Puerto Vallarta has two very different seasons. Winter is dry and pleasant, and summer brings heavy afternoon storms, heat and humidity. The packing problem is picking the right one, plus shoes for the steep cobblestones of the old town.
Puerto Vallarta weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 27°C81°F | 27°C81°F | 27°C81°F | 28°C82°F | 29°C84°F | 32°C90°F | 32°C90°F | 32°C90°F | 32°C90°F | 32°C90°F | 30°C86°F | 28°C82°F |
| Low | 17°C63°F | 17°C63°F | 17°C63°F | 19°C66°F | 22°C72°F | 25°C77°F | 25°C77°F | 24°C75°F | 24°C75°F | 24°C75°F | 21°C70°F | 18°C64°F |
| Rain days | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 11 | 16 | 15 | 16 | 5 | 1 | 2 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryDry and comfortable. Highs run 27–28°C (81–82°F) and lows 17–18°C (63–64°F), with 1–2 rain days a month. These are WMO normals, with rain days counted at 0.1 mm. Evenings feel cool after a beach day, so bring a light sweater with your swimwear.
Spring
March–MayThe driest stretch. Highs climb from 27°C (81°F) to 29°C (84°F), and April averages 0 rain days. Lows rise from 17°C (63°F) to 22°C (72°F). Pack sun protection and light clothes.
Rainy season
June–OctoberHot, humid and stormy. Highs hit 32°C (90°F) every month, lows 24–25°C (75–77°F). July and September average 16 rain days, often short evening downpours. The Pacific hurricane season runs from May to November. Pack quick-dry clothes, a rain jacket and a waterproof bag.
What to bring to Puerto Vallarta
0 of 23 packed- Allbirds Men's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
Light sneakers with grip for the steep cobbled old town (men's).
- Allbirds Women's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
The women's version, cool enough for 32°C (90°F) summer days.
- Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Packing CubeBags & Luggage
Keeps your phone dry in summer storms and on boat trips.
- RAYMYLO 64 oz Insulated Water BottleWater Bottles & Hydration
A big cold bottle for humid summer days.
- Sawyer 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion, 4 ozHealth & Safety
Mosquitoes are common in the rainy season.
- Dramamine Less Drowsy ChewablesHealth & Safety
Boat trips to Yelapa can be choppy.
- Bearwind S40 Portable Handheld Turbo FanTech & Power
Helps on humid summer nights when lows stay at 25°C (77°F).
Clothing
- Swimsuits · 2
- Light summer clothes · 5 sets
- Light sweater · 1Evenings cool to 17°C in winter, Dec–Feb.
- Quick-dry clothes · 3 setsFor the humid rainy season, Jun–Oct.
- Light rain jacket · 1July and September average 16 rain days.
- Smart dinner outfit · 1
- Beach cover-up · 1Cover up over swimwear away from the beach.
Footwear
- Sandals · 1 pair
- Water shoes · 1 pairFor boat trips to Yelapa or Las Ánimas.
Gear
- Sun hat · 1
- Sunglasses · 1
Health and toiletries
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- After-sun lotion
Documents and money
- Passport
- Travel insuranceWatch hurricane forecasts, Aug–Oct.
Tech
- Plug adapter · 1UK, EU and Australian visitors need one.
November
A transition month. The high is 30°C (86°F), the low 21°C (70°F), with just 1 rain day on average. Pack summer clothes and a light layer for evenings.
What shoes should you pack for Puerto Vallarta?
Shoes with grip, plus sandals. The old town streets are steep and cobbled, and they get slick when wet. Bring water shoes for boat trips to beaches like Yelapa or Las Ánimas.
What do people wear in Puerto Vallarta?
Casual summer clothes. Shorts and sundresses are fine on the Malecón. Cover up over swimwear away from the beach, and bring something smarter for nicer dinners. If you visit the cathedral, cover shoulders.
Is summer a bad time to visit Puerto Vallarta?
Not if you pack for it. Mornings are often clear, and storms usually come later in the day. Expect heat and humidity, watch hurricane forecasts, and book flexible plans for August–October.
What plugs does Puerto Vallarta use?
Mexico uses Type A and B sockets at 127V, the same plugs as the US and Canada. US visitors need no adapter. UK, EU and Australian visitors need one. Phone and laptop chargers handle 127V fine; some older buildings have two-prong sockets only, so a three-prong plug may not fit.
Tours and things to do in Puerto Vallarta
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Puerto Vallarta.
What should you leave at home for Puerto Vallarta?
Heavy jackets and heels. The coolest low is 17°C (63°F), and heels are hard on the cobblestones. Leave valuables at the hotel on beach days.
Packing for Puerto Vallarta: questions people ask
What should I wear in Puerto Vallarta in January?
Summer clothes and a light layer. January averages a 27°C (81°F) high, a 17°C (63°F) low and 2 rain days.
What is the rainiest month in Puerto Vallarta?
July and September, each with 16 rain days on average.
Do I need an adapter in Puerto Vallarta?
Not from the US or Canada. Mexico uses Type A and B sockets at 127V.
Is Puerto Vallarta hot in summer?
Yes. Highs are 32°C (90°F) from June to October, with lows of 24–25°C (75–77°F).
What shoes are best for Puerto Vallarta?
Grippy walking shoes for the steep cobbled old town, plus sandals for the beach.
Prices change often — the price on the retailer’s page is the one you pay.