Dawn in Puerto Vallarta stirs your senses. Warm Pacific breezes carry the scent of fresh coffee from local vendors while you slip into flip-flops for another day of adventure. The reliable December climate delivers steady sunshine, daytime highs around 28°C / 82°F, and minimal rainfall—just 20–25 mm across the entire month.
This perfect timing places you deep within Puerto Vallarta's dry season, when humpback whales return to Banderas Bay. Throughout the city, streets fill with colorful Guadalupe processions, seaside sunsets cast golden light over calm waters, and evening temperatures settle at a comfortable 18°C.
December transforms Puerto Vallarta into a traveler's paradise. Reliable blue skies create the backdrop for cultural celebrations you won't find elsewhere, while ideal ocean conditions set the stage for unforgettable whale encounters.
For travelers seeking guaranteed warmth, authentic experiences, and thrilling outdoor adventures, Puerto Vallarta offers the finest December escape you can book.
1. Warm Weather That Never Disappoints
Step off the plane and feel it right away. December days settle at a balmy 28–30°C / 82–86°F, while evenings cool to a comfortable 15–20°C / 59–68°F, perfect for open-air dinners on the malecón.
These consistent temperatures reflect Puerto Vallarta's reliable winter climate patterns. Rain is barely a factor, with the entire month seeing only 10–25 mm of precipitation and rain chances sitting around six percent on any given day.
Deep into the dry season, skies stay clear for more than seven hours of bright sunshine daily. Humidity hovers in the 66–77% range, giving you warm air without the sticky weight you find in summertime.
Water lovers get an extra reward. The Pacific holds steady at 26–27°C / 79–81°F, noticeably warmer than many Hawaiian beaches in the same month. Calmer seas, gentle 5.8 mph breezes, and an ocean free of plankton haze create ideal conditions for sailing, snorkeling, and whale-watching adventures.
December also means the hurricane season is gone. The official season ends in November, so you can plan ocean activities without weather anxiety. This gives you a clear advantage over Caribbean storm patterns or Costa Rica's lingering rains.
2. When Whales Come Home to Banderas Bay
As December's perfect weather settles in, something magical happens in Banderas Bay. Whale watching season officially opens on December 8th and runs through March 23rd, bringing hundreds of humpbacks to these protected waters—the largest concentration in the Mexican Pacific.
The bay's warm 26-27°C waters and natural shelter create perfect conditions for these magnificent creatures. Adults court and mate here, while mothers give birth in the calm environment. The shallow seafloor makes it easier for newborn calves to surface for air, and the surrounding mountains block strong winds that could tire them out.
These natural conditions create a spectacular marine theater right in Puerto Vallarta's backyard. Dramatic breaches, powerful tail slaps, and rhythmic fin displays happen daily. By late December, playful mothers often surface with newborn calves swimming alongside them, while whale songs travel for kilometres underwater—sounds you can actually experience during your adventure.
To witness this extraordinary natural spectacle, our Whale Watching Adventure provides the perfect vantage point. Certified marine guides lead each departure, sharing insights about whale behavior and ongoing research while ensuring respectful wildlife encounters. Specialized boats approach no closer than 100 meters, letting curious whales decide the interaction. Onboard hydrophones let you listen to their beautiful, haunting songs.
Space fills quickly once holiday crowds arrive, so booking your whale watching adventure before leaving home ensures you won't miss these incredible encounters that only happen during this special season.
3. Underwater Clarity That Changes Everything
The same dry conditions that make December weather so reliable also create extraordinary underwater visibility. With minimal rainfall and runoff, plankton blooms fade and clarity routinely stretches 15–20 meters beneath the surface.
This crystal-clear water transforms the underwater landscape into a vibrant marine sanctuary. At Los Arcos Marine Park, granite islets create a dramatic backdrop for an underwater paradise where schools of angelfish, spotted eagle rays, and the occasional sea turtle glide through natural archways. The park's vertical walls plunge into deep blue, yet in December you can still spot sunlight flickering far below.
Experience this underwater wonderland first-hand with our Scuba Los Arcos adventure. Perfect for both certified divers and beginners, this tour lets you explore the rich marine ecosystem with professional dive masters who know exactly where to find the most spectacular coral formations and diverse marine life. December's exceptional visibility means even novice divers can enjoy unparalleled views of this protected marine sanctuary.
Prefer to stay dry? Board our luxury Sailing adventure where December's calm seas mean a smooth glide across Banderas Bay. You'll enjoy the comfort of premium vessels while the professional crew handles everything. Sip a refreshing drink, savor gourmet appetizers, and simply toast the horizon while sea turtles surface nearby.
The ocean cooperates all month, giving you uninterrupted views of Puerto Vallarta's underwater world whether you choose to dive beneath the surface or sail above it.
4. Mountain Adventures When the Jungle's at its Best
Beyond the coastline, the Sierra Madre mountains offer their own December rewards. The dry season creates firm, non-muddy trails while waterfalls still tumble with water stored from October storms. The result is a landscape that looks fresh but never slippery, perfect for jungle exploration.
Lower humidity than summer months and gentle breezes through the canopy make zipline adventures more comfortable and focused. You can breathe easily, enjoy the views, and listen to the river below without the sticky heat that characterizes rainy season excursions.
Our Extreme Adventure takes advantage of these ideal conditions, stringing zipline runs high between the treetops before dropping you into an off-road circuit where ATVs splash through shallow river crossings. Clear winter skies open sweeping panoramas of La Sierra Madre Occidental from each platform, while fewer insects make trail breaks peaceful rather than frantic.
Safety remains paramount with certified harnesses, thorough equipment checks, and limited group sizes. These mountain adventures become unforgettable when combined with December's cooperative weather patterns.
5. Festivals That Make the Season Special
The perfect weather provides the backdrop for Puerto Vallarta's most vibrant cultural season. Walk through the historic center in early December and you'll feel music in the air and catch the scent of fresh tamales on every corner.
The Festival of Our Lady of Guadalupe transforms the city from December 1-12. Pilgrimages wind toward the main parish with dancers, mariachi bands, and flower-covered floats. Evenings end with fireworks over the bay while vendors serve tacos, atole, and warm ponche.
Las Posadas follows from December 16-24, as neighborhoods host candlelit groups singing traditional verses while asking for shelter at friends' homes. When doors finally open, celebrations begin with piñatas, sweet buñuelos, and warm fruit punch.
Christmas Eve (Nochebuena) centers on midnight mass and family dinners that stretch well past the final bell. The Malecón glows with lights, and New Year's Eve continues the energy with families gathering along the seawall for synchronized fireworks before beach clubs release sky lanterns that drift over Banderas Bay.
We pair the season's energy with curated experiences like day trips to colonial San Sebastián del Oeste or the Rhythms of the Night dinner show that blends pre-Hispanic dance and culture with starlit seaside dining.
6. Smart Timing for Better Value
Strategic timing can significantly impact both your budget and experience quality. Arriving between December 10-20 offers a sweet spot where flights and hotels run roughly 15-20 percent below Christmas week rates, yet the weather is already ideal and whales have arrived in the bay.
For those seeking quieter beach experiences, short taxi rides to Conchas Chinas, Mismaloya, or Playa las Gemelas provide space to spread your towel. Boat trips to Yelapa or jungle hikes to tiny Colomitos cove offer even more seclusion.
Reserving flights, accommodations, and must-do adventures early transforms December into a high-season value that beats the rush.
7. Evenings Made for Making Memories
As perfect days transition into comfortable evenings around 15–20°C (59–68°F), the mild humidity makes it easy to linger outdoors without jackets. Clear skies appear frequently, and with sunset coming just before 6:00 PM, there's plenty of golden light before hoisting sails.
Our Luxury Sunset Sailing experience glides past the Malecón while the horizon turns copper, then deepens into navy for effortless stargazing once city lights fade behind the bow. For theatrical alternatives, the Rhythms of the Night experience uses torches to guide you to a secluded beach where dinner and live performance unfold under palm-fringed skies.
Weekend DJ sets at nearby Majahuitas cater to those wanting late-night rhythm, while back in town, café tables spill onto cobblestone streets. The holiday lights of Zona Romántica pulse gently in the warm air, making every December evening feel like an invitation to stay out just a little longer.
Your December Planning Essentials
Plan your perfect Puerto Vallarta adventure with a few key essentials. Start by packing smartly for the December climate:
- Light, breathable clothing for warm days
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, UPF clothing)
- Light sweater or jacket for cooler evenings
- Quick-dry swimwear and beach essentials
- Comfortable walking shoes for exploring
Need more than just the basics for your December vacation? Check out our complete What to Pack for Puerto Vallarta in December guide with insider tips from local adventure experts.
Wondering what to do during your visit? December offers incredible opportunities from whale watching to cultural festivals. Explore our curated list of 20 Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta in December to make the most of your trip.
Fly into Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR), just ten minutes from Marina Vallarta. Choose downtown lodging for nightlife, the Hotel Zone for beachfront convenience, or Conchas Chinas for quiet sunsets. For detailed accommodation guidance, check our Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta guide.
Getting around is easy with taxis, ride apps, and frequent buses connecting all areas, while rental cars help you reach hidden beaches. For transportation tips and options, visit our How to Get Around in Puerto Vallarta guide. Bring pesos for small purchases and learn a few Spanish phrases—"por favor" and "gracias" go a long way.
Swap the Cold for Sunshine – Final Call to Adventure
December delivers everything you want in a winter escape: reliable warmth without oppressive heat, crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling, and cultural celebrations that welcome respectful visitors into authentic local traditions.
The humpback migration transforms Banderas Bay into a natural theater where breaches and songs create unforgettable memories. Respectful whale watching experiences with marine guides and hydrophones let you witness these magnificent creatures while supporting conservation efforts.
The combination of ideal weather, vibrant festivals, and incredible wildlife encounters makes December Puerto Vallarta's single best month. Seats on boats, ziplines, and dinner shows disappear fast once holiday crowds arrive, so book your adventures now and discover why this destination delivers guaranteed sunshine, breaching whales, and vibrant culture you can count on.
