Last updated on August 10th, 2019 at 05:07 am
Known for its stunning sunsets, Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico’s most alluring coastal destinations. But, when it comes to deciding when to travel there, some times are better than others depending on your personal preferences. Rob has visited P.V. before to have some dental work done. He learned a lot about prices and weather throughout the year. If great value for money is a priority for you when you travel read on to find out why we think fall is the best time to visit Puerto Vallarta.

Late September, October, and the first part of November is the quieter time for tourism. Fewer visitors means some pretty terrific benefits for those who choose to travel to P.V. during this time.
Here are the top reasons why we think fall is the best time to visit Puerto Vallarta.
Cheaper Prices
Peak season for travel to Puerto Vallarta is the end of November through April. Weatherwise, many travelers believe Puerto Vallarta is at its best during this time. Rainfall is low and as a result hotel prices at their highest.
Offseason is considered to be June to September. Temperatures are at their hottest and humidity is high. These are also the rainiest months. Some businesses close for a while during this time and hotel prices are low due to these facts.
The end of September through the first week in November is the shoulder season. The rainy season is coming to an end and temperatures are starting to drop a bit as well. Business begins gearing up for the busy high season. Hotel prices are still low following the offseason, at their lowest during the month of October.
Temperate Weather
November through April- Average highs are around 24 C/ 75 F during the day and 15 C/ 60 F on average for lows during the night. The average rainfall is around 14 mm with 1 rain day per month.
June to September- Highs are 32 C/ 91 F and lows average 21 C/ 70 F during this time. The average rainfall is 306 mm with 13 rain days on average per month.
Late September through the first week in November- Highs are 30 C/ 90 F and the average lows are 19 C/ 66 F overnight. The average rainfall is 76 mm with 2 days of rain.
The driest time with the lowest humidity and most wind is March to June. The wettest time with the highest humidity occurs during August and September.
The most temperate month (moderate to low humidity, median temperature, and low rainfall) is October.
Warmer Water & Greener Landscapes

All of the rainfall during the offseason makes for some lush, green landscapes in and around P.V. in the fall!
The backdrop for Puerto Vallarta are the jungle-clad Sierra Madre Mountains. After three months of the highest rainfall, the jungle is at its lushest and greenest in the fall.
Also, the sea temperature is lovely off the coast of P.V. It is at its warmest following the summer months. In the fall the water averages 29 C/ 84 F.
Fewer Crowds
Popular tourist destinations like Puerto Vallarta are always most enjoyable when beaches are less crowded and lines for attractions are shorter. Prices and service are both usually better when traffic numbers are lower as well. Fewer crowds is one of the biggest reasons we think fall is the best time to go to Puerto Vallarta.
November through April- Tourist traffic is highest.
June to September- International tourist traffic is low. Mexican tourist numbers do jump a bit as residents flock to the coast for summer vacations.
Late September through early November- All tourist traffic is lowest.
Exciting Festivals
There is always something happening in Puerto Vallarta! Festivals hum throughout the city every month of the year and fall is when some of the best happen.
The most notable celebration in the fall is The Day of the Dead (Dia de Muertos). People throughout Mexico celebrate the idea that their dearly departed friends and family return to Earth for a visit. Celebrations run from late October to November 2nd to encompass the Catholic holidays All Saints Day (Nov. 1) and All Souls Day (Nov. 2)
Day of the Dead celebrations in Puerto Vallarta- The city is dressed to impress from the end of October to November 2nd! The festivities abound; people paint their faces like sugar skulls, there is dancing, food, and merriment everywhere (most concentrated in the old center and along the Malecon). The biggest highlight is the parade and events at the cities oldest cemetery, the 5 de Diciembre Cemetary.
Dia de Muertos Festival in Sayulita– Sayulita is a seaside village, about 1 hour North of Puerto Vallarta. On November 1st and 2nd every year, one of Mexicos most beautiful Day of the Dead celebrations happens there. The streets teem with color and the sweet smell of thousands of flowers permeates the air. The extravagant cultural performance and traditional night march from the central square to the village’s cemetery something visitors will never forget.
Here are a few more exciting festivals.
San Pancho Parton Saint Festival– If you have a penchant for authentic cultural experiences when you travel, this festival is for you. San Francisco, Nayarit (better known as “San Pancho”) is a small village just over an hour North of P.V. The lovely little town (named the cultural capital of Riviera Nayarit region) holds a nine-day festival yearly to honor its namesake, Saint Francis of Assisi September 25th to October 4th. Highlights include rodeos, dancing, elaborate parades, and colorful traditions.
The Art Walk in P.V. launches October 25th
The Sailfish and Marlin International Tournament November 15-18th
Festival Gourmet International November 10-19th
The Bottom Line on Why We Think Fall is the Best Time to Visit Puerto Vallarta
- Hotel prices are at their lowest. Rates are up to 40% cheaper than during the high season!
- Tourist traffic is low. October is actually the lowest month for tourism.
- The weather is temperate. Moderate to low for heat, humidity, and rainfall.
- The ocean is warm and the Sierra Madre Mountains are lush and green. Nature is at its best in the fall in and around Puerto Vallarta.
Have you traveled to P.V.? When do you think is the best time to visit Puerto Vallarta? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
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I am a 63-year-old man who is been to Mexico probably 16 times. Now I am being told it is dangerous in many areas are used to drive in. I am fluent but I am thinking about going back to PV and visiting later in the month of September. When people ask when to go to Mexico or where to go to Mexico. If they are truly leery of going to Mexico – I always tell them try to stay somewhere near the old part of PV. Yes I know there is.A new city to the north, but PV is better. That and I would like to revisit Oaxaca and the capital of Guanajuato – what of my favorite cities.