We’ve rounded up all of the very best things to do in Puerto Vallarta based on when you’re planning your vacation, so you can start building your itinerary and make the most of every moment!
High Season Attractions (November to April)
It’s called the high season for a reason! From November to April, the weather in Puerto Vallarta simply couldn’t be better, ranging from 18°C to 28°C (mid-60s to low 80s in Fahrenheit). That means sunny days, pleasant temperatures, and ideal conditions for outdoor activities both on the water and dry land.
If you’re looking to do some whale watching, one of Puerto Vallarta's most popular attractions, December to March is your best bet. Humpback whales migrate from colder waters up towards the warmth of Banderas Bay, making them the stars of the show during this time.
You can also expect to see multiple species of dolphins, plus occasional sightings of sea turtles, giant manta rays, and even Orcas. If possible, early morning excursions are best due to calmer waters and less boat traffic.
Many of Puerto Vallarta’s lovely Pacific beaches have activities available on-site, from paddleboarding and snorkeling to kayaking, parasailing, and so much more. It’s also common to see kiosks selling fresh grilled seafood and refreshing drinks just steps from the shore.
High season offers great weather for day trips to nearby beaches, like the Los Arcos Marine Park, a trove of marine life and epic rock formations, and Islas Marietas, known for its hidden beach and fabulous snorkeling.
Speaking of perfect weather, the magic of the Malecon boardwalk and Old Town are on full display from autumn to spring. Food and art vendors line the streets selling local crafts and bites, and all of Puerto Vallarta’s most iconic dining and shopping spots are open for business.
Experience Cultural Events and Festivals
Puerto Vallarta celebrates a few major events and festivals in November and December. Día de Muertos—AKA Day of the Dead—is marked by vibrant altars, processions, and elaborate face paint and costuming as locals honor their departed loved ones.
In December, Mexico celebrates Christmas with Las Posadas. This nine-day period from December 16th to 24th features candlelit reenactments of Mary and Joseph’s journey, as well as music, food, and piñatas.
Spectacular Shows Nearby!
Elevate your Puerto Vallarta experience with breathtaking Cirque du Soleil performances.
Benefit from Shoulder Seasons
The shoulder season includes the months between peak travel. During these times, there will be fewer people traveling to Mexico and many deals to be had on hotels, flights, and attractions. However, if you’re looking for a true beach vacation, you’ll be rolling the dice a little when it comes to the weather.
Visiting in May is a great way to blend warm temperatures without the humidity, essentially zero days of rain, and much thinner crowds. Restaurant week begins mid-month, so expect to see tons of local restaurants with special multi-course tasting menus!
Swinging from May to June, though, you’ll start creeping into the rainy season. June is considered to be the shoulder month of low season; tourism will only continue to taper off after this time.
The good news is, restaurant week typically continues through the first week or so of June, and there’s no better place to wait out a drizzle than the comfort of a local eatery. You’ll also be spoiled for choice with museums and shops, which are especially lovely when you don’t have to compete with large crowds!
November, on the other hand, is the shoulder of high season. This is your last opportunity to enjoy some peaceful Mexico travel before tourism really starts to ramp up, so if you’re able to take an early vacation, come on down!
Discover Low Season Advantages (June to September)
For lovers of all things leafy and green, Puerto Vallarta’s low season may be for you. The city leans into its jungle vibes during this time: it’ll be warm and humid, with enough rain to nourish its verdant landscapes into something truly beautiful.
Prices for lodging will be significantly lower, and there will be far fewer tourists to compete with for activities and dining. Not everyone is cut out for the promise of drizzle, but for some, seeing nature in full technicolour is worth packing an umbrella!
With Puerto Vallarta’s foliage at its most lush, we recommend a ziplining tour to sail among the trees and observe the canopy from a bird’s eye view. The increased precipitation also fills up hidden spots like the Palo María and El Salto waterfalls.
Travelers can head indoors for several cooking workshops, from tacos to chocolate, to get fully immersed in Mexico’s rich foodie culture. There will also be plenty of galleries and museums to fill your days, plus covered markets!
Participate in Local Mexican Celebrations
September visitors will love celebrating Mexican Independence Day alongside the locals. Streets, plazas, and homes get decked out in red, white, and green, and the big day, September 16th, is rung in with fireworks and parades.
Dancers, soldiers, schoolchildren, floats, and gorgeous traditional costumes fill the streets. It’s impossible not to feel the surge of national pride that blankets Mexico during this time!
Support Sea Turtle Conservation
Turtle nesting season runs from July to December, with hatchling releases taking place from August through October. Engage in a little eco-tourism and learn from conservationists by booking a tour to help release baby turtles into the ocean.
Embrace Puerto Vallarta’s Rainy Day Charm
A rainy afternoon is the perfect opportunity to explore indoor gems like the Naval Museum and local art galleries. If the rain doesn’t bother you much, taking a jungle tour with misty views and rich, saturated colors is an experience like no other!
Monthly Weather and Events Overview
Here’s what Puerto Vallarta weather looks like on a month-by-month basis.
January Offers Cool Nights
January’s cooler temperatures are great for comfortably exploring the outdoors, whether you’re wandering around town or taking a hike through the lush jungle.
February Brings Peak Whale Watching
This month, whale watching is at its peak. You’re most likely to see gorgeous humpback whales once you hit the water—keep your eyes open and enjoy!
March Welcomes Spring Break
The first mini-peak of the year happens during spring break in early March. Expect increased tourism during this specific time period.
April Features Easter Celebrations
April’s warmer weather is great for beach days and roaming around outdoors. Easter is a popular holiday in Mexico, with celebrations occurring across Puerto Vallarta.
May Hosts Pride Festival
May is Pride month in Mexico! As the weather continues to warm up, visitors can enjoy vibrant festivals all month long in honour of this holiday.
June Marks the Start of Rainy Season
Prices begin to dip in June as the rainy season begins. Start hunting for bargains and be prepared to experience some humidity!
July Brings Humidity
While July may be part of the low season for foreign visitors, local tourism tends to increase around this time. Rainy weather continues.
August is Hot with Potential Storms
August in Puerto Vallarta is all about the heat, with the possibility of summer tropical storms hitting the area.
September Celebrates Independence Day
Mexican Independence Day festivities reach their apex on September 16th, with related celebrations happening leading up to the big day.
October Has Less Rain and Great Deals
Rainfall begins to slow down in October and prices remain low as you’re still in the shoulder season.
November Starts Off With Día de Muertos
Día de Muertos festivities mark the beginning of Mexico’s high season. Visitors from around the world will start touching down this month.
December Offers Festive Holidays
December is popular for whale watching, holiday celebrations like Día de la Virgen, the Christmas holidays, and the New Year. Tourism is in full swing at this time, the weather is great, and prices are at their peak.
Embrace Your Ideal Time to Visit Puerto Vallarta
Each month looks a little different in Puerto Vallarta, and you’ll have no shortage of things to do no matter when you visit. While peak season is the ideal time to visit if you prefer excellent weather and sunshine, the low and shoulder season offer very competitive prices and plenty of options for indoor and outdoor run.
Cap off the perfect beach day or seek shelter from the rain with one of our shows in Nuevo Vallarta—an acrobatic spectacle you won’t soon forget.
Cover image by Taly Torres on Unsplash