The month in detail
What to expect in January
January is peak dry season in Puerto Vallarta. The air is warm and humidity more bearable than in the rainy season. Rain is virtually absent (3% of days) — ideal for planning without a backup. This is one of the best times of year to visit Puerto Vallarta.
January ranks 5 out of 12 months in Puerto Vallarta. Compared to December: −2°F daytime.
This month's conditions
What it's like in January
UV index
6 · moderate
protect during midday hours
Feels like
muggy at times
18°
Sea
25°C
pleasant for swimming
Daylight
10.9h of daylight
Air quality
good
AQI 22
Compare
Is January the right month?
The best month in Puerto Vallarta is April (9.4/10), 0.4 pt higher than January.
Book
Plan your trip
Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.
Stay
Hotels & rentals · Puerto Vallarta
Expedia →
Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
See ↓
Flights
Multi-airline comparator
Kiwi →
🎟️ Activities & tours · Puerto Vallarta
GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation
Practical info
What you need to know before you go
Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a tropical stay.
Country · Mexico
🗣️LanguageSpanish
💶CurrencyMexican Peso ($)
🚗DrivingRight-hand
🛡️Safety ⓘVery safe · 1/5
💰Cost of living ⓘCheap · 2/5
🌡️ Climate
🌍Climate typeTropical
📈Climate trend ⓘStable
🔥Hottest monthJuly · 88°F
❄️Coolest monthJanuary · 79°F
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘAugust · 56%
🏝️ Tropical stay
🌞Dry season ⓘMay → Sep
🌧️Wet season ⓘDec → Mar
🌀Cyclones ⓘSeason Nov-Apr
Explore
Other destinations in January
If January doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.
Location
Where is Puerto Vallarta ?
Global position + regional geographic context.
🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
MexicoTropical climate with a 9.4 → 4.6 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
20.65°N · 105.23°W
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Puerto Vallarta?
April is the best month with 81°F highs, 64°F lows, 9.3h of sunshine and 1.0% rainy days. The months of April & May offer comparable conditions.
How many hours of sunshine does Puerto Vallarta get in April?
Puerto Vallarta averages 9.3 sunshine hours per day in April. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 9.2/10.
What is the rainiest month in Puerto Vallarta?
August is the most unfavourable month with August has the lowest climate score of the year and the lowest climate score of the year.
What are the temperatures at night in Puerto Vallarta in April?
In April, overnight lows reach 64°F, while afternoon highs average 81°F.
Is Puerto Vallarta good in winter?
In winter (December-February), Puerto Vallarta scores 8.6/10 on average — Acceptable conditions for cultural visits.. The best month overall remains April with a score of 9.2/10.
When should you avoid Puerto Vallarta?
August is the most difficult month to visit Puerto Vallarta, with August has the lowest climate score of the year. Climate conditions are at their lowest of the year during this period.
Can you swim in Puerto Vallarta in January?
In January, the sea averages 78°F in Puerto Vallarta: pleasant for swimming. Swimming is pleasant without a wetsuit.
Do you need sun protection in Puerto Vallarta in January?
The average UV index reaches 6 in January in Puerto Vallarta (moderate), with about 10.9h of daylight. Protect during midday hours.