Warm ocean air greets you the moment you step out of the Puerto Vallarta airport, and swimsuits come out of the suitcase before dinner. Sunshine is the baseline here, the breeze off Banderas Bay keeps afternoons pleasant, and the Sierra Madre keeps the jungle lush.
Understanding Puerto Vallarta weather is the first step to planning a trip that fits your pace, from slow beach mornings to long dinners along the Malecón. The sections ahead break down what to expect and how the calendar shapes your days on the bay.
The Average Temperature in Puerto Vallarta
Summer and early autumn run the hottest, with peak highs near 90°F and July to September lows around 75°F. We recommend planning outdoor time for the morning or after 4 p.m., and keeping water and a hat close by.
Winter days feel noticeably cooler but still warm. Expect highs in the upper 70s to low 80s, and pack a light layer for evenings, since nights along the Malecón can dip to the low 60s.
August is the hottest month of the year, while January is the coolest stretch. For the sweet spot for outdoor adventures, aim for late winter or spring, when sunny days and warm water line up without the summer humidity.
Ocean temperatures peak from July into November, prime time for long swims and snorkel trips. Even in the cooler months, the water stays warm enough for shorter dips, especially at midday.
Puerto Vallarta Weather by Month
Puerto Vallarta stays warm year-round, but the season shapes what you pack, when you head out, and how much you might pay. The bay is also more humid than the nearby mountain towns, which helps when planning day trips into the Sierra Madre.
December to April
Highs sit in the upper 70s to low 80s, and lows drop into the low to mid 60s. Days are sunny, evenings cool quickly, and demand is high, so we suggest booking hotels and popular tours weeks in advance.
Pack a light sweater for evenings along the Malecón, along with a swimsuit for daytime pool and beach time. For a closer look at each month, explore our guides.
- Puerto Vallarta weather in December
- Puerto Vallarta weather in January
- Puerto Vallarta weather in February
- Puerto Vallarta weather in March
- Puerto Vallarta weather in April
Our top pick this season is the Whale Watching Photo Safari. From December through March, humpbacks fill Banderas Bay to breed and calve, and small-group inflatable boats get you close enough to hear their songs through onboard hydrophones.
May to June
Highs climb to around 85 to 88°F, humidity stays low, and rain is almost unheard of. Water temperatures are warm enough for long snorkel sessions, and evenings feel mild without a jacket.
This stretch also tends to bring better hotel rates than winter, which makes it a strong pick for travelers with flexible dates. For a closer look at each month, explore our guides.
Our top pick this season is the Luxury Yacht & Snorkeling tour. A Leopard catamaran sails across Banderas Bay to Majahuitas, one of the best snorkeling spots in the region, with a premium open bar and fresh appetizers along the way.
July to September
Expect the hottest, most humid stretch of the year, along with short afternoon and evening rain showers. The Puerto Vallarta hurricane season runs from May 15 through November 30, though the bay is largely protected because the Sierra Madre pushes most storms up the coast or out to sea.
We recommend booking morning tours to beat the afternoon heat, keeping travel insurance in mind, and checking the forecast in the days before departure. Hotel rates drop during this window, which appeals to travelers who don't mind muggier afternoons. For a closer look at each month, explore our guides.
- Puerto Vallarta weather in July
- Puerto Vallarta weather in August
- Puerto Vallarta weather in September
Our top pick this season is the Puerto Vallarta Sunset Cruise, Adults-Only. Summer afternoons run hot, so the best plan is to save the fun for golden hour aboard a French sailboat, with gourmet hors d'oeuvres and cool ocean breezes.
October to November
Early October can still feel warm and humid, but conditions cool and dry out steadily through November. Rates trend upward as high season approaches, so booking a few weeks ahead often pays off.
Water is still at its warmest during this stretch, which makes it a strong window for snorkeling and sailing before whale season begins in December. For a closer look at each month, explore our guides.
Our top pick this season is the Marietas Islands & Beach BBQ. Autumn brings clear visibility around this UNESCO-protected park, with guided snorkeling through rock archways and a fresh BBQ lunch at Majahuitas beach afterward.
The Puerto Vallarta Rainy Season
Rain in Puerto Vallarta arrives mostly from July through September, with August typically the wettest month. Storms usually roll in late afternoon or overnight, leaving most mornings and midday hours open for the beach and the bay.
For trip planning, this means downpours are usually short, and even during the wet months you can expect plenty of sun between showers. Pack a compact rain jacket in August or September, and keep tour bookings flexible in case a storm shifts your schedule.
If avoiding rain is the priority, aim for February through May, when weeks can pass without a single drop.
Your Trip, Whenever You Land
Whatever month lands on your calendar, Puerto Vallarta tends to meet you halfway. The days are long, the jungle presses right up against the ocean, and the rhythm of a trip here slows down without ever feeling empty.
Once your dates are set, the fun part is figuring out how to fill them. Browse our full tours lineup and pick the days that match the trip you're picturing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Puerto Vallarta weather affect what I should wear on a sunset cruise?
Yes, and it matters more than most travelers expect. Even in the hottest months, the breeze picks up once the boat leaves the marina, and temperatures drop noticeably after sunset over the bay. A light layer over your daytime outfit works well from December through April, when evenings cool into the 60s.
On the Puerto Vallarta Sunset Cruise, Adults-Only, a wrap or long-sleeve shirt keeps you comfortable from golden hour through the ride back to shore. In summer, a light cotton shirt is usually enough, since the humidity holds even after the sun goes down. Sun-protective clothing during the day also helps you feel fresher once the boat pushes off.
Is the water in Puerto Vallarta warm enough for snorkeling year-round?
Puerto Vallarta weather keeps ocean temperatures swimmable year-round, though the experience shifts with the calendar. From July through November, water sits at its warmest and most inviting, ideal for longer sessions without a wetsuit. During the cooler months, most operators offer wetsuits on request, and midday sessions feel more comfortable than early-morning ones.
On the Luxury Yacht & Snorkeling tour, protected coves like Majahuitas offer calmer conditions and slightly warmer pockets, which makes winter snorkeling more comfortable than open-bay swims might suggest. Visibility also tends to peak in the drier months, so the trade-off often works in your favor.
How windy does it get in Puerto Vallarta, and does it affect boat tours?
Wind patterns shift with the seasons and can influence how the day on the water feels. Late fall through early spring brings occasional breezes that add chop to the outer bay, while the southern coves stay calmer and more protected year-round.
Summer mornings are typically glassy, with breezes building through the afternoon. Boat departures generally happen early to take advantage of the calmest conditions, and our captains adjust routes toward sheltered bays when the wind picks up unexpectedly. If you tend to get seasick, we recommend booking morning departures and choosing tours that head toward the south end of the bay.
