Puerto Vallarta has a tropical wet and dry climate with a distinct dry season (November to May) and a hot, humid rainy season (June to October). The city receives approximately 1,450mm of rain annually, with over 80% falling between June and October. The Sierra Madre mountains behind the city create a dramatic backdrop and influence local weather patterns.
Puerto Vallarta Weather by Month: Temperature and Rainfall Breakdown
| Month | Avg High (C/F) | Avg Low (C/F) | Rainfall (mm) | Humidity (%) | Sunshine (hrs/day) | Sea Temp (C/F) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28 / 82 | 17 / 63 | 25 | 73 | 7.5 | 24 / 75 |
| February | 28 / 82 | 17 / 63 | 14 | 72 | 8.0 | 24 / 75 |
| March | 29 / 84 | 18 / 64 | 10 | 71 | 8.2 | 24 / 75 |
| April | 30 / 86 | 19 / 66 | 5 | 70 | 8.5 | 25 / 77 |
| May | 32 / 90 | 22 / 72 | 15 | 71 | 8.3 | 27 / 81 |
| June | 33 / 91 | 24 / 75 | 206 | 76 | 6.5 | 29 / 84 |
| July | 33 / 91 | 24 / 75 | 335 | 79 | 5.8 | 30 / 86 |
| August | 33 / 91 | 24 / 75 | 355 | 80 | 5.5 | 30 / 86 |
| September | 33 / 91 | 24 / 75 | 342 | 81 | 5.0 | 29 / 84 |
| October | 32 / 90 | 23 / 73 | 128 | 79 | 6.5 | 29 / 84 |
| November | 30 / 86 | 20 / 68 | 30 | 76 | 7.5 | 27 / 81 |
| December | 28 / 82 | 18 / 64 | 22 | 74 | 7.2 | 25 / 77 |
Puerto Vallarta Weather in the Dry Season (November to May)
November through May is Puerto Vallarta’s dry season with minimal rainfall and comfortable humidity. November starts the season at 30°C (86°F) with just 30mm of rain. December through April are near-perfect: highs of 28-30°C (82-86°F), lows of 17-19°C (63-66°F), and rainfall as low as 5mm in April. February and March are the driest months with 10-14mm. Humidity holds at 70-73%. Sea temperatures range from 24-27°C (75-81°F), warm enough for swimming year-round. This is the peak tourist season with hotel prices 30-50% higher than summer. For planning your trip during this ideal window, see the best time to visit Puerto Vallarta.
Puerto Vallarta Weather in the Rainy Season (June to October)
The rainy season in Puerto Vallarta brings intense but typically short-lived afternoon and evening thunderstorms. July and August are the wettest months at 335-355mm, falling over 18-20 rainy days. September also sees 342mm. Despite the rain, mornings are usually sunny with 5-5.5 hours of daily sunshine. Humidity peaks at 79-81%. Temperatures stay high at 33°C (91°F) throughout. This is also hurricane season (June-November), with the highest risk August through October. Puerto Vallarta’s location in Banderas Bay provides some natural protection, but storms can bring heavy rain and rough seas. Hotel prices drop 40-50% from the dry season peak. For monthly tracking, see the Puerto Vallarta weather by month breakdown.
Puerto Vallarta Weather in Transition Months (May and October)
May is the hottest month at 32°C (90°F) but still dry with only 15mm of rain. The humidity begins to climb (71%) and the first afternoon storms may arrive in late May, signaling the monsoon approach. October sees the rainy season winding down: 128mm of rain compared to September’s 342mm, with increasing sunny days. November is the true start of the dry season. These shoulder months offer a mix of decent weather and lower hotel prices, especially October if you’re willing to risk afternoon rain.
