Best time to visit Puerto Vallarta
The best time to visit Puerto Vallarta is usually April, May and November, when a typical day grades A, A and A. August and September are the weakest (B+ and B+). The quietest months are September and October, and storm risk peaks in September.
Pick a month
Puerto Vallarta month by month
| Month | Typical day | High | Water | Rain chance | Waves | Crowds | Storm risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | A | 83°F | 75°F | 7% | – | Very busy | Very low |
| February | A | 83°F | 73°F | 4% | – | Very busy | Very low |
| March | A- | 84°F | 74°F | 2% | – | Packed | Very low |
| April | A | 86°F | 76°F | 1% | – | Very busy | Very low |
| May | A | 88°F | 79°F | 6% | – | Moderate | Very low |
| June | A- | 90°F | 82°F | 31% | – | Moderate | Very low |
| July | A- | 91°F | 84°F | 56% | – | Busy | Low |
| August | B+ | 91°F | 86°F | 62% | – | Busy | Moderate |
| September | B+ | 90°F | 86°F | 56% | – | Moderate | High |
| October | A | 90°F | 84°F | 24% | – | Moderate | Low |
| November | A | 88°F | 81°F | 8% | – | Busy | Very low |
| December | A | 85°F | 77°F | 6% | – | Very busy | Very low |
Typical-month numbers from Veabird's year-ahead outlook for the 31 resorts here (median resort). Grades weigh seaweed, temperature, rain, sun, water, waves, wind, UV, crowds, storm risk and travel safety.
Best beaches in Puerto Vallarta
Resorts with the best typical April, and their grades for the next few days.
- Iberostar Selection Playa Mita Apr ASatB-SunCMonC-TueCWedC+
- Hotel Distrito 88 Apr ASatBSunCMonCTueCWedC+
- Hotel Riu Palace Pacifico Apr ASatC+SunCMonCTueCWedC-
- Hotel Riu Flamingos Apr ASatC+SunCMonCTueCWedC-
- Hotel Riu Vallarta Apr ASatC+SunCMonCTueCWedC-
- Marival Resort & Suites Apr ASatC+SunCMonCTueCWedC-
- Decameron Isla Coral, Ramada All Inclusive Resort Apr ASatC-SunC-MonC-TueC+WedC-
- Decameron La Marina, Ramada All Inclusive Resort Apr ASatC-SunC-MonC-TueC+WedC-
Grades for the next few days from Veabird's beach forecast, updated Oct 3, 18:00 UTC. Higher is better: A+ to F.
Questions
- When is the best time to visit Puerto Vallarta?
- The best time to visit Puerto Vallarta is usually April, May and November, when a typical day grades A, A and A. August and September are the weakest (B+ and B+). The quietest months are September and October, and storm risk peaks in September.
- When is the cheapest and least crowded time to visit Puerto Vallarta?
- Crowds are usually lightest in September and October and heaviest in March and December (College & school spring break and Semana Santa / Easter). Quieter months usually mean lower hotel rates.
- When is hurricane season in Puerto Vallarta?
- Storm risk runs from about July to October and peaks in September.
- When is the water warmest in Puerto Vallarta?
- The sea is warmest in August and September (about 86°F) and coolest in February and March (about 73°F).