Month guide · Puerto Vallarta · Mexico
Puerto Vallarta in December
What December is really like in Puerto Vallarta: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Another Believer, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
December is one of the best months to visit Puerto Vallarta. Expect average highs of 29°C (84°F), lows of 18°C (64°F), about 1 rainy days and roughly 10.9 hours of daylight. Dry and pleasant, with the Guadalupe pilgrimages, the first whales and a holiday-season peak.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 29°C (84°F) / 18°C (64°F)
- Rainy days
- About 1
- Daylight
- About 10.9 hours
- Sea temperature
- 26°C (79°F)
- Crowds
- Very busy
- Hotel prices
- Highest
Weather in December
December is the 9th-warmest month in Puerto Vallarta: days average 29°C (84°F) against a yearly average high of 30°C (86°F), and nights fall to about 18°C (64°F). Rain falls on roughly 1 of its 31 days. Compared with November (31°C (88°F)), December is cooler; by January highs stay near 28°C (82°F).
- Sunrise (15 December)
- About 07:30
- Sunset (15 December)
- About 18:23
- Daylight
- About 10.9 hours
- Sea
- 26°C (79°F)
Storm season (September–October). The peak of hurricane risk and humidity in September, easing in October; hotel prices are at their lowest.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, December rates 5 for crowds (the peak is January at 5) and 5 for hotel prices (highest in January). Book accommodation early: December is one of the pricier months.
Events in December
- Fiestas de la Virgen de Guadalupe — nightly processions to the church (1–12 December)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in December
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Waterfront · Marina Vallarta
Marina Vallarta boardwalk
A palm-lined walkway around the marina basin, with cafés, restaurants and yachts moored alongside, overlooked by the marina's landmark lighthouse tower.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Couples
- Food
- Views
Waterfront · Centro
The Malecón
Walk it at sunset, then continue south over the river bridges to dinner in the Zona Romántica.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Free
- Couples
- After dark
- Art
- Kids
Religious site · Centro
Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe
The parish church, a short walk from the Malecón, is the town's landmark thanks to its open-work crown on the bell tower, modelled on one worn by Empress Carlota.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Iconic
- Architecture
- History
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Beach · Conchas Chinas and Amapas
Playa Conchas Chinas
Walk south along the shore from Los Muertos at low tide, then return by taxi.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Nature
- Off the beaten path
- Couples
The sea averages 26°C (79°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Puerto Vallarta.
What to pack
For highs near 29°C, lows near 18°C and 1 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; comfortable walking shoes.
Is December a good time to visit Puerto Vallarta?
One of the best months to visit Puerto Vallarta, with a notable event on the calendar. The other best months are January–April and November. Compare every month.
Puerto Vallarta in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is December a good time to visit Puerto Vallarta?
It is one of the best months to visit Puerto Vallarta. Dry and pleasant, with the Guadalupe pilgrimages, the first whales and a holiday-season peak.
+How warm is Puerto Vallarta in December?
Average highs are around 29°C (84°F) and lows around 18°C (64°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Puerto Vallarta in December?
Expect rain on about 1 days of the month, so it is usually dry.