Unlike several other popular beach resort areas in Mexico, Puerto Vallarta has an authentic living town at its heart. This is the best and most popular destination for beach holidays on Mexico’s Pacific coast, and it’s loaded with accommodation to meet any budget.
| Population | 255,000 |
| Area | 255,000 |
| Timezone | UTC+2 |
| Currency | Mexican peso |
| Airports | Lic. Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) |
Not even including the new and trendy Riviera Nayarit region that starts just north of Puerto Vallarta, this is a very diverse destination for travel styles. There are multiple hotel zones that don’t feel much like Mexico at all, as well as hotel areas closer to the historical center where bargains can stand alongside 5-star boutique properties. Be aware that hotels in the lower price ranges might not be up to the standards you are used to, so do your homework if you are trying to cut costs.
Prices stay pretty even throughout the year with the exception of major holidays. If traveling during a holiday, make sure to book your stay in advance and be prepared for some higher prices. Holidays are when both visitors and Mexicans alike head to the beaches.
| Rating | Price(USD) |
|---|---|
 | 18.00 - 52.00 |
| 25.00 - 70.00 |
| 42.00 - 123.00 |
| 46.00 - 295.00 |
| 185.00 - 505.00 |
| Type | Price(USD) |
|---|---|
| Hostel Bed | 12.00 - 16.00 |
| Location | Description | Type | Price(USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whale watching | From mid-December to March, visitors have the chance to view humpback whales in their natural environment during this tour. | 3 to 12 adult | 51.70 98.30 |
| Snorkeling | Explore the waters and reefs as you interact with some of the local marine life. Prices vary. | 3 to 12 adult | 46.09 64.28 |
| Canopy tours | Take a ride through the sky as you go from tree to tree exploring the canopy. | 8 and up | 56.01 |
Food and drinks are generally good value in Puerto Vallarta, as long as you don’t try to consume everything inside a resort hotel on the beach. Even the touristy places in town can be fairly cheap for a beach resort. The independent restaurants along the beach in the city center are actually great value compared to the big hotels.
| Food Type | Description | Price(USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget breakfast | Most hotels serve breakfast but if you wish to skip it, there are many cafes that serve coffee and baked goods at decent prices. | 3.01 - 6.01 |
| Budget lunch | Local places in the city will be cheaper than hotel restaurants and those with big English signs out front. | 4.76 - 9.52 |
| Budget dinner | Steak, lobster, pizza and more are what you'll find at many of the local restaurants. Most also serve cocktail drinks with dinner. | 8.02 - 14.03 |
| Beer (bottle) | Most restaurants have a bar attached or at least one nearby, all serving beer. Just keep in mind that beer prices vary tremendously. | 1.30 - 3.76 |
| Type | Price(USD) |
|---|---|
| Public bus from airport into Puerto Vallarta | 0.50 |
| Taxi around Puerto Vallarta | 2.51 - 10.02 |
| Public bus around Puerto Vallarta | 0.45 - 0.55 |
| Month | High F | Low F | Precip (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 84 | 62 | 1.3 |
| February | 84 | 61 | 0.2 |
| March | 85 | 62 | 0.1 |
| April | 86 | 63 | 0.1 |
| May | 88 | 68 | 0.6 |
| June | 90 | 73 | 7.4 |
| July | 92 | 73 | 12.9 |
| August | 93 | 73 | 12.3 |
| September | 93 | 73 | 14.6 |
| October | 93 | 72 | 3.7 |
| November | 90 | 68 | 0.8 |
| December | 86 | 64 | 0.9 |
Due to it’s location, many actively compare Puerto Vallarta’s weather to that of Hawaii. There are no distinct seasons, more of just a change in rain and wind.
From November all the way through June, visitors will find that there is virtually no rain. Temps range between the 80s and 90s during the day and dip into the low 70s at night. During the other months of the year, temperatures rise a bit during night but tend to be about equal during the day. These are the months where you’ll find the most rain, though the showers generally don’t last long.
In fact, there are about 300 sunny days recorded a year in Puerto Vallarta, so make sure to get out and enjoy the sunshine.
| 21 Mar | 7:04am | 7:12pm |
| 21 Jun | 7:21am | 8:44pm |
| 21 Sep | 7:50am | 7:58pm |
| 21 Dec | 7:33am | 6:26pm |