Puerto Vallarta weather today: forecast, sea temperature and the best time to visit

In short: Puerto Vallarta is warm all year, with average highs from 29 °C (83 °F) in January to 32 °C (90 °F) in May. November to May is the dry season (just 103 mm of rain in seven months); June to October is the rainy season, with 90% of the year's rain. The sea ranges from 24.5 °C to 31.4 °C (76–89 °F).

Puerto Vallarta weather today

Here is the Puerto Vallarta weather today, measured downtown: temperature, feels-like, humidity, wind, UV index, the sea temperature off the Malecón and today's sunset time, followed by the 7-day forecast with the chance of rain for each day.

How to read it: a high chance of rain in summer rarely means a lost day. Mornings usually start clear, clouds build over the Sierra Madre after noon, and the downpour arrives in the late afternoon or at night. Plan beaches and tours for the morning.

For October, the long-term average is a high of 31 °C / 88 °F, a low of 24 °C / 76 °F, 141 mm of rain and a sea temperature around 31 °C / 88 °F.

Puerto Vallarta weather by month

Ten-year averages (2015–2024). The highlighted row is the current month.

Source: Open-Meteo — ERA5-Land/ERA5 reanalysis, 2015–2024 averages (sea temperature: 2023–2025). Rainy day = 1 mm or more.

Winter (December–February)

The most comfortable weather of the year: highs around 29 °C / 83 °F, nights of 19–20 °C, lower humidity and only a handful of rainy days. Peak season for international visitors and for whales.

Spring (March–May)

Dry and sunny. April is the driest month (0 mm) and May the hottest by day at 32 °C / 90 °F. The coolest sea of the year arrives in April.

Summer (June–August)

The rains begin in June and build through August, the month with the most rainy days (27). Highs stay around 32 °C / 89 °F but humidity climbs to 87%, so it feels hotter. The mountains turn green and the sea tops 30 °C.

Fall (September–November)

September is the wettest month (258 mm) with the warmest water. October eases to 141 mm and November is essentially dry again — late October and November are some of the best weeks of the year.

Dry season vs. rainy season in Puerto Vallarta

Dry season: November to May

About 11 rainy days in seven months and 103 mm in total. Clear skies, calm seas, pleasant nights — and the busiest, most expensive stretch of the year, especially December to April.

Rainy season: June to October

948 mm — around 90% of the annual total — over roughly 104 rainy days, mostly as short, heavy evening storms. It is low season outside Mexican school holidays, the jungle and waterfalls are at their best, and the sea is bath-warm. The trade-off is humidity and the occasional plan-changing downpour.

Puerto Vallarta sea temperature

You never need a wetsuit to swim. The water is coolest in March–April (24.5 °C / 76 °F in April) and warmest from August to October (31.4 °C / 89 °F in September). Cooler months bring clearer water for snorkeling at Los Arcos. Check the beach flag before you swim — see our beach flag and ocean safety guide and the Puerto Vallarta beaches guide.

Hurricane season in Puerto Vallarta

The eastern North Pacific hurricane season officially runs from May 15 to November 30, with September and October the months to watch for Banderas Bay. The bay is partly sheltered by the coastline and the mountains but not immune — Hurricane Kenna (2002) damaged the Malecón and Hurricane Nora (2021) caused flooding in town. Most trips in these months go ahead without problems; book flexible fares and check official advisories (Mexico's Servicio Meteorológico Nacional and the U.S. National Hurricane Center) before you travel. When a storm warning is issued the port captain closes the bay and boat tours are rescheduled.

Whale season in Puerto Vallarta (December–March)

Humpback whales come to Banderas Bay every winter to mate and calve, from December to March, peaking in January and February. You can often see them breaching from the shore or the Malecón. On a private charter, ask your captain about a whale route — watching is regulated by Mexican standard NOM-131-SEMARNAT, which sets distances and times around the animals.

When is the best time to visit Puerto Vallarta?

• Guaranteed sunshine: March to May.
• Most comfortable weather: December to February.
• Whales: December to March.
• Warmest sea: August to October.
• Lower prices: June, September and early October.
• Best balance: November and early December — dry, green and before the high-season crowds.

Note that Mexican school holidays (Holy Week in March/April, July–August and the Christmas break) fill hotels with domestic travelers regardless of the weather — book early for those dates.

What to pack for Puerto Vallarta weather

• All year: light cotton or linen, swimwear, hat, sunglasses, sandals and reef-safe sunscreen — the UV index is high most days.
• December–March: a light sweater for evenings and early boat trips (lows around 19 °C / 66 °F).
• June–October: a packable rain jacket, insect repellent and quick-dry clothes.
• Adventure tours: closed-toe shoes and clothes you don't mind getting muddy for ATVs and ziplines; a long-sleeve sun shirt for surf and paddle boarding.

Puerto Vallarta tours by season

Our Puerto Vallarta tours are offered year-round (weather permitting), but each one shines in a particular season. Tours are priced in USD per person; boat charters in MXN per hour for the whole boat.

Tours for the dry season (November to May)

Tours for the rainy season (June to October)

Private boat charters all year

In the rainy season, book land tours at the earliest slot available. See photos, schedules and details on our Puerto Vallarta tours page and build your list — we confirm availability on WhatsApp, with no upfront payment.

Puerto Vallarta weather FAQ