Last checked: 25 October 2026. Lia edits this guide. Sources: Mexico’s National Meteorological Service (SMN) climate normals; US National Hurricane Center season dates; SEMARNAT whale-watching season notice (October 2025).
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The quick version
Come between November and April for dry weather. Come in December to March if you want whales. I would not book a beach week in September and then act surprised by the rain.
| Months | Weather | Crowds | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov–Dec | Dry, warm | Rising, peak at Christmas | Whale season starts in December |
| Jan–Mar | Dry, coolest nights | High | Whales; best all-round weather |
| Apr–May | Dry, getting hot | Easter peak, then quiet | Warmer sea |
| Jun–Oct | Hot, humid, rainy | Low (busier in July) | Storms; hurricane season |
Dry season: November to May
Sunny days, little rain and a warm sea. It is also high season, so book hotels earlier and expect higher rates around Christmas, New Year and Easter (Semana Santa), when Mexican families travel.
Rainy season: June to October
Heat and humidity build, and heavy rain usually falls in the late afternoon or at night. September is typically the wettest month. Many hotels are cheaper, and the hills turn green.
Hurricane season
The eastern Pacific hurricane season runs from 15 May to 30 November. Direct hits on Puerto Vallarta are rare but not unknown; if you travel in late summer or autumn, follow forecasts and consider flexible bookings and travel insurance.
Whale season
Humpback whales come to Banderas Bay to breed and calve in winter. The official 2025–26 whale-watching season ran from 8 December 2025 to 23 March 2026. See whale watching in Puerto Vallarta.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Puerto Vallarta?
February or March: dry, warm, and whales are still in the bay.
When is the rainy season in Puerto Vallarta?
Roughly June to October.
Is Puerto Vallarta cheaper in summer?
Usually, yes, apart from the July school holidays.
When is hurricane season?
15 May to 30 November in the eastern Pacific.
