When to visit Puerto Vallarta without the crowds
Puerto Vallarta (Mexico) is calmest in September and October: fewer people and better prices. It gets busiest in January, February, March, April, July, November and December. Below is every month with crowds, temperatures and festivals. Careful with September and October: the calm has a reason (see the seasonal heads-ups).
Best months
Sep–Oct & May
When everyone heads home
The second half of April, once the winter visitors leave.
Tip
In September the sea is warm and hotels are half price, but it rains most days.
Month by month
| Month | Crowds | Avg. high | Festivals & holidays |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 4/5 · busy ✦ | 27 °C (80 °F)2 rainy days | New Year's Day |
| February | 4/5 · busy ✦ | 27 °C (81 °F)1 rainy day | Constitution Day |
| March | 5/5 · busy ✦ | 28 °C (82 °F)0 rainy days | Spring break & winter high season, Benito Juárez's birthday |
| April | 4/5 · busy | 28 °C (83 °F)0 rainy days | Labour Day |
| May | 3/5 · moderate | 30 °C (86 °F)0 rainy days | |
| June | 3/5 · moderate ⚠ | 31 °C (87 °F)14 rainy days | |
| July | 4/5 · busy ⚠ | 32 °C (89 °F)22 rainy days | |
| August | 3/5 · moderate ⚠ | 31 °C (89 °F)26 rainy days | |
| September | 1/5 · calm ⚠ | 31 °C (88 °F)27 rainy days | Independence Day |
| October | 2/5 · calm ⚠ | 31 °C (88 °F)16 rainy days | |
| November | 4/5 · busy | 30 °C (85 °F)3 rainy days | Revolution Day |
| December | 5/5 · busy ✦ | 28 °C (82 °F)2 rainy days | Our Lady of Guadalupe processions (Dec 1–12), Christmas Day |
⚠ = seasonal heads-up. ✦ = something special to see.
Before you go: seasonal heads-ups
- Peak Pacific hurricane season (Aug–Oct): check the forecast before you go.
- Rainy season (Jun–Oct): about 14–27 rainy days a month.
What to see, and when
- Humpback whales off the coast (Dec–Mar).
Crowds are a relative index for each place: 1 is its calmest month and 5 its busiest. Temperatures: Copernicus ERA5, 2016–2025 average. Includes official tourism statistics (DataTur, Puerto Vallarta tourist center, 2022-2024). How it works
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Puerto Vallarta without the crowds?
The calmest month is usually September (crowds 1/5). In September the average high is 31 °C (88 °F). All the calm months: September and October.
When is Puerto Vallarta most crowded?
The busiest season is January, February, March, April, July, November and December. The second half of April, once the winter visitors leave.
What is the weather like in Puerto Vallarta?
Average highs range from 27 °C (80 °F) in January to 32 °C (89 °F) in July, from Copernicus ERA5 (2016–2025). It rains most in September (about 27 days) and least in March (0).
What should I know before going to Puerto Vallarta?
Peak Pacific hurricane season (Aug–Oct): check the forecast before you go. Rainy season (Jun–Oct): about 14–27 rainy days a month.
What is there to see in Puerto Vallarta by season?
Humpback whales off the coast (Dec–Mar).
What festivals are there in Puerto Vallarta?
The main ones: Spring break & winter high season (March); Our Lady of Guadalupe processions (Dec 1–12) (December).
More places in Mexico
- Oaxaca calm in February, May, June, August and September; busiest in July, November and December
- Mexico City calm in May and June; busiest in September, October and November
- San Miguel de Allende calm in June and August; busiest in March, April, September, October, November and December
- Tulum calm in June, September and October; busiest in January, February, March, April, November and December
- Guadalajara calm in January, June and August; busiest in March, April, November and December
- Cancún calm in May, June, September and October; busiest in January, March, July and December
- Mérida calm in May, June, September and October; busiest in January, March, November and December
- San Cristóbal de las Casas calm in May, June, September and October; busiest in January, March, April, November and December
- Guanajuato calm in January, February, May, June and August; busiest in April, October, November and December
- Puebla calm in January, February and June; busiest in April, May, November and December
- Los Cabos calm in May, September and October; busiest in January, February, March, April, July and December
- Puerto Escondido calm in June, September and October; busiest in January, March, April, July and December
- Mazatlán calm in September, October and November; busiest in March, April and July