PUERTO VALLARTA WEATHER
For travelers who want to experience the beauty of Mexico without the luxury resort vibe of Cabo, Puerto Vallarta is the perfect coastal getaway. This destination has managed to stay true to its small town roots while still boasting every amenity you can wish for, from elegant oceanfront accommodations to boutique shopping to a vibrant nightlife. People are also drawn to Puerto Vallarta for the beautiful views of the Sierra Madre Mountains and Banderas Bay, as well as the sub-tropic Puerto Vallarta weather - which is just perfect!
Because Puerto Vallarta is on the same latitude as the Hawaiian Islands, the climate is very similar. Humidity is definitely a defining factor of Puerto Vallarta weather for part of the year. This part of Mexico is very humid in July, August, and September - which also happens to be the Puerto Vallarta rainy season. And yet, thanks to the beautiful landscapes in this part of the year, low season can be just as busy as the high season!
The Average Temperature in Puerto Vallarta
What’s nice about the average temperature in Puerto Vallarta is that it is relatively mild when compared with other travel destinations in Mexico. The wet season is hot but not oppressively hot for those travelers who like the heat, and in the dry season you might want to bring a sweatshirt or a light jacket when you’re seeing the sights at night.
Over the course of a year, the average temperature in Puerto Vallarta seldom dips below 56F or rises above 93F. You’ll experience the hottest temperatures from June through October, when the daily highs are usually above 88F. The hottest day of the year is typically August 2nd, which has an average high of 90F. In the cooler and driest months between December and April, the high temperature is usually below 82F. The coldest day of the year is typically January 23rd, with a high below 80F (and a pleasant night time low of 62F).
Puerto Vallarta Weather by Month
Many factors affect the average temperature in Puerto Vallarta, as well as the rainfall. As noted above, temperatures remain fairly constant throughout the year though there are distinct seasons that impact the Puerto Vallarta weather by month - so plan your visit accordingly.
January-March: If you are not the biggest fan of heat and humidity, this is an amazing time to visit Puerto Vallarta. You’ll enjoy temperatures in the mid to upper 70s and very little rainfall. Evenings will be a little cooler - sometimes cool enough for a light jacket. Of course, pleasant temperatures mean more tourism, so expect PV to be busier and more expensive during the most temperate and driest months.
April-June: The average temperatures in Puerto Vallarta in springtime are still relatively temperate, with highs between 70F and 80F (especially in May). At the end of this season, the humidity starts to spike and you may have to deal with a bit more rain during your stay. The tradeoff is that tourism starts to taper off and hotel prices can go down.
July-September: Travelers who like (or simply don’t mind) the heat and humidity can take advantage of travel deals in summer. While the low season is when Mexican nationals flock to PV, there are still plenty of discounts to be had. Don’t be scared off by the prospect of rain. Precipitation often comes in short bursts that are followed by hours and hours of sunshine
October-December: Just like spring, fall is a wonderful time to visit PV because temperatures are mild with highs in the mid 70s and high 80s. And many travelers fly to PV in November, so the recommendation is to plan accordingly.
Learn more about the seasonal weather of Puerto Vallarta here.
The Puerto Vallarta Rainy Season
Between April and June, rain is scarce, but don’t let the fear of ruined beach days keep you from visiting during Puerto Vallarta’s rainy season. Even in the wettest parts of the year, rainfall comes in short bursts and much of it falls in the evenings after hot, dry days. Daytime tours and other outings aren’t usually affected by the rain. Street vendors selling inexpensive umbrellas are plentiful, and that should be all you need to make it through any quick daytime downpours.
Puerto Vallarta is almost entirely protected from hurricanes because Banderas Bay acts as a natural barrier that forces storms further up the coast or out to sea. Other storms, however, can provide a welcome break from the heat and humidity along with amazing displays of lightning streaking across the hills.
