When is the best time to visit Puerto Vallarta? It depends on what you're after, but if you want the short answer (near guaranteed sun, fewer crowds and friendlier rates) there's one month that wins, and one worth avoiding.
Dry weather, calm sea, fewer crowds than winter and rates below the peak. The perfect balance.
The rainiest, most humid month of the year. Good prices, but the highest chance of rain.
That said, there's no bad time to come: every season has its own character. Here's the honest month by month guide so you can choose by your priority: weather, price, whales or atmosphere.
Puerto Vallarta month by month
| Month | Weather | Crowds | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Dry and sunny | Very high | High |
| February | Dry, peak whale season | Very high | High |
| March | Dry and sunny | High (spring break) | High |
| April | Dry and warm | Medium | Medium |
| May | Dry and warm | Medium (Vallarta Pride) | Medium |
| June | Rains begin | Low | Low |
| July | Hot and humid | Medium (Mexican summer) | Medium |
| August | Hot and humid | Medium (Mexican summer) | Medium |
| September | The rainiest | Very low | Low |
| October | Rains end | Low (Day of the Dead) | Low |
| November | Dry, green and warm | Medium | Medium |
| December | Dry and sunny | Very high (holidays) | High |
Winter (December to March): perfect weather
It's high season, and for good reason: dry weather, sunny days around 27 to 31 °C (80 to 88 °F), cool nights and almost no rain. It coincides with whale season and the arrival of the snowbirds. It's the best time for the beach and for couples, though also the time of highest demand and prices. If you're coming at Christmas, New Year or in February, book several weeks ahead.
April and May: the best balance
For us, the best window of the year. The weather stays dry and sunny, but the city breathes: fewer crowds than winter and lower rates. The exception is Holy Week (March 29 to April 5 in 2026), when Mexican families fill the town; outside those days, April and May mean sun, calm sea and good prices. May also brings Vallarta Pride, a big celebration of the LGBTQ+ community.
Summer (June to October): green, humid and affordable
Rainy season arrives: the jungle turns lush, waterfalls roar and prices are the lowest of the year. Rain usually falls in the afternoon or at night, and mornings are clear. It's hot and humid. September is the rainiest month (which is why we suggest avoiding it if rain worries you), but also the quietest and cheapest of all.
October and November: the city wakes up
The rain ends, the landscape stays green and the sea is warm. The cultural calendar kicks off with Day of the Dead in late October, the ArtWalk and markets return, and the first snowbirds arrive. Prices stay below the December peak: one of the best windows to travel.
Tip: for the best balance of weather, price and atmosphere, aim for April and May. If whales and perfect weather matter most regardless of price, February is unbeatable. And if you're hunting the best rate, October gives you green, calm and low prices with minimal rain.
Every season is a good one at Amaca
Book direct for the best rate, whatever season you choose.
See rooms and availabilityDepending on what you're after
- Best weather: December to March.
- Best balance (weather, price and calm): April and May.
- Best price: June to October.
- Whales: December to March (peak in January and February).
- Festive atmosphere: Day of the Dead (October and November) and Vallarta Pride (May).
- Fewer crowds: September, October and early December.
- The month to avoid (rain): September.
There's no bad time to visit Puerto Vallarta, just different versions of the same paradise. Pick the one that suits you, book direct and get ready to fall for the bay.
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- Escape winter in Puerto Vallarta
Pick your dates and book direct
Tell us which season you're considering and we'll help you choose the ideal room for those dates.