Puerto Vallarta Hurricanes
Puerto Vallarta really has no hurricane season per se, this is because of its location in the middle of Banderas Bay that is also surrounded on all sides by mountains, sometimes hurricanes pass through the area and the city is a bit affected by them, but mostly on the sidelines. Now, that doesn’t mean that PV is in some way magically free from hurricanes and their effects, as some liked to believe.
Hurricane Kenna
Hurricane Kenna’s path in 2002
Hurricane Kenna did a lot to eliminate the local legend that the town was permanently protected from hurricanes due to Banderas Bay. On October 25, 2002, a category 5 hurricane, that later made landfall close to San Blas in the neighboring state of Nayarit, let its angry storm surge fall upon Puerto Vallarta.
Hurricane Kenna 2002 Damaged the sculptures on the Malecon
Strong rain, with winds up to 140 miles per hour (225 km/h), and huge waves up to 20 feet tall, battered the Malecon and the city coast.
Luckily no deaths were reported in PV, though some 40 people were injured and damage ran up to around 10 million dollars.
Three important hotels were severely damaged, many restaurants and shops along the Malecon and the Los Muertos beach, including the historical restaurants, La Palapa and El Dorado, were seriously affected by the Kenna hurricane surge.
Hurricane Kenna’s Damage in Puerto Vallarta and the Malecon
The arches in downtown Vallarta were swept away, as were a few of the statues on the boardwalk. The Malecon was very damaged and this natural event was used as an excuse to improve the rebuilt Malecon/boardwalk.
Hurricane Lily
Hurricane Lily’s track (1971)
Another serious hurricane that affected the local population, was Hurricane Lily at the end of August 1971, a category 1 hurricane that made landfall south of Puerto Vallarta, it brought so much rain that the Cuale River flooded the Cuale River Island area, the land there and around it had water up to 8 feet (2.4 m) deep and the people there had to be moved inland.
Hurricane Lily 1971
As stated, previously many believed that the harbor town was in some way geographically protected from hurricanes. Yes, the bay does help a bit, but history has shown it can also fall victim from time to time to some of them, and it’s important to remember this so both citizens and local authorities don’t become sloppy and reckless.
Hurricane Kenna 2002 Damage in Puerto Vallarta
Older hurricane events
A prior event is recounted in Mrs. Josefina Cortés de Torres’ book “Recordando un Paraíso” (Remembering Paradise), where she writes of a hurricane that hit the city on October 24, 1925. Most of the palapa houses were destroyed, the adobe houses were left without their tile roofs, the kiosk on the plaza was destroyed and the front part of the Saucedo Theater, which had just been remodeled, was destroyed too.
In any case, one thing is quite clear, Puerto Vallarta is not a place where you need to worry too much about hurricanes, if you compare it with Cancun, then PV is a walk in the park, Quintana Roo (the state where Cancun is located) has close brushes and direct hits almost every year. The average for direct hits on Cancun, for example, is one every 7 years (ref: HurricaneCity). Vallarta is more like once every 35 or so years :-).
Satellite Images
Storm Warnings and Tracking
FAQ
- What is the safest part of Puerto Vallarta to stay in?
The Marina and the Romantic Zone are considered some of the safest areas to stay in Puerto Vallarta. Both areas are popular among tourists and offer a variety of accommodations, restaurants, and attractions. The Marina is known for its upscale atmosphere, luxury resorts, and high-end shops and restaurants. It has a very secure, controlled environment with 24/7 security personnel. The Romantic Zone offers a more authentic Mexican experience with cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, and a vibrant mix of galleries, cafes, and bars. As a central tourist area, it also has a strong police presence and is considered very safe.
- Where do locals go in Puerto Vallarta?
Locals in Puerto Vallarta enjoy spending time at the city’s beautiful beaches, scenic parks, and lively local markets. Popular beach spots include Playa de Oro, Playa Las Animas, and Playa Camarones for their soft sand and calm waters. Many locals visit the Vallarta Botanical Gardens to enjoy the lush vegetation and hiking trails. They also frequent authentic local food venues like Birrieria las 3 Regiones taco stand, cafes like Cafecito Vallarta, and neighborhood bars like La Cerveceria Union. The downtown Lazaro Cardenas market is a favorite for produce, spices, crafts.
- Is Downtown Puerto Vallarta nice?
Yes, downtown Puerto Vallarta is an exceptionally nice and popular area, celebrated for its vibrant mix of historic Mexican charm and a lively beach town atmosphere. It features a picturesque historic center with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and the iconic Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe church. The downtown seamlessly blends into the scenic Malecón, a beautiful oceanfront boardwalk lined with fascinating sculptures, shops, and restaurants, making it perfect for strolling and enjoying the stunning ocean views.
The area offers an excellent variety of dining, from upscale restaurants to authentic street food, along with fantastic shopping in boutiques and art galleries. Adjacent to the main center is the popular Zona Romántica (Romantic Zone), known for its trendy vibe and energetic nightlife. The entire downtown is considered safe and is very walkable, allowing visitors to easily explore its captivating blend of culture, cuisine, and coastal beauty on foot.
Tip: For an unforgettable experience, head down to the Malecón or any beachfront spot about 30 minutes before the scheduled sundown to watch the spectacular sunset over the bay.
- What is considered old town in Puerto Vallarta?
Old Town, also known as the Romantic Zone or Zona Romántica, is considered the historic heart of Puerto Vallarta. It is characterized by its picturesque cobblestone streets, classic whitewashed buildings, red-tiled roofs, and a lively mix of shops, galleries, restaurants and bars. Nestled between the Sierra Madre mountains and Banderas Bay, Old Town has a traditional Mexican village charm with its colonial architecture and slower pace compared to the rest of Puerto Vallarta. Its romantic ambience comes from the area’s natural beauty, outdoor cafes, and charming boutique hotels. Old Town offers visitors a taste of an authentic Mexican neighborhood.
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