Month guide · Puerto Vallarta · Mexico
Puerto Vallarta in January
What January 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
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Quick answer
January is one of the best months to visit Puerto Vallarta. Expect average highs of 28°C (82°F), lows of 17°C (63°F), about 1 rainy days and roughly 11 hours of daylight. Dry, sunny and pleasant, with cool evenings and the height of whale season; very busy with winter visitors.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 28°C (82°F) / 17°C (63°F)
- Rainy days
- About 1
- Daylight
- About 11 hours
- Sea temperature
- 25°C (77°F)
- Crowds
- Very busy
- Hotel prices
- Highest
Weather in January
January is the 10th-warmest month in Puerto Vallarta: days average 28°C (82°F) against a yearly average high of 30°C (86°F), and nights fall to about 17°C (63°F). Rain falls on roughly 1 of its 31 days. Compared with December (29°C (84°F)), January is about as warm; by February highs stay near 28°C (82°F).
- Sunrise (15 January)
- About 07:39
- Sunset (15 January)
- About 18:40
- Daylight
- About 11 hours
- Sea
- 25°C (77°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, January rates 5 for crowds (the peak is January at 5) and 5 for hotel prices (highest in January). Book accommodation early: January is one of the pricier months.
Events in January
- Humpback whale season in the bay (about December to March)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in January
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Park · Zona Romántica
Isla Río Cuale
Cross the swinging suspension bridge at the eastern end and wander the craft market on the way to Los Muertos.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Shopping
- Kids
- Outdoors
Beach · Zona Romántica
Playa Los Muertos and the pier
The town's most popular beach is lined with restaurants, beach clubs and loungers, with volleyball, vendors and a lively LGBTQ+-friendly section towards its southern end.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Free
- After dark
- Couples
- Outdoors
Viewpoint · Centro
Mirador de la Cruz
Go early in the morning or near sunset to avoid the heat, and bring water.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Views
- Free
- Active
- Photo spot
Nature · Mismaloya
Los Arcos
Granite rock formations with natural arches rise from the sea off Mismaloya, part of a protected marine park.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Nature
- Active
- Photo spot
- Outdoors
The sea averages 25°C (77°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Puerto Vallarta.
What to pack
For highs near 28°C, lows near 17°C and 1 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; comfortable walking shoes.
Is January 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 February–April and November–December. Compare every month.
Puerto Vallarta in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is January a good time to visit Puerto Vallarta?
It is one of the best months to visit Puerto Vallarta. Dry, sunny and pleasant, with cool evenings and the height of whale season; very busy with winter visitors.
+How warm is Puerto Vallarta in January?
Average highs are around 28°C (82°F) and lows around 17°C (63°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Puerto Vallarta in January?
Expect rain on about 1 days of the month, so it is usually dry.