The climate of Puerto Vallarta
Designated as a tropical savanna area by the Köppen climate classification,
Puerto Vallarta,
Mexico, thrives under its As predominate climate. This coastal resort town located on the Pacific Ocean is subject to a range of weather conditions yearly. Several action-packed months enjoy temperatures ranging from 16.4°C (61.5°F) to 30.4°C (86.7°F), whereas the city experiences a significant cooling period during the months when temperatures shift to a tighter range of 16.6°C (61.9°F) to 26.4°C (79.5°F).
A marked increase in rainfall signals the onset of the latter half of the year, particularly between
June to
September. During this period, rainfall escalates from a modest peak of 56mm (2.2") in June to a whopping 167mm (6.57") in
August. This drastic surge is accompanied by an increase in rainfall days from 16.3 days to 27.7 days during the same period, painting a stark contrast to the drier months at the start of the year, with rainfall as low as 1mm (0.04") in
April.
Humidity levels also vary throughout the year with peak levels calculated at 84% observed in August and September. Akin to a pendulum swing, humidity levels decrease to a lower bound of 60% in
March and April. The city's UV index remains steady at 6 throughout the year, decreasing to 5 only in
December.
The best time to visit Puerto Vallarta
With its tropical climate,
Puerto Vallarta delivers impressive weather conditions for outdoor activities. However, the city's meteorological allure hits its peak during the stretch from
March to
May. During this period, temperatures revolve around a comfortable 28°C (82.4°F), edging up to an exhilarating 30.4°C (86.7°F) maximum. Rainfall, concurrently, maintains lower levels, from 1mm (0.04") to 8mm (0.31") and sea temperatures linger around a welcoming 25°C (77°F) to 27.4°C (81.3°F), enhancing the lure of beach activities.
The worst time to visit Puerto Vallarta
While
Puerto Vallarta does not necessarily have a "bad" weather period, potential visitors might want to steer clear from
June to
September. Heavy rainfall seasons, characterized by precipitation levels touching an astounding 167mm (6.57") in
August with consequent increase in humidity levels to 84%, may slightly dampen the outdoor experience. These months also witness a slight decrease in sunshine hours to 8.4 hours, potentially subtracting from the total beach-time experience.
Spring weather in Puerto Vallarta
Spring ushers in
Puerto Vallarta with temperatures straddling the tight band of 16.8°C (62.2°F) to a high of 30.4°C (86.7°F). This period is marked by a gradual but decisive shift from a minimal 1mm (0.04") rainfall in
April to a noticeable 8mm (0.31") by
May's end. Sea temperatures begin their steady march towards higher latitudes, from 23.9°C (75°F) to 27.4°C (81.3°F). Consistent 10km (6.2mi) visibility accompanied by a UV index of 6 paint a favorable backdrop for outdoor activities.
Summer weather in Puerto Vallarta
The summer months prove to be significantly humid as humidity levels soar from 65% in
May to 84% by
August's end. Rainfall sees a decisive upswing from 56mm (2.2") in
June to 167mm (6.57") in August. Sea temperatures, ranging from 28.4°C (83.1°F) to 30.3°C (86.5°F), allow for enjoyable ocean-based activities, while gusty winds transitioning from 8.2km/h (5.1mph) to 8.4km/h (5.2mph) promise cool breezes.
Autumn weather in Puerto Vallarta
Autumn showcases an interesting display in
Puerto Vallarta's climate as the city weathers a significant decrease in rainfall from 144mm (5.67") in
September to 32mm (1.26") in
November. The range of temperature starts to cool, with variations from 21.1°C (70°F) to 28.9°C (84°F). The sea temperature concurrently drops to 29.6°C (85.3°F) following the high of 30.3°C (86.5°F).
Winter weather in Puerto Vallarta
Winter in
Puerto Vallarta is characterized by temperatures in the range of 16.6°C (61.9°F) to 26.4°C (79.5°F). Rainfall greatly reduces to 28mm (1.1") in
December, and the sea cools further to an inviting 25.3°C (77.5°F). The UV index decreases to 5, continuing to provide ample opportunities for outdoor exploration.
Weather in January
January, in
Puerto Vallarta,
Mexico, ushers in the new year with relatively cooler temperatures. This month experiences a decrease in humidity relative from 66% to 60%. Despite the presence of some cooler days, the city doesn’t completely rid itself of the season's slightly chilly aura.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February further embraces the cool temperature trend ensuring the maintenance of a pleasant climate.
Puerto Vallarta sees a similar weather pattern as the previous month, with the more distinct changes occurring towards the month’s end.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March marks the transition from the cool to warmer months, indicative of an impending summer. There is a noticeable increase in temperatures as compared to
February, but this is balanced with a corresponding decrease in humidity levels.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April showcases a significant increase in temperature, hinting at the arrival of summer. While weather conditions persistently grow warmer, the heat remains bearable, ensuring comfort for residents and tourists alike. Rainfall reaches a negligible point at 1mm (0.04") marking the driest period in
Puerto Vallarta’s weather cycle.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May experiences a considerable leap in temperatures. With the weather officially transitioning towards summer,
Puerto Vallarta enjoys a great rush of tourists. With a hike in temperatures, there is a corresponding surge in humidity to 65% heralding the May climate.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June ushers in a tropical summer. As the temperatures rise, there is a simultaneous escalation in the level of humidity to an exceedingly high level of 77%. Rainfall escalates quite significantly, jumping to 56mm (2.2") and marking the onset of
Puerto Vallarta's wet season.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July observes a peak in both temperatures and humidity. Torrential downpour dominates
Puerto Vallarta with the highest annual rainfall of 136mm (5.35"). Consequently, nature blooms in all its glory, adding a beautiful green hue to the cityscape.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August reflects similar weather conditions to
July, but the temperature displays a slight dip. However, the rainy season persists in
Puerto Vallarta with rainfall volumes shooting up to an annual high of 167mm (6.57"). Despite the reduced daylight the warmth, high humidity at 84% and sea temperature soaring to the year's maximum at 30.3°C (86.5°F) perpetuates the sultry appeal of the seaside city. Also, as it has been observed, the wind speed dips to a calm 5.5km/h (3.4mph) adding to the tranquility of the August weather in Puerto Vallarta. As July transitions into August, Puerto Vallarta records an average high-temperature of a still moderately hot 29.3°C (84.7°F), consistent with the preceding month.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September beckons the end of the rainy season with a decrease in the occurrence of torrential downpours, paves the way for drier weather. Though receiving substantial rain, precipitation becomes more measured dropping to 144mm (5.67"), a significant drop from the high in
August.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October ushers in definitive changes. With the rainy season in its dying days, rainfall diminishes significantly, dropping to a manageable 114mm (4.49"). Temperatures follow a similar trend, thereby initiating the transition to the cooler months.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November witnesses a prominent shift in weather conditions. As
Puerto Vallarta welcomes the winter season, temperatures register a significant drop. Precipitation levels reduce to 32mm (1.26"), setting in motion the dry spell that will extend to the early summer months.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December consolidates the arrival of winter, further lowering of temperatures seals the mild and amicable winter season. Despite this, the city's charm remains undiminished with pleasant weather inviting many tourists to spend their holidays.
Weather in December »