to-dry-season transition creates ideal conditions for exploring everything from historic mountain towns to pristine marine parks, while the arrival of winter birds and migrating whales adds natural wonder to the experience.
Between the opening days honoring Día de Muertos and the sunsets that follow through the month, November leaves you with a full sense of place. Book your Puerto Vallarta adventure now!
Frequently Asked Questions
How crowded is Puerto Vallarta in November?
November sits at the start of high season, so we notice more visitors arriving each week, though beaches and streets still feel comfortable compared to December and January. Flight and hotel rates begin climbing this month, which is worth keeping in mind as you plan your dates.
We recommend booking accommodations and popular activities a few weeks ahead. Mornings and weekdays feel quieter, especially at markets and along the boardwalk, giving you a relaxed window before the busier afternoons begin.
What is a unique way to celebrate Thanksgiving in Puerto Vallarta?
Thanksgiving lands right in the middle of some of our favorite November weather, with warm days easing into cool, breezy evenings that feel made for time on the water. Many travelers skip the traditional dinner setup and choose something more memorable out on Banderas Bay instead.
We suggest the Puerto Vallarta Sunset Cruise, Adults-Only aboard a French sailboat, with a trio of tapas, a premium open bar, and a Pacific sunset painting the whole sky gold.
Are there good family activities in Puerto Vallarta in November?
November's mild weather and calmer seas make it one of the easiest months to plan with kids, since outdoor time feels comfortable and water conditions stay gentle. Shorter days also mean early sunsets, which pair well with relaxed family dinners near the beach after a full day out.
For a day the whole family will remember, we recommend Las Caletas Beach & Adventure Park, reachable only by boat, with a kids adventure park, snorkeling, animal encounters, and jungle trails.
