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The Best & Worst Times to Visit Puerto Vallarta in 2024

The Best & Worst Times to Visit Puerto Vallarta in 2024

What's the best time to visit Puerto Vallarta?

The best time to visit Puerto Vallarta is between December and March. During this time, you’ll get a chance to see humpback whales in Banderas Bay during their mating season. This period offers cooler and dryer weather conditions, ideal for watersports and lounging on the beach.

However, it’s important to note that due to its popularity as a winter escape destination, this season sees higher prices in airfare and accommodation, with a notable increase in tourist numbers, including spring breakers in March.

When considering places that feel like paradise on earth, Puerto Vallarta is one of the best. To get a feel for this sun-soaked destination, do some research first. After all, there are some good and bad times to visit.

With its picturesque emerald coves, amazing gastronomy scene, and bountiful wildlife, taking a vacation in this tropical haven will make you understand why it’s considered one of Mexico’s top gems.

We’ll let you in on the best time to visit Puerto Vallarta, as well as top tips to remember when visiting this destination. This way, you can make the most out of your trip. 

Overall Best Time to Visit Puerto Vallarta

View of the beach at dusk with palm trees on either side during the best time to visit Puerto Vallarta

Diego Grandi/Shutterstock

Overall, the best times to visit Puerto Vallarta is from December to March. During this time, you’ll have a chance to get up close and personal with humpback whales. These majestic mammals migrate to Banderas Bay for their mating season.

You’ll surely have the time of your life while watching these 30-ton creatures leap out of the water. If you want to make the most out of your experience, make sure you book a boat tour equipped with hydrophones so you can listen to the whale’s mating calls.

If you get lucky, you may even spot gray whales or whale sharks during these months. But what can you expect when it comes to the weather during these months? December to March are some of the coolest and driest months for Puerto Vallarta.

This gives you a chance to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking or horseback riding. While the weather is warm, it’s not scorching, so it’s perfect even for kids. This is also the best time to enjoy the sandy beaches of Puerto Vallarta.

But despite all these perks, prepare to spend more money.

During this time, especially in December and January, a lot of tourists visit Vallarta to escape the winter. Therefore, airlines and hotels hike up their prices. In March, you’ll also encounter a lot of spring breakers.

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Cheapest Time to Visit Puerto Vallarta

People at Playa Las Animas and gorgeous teal water during the best time to visit Puerto Vallarta

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The cheapest time to visit Puerto Vallarta is during the low season, which runs from July through the end of September.

However, keep in mind that while flights are more affordable during this time of the year, many hotels close from July to August to accomplish their annual repairs. Because of this, the room rates do not drop as much. 

If saving up on rooms is your priority, you may be better off visiting in May, June, September, or October. No matter which month you visit, as long as it’s not peak season, you’ll be able to enjoy discounted rates for tours. 

Keep in mind that there are not a lot of international tourists during these months and you’ll encounter more local vacationers. You’ll also be able to enjoy saving when you visit during the shoulder season of May.

Puerto Vallarta is one of the first gay tourism destinations in North America. This gay-friendly city celebrates Pride during this time of the year. 

Thousands of tourists flock to this destination to experience the festival, which has been created to celebrate the vibrant and diverse LGBTQ community in the area that has influenced its culture, history, and heritage.

The low season is also the start of sea turtle releases, so make sure to put that in your list of activities. Meanwhile, August is one of Puerto Vallarta’s wettest and hottest months. If you’re in the mood to experience authentic Mexican fiestas, you’ll love visiting in September.

During this month, Vallarta celebrates Independence Day. Expect the sky to light up with colorful fireworks. For night owls, this is the ultimate time to experience Puerto Vallarta’s nightlife.

Least Busy Time to Visit Puerto Vallarta

Group of people walking along a sea promenade in Malecon during the least busy time to visit Puerto Vallarta

eskystudio/Shutterstock

The least busy time to visit Puerto Vallarta is from June until October. During this time, the weather is hot and humid, with afternoon showers occurring daily.

Keep in mind that as this spot becomes more popular, its low season is getting shorter. However, you’ll have the best chances of avoiding crowds during this time since the foreign travel high season just ended.

As long as you pack a trusty umbrella, you’ll love Puerto Vallarta during these months. Expect to encounter rain about half of the days, although some are just light showers in the late afternoons or early evenings, particularly from August to September.

Thankfully, you’ll find great deals during the low season, whether it’s on excursions or flights. If you book early, you may even enjoy discounted hotel rooms. 

However, with this perk also comes the challenge of scheduling activities. Because there are fewer tourists, a lot of tour companies do not operate in full swing for daily and weekly outings. 

Worst Time to Visit Puerto Vallarta

Melcon in Puerto Vallarta during the best time to visit

Chris Howey/Shutterstock

The overall worst time to visit Puerto Vallarta is during the rainy months of July to September, and are the worst months for people like me who simply want to bask in the sun all day.

But thankfully, you don’t have to worry about hurricanes because the natural geography of this destination protects it from them. The last major hurricane that hit Puerto Vallarta was Hurricane Kenna in 2002.

Despite the rain, there are also tons of activities you can enjoy. If you love fishing, you need to visit during July to witness the Banderas Bay Fishing TournamentThis international marlin and tuna fishing content offers millions of pesos in prizes.

One of the most incredible catches of this tournament is a 322-kg marlinAside from the Mexican Independence Day in September, you’ll also be able to experience National Charro Day, which celebrates Mexican Cowboys. 

During the night, you’ll witness cowboys on Vallarta’s streets decked out in their best attire. There are also charro parades and events where you can watch lasso demos and enjoy mariachi music.

Frequently Asked Questions

Famous metal sculptures on the boardwalk during the cheapest time to visit Puerto Vallarta

eskystudio/Shutterstock

Here are some questions vacationers ask about Puerto Vallarta:

Does Puerto Vallarta have good weather?

Puerto Vallarta’s weather depends on the month you’re visiting. Expect pleasant and sunny weather year-round, except during its rainy months from July to September.

So, What Is the Best Time to Visit Puerto Vallarta?

👍 Best Time to VisitDecember-March
💲 Cheapest Time to VisitJuly-September
🗓️ Least Busy Time to VisitJune-October
👎 Worst Time to VisitJuly-September

Your Puerto Vallarta experience heavily relies on which time of the year you’re planning to visit. If you want to experience sunny weather and enjoy whale watching, visit from December to March.

Meanwhile, vacationers who want to avoid crowds and score good deals can visit from June to October.

While you may experience rain, great deals on hotels, flights, and tours make up for it. Now that you know the best times to visit Puerto Vallarta, you can finally book the vacation of your dreams.