Weather Conditions:
Puerto Vallarta enjoys a warm tropical climate all year round, the rainy season is late June through September (afternoon showers). January through April - high 86°F, low 63°F; May through Dec. - high 92°F, low 70°F.
Climate/Topography:
The hills of the Sierra Madre nurse the Down Town zone, limiting growth, and providing lush jungle and wildlife scenes from any point in town. The Banderas Bay expansion - the second largest bay in the hemisphere - offers spectacular views of the coast and calm beaches. The bay is clean, and excellent for scuba diving and fishing. The town itself is divided by the Rio Cuale. Puerto Vallarta is one of the few places on Earth that can boast an "ideal" climate. It is temperate, but with sub-tropical vegetation, and the Bay offers shelter from harsh Pacific winds and hard weather. Puerto Vallarta enjoys 345 days of sunshine each year, with average daytime temperatures reaching into the high 80's. At night, the onshore breeze from the Bay descends, bringing cool air and cool night temperatures that make for pleasant sleeping conditions. Puerto Vallarta also has one of the least intrusive rainy seasons found this far south. From mid-June to about the beginning of October, there is rain almost daily. However, the rain doesn't usually start until late in the afternoon (4 or 5 o'clock) and this leaves most of the day clear for activities. The summer months are hot and humid, but are still livable and many retirees and long-term visitors do live here year-round.
About the Town
The Malecon
hopping is best along the Malecon, the seaside main street with many small shops.
The Market
The Market on the banks of the Rio Cuale sells one-of-a-kind Mexican handicrafts, clothing, jewelry, food items and more.
Fine Art Galleries
Fine art galleries in Puerto Vallarta are internationally acclaimed and a "must see".
Nightlife
Whether it's sunset margaritas at a quiet cliff side terrace, or pina coladas at a lively club. Puerto Vallarta's variety of bars is unsurpassed along the Mexican Riviera. When the sun goes down, the fun begins at nightclubs and discos that rival those of any cosmopolitan city.
Dining
When it comes to dining, Puerto Vallarta does it "con gusto." Restaurants serve up an array of international cuisine, including Mexican, Italian, French, Argentinian, Cajun, Japanese and more. Choose from casual beach restaurants to romantic candlelit dinner houses.
Adventures At Sea
Fishing
Fishing is a way of life in Puerto Vallarta. Depending on the season, the waters of Puerto Vallarta teem with sailfish, marlin, tuna and many smaller game fish.
Whale Watching
From December through April, experience the thrill of whales up close in the bay.
Watersports
On the 25 miles of Pacific beaches, enjoy popular watersports including water-skiing, windsurfing, sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, catamaran and yacht excursions and more!
Outward Bound
Banderas Bay
The largest natural bay in Mexico and third largest in the world, Banderas Bay stretches 13 miles across and 47 miles around.
Fabulous Beaches
Puerto Vallarta offers over forty different beaches. From the long "walking" stretches in the north to the secluded golden sand beaches of the South Zone, each has its own personality.
Golf
Perfect for your swing on the jungle lined fairways of Los Flamingos Country Club in Nuevo Vallarta. The Marina Vallarta Country Club also offers great golf and scenic surroundings.
Resort Areas
Nuevo Vallarta
Exciting area north of the airport that overlooks miles of sandy beaches.
Marina Vallarta
Just south of the airport and home to deluxe hotels, a championship golf course and world class marina.
Hotel Zone
Action packed area of resorts, restaurants, shops and great beaches between the Marina and Downtown.
Downtown/Viejo Vallarta
A taste of Old Mexico with historic and cultural sites, diverse dining and shopping opportunities.
South Zone/Mismaloya
Secluded area with many private coves, hillside villas, deluxe hotels and fine beaches.
Golf is increasingly becoming a way of life in Puerto Vallarta, where enthusiasts will find two very challenging public courses.
The Marina Vallarta Golf Club is a Par 71, 18-hole championship course designed by renowned course architect, Joe Fingers. Its magnificent views of Banderas Bay, abundant wildlife, and natural obstacles (such as waterfalls, palms and natural lagoons) have made it increasingly popular in the last few years. It has twice been the site of the Governor's Cup Pro/Am Tournament, as well as other important golfing events. The facilities include a driving range, putting green, golf lessons, golf shop and full-service clubhouse. The golf course is part of the luxurious Marina Vallarta hotel and condominium complex, and is only a short walk from such hotels as the Westin Regina, Melia Puerto Vallarta, Marriott Casa Magna, and Velas Vallarta Grand Suite.
The Flamingos Golf Club offers a Par 72 championship course designed by Percy Clifford. Located in the north part of the bay, about eight miles north of the airport, this picturesque course offers a wide array of facilities, including a driving range, putting green, snack bar, golf lessons and tennis courts. Visitors will also find a handsome stucco clubhouse, and a pro-shop overlooking rolling hills that fade toward the ocean. Reservations for tee times are not accepted, they are on a first come-first serve system
