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.
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What is the weather like by month? |
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Located on the same latitude as the Hawaiian Islands (20ºN), the city's weather and climate are often compared to Hawaii's (City information). Puerto Vallarta (like Nuevo Vallarta) is surrounded by jungle and receives considerable rain during the summer months.
Generalities
- Tropical wet and dry (Köppen Climate classification)
- Rainy season: June to September, most rain in September. It rains intermittently during the day, around an hour 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).
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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.
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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 PV now, use the webcam
What's it like in January, May, or December?
- Winter - (December 22 - March 21)
- Spring - (March 22 - June 21)
- Summer - (June 22- September 21)
- Autumn - (September 22 - December 21)
Weather in December, January, and February
You can expect the conditions to include warm sunny days and pleasant evenings. During the day, the 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 go down before sunset, around 6 PM or 7 PM until 8 AM approx. when the sun comes up again.
December: Average High: 81.5ºF (27.5ºC)/ Low 63.5ºF (16.5ºC)
January: Average High: 81ºF (27ºC)/ Low 62ºF (16ºC)
February: Average High: 80ºF (26.6ºC)/ Low 62ºF (16ºC)
Weather in March, April, May, and June
Use very light clothes, this period is hotter than the previous one, there's normally some wind, especially in March so skirts can be uncomfortable, especially short and light skirts.
March: Average High: 81ºF (27ºC)/ Low 63ºF (17ºC)
April: Average High: 82ºF (28ºC)/ Low 65.5ºF (18.5ºC)
May: Average High: 85.5ºF (30ºC)/ Low 71ºF (21.5ºC)
June: Average High: 88.5ºF (31.5ºC)/ Low 77ºF (25ºC)
Weather in July, August, September to Mid-October
The rainy season begins in these months, bring rain clothes along, maybe better to consider umbrellas, because the heat can be quite uncomfortable for those not accustomed to the 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: Many 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 during the 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 during what is the warmest period of the year.
Temperatures go up to around 32 - 34 ºC (90 - 93ºF) on some days, especially 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 disagreeable (it has happened to me :-)). A good tip is to bring along a refillable spray water bottle, use regularly on your face and arms to cool down.
July: Average High: 90ºF (32ºC)/ Low 77ºF (25ºC)
August: Average High: 90.5ºF (32.5ºC)/ Low 76ºF (24.5ºC)
September: Average High: 90ºF (32ºC)/ Low 76ºF (24.5ºC)
October (1st half): Average High: 90ºF (32ºC)/ Low 76ºF (24.5ºC)
Weather in Mid-October, November - start of December
Once again the temperatures and humidity start to relax a bit, it becomes temperate, rains stop, there isn't much breeze. Light summer clothes are recommended and at night you can also use a long sleeve blouse or shirt 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.
October (2nd half): Average High: 88ºF (31ºC)/ Low 73ºF (23ºC)
November: Average High: 86ºF (30ºC)/ Low 69ºF (20.5ºC)
Start-December: Average High: 84ºF (29ºC)/ Low 66ºF (19ºC)
Average Precipitation (inches) by Month
Average Monthly Temperatures (ºF)
PV Weather Webcam |
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If you want to know what the weather is like RIGHT NOW in Puerto Vallarta, use our Webcam (click on the image) to see real-time shots of the city. If it's night time then, of course, you won't see much :-) |
- Weather forecast (Weather Underground)
Current Weather Conditions and Three Day Forecast for Vallarta. - AccuWeather (Forecast for PV)
Another reliable weather forecast site.
- Satellite view Weather.com
- Eastern Pacific Visible Satellite NOAA
- Collection of satellite images for Mexico (SMN)
- National Hurricane Center
- Tropical Weather Outlook Data for the Eastern Pacific
- Hurricane & Cyclone Warnings Mexican Meteorological Service
- Tide Predictor Great data for sailors and surfers
- Satellite Image of the World from Space zoom and pan available
- Jet Stream Analyses (North America - Part of Mexico).
