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Puerto Vallarta, on Mexico’s Pacific coast, enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The city features a distinct dry season from November to May and a lush, rainy season from June to October. With abundant sunshine, balmy sea breezes, and consistently warm ocean waters, Puerto Vallarta is a favourite for beachgoers and outdoor adventurers alike.
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
The climate of Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta’s tropical climate is defined by two main seasons: a dry, less humid period from November to May and a hot, rainy season from June to October. During the dry season, temperatures are pleasantly warm, with average highs of 26–29°C and lows of 16–20°C. Rainfall is minimal, skies are clear, and humidity is lower, making this the most comfortable and popular time for visitors. The sun shines for 7–10 hours a day, and the ocean remains inviting with water temperatures around 24–26°C.
The rainy season, from June to October, brings hotter, more humid conditions, with daytime highs of 31–32°C and nighttime lows of 24–26°C. Heavy rainfall is common, especially in August and September, but showers typically occur in the late afternoon or evening, leaving mornings sunny and bright. The region receives up to 350 mm of rain per month in the peak of the wet season, but hurricanes are rare thanks to the protection of Banderas Bay. Winds are generally light year-round, with average speeds of 10–12 km/h, and the city enjoys 2,500–3,000 hours of sunshine annually. Snow is virtually nonexistent. The combination of warm temperatures, lush green landscapes during the rainy season, and consistently swimmable sea makes Puerto Vallarta a year-round destination.
| Average climate data for Puerto Vallarta, Mexico | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°C) | 26 | 26 | 28 | 30 | 30 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 26 | 30 |
| Average minimum temperature (°C) | 17 | 16 | 17 | 17 | 20 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 21 | 19 | 18 | 16 |
| Average precipitation (mm) | 21 | 22 | 6 | 1 | 8 | 57 | 136 | 168 | 145 | 114 | 32 | 28 | 738 |
| Average rainfall days (days) | 6 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 16 | 27 | 28 | 24 | 21 | 11 | 7 | 154 |
| Average relative humidity (%) | 66 | 65 | 60 | 59 | 65 | 78 | 80 | 83 | 85 | 81 | 74 | 71 | 72 |
| Average wind speed (km/h) | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Average water temperature (°C) | 25 | 24 | 24 | 25 | 27 | 28 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 28 | 25 | 27 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 12 |
| Average daily sunshine hours (h) | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 |
| Average cloud coverage (%) | 13 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 32 | 40 | 44 | 43 | 29 | 17 | 14 | 23 |
| Average UV index | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 6 |
Travel info
- Winter (December–February): Warm and dry, with highs of 26–28°C and lows of 16–18°C. Ideal for beach activities, water sports, and festivals. Pack light clothing and sun protection.
- Spring (March–May): Dry, sunny, and gradually warming, with highs up to 29°C. The sunniest months of the year – perfect for outdoor adventures and sightseeing.
- Summer (June–August): Hot, humid, and rainy, with highs of 31–32°C. Expect brief, heavy afternoon or evening showers. Mornings are usually sunny. Bring rain gear and stay hydrated.
- Autumn (September–November): Rainy and humid in September, gradually drying out by November. Highs of 29–31°C. Fewer crowds and lush scenery. Pack for rain early in the season, but enjoy comfortable weather by late autumn.
- Travel Tips: Book accommodations early for winter and spring. During the rainy season, plan outdoor activities for mornings. Always use sun protection and stay hydrated. The ocean is warm enough for swimming year-round.
The best time to visit Puerto Vallarta
The best time to visit Puerto Vallarta is from December to April, when the weather is warm (26–29°C), dry, and sunny, with low humidity and little rain. These months offer the most comfortable conditions for beach activities, sightseeing, and water sports, drawing the largest crowds and the liveliest atmosphere.
The worst time to visit Puerto Vallarta
The least favourable time to visit is from July to September, when heat, humidity, and heavy rainfall are at their peak. Afternoon storms can disrupt outdoor plans, and the risk of tropical storms is highest. However, mornings remain sunny, and the lush landscapes appeal to some travellers seeking fewer crowds and lower prices.
Frequently asked questions
Puerto Vallarta has a tropical climate with warm temperatures all year. The dry season (November–May) is sunny and pleasant, while the rainy season (June–October) is hotter, humid, and marked by afternoon showers.
The best time to visit is from December to April, when the weather is warm, dry, and sunny. These months are ideal for beach activities, festivals, and outdoor adventures.
Puerto Vallarta receives about 1,270 mm of rain annually, with most rainfall from June to October. August and September are the wettest months, often seeing up to 350 mm in a month.
Hurricanes are rare due to the protection of Banderas Bay, and snow is virtually nonexistent. The city’s tropical climate and sea-level elevation keep temperatures warm year-round.
Yes, the Pacific Ocean remains warm year-round in Puerto Vallarta, with temperatures ranging from 24°C in winter to 30°C in summer, making it ideal for swimming and water sports.
Pack light, breathable clothing, sun protection, and swimwear year-round. Bring a rain jacket or umbrella if visiting during the rainy season (June–October).
Minimum and maximum temperatures in Puerto Vallarta
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is May (30.5 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is January (26.3 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 28.4 °C.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is August (22.1 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is February (16.4 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is 19.4 °C.
Water temperature in Puerto Vallarta
The month with the highest average water temperature is August (30.4 °C). The month with the lowest average water temperature is March (23.9 °C). Overall, the average water temperature over the whole year is 27.2 °C.
Rainfall amount in Puerto Vallarta
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is August (167.6 mm). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is April (1 mm). Over the whole year there are 737.8 mm of rainfall on average.
Rainfall days in Puerto Vallarta
The month with the most days of rain is August (27.7 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is April (2 days). Over the whole year there are 153.5 days of rain on average.
Relative humidity in Puerto Vallarta
The month with the highest average relative humidity is September (85 %). The month with the lowest average relative humidity is April (59.4 %). The overall average relative humidity over the whole year is 72.2 %.
Wind speed in Puerto Vallarta
The windiest month, with the highest average wind speed, is March (7 km/h). The calmest month, with the lowest average wind speed, is August (5.5 km/h). The overall average wind speed over the whole year is 6.3 km/h.
Cloud coverage in Puerto Vallarta
The month with the cloudiest skies, so the highest cloud coverage, is August (43.7 %). The month with the clearest skies, so the lowest cloud coverage, is April (10.5 %). Over the whole year there is an average cloud coverage of 23 %.
Daylight hours and sunshine hours in Puerto Vallarta
The month with the longest days, so the most daylight, is June (Average daylight: 13 h). The month with the shortest days, so the least daylight, is December (Average daylight: 10.1 h). Over the whole year there are 11.8 h of daylight per day on average.
The month with the most sunshine per day is April (Average sunshine: 9.2 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is July (Average sunshine: 8 h). Over the whole year there are 8.8 h of sunlight per day on average.
UV index in Puerto Vallarta
The months with the highest average UV index are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November (UV index: 6). The month with the lowest average UV index is December (UV index: 5). Over the whole year the average UV index is 5.9.
- Puerto Vallarta climate overview
- Climate table
- Related travel information for Puerto Vallarta
- The best time to visit Puerto Vallarta
- The worst time to visit Puerto Vallarta
- Frequently asked questions
- Temperature summary
- Water temperature summary
- Rainfall amount summary
- Rainfall days summary
- Relative humidity summary
- Wind speed summary
- Cloud coverage summary
- Daylight hours and sunshine hours summary
- UV index summary
- Other recommended travel destinations