Everyone wants a straight answer. “Just tell me the best month.” I get it.
But here is the thing. I have been to Puerto Vallarta in December. I have been in July. They feel like two different places.
So instead of giving you one answer, let me walk you through what actually happens each season. Then you decide what works for you.
Winter (December to March)
This is when everyone goes. And I mean everyone.
The weather is nice. Low 70s, maybe 80 if you are lucky. Almost no rain. You can leave your umbrella at home.
But here is what nobody tells you.
The beaches are packed. Like, lay-your-towel-six-inches-from-a-stranger packed. The good restaurants need reservations days in advance. And hotels? Forget about last minute deals. You are paying full price plus a holiday markup.
I know someone who paid $450 a night for a basic room in January. The same room goes for $180 in October.
Also, it gets cold at night. Cold for Mexico anyway. You will want a hoodie or a light jacket. Not a big deal, but if you are packing only shorts and tank tops, you will be sorry.
Who should go in winter?
People who hate heat. People who want guaranteed dry weather. People who do not care about money.
Who should skip winter?
Anyone on a budget. Anyone who hates crowds.
Spring (April to May)
This is the sweet spot that nobody talks about.
April is still dry. May starts to warm up. But the winter crowds have left. The spring breakers have gone back to school.
You can walk into almost any restaurant without waiting. The beaches have space. And prices drop.
May is actually my favorite month. The water is warm. The days are sunny. And you can still sleep at night without blasting the AC.
The only downside? It starts getting humid in late May. Nothing crazy. But you will feel it if you are from a dry place like Arizona or Colorado.
Who should go in spring?
People who want good weather without the crowds. People who want a deal but do not want rain.
Who should skip spring?
People who can only travel during school breaks. Sorry, but April is often spring break for colleges. It gets rowdy.
Summer (June to August)
Okay, here is where I lose people.
Everyone says summer is “rainy season” and acts like you will be stuck inside for weeks. That is not true.
Here is how summer actually works in Puerto Vallarta.
You wake up. It is sunny. You eat breakfast. Still sunny. You go to the pool or beach. Sunny. Around 3 or 4 PM, the clouds roll in. Then it pours for about an hour. Like, really pours. Then the sun comes back out for sunset.
That is it. That is summer.
Yes, it is humid. Yes, it is hot. If you cannot handle sweating through your shirt, summer is not for you.
But the water is bathwater warm. The jungle looks incredible. And the deals are insane.
I am serious. You can stay at places that normally cost $400 for $150. You can get all inclusive packages for half price. You can rent a whole villa with a chef for what a standard hotel room costs in winter.
One warning though. August can get sticky. Like, shower-twice-a-day sticky. Make sure wherever you stay has good AC.
Who should go in summer?
Budget travelers. Families with school schedules. People who do not mind sweating a little.
Who should skip summer?
People who hate humidity. People who want to wear nice clothes without ruining them.
Fall (September to October)
This is the real off season. And I mean off.
September is slow. October picks up a little. But you will feel like you have the whole town to yourself.
The prices are lowest of the year. You can find Puerto Vallarta hotels for $80 a night that go for $250 in winter. You can book all inclusive resorts for cheap.
But there is a catch.
September is peak hurricane season. Now, before you panic, Puerto Vallarta rarely gets hit directly. The bay protects it. But you might get a few days of clouds and rain. Maybe a storm that keeps you inside for a day or two.
Also, some restaurants close for maintenance in September. Not all of them. But enough that you will notice.
October is safer. The rain slows down. The crowds stay away. And the weather starts feeling nice again.
Who should go in fall?
The most budget-conscious travelers. People with flexible schedules who can wait out a rain day.
Who should skip fall?
People who need guaranteed sunshine. People who get anxious about storms.
What About the Stuff That Actually Matters?
Weather is one thing. But here are some real things that affect your trip.
- Whale season is December to March. If you want to see whales, you go in winter. No exceptions.
- Sea turtle season is July to November. If you have kids, summer and fall are magical. You can watch baby turtles hatch and run to the ocean. That is not a tourist trap. It is legit amazing.
- Spring break is March and April. If you do not want to party with drunk college kids, avoid these months. If you do want that, come in March.
- Easter week moves every year. But it is always packed. Like, locals-from-Guadalajara-flood-the-beaches packed. Avoid if you can.
One More Thing About All Inclusive vs. Villas
I see you looking at both. Let me give you real advice.
Resorts are great if you want convenience. You show up. You eat. You drink. You do not think. They make sense in winter when restaurants are crowded and you do not want to fight for a table.
Villas are better if you want space and privacy. And honestly? If you come in summer, a villa with a private pool is the only way to go. Public pools at resorts get crowded and gross by 11 AM.
Let Me Put It Simply
Here is how I would decide.
- Go in May or November if you want the best mix of good weather and low crowds.
- Go in January or February if you want whales and do not care about money.
- Go in July or August if you want deals and do not mind sweating.
- Go in September or October if you are broke and flexible.
Do not go in December unless you love crowds. Do not go during Easter week unless you have no choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best month to visit Puerto Vallarta?
May is often a great choice if you want warm, sunny weather, fewer crowds, and better prices than the winter high season. November can also offer a good balance of pleasant weather and lower crowds.
2. What is the cheapest time to visit Puerto Vallarta?
September and October are generally among the most affordable months to visit Puerto Vallarta. You can often find lower accommodation rates during this period, although September has a higher chance of rain and tropical storms.
3. When is the rainy season in Puerto Vallarta?
The rainy season typically runs from June through October, with July, August, and September seeing frequent afternoon or evening rainfall. Rain often comes in short, heavy bursts rather than lasting all day.
4. Is Puerto Vallarta worth visiting during summer?
Yes. Summer can be a great time to visit if you don’t mind heat and humidity. Accommodation prices are often lower, the ocean is warm, and the surrounding tropical landscape becomes especially lush and green.
5. When is whale watching season in Puerto Vallarta?
Whale watching season generally runs from December through March. If seeing humpback whales is one of your priorities, winter is the best time to plan your Puerto Vallarta trip.
6. What is the best time to visit Puerto Vallarta for fewer crowds?
September and October are typically among the quietest months. May can also be a good option because the main winter crowds have usually left while the weather remains relatively favorable.
7. Is Puerto Vallarta crowded during Christmas and New Year?
Yes. Christmas and New Year are among the busiest periods of the year. Hotels, resorts, restaurants, beaches, and popular attractions can become very busy, and accommodation prices are usually higher.
8. When is the best time to stay in a private villa in Puerto Vallarta?
A private villa can be enjoyable year-round, but May, June, October, and November can be particularly appealing if you want a balance of warm weather, more privacy, and potentially better rates. Summer can also be excellent if you want a private pool and don’t mind humidity or occasional rain.
9. Is Puerto Vallarta good for a vacation during September?
Yes, but September is best for flexible travelers. It is one of the quieter and more affordable times of year, but it also falls within hurricane season and can bring periods of heavy rain or storms.
10. Should I visit Puerto Vallarta in May or November?
Both are excellent choices. May is warmer and has the advantage of being before the wetter summer months, while November generally brings drier, more comfortable weather as Puerto Vallarta moves toward its winter high season.
Final Words
Look, here is the truth. Puerto Vallarta is fun any time of year. I have been there when it rained for three days straight. Still had a great time. I have been there when the beaches were so crowded I could not find a spot. Still had a great time.
Stop trying to find the perfect month. It does not exist. Pick a date that works for your schedule and your budget. Book something. Go. You will figure it out when you get there.
And if you end up going in summer like I usually do? Bring a good water bottle. Stay hydrated. And do not forget the bug spray for those rainy evenings.
Now go book your trip. You are overthinking it.
