Trying to find the perfect time for your Puerto Vallarta getaway? The secret sweet spot for amazing weather, smaller crowds, and great prices is during the shoulder seasons—think April to June and again from October to November. You get all the best parts of this incredible destination without the peak season hustle.
Your Quick Guide to Puerto Vallarta's Best Seasons
Deciding when to visit Puerto Vallarta is all about your priorities. Are you chasing picture-perfect sunshine for a family beach trip, or are you hunting for a great deal on a romantic all-inclusive resort? Every season offers a completely different vibe, whether you're a couple escaping the cold, a family on break, or a solo explorer.
To make it easy, we've put together a quick summary to help you decide. It breaks down the weather, crowds, and cost for each of Puerto Vallarta's main travel windows.
What to Expect Each Season
- Peak Season (December – April): This is prime time. The weather is flawless, with sun-drenched days and comfortable, cool evenings. The city is buzzing with energy, events are in full swing, and it's the best time for whale watching. The trade-off? Higher prices and more people.
- Shoulder Season (May – June & October – November): This is our favorite window. The weather is still beautiful, you'll have more of the beach to yourself, and you can find fantastic deals on the best Puerto Vallarta all-inclusive resorts. Plus, the landscape is incredibly lush and green after the summer rains.
- Low Season (July – September): If your budget is the top priority, this is your season. It's hotter and more humid, with brief daily rain showers. In return, you'll find unbelievable value and the quietest beaches of the year.
Use this table to quickly see which season lines up with your travel style.
Puerto Vallarta Travel Seasons at a Glance
This cheat sheet gives you a quick summary of what to expect in Puerto Vallarta throughout the year. It's the perfect tool to help you match your vacation priorities with the right travel window.
| Travel Window | Weather | Crowd Levels | Average Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Season (Dec–Apr) | Sunny, dry, low humidity | High | $$$$ |
| Shoulder Season (May–Jun, Oct-Nov) | Warm, pleasant, some humidity | Medium | $$$ |
| Low Season (Jul–Sep) | Hot, humid, daily rain | Low | $$ |
No matter when you decide to go, each season in Puerto Vallarta has its own unique charm. It all comes down to what kind of trip you're dreaming of.
Visiting During the Peak Season from November to April
If your idea of a perfect vacation involves flawless weather and a city buzzing with energy, then Puerto Vallarta's peak season is calling your name. From November through April, this is when the destination truly comes alive, serving up an endless buffet of sunny days, wonderfully warm temperatures, and virtually zero rain.
Imagine strolling the Malecón at night without even a hint of humidity in the air—that’s the magic of PV in high season. It's the absolute best time to visit if your vacation checklist is all about beautiful beach days and being right in the middle of the action.
The Weather and Atmosphere
During these months, the climate is nothing short of spectacular. Daytime temperatures consistently hover in the low 80s Fahrenheit (around 27°C), creating the perfect backdrop for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the charming cobblestone streets.
Evenings cool down just enough to be perfectly pleasant for outdoor dining or grabbing a margarita at a rooftop bar. This postcard-perfect weather makes it easy to plan your days. You can book boat trips and jungle tours with total confidence, knowing the skies will be bright and clear.
Beyond the amazing weather, the atmosphere is simply electric. The city is packed with cultural events, art walks, and festivals, filling the streets with music and celebration. This is when Puerto Vallarta feels most alive, offering a dynamic and social vacation experience for everyone.
Main Attractions and Can't-Miss Activities
Peak season also happens to coincide with one of Puerto Vallarta's most incredible natural spectacles: whale watching. From mid-December to the end of March, thousands of humpback whales migrate to the warm, protected waters of Banderas Bay to breed and give birth.
A whale watching tour during this window isn't just a hopeful maybe; it's practically a guarantee for unforgettable sightings. Seeing these gentle giants breach and play against the backdrop of the Sierra Madre mountains is a true bucket-list moment.
Other must-do activities during this time include:
- Exploring the Malecón: The famous seaside promenade is at its vibrant best, with street performers, artists, and vendors creating a lively, carnival-like atmosphere.
- Day Trips to Yelapa or Majahuitas: The calm seas and sunny skies are ideal for a boat trip to these secluded beaches, which are only accessible by water.
- Snorkeling at Los Arcos National Marine Park: The dry season brings crystal-clear water, offering exceptional visibility to see the colorful marine life.
The Trade-Off: High Crowds and Prices
Of course, this seasonal perfection comes with a catch: it's popular. The high season draws the biggest crowds of the year, especially around major holidays like Christmas, New Year's, and Spring Break. To give you an idea, during one recent holiday week, the city welcomed nearly 200,000 visitors, pushing hotel occupancy rates past 85%.
This massive demand means flights and all-inclusive resorts will be at their most expensive. You'll likely need reservations for popular restaurants, and top attractions will definitely be busier. If you're looking at great family-friendly options like the Sunscape Puerto Vallarta, booking ahead is absolutely essential.
The key to managing this is to plan ahead. Securing your flights and hotel three to six months in advance can help you lock in much better rates and ensure you get a spot at your preferred resort. It takes a little foresight, but booking early lets you enjoy all the glory of the high season without compromise.
Finding the Sweet Spot in the Shoulder Seasons
While peak season has its undeniable charms, experienced travelers know the real magic happens in the shoulder seasons. These two sweet spots—from May to June and again from October to November—serve up an almost perfect blend of fantastic weather, smaller crowds, and much friendlier prices.
Think of it as getting the best of both worlds. In late spring, you're catching the beautiful tail end of the dry season, soaking up plenty of sun before the summer humidity really settles in. Come fall, you arrive just as the rains have passed, greeted by a landscape so lush and vibrant the Sierra Madre mountains practically glow green.
Why May and June Are Ideal
Visiting Puerto Vallarta in May or June feels like you've been let in on a local secret. The winter crowds have packed up and gone home, leaving a more relaxed and authentic vibe across the entire city. You can actually find a prime spot on Los Muertos Beach without a hassle or wander through the Zona Romantica at a pace that feels like a real vacation.
This window is perfect for couples looking for a romantic escape or anyone who wants to soak up the city's charm without the high-season hustle. It's way easier to snag reservations at top restaurants or simply enjoy the sound of the waves. Plus, with lower demand, you can often find incredible deals on luxurious all-inclusive resorts.
The shoulder season is your chance to experience Puerto Vallarta at its most authentic. With fewer tourists around, you get a much better feel for the local rhythm and can enjoy the popular spots without feeling rushed.
A couple of key events also make this time of year special:
- Restaurant Week: Usually held in May, this culinary festival is your ticket to dining at some of Puerto Vallarta’s most acclaimed restaurants for a fraction of the normal price.
- Vallarta Pride: Also in May, the city comes alive with one of Mexico’s most colorful and energetic Pride celebrations, filling the streets with parades, parties, and events.
The Perks of an Autumn Visit
An autumn trip between October and November offers a totally different but equally rewarding vibe. The summer rains have washed the city clean, leaving the air feeling crisp and the surrounding jungle an intense, brilliant green. Honestly, this is arguably when Puerto Vallarta is at its most beautiful.
The ocean is also at its warmest all year, making it absolutely perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and just floating around. Just like the spring shoulder season, the crowds are minimal, and the prices for flights and hotels are seriously attractive. This is a fantastic time to find amazing value at resorts like the Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta, which sits on its own stunning private beach.
Unique Fall Activities
This season is marked by unique cultural and natural events that you just won't find at other times of the year.
| Activity | Description | Best Time to Go |
|---|---|---|
| Sea Turtle Release | Help newborn sea turtles make their incredible journey to the ocean. It's an unforgettable experience for all ages. | August to December |
| Day of the Dead | Experience the vibrant Día de Muertos celebrations with beautiful altars, parades, and a truly moving atmosphere. | Late Oct to Early Nov |
| Gourmet Festival | This international culinary event in November features guest chefs from all over the world, turning the city into a foodie paradise. | Mid-November |
These shoulder months truly represent the best time to travel to Puerto Vallarta for anyone who values a mix of great weather, good deals, and authentic experiences. You get all the beauty and excitement, but with a little more room to breathe—and a little more cash left in your pocket.
Unlocking Value During the Summer Low Season
For the savvy traveler who knows how to spot a good deal, summer in Puerto Vallarta is a golden opportunity. The low season, which runs from July to September, has a reputation for being hot and humid with a bit of daily rain, but don't let that fool you. This is your ticket to an incredible, almost private vacation experience for a fraction of the high-season price.
Many people hear "rainy season" and picture a total washout, but that's just not how it works here. The summer rain in PV is wonderfully predictable. It usually rolls in for an hour or two in the late afternoon—a heavy, refreshing downpour that cuts through the humidity and leaves behind gorgeous, cool evenings.
Honestly, there's something magical about watching a tropical thunderstorm over Banderas Bay from a covered balcony. When it's over, the air feels clean, and the Sierra Madre jungle that hugs the coast becomes intensely, vibrantly green.
The Real Perks of a Summer Visit
The number one reason to visit in the summer? The savings are unreal. This is when you’ll find rock-bottom prices on flights and even the most luxurious all-inclusive resorts. That five-star hotel you've been dreaming about suddenly becomes much more affordable.
Beyond the budget-friendly prices, the lack of crowds is a massive bonus. Imagine strolling through the Zona Romantica without weaving through a sea of people, or finding a prime spot on the beach without any effort. The whole vibe is more laid-back, giving you a chance to connect with the city in a more authentic way.
Making the Most of the Low Season
A little bit of planning makes a summer trip absolutely perfect. The weather itself gives you a natural schedule to follow for the best experience.
- Plan Mornings Outdoors: Get your beach time, snorkeling, and city exploring done in the morning. The sun will be out, and the humidity hasn't quite peaked yet.
- Embrace the Afternoon Siesta: When the rain and heat arrive, take it as your cue to head indoors. It’s the perfect time for a long, leisurely lunch, a spa treatment at your resort, or just kicking back with a good book.
- Enjoy Perfect Evenings: After the rain passes, the evenings are pure magic. The air is fresh, the temperature is comfortable, and the clouds often lead to some of the most dramatic and colorful sunsets you'll ever see.
The summer low season is Puerto Vallarta's best-kept secret for travelers who prioritize value and tranquility over guaranteed all-day sunshine. With the right mindset, the afternoon rain becomes a welcome and refreshing part of the daily rhythm.
For example, you could spend your morning exploring the crystal-clear waters around Los Arcos. As the clouds start to gather, head back to your resort for an amazing meal. After the rain cools everything down, you're ready for a stroll along a less-crowded Malecón. You’ll find that the best time to travel to Puerto Vallarta is all about what you want from a vacation. This season is perfect for snagging incredible deals at amazing resorts, such as the Grand Park Royal Puerto Vallarta, letting you experience five-star luxury on a three-star budget.
A Month by Month Guide to Puerto Vallarta
To really nail down the best time for your Puerto Vallarta trip, you have to look beyond just the weather. The city's pulse changes month by month, with a calendar full of unique festivals and events that can completely define your vacation. Whether you're a foodie chasing the next great meal, an adventurer, or just want to soak up the local culture, this guide will help you line up your travel dates with the perfect time to visit.
January to April: The Peak of Perfection
The year kicks off with Puerto Vallarta showing off its absolute best. Think sun-drenched days, wonderfully low humidity, and a vibrant energy buzzing through the streets. This is prime time.
- January: The weather is what dreams are made of, with average temperatures in the low 80s F. The holiday crowds have started to thin out a bit, but it's still the heart of whale watching season, and you'll see humpbacks splashing all over Banderas Bay.
- February: An absolutely perfect month for beach lovers and anyone looking to explore the outdoors. The weather stays consistently sunny and dry, and the city's popular Art Walk is in full swing every Wednesday evening.
- March: Spring Break injects a major dose of energy, especially around the Hotel Zone and down the Malecón. It’s a super lively, festive atmosphere, but you'll want to be prepared for higher prices and much bigger crowds.
- April: This month is the sweet spot that marks the transition into the quieter shoulder season. The weather is still gorgeous, but the Spring Break rush is over, leaving a more relaxed vibe in its wake.
May to September: A Mix of Heat and Value
As summer gets closer, things start to shift. This is the season for incredible deals and thinner crowds, but it comes with a trade-off: rising heat, humidity, and the beginning of the rainy season.
The chart below gives you a clear picture of how the temperatures climb from the perfect days of January, through the warm shoulder month of May, all the way to the hot and humid low season in September.
This visual really drives home the temperature spike during the summer months, which is exactly why you'll find lower prices and fewer tourists.
- May: This is a fantastic shoulder-season window. Vallarta Pride and the famous Restaurant Week bring a festive, culinary-focused energy to the city just before the real summer heat arrives.
- June: The rainy season officially begins, but don't let that scare you. It usually just means short, refreshing afternoon downpours that cool everything off. It's a great time for budget-savvy travelers to score some amazing deals.
- July & August: Get ready for the hottest and most humid months of the year. The daily rain works its magic on the surrounding jungle, turning it an unbelievable shade of lush, vibrant green. This is also when sea turtle release season kicks off.
- September: Historically, this is the rainiest month, but that means it also brings the absolute best prices on even the most high-end resorts. If you can handle the weather, the value you'll find is simply unbeatable.
October to December: The Festive Return to Paradise
Autumn in Puerto Vallarta means the end of the rains and a glorious return to beautiful weather, perfectly timed with some of the city's most beloved cultural events.
From the heartfelt traditions of Day of the Dead to the world-class culinary showcases, the fall season is when Puerto Vallarta's cultural soul truly shines.
Tourism is the lifeblood of this city, and the high season really gets going from late November through March. This window lines up perfectly with winter in North America, making Puerto Vallarta’s warm, sunny climate a top-tier travel escape. You can learn more about how crucial tourism is to the local economy on this detailed resource page about Puerto Vallarta.
- October: The rain tapers off, leaving behind a brilliantly green landscape and warm, crystal-clear ocean water. The city starts gearing up for the high season, but the crowds haven't arrived yet.
- November: A phenomenal shoulder month with incredible weather and two can't-miss events: the Gourmet Festival for foodies and the deeply cultural Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations.
- December: The high season is officially here. The first half of the month is pleasant and still relatively calm, but the weeks surrounding Christmas and New Year's are incredibly vibrant, festive, and bustling with activity.
Puerto Vallarta Monthly Event and Weather Calendar
To give you a quick snapshot, here’s a month-by-month look at what to expect, from weather and key events to the type of traveler who will love each season most.
| Month | Avg. Temperature | Primary Activity/Event | Traveler Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 70-82°F (21-28°C) | Whale Watching | Snowbirds, Luxury Seekers |
| February | 70-83°F (21-28°C) | Art Walks, Outdoor Adventures | Couples, Active Travelers |
| March | 71-85°F (22-29°C) | Spring Break, Malecón Parties | Students, Party-Goers |
| April | 72-87°F (22-31°C) | Relaxing Before Summer | Families, Value Seekers |
| May | 75-89°F (24-32°C) | Restaurant Week, Vallarta Pride | Foodies, LGBTQ+ Travelers |
| June | 78-90°F (26-32°C) | Start of Rainy Season | Budget Travelers |
| July | 78-91°F (26-33°C) | Sea Turtle Releases, Lush Scenery | Nature Lovers, Deal Hunters |
| August | 78-91°F (26-33°C) | Deep Sea Fishing | Adventurers, Budget Families |
| September | 78-90°F (26-32°C) | Lowest Prices, Independence Day | Extreme Budget Travelers |
| October | 77-89°F (25-32°C) | Post-Rainy Season Greenery | Photographers, Relaxed Travelers |
| November | 74-87°F (23-31°C) | Day of the Dead, Gourmet Festival | Culture Enthusiasts, Foodies |
| December | 71-84°F (22-29°C) | Holiday Festivities | Holiday Travelers, Families |
This calendar helps illustrate how the city's offerings shift throughout the year, ensuring there's a perfect time for every kind of traveler to experience the magic of Puerto Vallarta.
No matter which month you choose, our team at All Inclusive Vacations Store can help you find the perfect package. And with our flexible Vacation Payment Plans, that dream trip is closer than you think.
Booking Your Perfect Puerto Vallarta Vacation
You've explored the seasons, figured out the perfect time to go, and now you’re ready to make that dream trip happen. This is the fun part, and here at All Inclusive Vacations Store, we make the booking process simple and—most importantly—affordable. Our goal is to get you incredible rates at the best resorts so you can lock in that getaway without the usual stress.
We believe everyone deserves an unforgettable escape, which is why we offer flexible Vacation Payment Plans. This lets you book your trip now to snag the best deals and then pay for it over time, making it much easier to fit into your budget.
Finding Your Ideal All-Inclusive Resort
There's a reason Puerto Vallarta is blowing up in popularity. The destination recently smashed its own tourism records, welcoming over 6.2 million arrivals in a single year. That's a massive jump, and you can read more about why travelers are flocking to Puerto Vallarta on Travel Off Path.
This boom means there are more amazing resort options than ever. To find your perfect match, think about what you really want out of this trip:
- For Families: You'll want a place with a great kids' club, family-friendly pools, and activities that appeal to everyone. Resorts like the Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive & Spa are fantastic at keeping the little ones entertained while the adults get some much-needed relaxation.
- For Couples: An adults-only resort is the way to go for a quiet, romantic vibe. Look for spots that offer private jacuzzis, gourmet dining, and serene spas.
- For Groups: If you're traveling for a big celebration or even a MICE event, we can find resorts with plenty of meeting space, group dining options, and enough entertainment to keep everyone happy.
Let Us Handle the Details
Booking with us isn't just a transaction; it's a partnership. We take care of all the complicated stuff so you can just focus on how excited you are for your vacation.
We are committed to making your travel experience seamless from start to finish. Our team of experts provides personalized support to ensure every detail of your Puerto Vallarta getaway is perfect.
Ready to take the next step? You can browse our Top Deals right on our site and find exclusive packages built for travelers just like you. If you have any questions or just want to know more about our approach, our About Us page explains our commitment to our customers.
Let's get your unforgettable Puerto Vallarta vacation on the calendar today!
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Puerto Vallarta
Even the best-planned trips come with a few last-minute questions. To help you feel completely prepared for your getaway, we’ve put together clear answers to some of the most common things travelers ask when figuring out the best time to visit Puerto Vallarta.
When Is Hurricane Season in Puerto Vallarta?
Hurricane season in Puerto Vallarta officially runs from June through October. However, the city's unique geography is a huge advantage. Tucked inside the massive Banderas Bay and shielded by the Sierra Madre mountains, Puerto Vallarta has a natural barrier that makes direct hurricane hits extremely rare. What you're more likely to experience are tropical storms that bring short, predictable afternoon rain showers, which help cool things down.
What Is the Best Time for Whale Watching?
The best time for whale watching in Puerto Vallarta is between mid-December and the end of March. This is when thousands of humpback whales migrate to the warm, protected bay to breed and give birth. Booking a tour during this period almost guarantees you’ll have an incredible, up-close encounter with these magnificent animals.
Is Puerto Vallarta Safe for Tourists?
Yes, Puerto Vallarta is widely considered one of Mexico’s safest and most welcoming destinations for tourists. The main tourist areas—like the Romantic Zone, the Hotel Zone, and the Malecón boardwalk—are well-patrolled and geared toward making visitors feel comfortable and secure. As with any travel destination, it's always smart to be aware of your surroundings and take standard precautions with your valuables. For the latest official guidance, you can check the travel advice from the U.S. Department of State.
What Month Has the Best Weather?
For picture-perfect weather, you can't beat March and April. These months deliver endless sunshine, warm temperatures in the low-to-mid 80s F, and almost zero humidity or rain. The evenings are comfortably cool, and the ocean is the ideal temperature for swimming, making it the dream beach weather most travelers are looking for.
Ready to book your perfect getaway? At All Inclusive Vacations Store, we make planning easy and affordable. Explore our incredible deals and find your dream Puerto Vallarta vacation package today! https://allinclusivevacationsstore.com
