Worst Time to Visit Puerto Vallarta

Picture this: You plan your perfect vacation, but end up spending 24 out of 31 days avoiding rain. This scenario plays out regularly in Puerto Vallarta during August, the city’s wettest month.

The hotel prices might tempt you – rooms go for as little as $143 per night in September. But these months bring their own challenges. The weather from July through September turns brutal with temperatures between 76-90°F. The humidity becomes unbearable, and September dumps up to 340mm of rain on the city.

My time here has taught me about the hurricane season that runs from June through November. August and September bring the highest risk of storms. Let me share what I’ve learned about the weather patterns, health risks, and how different neighborhoods handle Puerto Vallarta’s toughest months.

The Truth About Hurricane Season in Puerto Vallarta

Many vacationers don’t expect hurricane season to disrupt their travel plans. You should know what Puerto Vallarta’s storm season means before your vacation gets washed out.

When hurricane season actually begins and ends

Puerto Vallarta’s official hurricane season runs from May 15 to November 30 each year. Storm activity peaks between June and November, with the worst conditions from August to October. This timeframe covers almost half the year, which you need to think over when planning your trip.

Most tourists think the threat only lasts a few weeks. The risk of tropical storms stays high throughout this period. The warm ocean waters combine with specific weather conditions to create the perfect breeding ground for tropical storms and hurricanes.

Historical hurricane impacts on the region

Puerto Vallarta has seen very few direct hurricane hits, even though it’s vulnerable during storm season. Records show only three major hurricanes have hit the city in the last 50 years:

• Hurricane Lily (Category 1) in 1971
• Hurricane Kenna (Category 4) in 2002
• Hurricane Nora (Category 1) in 2021

Hurricane Lidia hit near Puerto Vallarta as a Category 4 storm with winds of 140 mph (220 kph) in October 2023. The storm’s effects decreased as it moved inland.

The Sierra Madre mountain range around Banderas Bay helps protect the area from approaching storms. But even when hurricanes don’t hit directly, they can bring heavy rainfall, flooding, and problems with infrastructure.

How climate change is affecting hurricane patterns

Scientists have spotted worrying trends in hurricane behavior that make Puerto Vallarta more vulnerable. Atlantic hurricanes now strengthen faster from weak storms compared to the 1970s and 80s. This quick intensification makes life harder for coastal communities like Puerto Vallarta because these storms become harder to predict.

Climate change studies show these global trends:

• Higher tropical cyclone rainfall
• Stronger tropical cyclones
• More Category 4 and 5 tropical cyclones
• Possibly fewer weak tropical cyclones

A 2°C global temperature rise could make tropical cyclone winds 1-10% stronger and increase rainfall by 10-15%. Future storms that threaten Puerto Vallarta might be less frequent but pack more power and destruction.

Emergency protocols locals follow during threats

Puerto Vallarta’s community acts fast when hurricane warnings come in. The city’s new Municipal Civil Protection Council coordinates all disaster response efforts. Government agencies, civil society, and businesses work together to reduce the effects of tropical cyclones.

The city has 16 temporary shelters ready to house over 3,500 people (about 885 families). Teams constantly monitor areas that might flood, especially near rivers and suburban neighborhoods.

Local residents follow these key steps during hurricane threats:

• Check updates from the National Hurricane Center
• Protect windows and doors with plywood
• Set up a safe room away from windows
• Turn off and unplug all electrical devices
• Keep emergency supplies of water, food, and first aid items

Knowing these facts about hurricane season helps you pick the best time to visit Puerto Vallarta and avoid the worst weather months.

Worst Months to Visit According to Weather Data

Weather data paints a clear picture about the toughest times to visit Puerto Vallarta. These patterns could make your vacation either amazing or challenging.

August: Peak rainfall and humidity

August ranks as the most uncomfortable month in Puerto Vallarta’s calendar. You’ll see rain on 24-27 days during this month, which means a 77-79% chance of getting wet each day. The total rainfall hits about 9.9 inches, though some reports show it can reach up to 350mm (13.8 inches).

The rain isn’t your only concern – August packs a double whammy with its heavy humidity. The air stays muggy 100% of the time, which makes it feel much hotter than what your thermometer shows. The humidity sits at 84%, and this makes walking around town pretty tough.

The temperature usually stays between 76-90°F (24.7-32.4°C), and the ocean stays warm at 86°F. The water feels great for swimming, but the mix of heat and humidity makes most activities on land quite challenging.

September: The perfect storm of conditions

September starts out just like August but gets better as the month goes on. Your chances of seeing rain drop from 79% to 55% by month’s end, which shows the rainy season starting to wrap up. The rainfall starts at 10.4 inches and drops to 6.7 inches as the month progresses.

The clouds thin out too, going from 94% to 87% coverage. The air stays completely muggy though. The rain might ease up, but you can’t escape the humidity.

The mercury reads much like August – between 76-90°F (24.8-32.1°C). Many travelers skip September because it mixes leftover monsoon weather with rising high-season prices. The rain can pile up to 370mm (14.6 inches) over 16 days, or 358mm across 14 days according to other sources.

October: Lingering rain and infrastructure issues

October serves as a turning point as Puerto Vallarta shakes off its wettest period. The weather turns friendlier with temperatures averaging 27.8°C (82°F) and less rain than previous months. The humidity drops to 78%, giving you a bit of relief from August and September’s sticky conditions.

Hurricane season runs through October (July to October), but the numbers show much better weather. Rain shows up only 5 days on average, way better than the 15+ days you’d see earlier.

The biggest headache in October comes from recovering infrastructure. The months of heavy rain leave some areas with drainage problems and ongoing repairs. Some businesses stay closed in early October as they get ready for high season, which might limit your dining and activity options.

The weather gets better, but October still acts as a transition month rather than the best time to visit. People who don’t like humidity might still find the 78% average uncomfortable compared to the drier months ahead.

Health Concerns During Rainy Season

The rainy season in Puerto Vallarta brings more than bad weather—it creates the perfect breeding ground for several health issues that travelers need to prepare for.

Mosquito-borne illness risks

Mosquitoes pose a serious threat across Mexico during wet months and can ruin your vacation with nasty diseases. Dengue fever remains a major concern, as shown by Baja California Sur’s 8,090 confirmed cases during the 2013-2014 epidemic. Zika and chikungunya have spread faster since 2015, adding to these concerns.

Local officials work hard to curb these threats. They’ve removed nearly 2,000 tons of junk from urban areas to eliminate places where mosquitoes breed. The risk stays highest during the worst time to visit Puerto Vallarta—the rainy season.

You can protect yourself by:

• Using insect repellent with DEET, which works better than anything else
• Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, especially at dawn and dusk
• Choosing places to stay with air conditioning or screens

Medical help becomes crucial if you develop symptoms like intense bone pain (that’s why they call it “the bone-aching disease”). Don’t take aspirin since it thins your blood and makes symptoms worse.

Water quality issues after heavy rainfall

Heavy downpours turn Puerto Vallarta’s beautiful beaches into health hazards. The city has “one of the best-managed water systems in the country”, but heavy rain overwhelms drainage systems and leads to contamination.

Storm water makes beach quality worse, especially near the Cuale or Ameca river mouths. Water from hillside neighborhoods flows straight into the sea, particularly around Los Muertos Beach. Swimming becomes dangerous for several days after major storms.

Tourists should skip tap water completely. Water might be clean when it leaves treatment facilities, but old pipes and poor storage can make it unsafe before reaching your tap. Storms make water quality even worse and increase your chance of getting leptospirosis—a bacterial infection from contaminated water.

Humidity-related health challenges

Puerto Vallarta’s worst months bring humidity that causes health problems beyond just feeling uncomfortable. Your lungs work harder to get oxygen from moisture-heavy air. People with breathing problems struggle even more.

Your body goes into overdrive as it tries to cool down through sweating. Sweat can’t evaporate well in humid air, so your temperature rises. This leads to:

• Dehydration from losing too much fluid
• Heat exhaustion with weakness, nausea, and dizziness
• Heat rash when sweat gets trapped under your skin

People with asthma, COPD, heart disease, chronic kidney disease, or diabetes face bigger risks during humid periods. Anyone with health conditions should think over these risks before planning their trip.

Neighborhood-by-Neighborhood Rainy Season Impact

Puerto Vallarta tells a unique story during rainy season. Each neighborhood faces its own set of challenges that can make or break your visit.

Downtown and Malecon flooding realities

Heavy downpours turn the iconic Malecon boardwalk into a waterway. The city’s drainage system depends on hilly streets that flow toward the bay. Water can reach depths of 6 inches along these paths. Hurricane Lidia in 2023 pushed the drainage system to “maximum capacity” and created perfect conditions for serious flooding.

Regular heavy rains cause water to pool in the downtown area, especially near the Municipal Market. A memorable 2009 concert saw 40,000 fans brave the torrential rain as barricades collapsed and water flooded downtown completely.

Francisco Medina Ascencio, the main avenue, floods often. Water levels rise above 80 centimeters on some streets during big storms. Tourists often fail to realize how slippery cobblestone streets become and underestimate rushing water’s power.

Marina Vallarta drainage problems

Marina Vallarta struggles with two major issues during the worst time to visit Puerto Vallarta. Hotels reportedly dump wastewater illegally into the ocean near the Marina Vallarta golf course’s 13th hole. This adds to the area’s flooding troubles.

Bad drainage puts local wildlife at risk. Marina Puerto Vallarta’s crocodiles get sick from contaminated water. They develop skin diseases, breathing problems, and can’t reproduce properly. Heavy rains sometimes force authorities to close schools and warn people to stay out of the water due to contamination and bad smells.

Romantic Zone and hillside neighborhood concerns

Rainy season brings special risks to hillside areas and the Romantic Zone. Water builds up on Insurgentes Street and makes it hard for cars and people to get around. Steep terrain creates flash flood dangers and might trigger landslides.

Versalles neighborhood sees the worst flooding on Francia and España streets. Rain-soaked hillsides can give way suddenly, as past events have shown.

Problems last longer in hillside areas than in flat ones. Water keeps flowing downhill for days and makes drainage issues worse throughout the city.

Survival Guide for Visiting During the Worst Time

Don’t cancel your trip just yet! A smart traveler can still have an amazing time in Puerto Vallarta, even during the worst time to visit. The key to turning a potential disaster into an unforgettable vacation lies in knowing how to handle the challenges.

Essential packing items for rainy season visits

Your rainy season survival kit should include:

• Lightweight raincoat and waterproof shoes (you’ll need these to traverse flooded streets)
• Travel-sized umbrella to handle sudden downpours
• Quick-dry clothing that resists humidity
• Mosquito repellent with DEET (nothing else works as well)
• Portable charger since power outages happen often during heavy rains

Rainy day activities that actually work

Puerto Vallarta has plenty of indoor options when storms roll in. The rain brings new life to Vallarta Botanical Gardens, making them even more spectacular during wet season. Movies are easy to enjoy since most theaters play films in their original language with Spanish subtitles. The Malecon’s art galleries and cultural centers make great alternatives, and luxury spas offer amazing treatments to help you unwind.

How to find reliable transportation during storms

Ride-sharing apps like InDriver work better than Uber in Puerto Vallarta these days. Local taxis use zone-based pricing instead of meters, so agree on your fare before you hop in. Some busses running main routes between the airport and downtown come equipped with wheelchair lifts.

Booking strategies to protect your investment

Tour operators protect you with “No-Port, No-Pay” policies that guarantee full refunds if cruise ships can’t dock because of weather. Hotel prices drop significantly during low season from May through October. The best part? Tours that usually need advance booking become available to more people with huge discounts—some operators even offer 3-for-2 deals.

Puerto Vallarta has its tough moments during the worst months, but good planning can save your vacation. Living here taught me that August and September need extra preparation, especially when you have health concerns and flooding risks in specific neighborhoods.

The weather might worry you with rain hitting the city for up to 27 days in August. But budget travelers can still grab great deals during these months if they pack right and stay flexible. Smart visitors pack quick-dry clothes, good mosquito repellent, and keep a list of indoor activities handy.

This city’s beauty shines even in the rainy season. The Vallarta Botanical Gardens offer amazing views when tropical rain pours down. Flooding can be a real issue near the Malecon and Marina Vallarta. You’ll stay safer by picking well-managed hotels and following local safety rules.

Note that Puerto Vallarta’s worst weather doesn’t last long, and perfect conditions return soon. To make the most of your rainy season visit, use the tips from this piece and enjoy the quiet charm of this unique time.

Here are some FAQs about the worst time to visit Puerto Vallarta:

What month is hurricane season in Puerto Vallarta?

Hurricane season in Puerto Vallarta runs from June to November, with the highest risk occurring in September and October. This is considered the worst time to visit Puerto Vallarta due to the potential for severe storms and heavy rainfall. Travelers should monitor weather forecasts and consider travel insurance if planning a trip during this period.

What is the rainiest season in Puerto Vallarta?

The rainiest season in Puerto Vallarta is typically from June to October, with August and September being the wettest months. This is often regarded as the worst time to visit Mexico Puerto Vallarta due to frequent and intense rain showers. Despite the rain, the lush landscapes can be a silver lining for some visitors.

What is off season in Puerto Vallarta?

The off season in Puerto Vallarta runs from late April to early December, coinciding with the warmer and rainier months. This is considered the worst time to visit Puerto Vallarta for those who prefer dry and sunny weather. However, it’s also the cheapest time to visit, with fewer crowds and lower prices.

What is the best month to visit Puerto Vallarta?

The best month to visit Puerto Vallarta is generally November or March, when the weather is warm, dry, and pleasant. These months are ideal for outdoor activities and beach relaxation, making them the opposite of the worst time to visit Puerto Vallarta. Travelers can enjoy sunny days and comfortable temperatures during this period.

What’s the coldest month in Puerto Vallarta?

The coldest month in Puerto Vallarta is typically January, with average temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C). While it’s still warm compared to many destinations, it’s cooler than other months. This makes January a pleasant time to visit, unlike the worst time to visit Puerto Vallarta during the rainy season.

Do hurricanes ever hit Puerto Vallarta?

While hurricanes can affect Puerto Vallarta, direct hits are relatively rare. The worst time to visit Mexico Puerto Vallarta in terms of hurricane risk is during the peak of the season from September to October. Travelers should stay informed about weather conditions and take precautions if visiting during this period.

Does the rain last all day in Puerto Vallarta?

During the rainy season, rain in Puerto Vallarta typically occurs in short, intense bursts, often in the afternoon or evening. While this is considered the worst time to visit Puerto Vallarta for some, the rain usually doesn’t last all day. Mornings are often sunny, providing opportunities for outdoor activities.

Is Cabo or Puerto Vallarta better?

Whether Cabo or Puerto Vallarta is better depends on your preferences. Cabo is known for its desert landscapes and luxury resorts, while Puerto Vallarta offers lush greenery and a more traditional Mexican vibe. The worst time to visit Puerto Vallarta (rainy season) might be a factor to consider when comparing the two destinations.

What is the sunniest month in Puerto Vallarta?

The sunniest month in Puerto Vallarta is typically April, with clear skies and minimal rainfall. This is the opposite of the worst time to visit Puerto Vallarta, which is during the rainy season. April offers ideal conditions for beach activities, sightseeing, and enjoying the outdoors.