The month in detail
What to expect in May
May 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.
May ranks 2 out of 12 months in Puerto Vallarta. Compared to April: +4°F daytime.
This month's conditions
What it's like in May
UV index
9 · very high
protection essential
Feels like
muggy at times
21°
Sea
28°C
warm, ideal
Daylight
13.0h of daylight
Air quality
good
AQI 29
Compare
Is May the right month?
The best month in Puerto Vallarta is April (9.4/10), 0.1 pt higher than May.
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
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Flights
Multi-airline comparator
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🎟️ 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 May
If May 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 May?
In May, the sea averages 82°F in Puerto Vallarta: warm, ideal. Ideal conditions for swimming and snorkeling.
Do you need sun protection in Puerto Vallarta in May?
The average UV index reaches 9 in May in Puerto Vallarta (very high), with about 13.0h of daylight. Protection essential.