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Puerto Vallarta sits on the Costa Dorada of Mexico, at the mid-point of Banderas Bay, where the Pacific Ocean washes the border between Jalisco and Nayarit.
Located on the same latitude as the Hawaiian Islands (20ºN), Puerto Vallarta's weather and climate are often compared to Hawaii's conditions (city information). PV (like Nuevo Vallarta) is surrounded by jungle, and receives considerable rain during the summer months.
- Tropical wet and dry (Köppen Climate classification)
- Rainy season: June to September, most rain in September. It rains intermittently during the day an hour or so in total at most.
- December, Jan. and Feb. (high season) are hot and sunny.
- Spring and Autumn offer moderate temperatures.
- Average High is 85ºF (29.4ºC) and low at 69ºF (20.5ºC).
- Hurricanes seldom strike Puerto Vallarta, last significant events were Kenna (2002) and Lily (1971).
 Use our Vallarta live Webcam to see what the weather is like right NOW.
Large webcam view here |
While rain can spoil a day at the beach, tropical storms can be quite beautiful and amazing, when rain seems to march across the hills and lightning illuminates the humid sky while the thick clouds advance inland from the Bay.
| Average temperatures
and rainy days |
| |
High |
Low |
|
|
| |
ºC |
ºF |
ºC |
ºF |
Humidity |
Expected days w. rain |
| January |
27 |
81 |
17 |
63 |
77% |
2 |
| February |
27 |
81 |
17 |
63 |
76% |
1 |
| March |
27 |
81 |
17 |
63 |
76% |
0 |
| April |
28 |
82 |
18 |
64 |
77% |
0 |
| May |
29 |
84 |
21 |
70 |
77% |
1 |
| June |
31 |
88 |
24 |
75 |
79% |
10 |
| July |
32 |
90 |
24 |
75 |
80% |
15 |
| August |
32 |
90 |
24 |
75 |
81% |
15 |
| September |
32 |
90 |
24 |
75 |
81% |
14 |
| October |
32 |
90 |
23 |
73 |
80% |
5 |
| November |
29 |
84 |
20 |
68 |
78% |
1 |
| December |
27 |
81 |
18 |
64 |
79% |
2 |
| Yearly av. |
29.4 |
85 |
20.5 |
69 |
78% |
66 |
|
 Runoff from
the rains in the jungle and hills can turn the seawater brown in some areas, mainly around rivers and streams, detracting
somewhat from the beauty of the beaches and the bay. Temperatures
reach 90ºF (32ºC) during the summer, and the humidity
can add to the perception of heat.
During the winter,
the local weather changes significantly and temperatures are in the
low to mid 80's ºF (28 - 30ºC), quite comfortable for a stroll
on the beach and around town. Nighttime temperatures in Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo
Vallarta range from the 60's to the mid 70's (19-24ºC).
See Puerto Vallarta now, use the webcam.
What's the weather like in January, May, or December?
December, January and February:
During the day weather is temperate and
you can easily wear light clothes. Warmer clothes at night during
this, the local winter, this could be a light sweater, a cotton jacket or a long-sleeve shirt, but if you are from a cold climate, you'll be fine with short sleeves. Temperatures start to diminish before sundown, around
6PM or 7PM until 8AM aprox., when the sun comes up again.
 March, April, May and June:
Use very light clothes, this period is hotter than the previous one, there's normally some wind, specially in March so skirts
can be unconfortable, specially short and light skirts.
July, August, September to Mid-October:
Vallarta's rainy season begins, bring rain clothes along, maybe better to consider
umbrellas, because the heat can be quite uncomfortable for those not accoustomed to humid heat. You can buy a cheap chinese umbrella on the street if needed. The weather, as mentioned is quite hot and humid during these months.
IMPORTANT: Do not think that it rains all day and every day, that's not the case. It may rain a bit in the morning, a bit during the day and then most of it at night, it's intermittent and for short runs, it doesn't get in the way of touring and enjoying the area, it is actually a blessing as temperatures actually go down.
Temperatures go up to around
32 - 34 ºC (90 - 93ºF) on some days, specially
during August and September and it is very humid, expect to sweat quite a bit, so bring extra shirts or blouses, cold showers will be a regular treat during the day. Avoid silky fabrics as they will get humid and stick to your body, this is quite disagreable (you can see it has happened to me :-)). A good tip is to bring a water spray along to cool down.
Mid-October, November till the beginning
of December:
Once again the weather in Puerto Vallarta starts to become temperate, rains stop,
there is very little breeze. Light summer clothes are
recommended and at night you can also use long sleeve
blouses or shirts when going out to a restaurant or
bar. This period is recommended for those that want to avoid high season and the high prices, but still enjoy a comfortable climate during their stay.
More information:
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