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Sayulita is a surf town of about 2,300 year-round residents on Mexico’s Pacific coast in the state of Nayarit, 40 km (25 miles) north of Puerto Vallarta. It sits on a curving bay in Bahía de Banderas, where a tropical savanna climate keeps daytime highs between 25 and 29 °C (77 to 84 °F) all year and delivers nearly all of its 817 mm (32 in) of rain between June and October. The town is known for beginner-friendly waves, colorful papel picado strung over its streets, and a Day of the Dead celebration that draws visitors from across Mexico and the United States.
Welcome to Sayulita
Sayulita hugs a single main beach that runs from the river mouth at its south end to the rocky point at the north, with a compact grid of sand streets, surf shops and taco stands behind it. Most of the town is walkable in 20 minutes, and golf carts handle the steeper hillsides where rental villas overlook the bay. You’ll fly into Puerto Vallarta’s airport (PVR) and drive an hour north, then spend your days either in the water or moving between the beach, the Mercado del Pueblo and the plaza. It’s small, loud in high season and easy to navigate without a car.
Sayulita Weather at a Glance
Sayulita has a dry season from November to April and a rainy season from May to October, with temperatures that barely change from one month to the next. The warmest months are July and August, both averaging 28.9 °C (84 °F) by day with overnight lows near 24.9 °C (76.8 °F). The coolest are January and February, with highs around 25 °C (77 °F) and lows near 20 °C (68 °F). Humidity runs from 72 percent in April to 82 percent in September, and the Pacific water ranges from about 24 °C (75 °F) in winter to 30 °C (86 °F) in late summer.
Rain is concentrated in summer. June records 90 mm (3.5 in) over 8 rainy days, then July (126 mm, 13 days), August (174 mm, 15 days) and September (204 mm, 16 days) carry the wettest stretch of the year. The dry months are the opposite extreme: April sees only 3 mm (0.1 in), and the whole November-to-April window averages under 30 mm (1.2 in) per month. For the full month-by-month table, see the https://theweather.guide/mexico/nayarit/sayulita/sayulita-weather-by-month/ guide.
Sayulita Seasonal Snapshot
- Winter (December to February): Highs of 25 to 26 °C (78 °F), clear skies and 9 hours of sun. Peak season for snowbirds and whale watching; book early.
- Spring (March to May): Warming and bone dry, with April the driest month at 3 mm (0.1 in). Easter week (Semana Santa) brings a local holiday surge.
- Summer (June to August): Hot and humid with afternoon downpours. August is the second-wettest month (174 mm). Fewer crowds and lower prices.
- Autumn (September to November): September is the wettest month (204 mm), then skies clear through November. Day of the Dead fills the town in early November.
Explore Sayulita: Your Complete Travel Guide
- Sayulita weather by month – A month-by-month breakdown of temperatures, rainfall, humidity and sea temperature with a full comparison table.
- Best time to visit Sayulita – The exact months for the best weather, surf, whales and the lowest prices, plus what to avoid.
- Things to do in Sayulita – Surfing, secluded beaches, whale watching, the Islas Marietas and a jungle hike.
- Sayulita events and festivals – Festival Sayulita, Day of the Dead, whale season and the town fair, with dates.
- Sayulita neighborhoods – El Centro, the north side hills and the south end, with prices and who each suits.
- Where to stay in Sayulita – Three areas with three verified hotel picks each, from beachfront to budget.
- Sayulita travel tips and FAQ – Airport transfers, money, safety, tipping and the questions visitors ask most.
Sayulita Quick Facts
- Best beach months: November to April, when skies are clear and the water is calm.
- Warmest months: July and August, both averaging 28.9 °C (84 °F).
- Coolest months: January and February, averaging highs of 25 °C (77 °F).
- Wettest month: September, with 204 mm (8.0 in) over 16 rainy days.
- Sea temperature: 24 °C (75 °F) in winter to 30 °C (86 °F) in late summer.
- Sunshine: 9 to 11 hours a day, peaking in April and May.
Where to Stay in Sayulita
Sayulita runs on boutique hotels, hostels and vacation rentals rather than big resorts. El Centro puts you a few minutes from the beach and the loudest part of town, the north side trades a short uphill walk for quiet and bay views, and the south end sits closest to the surf break. High-season hotel rates run from about 1,100 MXN (US$60) for a hostel bed up to 7,000 MXN (US$385) for a hillside villa. See the https://theweather.guide/mexico/nayarit/sayulita/sayulita-where-to-stay/ guide for the full area-by-area breakdown.
Suggested Hotels in Sayulita
Ysuri Sayulita – Beachfront Hotel
A beachfront hotel steps from the main beach with a pool, garden, terrace and direct sea views. Best for surfers and couples who want to roll out of bed onto the sand. Check rates and availability
Casa de la Ballena
A four-star hotel a five-minute walk from the beach with an outdoor pool, garden and free parking. Best for travelers who want a calm mid-range base with a pool at a fair price. Check rates and availability
Petit Hotel Hafa
A central budget pick two minutes from the beach with a rooftop pool, bar and yoga classes. Best for solo travelers and couples who want location and a rooftop for less. Check rates and availability