Headed to Puerto Vallarta in February? You're in for a treat. Whether it's whale watching adventures, jungle ziplines, or sunset sailing, this place knows how to deliver during one of its most perfect weather months. February brings warm sunny days, pleasantly cool evenings, and virtually no rain, making it ideal for everything from botanical garden strolls to marine wildlife encounters.
This guide gives you the lowdown on what to expect, what to bring, and how to make the most of your trip without overthinking your packing list. Consider it your cheat sheet for showing up ready for whatever Puerto Vallarta throws your way, from Sierra Madre mountain adventures to Pacific Ocean experiences.
What to Expect from February's Weather in Puerto Vallarta
February offers Puerto Vallarta's climate at its finest—warm, sunny days hovering in the 80s, pleasantly cool evenings, and virtually no rain. With clear skies, gentle breezes, and perfect ocean temperatures, it's the ideal month for both land and sea adventures without weather interruptions.
Average temperatures: Daytime highs reach a pleasant 86°F (30°C), commonly falling in the low to mid-80s. Evenings cool down to the upper 60s°F (around 15–18°C), ideal for outdoor dining and Malecon strolls without the oppressive heat of summer months.
Rainfall: February sits squarely in Puerto Vallarta's dry season, with only 10mm (0.39 inches) of rain for the entire month. You'll encounter rain on roughly one day, with just a 4% chance of precipitation on any given day. When it does rain, it's typically brief and refreshing.
Humidity: Moderate humidity levels around 60-80% keep things comfortable without the muggy, oppressive feel of summer. The Pacific breeze provides natural cooling, especially near the coast and during boat excursions.
Sea temperature: The Pacific Ocean maintains a delightful 77°F (25°C), making it perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and water sports. Visibility underwater is at its peak during these dry months.
Daylight hours: Long, sunny days with about 11 hours of daylight give you plenty of time for adventures. Sunrise occurs around 7:00 AM, with sunset near 6:30 PM—ideal timing for both early morning whale watching and evening sailing tours.
Essential Packing List for Puerto Vallarta in February
Some things are must-haves in Puerto Vallarta, no matter the month. But February comes with its own little surprises that any smart traveler would want to plan for. The goal is to bring exactly what you'll use and nothing more, though let's be honest—perfect packing is more of a dream than a science.
Travel Documents & Money
- Passport (valid for 6+ months)
- Physical copies of passport/ID
- Travel insurance documents
- Mexican pesos (cash)
- Credit cards (notify bank of travel)
- Emergency cash in USD
Electronics & Power
- Phone charger + car charger
- Portable power bank (high capacity)
- Universal power adapter
- Waterproof phone case
- Camera + extra memory cards
- Headphones/earbuds
Health & Safety
- Prescription medications (extra supply)
- Basic first aid kit
- Insect repellent
- Hand sanitizer
- Sun-protective clothing
- After-sun care/aloe vera
Practical Items
- Plastic bags for wet/dirty clothes
- Travel-sized laundry detergent
- Quick-dry towel
- Reusable water bottle
Clothing and Accessories
- Multiple swimsuits (2-3 recommended)
- Lightweight, breathable t-shirts/tank tops
- Shorts and swim shorts
- Underwear (quick-dry recommended)
- Sleepwear/pajamas
- Beach cover-ups or sarongs
- Light layers for air-conditioned spaces
- Dressy outfits for upscale restaurants/nightlife
- Sun hat with a chin strap
- Sunglasses with a strap
Footwear
- Flip-flops or comfortable sandals for beach and pool
- Comfortable walking shoes for exploring cobblestone streets
- Sturdy, closed-toe shoes for adventure tours
Top Clothing and Footwear Suggestions for February
February's warm days and cool evenings call for versatile layering pieces that transition easily from beach adventures to mountain excursions.
Warm Weather Essentials
Lightweight cotton t-shirts, linen sundresses, breathable shorts, moisture-wicking tank tops
Evening Comfort
Light cardigan or sweater, long-sleeve cotton shirt, lightweight pants, comfortable maxi dress
Adventure Ready
Quick-dry hiking pants, fitted athletic tops, secure-fitting clothes for ziplining, water-resistant layers
Puerto Vallarta Nightlife Considerations for February
Puerto Vallarta's nightlife spans beach clubs, rooftops, and local bars, so pack versatile pieces that go from casual to dressy. Bring two breathable dressy outfits, comfortable, stylish shoes, and a light layer for A/C. A small crossbody bag is perfect for essentials while dancing.
February's pleasant evening temperatures make outdoor dining and rooftop bars especially appealing. Pack a light sweater for breezy coastal nights and comfortable walking shoes for exploring the Malecon. Don't forget a portable phone charger and backup shoes for long nights out exploring the Romantic Zone's vibrant entertainment scene.
Top February Experiences & What You'll Need
February brings together the perfect blend of weather and wildlife, creating ideal conditions for three signature Puerto Vallarta experiences. Here's what makes these adventures shine during this month, and the essential gear you'll need to maximize every moment on the water, in mountain villages, and among tropical gardens.
Luxury Sunset Sailing
Clear skies and gentle Pacific breezes create perfect conditions for romantic sunset sailing on Banderas Bay. With minimal chance of rain and comfortable temperatures, you'll enjoy panoramic views of the Puerto Vallarta skyline and Sierra Madre mountains as humpback whales may even make an appearance in the distance during this peak whale season.
What you'll need for this tour: Light sweater or windbreaker for ocean breezes, sunglasses with a strap, reef-safe sunscreen, a camera for sunset photos, and comfortable deck shoes or sandals.
Pueblos Cultural Tour
Dry weather and comfortable temperatures make this the ideal time to explore rural mountain villages like San Juan de Abajo and Valle de Banderas. The clear skies provide perfect conditions for outdoor cooking classes and tortilla-making experiences, while the cooler mountain air offers a refreshing break from coastal heat.
What you'll need for this tour: Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes, lightweight long pants for village visits, a sun hat, a small backpack for purchases, and cash for local artisan goods.
Whale Watching Adventure
With February falling right in peak humpback whale season, Banderas Bay becomes a spectacular natural theater for these majestic marine mammals. Mother whales with newborn calves frequent these protected waters, creating unforgettable displays of breaches, tail slaps, and spy hops just offshore. The clear weather conditions provide optimal visibility both for spotting whales from a distance and capturing perfect photographs of these magnificent creatures.
What you'll need for this tour: Lightweight, quick-dry clothing, sun hat with chin strap, sun-protective clothing, non-slip shoes for boat decks, motion sickness remedies if prone to seasickness, camera with zoom lens, sunglasses with strap.
Pre-Departure Preparation Timeline
2-3 Weeks Before Departure
Digital Preparation
- Download offline maps
- Create trip playlist for different moods
- Download translation apps to learn basic Spanish phrases
- Research weather patterns for the month
- Book accommodations and activities
- Reserve popular tours
Cultural & Culinary Research
- List of must-try dishes for the season
- Local festivals and events
- Learn basic Spanish phrases for food ordering
Documentation & Backup
- Verify passport expiration date
- Scan and email copies of passport, ID, travel insurance
- Print physical copies of important documents
- Travel insurance verification
- Emergency contact information
24 Hours Before Departure
- Check weather forecast updates
- Confirm offline maps are downloaded
- Charge all electronics
- Pack carry-on essentials
Airport/Travel Day
- Comfortable travel outfit
- Entertainment for flight
- Empty reusable water bottle
- Snacks for travel day
- Important documents in carry-on
You're All Set for Puerto Vallarta in February
Planning ahead for Puerto Vallarta in February means you'll spend less time worrying about what you forgot and more time enjoying everything this incredible place has to offer. With the right gear packed and your essentials sorted, you're set to make the most of February's unique advantages—perfect whale watching conditions, ideal hiking weather, and those unforgettable Pacific sunsets—and create memories that'll last long after you're back home.
Ready to dive into Puerto Vallarta's best experiences? Don't leave your must-do activities to chance – the most popular tours and attractions in February fill up fast! Book your adventures now and secure your spot for an unforgettable trip during one of the destination's most perfect weather months.