Puerto Vallarta, nestled on Mexico’s stunning Pacific coast, is a dream destination for many. Known for its breathtaking beaches framed by lush jungles and sparkling emerald waters, this resort city offers something for everyone. However, knowing the Best Time To Travel To Puerto Vallarta can significantly enhance your experience, ensuring you align your visit with your ideal weather, activities, and budget.
Deciding when to visit Puerto Vallarta depends on what you seek from your vacation. Are you dreaming of witnessing the majestic humpback whale migration? Or perhaps you’re a diving enthusiast seeking optimal underwater visibility? Maybe you’re a budget-conscious traveler looking for the best deals, or eager to immerse yourself in vibrant local culture. This guide will navigate you through Puerto Vallarta’s seasons, highlighting the unique advantages of each, to help you pinpoint your best time to travel to Puerto Vallarta.
A humpback whale breaches at Puerto Vallarta
Whale Watching Wonderland: High Season (December to April)
For many, the best time to travel to Puerto Vallarta is during the high season, from December to April. This period coincides with the incredible migration of thousands of humpback whales to the warm waters of Banderas Bay for their mating season. Witnessing these colossal creatures breach the ocean surface is an unforgettable spectacle. Numerous tour operators, like Ecotours de México, offer specialized whale watching tours, often equipped with hydrophones to allow you to listen to the whales’ enchanting songs. Keep an eye out, you might even spot whale sharks or gray whales during this period!
Beyond whale watching, the weather during these months is exceptionally pleasant. Expect cool and dry conditions, perfect for outdoor adventures. Hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding become incredibly enjoyable. Daytime temperatures are warm and inviting, ideal for relaxing on Puerto Vallarta’s famed sandy beaches.
However, the high season’s popularity means higher prices. Expect to pay more for flights and accommodations as “snowbirds” escape colder climates and descend upon Puerto Vallarta. Spring break in March intensifies the crowds and prices even further. If whale watching is your priority and you don’t mind the higher costs and bustling atmosphere, then December to April is undoubtedly the best time to travel to Puerto Vallarta for you.
Majahuitas Beach in Cabo Corrientes
Diving into Deals and Depths: Shoulder Season (May to August)
For diving and snorkeling enthusiasts, the shoulder season from May to August presents a compelling case for the best time to travel to Puerto Vallarta. The summer heat brings warmer water temperatures and exceptional visibility in Banderas Bay, creating ideal conditions to explore the underwater world. Dive shops like Banderas Scuba Republic organize excursions to secluded coves and to islands further offshore, where you can encounter manta rays, hawksbill turtles, and playful dolphins.
The shoulder season also offers a sweet spot for budget-conscious travelers. Once the spring break crowds dissipate in March, hotel prices become more attractive throughout May and June. The exception is the last week of May, when Puerto Vallarta hosts its vibrant Vallarta Pride festival, particularly popular in the LGBTQ+-friendly Zona Romántica. While hotel rates gradually increase in July and August due to Mexican summer vacations, they remain significantly lower than during the peak winter months. If diving, snorkeling, and value are high on your list, then the shoulder season might be your best time to travel to Puerto Vallarta.
Local Life and Lively Celebrations: Low Season (September to November)
If you’re seeking a more authentic Puerto Vallarta experience, and don’t mind a bit of heat and humidity, consider the low season from September to November as potentially the best time to travel to Puerto Vallarta. This period offers the most affordable prices and a chance to experience the city like a local.
Fall in Puerto Vallarta is also incredibly colorful, as Mexicans celebrate significant national holidays. Independence Day on September 16th is a vibrant affair with fireworks and festivities. Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) in early November is a uniquely atmospheric Mexican tradition, where families honor deceased loved ones with beautifully decorated altars. Even Halloween on October 31st is embraced in Puerto Vallarta’s tourist-friendly establishments. While flights to Mexico might be slightly pricier around these celebration dates, the overall value of visiting during this time is undeniable.
The weather remains warm and humid, but the sea is inviting for swimming and snorkeling, and you’ll enjoy these activities with far fewer crowds. Be aware that some businesses might operate on reduced hours as locals focus on family time during this period. For cultural immersion, budget savings, and fewer tourists, the low season could be the best time to travel to Puerto Vallarta for you.
Puerto Vallarta by Month: A Detailed Guide
To further refine your decision on the best time to travel to Puerto Vallarta, here’s a month-by-month breakdown:
January: Pleasant Weather, Premium Prices
January offers fantastic weather, cool and comfortable, making it ideal for escaping winter. However, it comes with high-season prices. Don’t miss the Fiestas Patronales San Sebastián del Oeste in a nearby mountain town.
- Key Events: Fiestas Patronales San Sebastián del Oeste, Día de Reyes (Three Kings Day)
February: Whale Watching Peak
February boasts delightful temperatures and marks the peak of whale watching season, with both humpback and gray whales present in Banderas Bay.
- Key Events: Carnaval
March: Spring Break Arrives
Warmer weather and spring break crowds descend upon Puerto Vallarta, leading to a very busy atmosphere.
- Key Events: Banderas Bay Regatta
La Playa Escondida, Islas Marietas
April: Crowds and Costs Continue
The heat rises, and Semana Santa (Holy Week) brings peak crowds and expensive accommodations.
- Key Events: Semana Santa
May: Pride and Pleasant Prices (Early Month)
Early May offers shoulder-season deals. Late May hosts Vallarta Pride, a major LGBTQ+ celebration, filling up Zona Romántica.
- Key Events: Vallarta Pride, Festival Cultural de Mayo
June: Bargain Hunting Begins
The rainy season starts, with afternoon showers, but mornings are sunny and hotel deals are plentiful.
- Key Events: Día de la Marina (Navy Day)
July: Local Tourists and Turtle Releases
Mexican summer vacation begins, bringing domestic tourists. Sea turtle releases start and continue through December.
- Key Events: Sea turtle releases
Street scene in Puerto Vallarta
August: Steamy Summer
August is hot and humid, with continued domestic tourism.
- Key Events: Jardín Botánico Raicilla Festival
September: Independence Day Festivities
Celebrate Mexican Independence Day with fireworks and lively celebrations on September 16th.
- Key Events: Día de la Independencia (Independence Day)
October: Heat Subsides, Rain Decreases
The heat remains but rainfall lessens. Experience both Halloween and Day of the Dead at the end of the month.
- Key Events: Halloween
November: Day of the Dead and Delightful Weather
Rainy season ends, Día de Muertos celebrations create a rich cultural experience. Weather becomes increasingly pleasant.
- Key Events: Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead), Festival Gourmet Internacional, Torneo Internacional de Pesca Marlín y Pez Vela
December: Holiday Season Begins
Temperatures cool down as the winter holiday season approaches. Early December can still offer decent hotel deals before peak holiday prices set in.
- Key Events: Día de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe
Conclusion: Your Perfect Puerto Vallarta Time Awaits
Ultimately, the best time to travel to Puerto Vallarta is subjective and depends on your personal preferences. Whether you prioritize whale watching, diving conditions, budget savings, cultural experiences, or simply the weather, Puerto Vallarta offers unique draws throughout the year. By understanding the nuances of each season and month, you can confidently choose the perfect time to visit and create unforgettable memories in this Mexican paradise.
