You've probably seen the postcards. Perfectly still turquoise water, a palm tree leaning at just the right angle, and a sun that looks like it’s been photoshopped into a permanent state of "golden hour." It makes you think puerto vallarta jal weather is a one-size-fits-all tropical paradise.
Honestly? It isn't. Not all the time, anyway.
If you show up in August expecting a dry, breezy stroll down the Malecón, you’re going to be disappointed—and very, very sweaty. But if you think the rainy season is a total wash-out, you’re missing out on the cheapest, greenest, and arguably most dramatic version of the Mexican Pacific.
I’ve spent enough time in Jalisco to know that the "best" time to visit is entirely subjective. It depends on whether you value bone-dry heat, whale sightings, or saving five hundred bucks on a resort suite.
The Dry Season: Paradise With a Price Tag
From November to April, Puerto Vallarta is basically a different planet. This is the "high season," and for good reason. The humidity that makes summer feel like you’re breathing through a warm, wet rag completely vanishes.
You’ll wake up to crisp, 65°F mornings. By 2:00 PM, it’s a perfect 80°F. No rain. None. You can plan a wedding, a boat trip, or a mountain hike six months in advance and be 99% sure you won't see a single cloud.
But there’s a catch. Everyone else knows this too.
The streets of the Romantic Zone get packed. Prices for boutique hotels in Gringo Gulch skyrocket. If you’re coming in January or February, you’re also competing with the humpback whales. They love the 75°F water in Banderas Bay for breeding, and thousands of tourists flock here to see them breach.
It’s magical, but it’s loud.
A Quick Reality Check on "Winter"
Don't let the word "winter" fool you. While January is the coldest month, we’re talking about lows of 62°F. It’s "light jacket" weather for dinner, not "break out the parka" weather. Locals might be wearing puffer vests because they’re used to the heat, but if you’re coming from Chicago or Vancouver, you’ll still be in shorts by noon.
The Summer Humidity: It’s Not Just the Heat
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the humidity.
Around late May or June, the air starts to thicken. You’ll feel it first in your hair. Then, the dew point climbs. By August and September, the humidity often hits 80% or higher.
When the thermometer says 92°F, the "real feel" is often well over 100°F.
This is the rainy season, but it doesn't rain like it does in Seattle. It’s not a gray, drizzly gloom that lasts for days. Instead, you get these intense, cinematic thunderstorms that roll in over the Sierra Madre mountains late in the afternoon.
One minute you’re sipping a margarita in the sun; the next, the sky turns purple and the streets of the Old Town turn into literal rivers for two hours. Then, as quickly as it started, it stops. The air cools down, the dust is gone, and the jungle smells incredible.
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Why You Might Actually Love the Rain
- The "Emerald" Effect: The brown, dusty hills turn a neon, Jurassic Park green almost overnight.
- The Lightning: Watching a lightning storm over Banderas Bay from a balcony is better than any Netflix show.
- The Savings: This is "low season." You can find 5-star resorts for half of what they cost in March.
- The Crowds: You’ll actually find a spot for your towel on Playa Los Muertos.
The Hurricane Question: Is It Safe?
Technically, hurricane season runs from June to November. This usually scares people off.
However, Puerto Vallarta has a bit of a geographic "cheat code." The city is tucked deep inside Banderas Bay, one of the deepest bays in the world, and it's surrounded by the massive Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range.
These mountains act as a physical shield. Most hurricanes heading for the coast either get deflected or lose significant power before they can make a direct hit. Does it happen? Yes. Is it common? Not really. Most of what you’ll experience are "tropical depressions"—basically just a lot of rain and some wind.
Just keep an eye on the National Hurricane Center (NHC) if you’re traveling in September, which is statistically the wettest and most "active" month.
Puerto Vallarta Weather by the Numbers (Sorta)
I hate tables. They're boring. So here is the "vibe" of the year in prose:
January through March is the sweet spot. Water is around 75°F, air is dry, and the whales are everywhere. Expect zero rain.
April and May are the "shoulder" months. It starts getting hotter, reaching into the high 80s. The humidity is building, but the rain hasn't arrived yet. This is actually a great time for snorkeling because the water is warming up but remains clear.
June to October is the wild card. Temperatures peak around 93°F. Rain happens most evenings. September is the rainiest, averaging over 14 inches of water. If you hate mosquitoes, this is your nightmare—they love the standing water in the jungle.
November and December is the transition. The rain stops, the humidity drops, and the foliage is still lush from the summer. Honestly, early November is my secret favorite time to go. You get the green mountains without the October sweat.
Actionable Tips for Your Trip
Stop obsessing over the 10-day forecast. If you look at an app during the summer, it will show a "rain" icon for every single day. This is misleading. It usually means it’ll rain for 90 minutes at 7:00 PM.
If you’re heading down soon, do these three things:
- Pack for the "Microclimates": If you’re taking a boat out to the Marietas Islands, the wind can be chilly even in May. If you’re hiking to Colomitos, you’ll want moisture-wicking gear because the jungle is 10 degrees hotter than the beach.
- Book "Rainy" Tours in the Morning: Most ATVs and zip-line tours run in the AM for a reason. They want to be done before the 4:00 PM deluge hits.
- Check the Dew Point, Not Just the Temp: If the dew point is over 70°F, you’re going to be sticky. Plan for indoor activities—like the Naval Museum or a slow lunch at an air-conditioned spot in Marina Vallarta—during the mid-day peak.
The reality of puerto vallarta jal weather is that it’s rarely "bad." It’s just different degrees of intensity. Whether you want the reliable sunshine of February or the moody, tropical electricity of August, the city has a way of making you forget about the forecast once the first plate of fish tacos hits the table.
Check the local water temperature if you're planning on diving, as "thermoclines" (sudden drops in water temp) are common in the spring despite the warm air.