Puerto Vallarta Weather: A Year-Round Guide to Banderas Bay

Puerto Vallarta sits at the same latitude as Hawaii, offering a classic tropical wet-and-dry climate shaped by its location within Banderas Bay and the protective embrace of the Sierra Madre Mountains.

Typical Weather Patterns

The city experiences two primary seasons: a long, dry winter/spring and a lush, humid summer/autumn. The dry season (November to May) is characterized by near-constant sunshine and low humidity. The rainy season (June to mid-October) brings dramatic afternoon thunderstorms that transform the surrounding hills into a deep, vibrant green.

Daily Rhythms

• Morning: Even in the height of the rainy season, mornings are typically sunny and clear. This is when the coastal air is crispest and the ocean is at its calmest.
• Afternoon: As the sun climbs, humidity builds. In summer, the sky often clouds over by 4:00 PM, leading to powerful, spectacle-like thunderstorms. These storms are usually brief and intense rather than persistent.
• Evening: Post-storm evenings in summer often feel refreshed, though humidity remains high. Winter evenings are famously mild and dry, often requiring a light layer as temperatures dip into the 60s°F (16-20°C).

Seasonal Trends

• Winter (December–February): The "high season." Expect daytime highs around 80°F (27°C) and cool, pleasant nights. This is the driest part of the year, with virtually no rainfall and low humidity levels that make the air feel crisp.
• Spring (March–May): These are the transition months. While still dry, temperatures begin to climb. May can feel quite warm as the humidity starts to build in anticipation of the rains.
• Summer (June–August): Heat and humidity peak. Highs reach 90°F (32°C), but the humidity index can make it feel significantly hotter. August is typically the wettest and most humid month.
• Fall (September–November): September is the peak of the tropical storm season. By late October, the rains taper off, and November marks the return of lower humidity and the start of the most comfortable weather.

Microclimates and Regional Variations

The geography of Banderas Bay creates distinct variations. The southern part of the bay (towards Mismaloya and Yelapa), where the jungle meets the sea, tends to receive more rainfall and feels significantly more humid than the northern end near Nuevo Vallarta or Punta Mita. The Sierra Madre Mountains act as a barrier, frequently causing storm clouds to dump rain on the hills before they reach the water, resulting in spectacular lightning shows over the bay that never actually reach the shore.

The "Feel" and Local Adaptation

Beyond the temperature, Puerto Vallarta is defined by its humidity index. From July to September, the air feels heavy and "sticky," a sensation locals call bochorno. During this time, life slows down in the mid-afternoon; locals often retreat to air-conditioned spaces or shade during the peak heat, emerging in the late evening when the temperature drops.

In contrast, the winter air is influenced by cool breezes coming off the Pacific. The water temperature fluctuates as well—cooling to around 75°F (24°C) in winter (ideal for whale watching) and warming to a bathtub-like 85°F (29°C) in late summer.

Specific Phenomena: Hurricanes and Lightning

While Puerto Vallarta is officially in a hurricane zone, the deep pocket of Banderas Bay and the surrounding mountains provide significant natural protection. Direct hits are historically rare. However, the area is famous for its summer lightning storms. These aren't just weather events but local entertainment; the sky over the Pacific often lights up with horizontal lightning strikes that can last for hours without a drop of rain hitting the cobblestone streets of the Romantic Zone.