The best time to visit Puerto Vallarta is November through April, the dry season when skies are clear, humidity is comfortable, and rain is minimal. May and October are shoulder months offering a trade-off between weather and lower prices.
Best Time to Visit Puerto Vallarta for Good Weather
December through April delivers near-perfect conditions. December temperatures reach 28°C (82°F) with just 22mm of rain. By April, highs climb to 30°C (86°F) while rainfall bottoms out at just 5mm, the driest month of the year. February and March offer the best balance of warm temperatures (28-29°C/82-84°F), minimal rain (10-14mm), and comfortable humidity (71-72%). November is the transitional month at 30°C (86°F) with only 30mm of rain, an excellent value window before the December price surge. For complete monthly data, see the Puerto Vallarta weather by month guide.
Best Time to Visit Puerto Vallarta for Lowest Prices
June through October offers the lowest hotel rates, with prices 40-50% below the December-April peak. September is the cheapest month but also the rainiest (342mm). October is a better value: rain drops to 128mm and temperatures stay at 32°C (90°F). Many Puerto Vallarta restaurants and tour operators close for part of September and October for annual maintenance. January is the most expensive month with post-Christmas demand and whale watching season peaking. Avoid the Christmas-New Year and Easter (Semana Santa) periods when hotel prices triple and the Malecón is shoulder-to-shoulder.
Best Time to Visit Puerto Vallarta for Whale Watching
Humpback whales migrate to Banderas Bay from December through March, with the peak viewing window from mid-January to mid-February. Boat tours depart from the Marina Vallarta and Los Muertos Pier daily during the season (MXN 800-1,200 per person for 3-4 hours). The whales come to the bay’s warm waters to give birth and mate. You can sometimes spot them spouting and breaching from the beach or the Malecón. For beach and activity recommendations, see things to do in Puerto Vallarta.
Best Time to Visit Puerto Vallarta for Events
The Festival Gourmet International in November showcases 50+ restaurants with guest chefs. The Puerto Vallarta International Film Festival runs in March. Day of the Dead (November 1-2) fills the Malecón with altars and parades. New Year’s Eve on the Malecón draws 50,000+ people for fireworks over the bay. For the full calendar, see the Puerto Vallarta events and festivals guide.
Best Time to Visit Puerto Vallarta: Monthly Summary
November: Dry season begins, excellent weather and value. December-April: Perfect weather, peak prices, whale watching. May: Hottest month (32°C/90°F), still mostly dry, prices dropping. June-September: Rainy season, lowest prices, morning sunshine with afternoon storms. October: Rain tapering off, good value, some businesses still on annual break.
