Fall-Winter Guide: Top Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta from November to February

If there is a perfect time to visit Puerto Vallarta, it is fall and winter. From November through February, the humidity fades, the rains disappear, and the city settles into warm, sunny days and cool, comfortable evenings. This is high season — when whales return to the bay, the holiday calendar fills with celebrations, and the energy across town reaches its peak. Here is your guide to the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta from November to February.

Enjoy the Perfect Weather

This stretch delivers Vallarta's finest weather: daytime highs in the comfortable 80s Fahrenheit, low humidity, abundant sunshine, and refreshingly mild nights. It is ideal for everything from beach lounging to active adventures, without the sticky heat of summer. Pack a light layer for evenings, but expect glorious days.

Go Whale Watching

One of the season's great spectacles: humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of Banderas Bay from roughly December through March to mate and give birth. Whale-watching tours offer the unforgettable chance to see them breach and tail-slap up close, often with marine biologists aboard. It is a bucket-list experience unique to these months. Book through our tours page.

Hit the Beaches

With calm seas and sunny skies, fall and winter are prime beach time. Relax on Los Muertos Beach in the heart of the action, or take a boat to secluded southern gems like Las Ánimas, Quimixto, or the hidden coves near Yelapa. The water is warm, the crowds are happy, and the beach-club scene is buzzing. See our beaches guide on the beaches page.

Experience the Festivals and Holidays

The season is packed with celebration. The Day of the Dead in early November fills the streets with color and tradition, the festive lead-up to Christmas and New Year brings lights and parties, and the famous Festival of the Virgin of Guadalupe in early-to-mid December turns the malecón into a nightly procession. It is a magical, deeply cultural time to be in town.

Take a Bay Cruise

The mild weather makes this the perfect season for getting out on the water. Sunset sails, snorkel trips, and day cruises across Banderas Bay are at their best now, with clear skies and great visibility. Combine a cruise with whale watching for a double dose of magic. Explore options on our tours page.

Explore Outdoor Adventures

Cooler, drier conditions are ideal for active pursuits — ziplining through the jungle, ATV and off-road tours, horseback riding, hiking to jungle waterfalls, and stand-up paddleboarding on calm mornings. This is the best window of the year for getting out and exploring the natural beauty around the city.

Stroll the Malecón and Old Town

Evenings are made for wandering. Walk the seaside malecón past its iconic sculptures and street performers, then lose yourself in the cobblestone streets of the Zona Romántica, where galleries, bars, and restaurants come alive. The pleasant temperatures make it perfect for a long, unhurried evening out.

Savor the High-Season Dining Scene

High season brings the city's restaurants to full swing, with special menus, full reservation books, and a lively, celebratory mood. It is the ideal time to treat yourself to a memorable meal, whether that is fresh seafood on the beach or fine dining with a view. Plan with our Food & Drink guide.

Plan Ahead for High Season

Because November through February is the most popular time to visit, a little planning goes a long way. Book your accommodations well in advance, as the best hotels and rentals fill up early, especially around the December holidays. Reserve marquee experiences like whale-watching tours, sunset cruises, and dinners at top restaurants ahead of time. Expect lively crowds and a festive energy throughout the city, and budget for slightly higher prices than the off-season. The trade-off is more than worth it: you get the best weather of the year, the whales, the holidays, and a town buzzing at its absolute best.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is November to February a good time to visit Puerto Vallarta?

It is the best time. These months offer Vallarta's most pleasant weather — warm, sunny, and dry — along with whale season and a festive holiday calendar. It is also the busiest high season, so book accommodations and tours early.

Can I see whales in Puerto Vallarta during this time?

Yes. Humpback whale season runs from about December through March, making the winter months perfect for whale-watching tours in Banderas Bay. Reserve through our tours page.

What is the weather like in Puerto Vallarta in winter?

Expect warm, sunny days with highs in the comfortable 80s Fahrenheit, low humidity, very little rain, and cooler, pleasant evenings. A light layer for nights is all you need.

Are there festivals in Puerto Vallarta from November to February?

Plenty. Highlights include Day of the Dead in early November, the Festival of the Virgin of Guadalupe in December, and the festive Christmas and New Year celebrations, plus various art and food events throughout the season.