Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico's most popular beach destinations, welcoming families, couples, groups of friends, and solo travelers with beautiful beaches, authentic culture, and unforgettable Pacific sunsets.
When is the best time of year to visit Puerto Vallarta? It all depends on who you’re traveling with, what you want to experience, and what fits into the budget. But whenever you go, there’s always something exciting to do.
When Should I Visit Puerto Vallarta?
Winter
Winter is a great time to visit Puerto Vallarta, with temperatures in the mid-70s and very little rain. In the evenings, lows can drop to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, so be sure to pack some long sleeves. (On the flip side, this is peak season, so expect crowds and higher prices.) This is the season of the Festival Gourmet International in November and December, and the Feast of the Virgen de Guadalupe in December1.
If you’re looking for a truly memorable holiday season, Puerto Vallarta is the place to be in December. Expect celebrations all month long, from parades to street markets to dance parties in the Zona Romántica2. Bring shoes for dancing and for standing to watch the parades!
Visiting in February? Make sure to visit some of the Carnaval celebrations, with parades, live bands, DJs, and drag shows3.
January and February are also some of the best months for watching humpback whales in the Bay of Banderas. The full whale season runs from December through March2.
Spring
Between April and June, the weather in Puerto Vallarta is pleasant, the humidity is low, and hotel and resort rates are often lower than during the winter peak season. The peak tourism season has ended, but the rains have not yet started, and you can attend the Holy Week (Semana Santa) activities in April or Vallarta Pride in May1.
Summer
Summer brings warm temperatures, lush scenery, and occasional afternoon showers. This is also the most affordable time to visit, so grab an umbrella or a raincoat and enjoy the less-crowded beaches. Good to know: Because Puerto Vallarta is protected by the Banderas Bay, hurricanes are rarely an issue. The last hurricane to directly hit Puerto Vallarta was Hurricane Kenna in 20021.
Autumn
A number of notable festivals take place in the fall, so come celebrate Mexican Independence Day and National Charro Day in September and Dia de Muertos in late October. October can still be rainy, but the mild temperature and lower rates make it a great time to visit1.
Puerto Vallarta tends to see more hurricane warnings in October than any other time of year, but severe hurricanes are very rare in this area2.
Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta
Looking for an all-inclusive resort in Puerto Vallarta? There are lots of places to stay for families, couples, groups, and solo travelers alike. Whatever you’re looking for, there’s a hotel or resort in Puerto Vallarta to meet your needs.
Traveling with the whole family? Dreams Vallarta Bay Resort & Spa is an all-inclusive resort for couples, singles, and families. Families can spend their days relaxing by the beach, splashing in the pools, and making memories together before enjoying a variety of dining options ranging from Mexican and Italian favorites to fresh seafood.
For couples and grown-ups, the adults-only Secrets Vallarta Bay has a spa for unwinding in saunas or steam rooms, multiple restaurants serving a range of cuisines, and plenty of water activities to fill the day. Want something extra special? Upgrade to a swim-out suite for the ultimate adults-only escape, where you can step directly from your room into a tranquil pool.
Simplify Your Stay With Apple Vacations
Once you've decided when to visit Puerto Vallarta, Apple Vacations makes planning your getaway simple. From flights and all-inclusive resorts to transfers and excursions, we make it easy to spend less time planning and more time looking forward to your vacation.
Apple Vacations’ enhanced 2026 Exclusive Perks program offers bonus amenities and services including private transfers, exclusive cocktail parties, discounts on spa treatments and more. Amstar DMC is the official destination management company for Apple Vacations and can help with setting up transfers, excursions, and 24/7 customer service.
Sources:
- Best Times To Visit Puerto Vallarta. U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved June 14, 2026, from https://travel.usnews.com/Puerto_Vallarta_Mexico/When_To_Visit/
- Drillinger, M. (Sept. 14, 2024). What’s the best time to visit Puerto Vallarta? Mexico News Daily. Retrieved June 14, 2026, from https://mexiconewsdaily.com/travel/whats-the-best-time-to-visit-puerto-vallarta/
- Hecht, J. (March 29, 2026). The best time to go to Puerto Vallarta. Lonely Planet. Retrieved June 14, 2026, from https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/best-time-to-visit-puerto-vallarta
