creator synthesis · MMXXVI 5 of 12 months · 10 citations

When 18 travel creators say to go

Best time to visit Puerto Vallarta.

We watched 40 videos from 18 travel creators covering Puerto Vallarta and ranked its months by how many of them actually show up — so the months at the top are the consensus on when to go, not one person's pick.

Things to doMexico best time
PRESS PLAY ↗

Most-covered: November Nancy's Solo Trips and Tips 1K subs

Months ranked by creator coverage

  1. 01 November 2 creators
  2. 02 February 2 creators
  3. 03 March 2 creators
  4. 04 April 1 creator
  5. 05 September 1 creator

full month-by-month calendar below ↓

CALENDAR · PUERTO VALLARTA · 5/12 MONTHS · 10 CITATIONS

When to visit Puerto Vallarta.

Best
September (end of low season) · budget travel and avoiding crowds
Peak
November 1–2 annually · day of the dead festival on the malecón
Sleeper
Year-round, with peak events during Vallarta Pride and high season (roughly November–April) · lgbtq+ nightlife, gay bars, drag shows and pride events
Avoid
Peak holiday season (Christmas, New Year, Spring Break) · mexico relocation guide explicitly flags puerto vallarta as 'crowded' and suggests alternative destinations li…

February

Peak / Dry Season

One of the best months to visit — safe, beautiful beaches, warm sunny weather and mountainous scenery make Puerto Vallarta an excellent destination per multiple creators.

Highlights

  • Beautiful beaches with warm, sunny weather
  • City feels safe and welcoming for all travelers
  • Great time for exploring the Malecón and coastal scenery

Watch out for

  • Peak season means more tourists and higher prices

What creators said

PRESS PLAY ↗

Discover Mexico

Calls Puerto Vallarta a safe city with beautiful beaches and mountainous landscapes, explicitly recommending it as an excellent February destination.

PRESS PLAY ↗

Tina Chi Travel

Visited the Puerto Vallarta area (Riviera Nayarit coast) in February 2021, documenting the Pacific coast beaches and relaxed atmosphere near Puerto Vallarta.

March

Peak / Dry Season

Late peak season with uncrowded beaches south of the city and enjoyable coastal exploration; a solid month to experience Puerto Vallarta's restaurants and Marina district.

Highlights

  • Exploring quieter beach villages like Mismaloya just south of Puerto Vallarta
  • Dining at upscale Marina Vallarta restaurants
  • Day trips to nearby beach towns along the Riviera Nayarit

Watch out for

  • Still within peak season — prices remain elevated

What creators said

PRESS PLAY ↗

Tina Chi Travel

Visited Puerto Vallarta in March 2021, exploring Marina Vallarta and the beachfront Marriott area; documents a relaxed, enjoyable experience at this time of year.

PRESS PLAY ↗

Nancy's Solo Trips and Tips

Visited Mismaloya (15 min south of Puerto Vallarta) in March 2024, recommending it as a way to escape city crowds and enjoy an authentic Mexican village atmosphere.

April

Late Peak / Shoulder

Shoulder season beginning — the VidantaWorld theme park at Nuevo Vallarta was partially open by mid-April 2024, offering family-friendly entertainment near Puerto Vallarta.

Highlights

  • VidantaWorld / BON Dream Park at Nuevo Vallarta open for families (as of mid-April 2024)
  • Resort stays at Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta with wide swimmable beach and abundant pools
  • Transition toward quieter, more affordable travel

Watch out for

  • VidantaWorld was only partially open as of mid-April 2024 — verify current status before visiting

What creators said

PRESS PLAY ↗

Dream Life Travels

Visited VidantaWorld at Nuevo Vallarta in mid-April 2024; only a few rides were open but described it as magically curated with great dining and family fun.

PRESS PLAY ↗

Dream Life Travels

Instrumental walkthrough of VidantaWorld in mid-April 2024 confirms the park was operational and enjoyable despite being only one-third complete.

September

Low Season / End of Rainy Season

Ayngelina specifically highlights September as a hidden gem — great weather, zero crowds, and significantly lower prices make it ideal for budget-conscious travelers wanting an authentic experience.

Highlights

  • Great weather with no tourist crowds per Ayngelina
  • Accommodation costs significantly lower — Ayngelina paid 16,000 pesos/month for a place in September
  • Opportunity to experience everyday local life rather than vacation-mode Puerto Vallarta

Watch out for

  • End of rainy/low season — some travelers may be put off by occasional rain
  • Fewer tourist-facing services may be running at full capacity

What creators said

PRESS PLAY ↗

Ayngelina

Explicitly states they arrived in September (end of low season) and found great weather and no crowds, which convinced them to extend a planned few-day stay to a full month. Total 30-day spend was $1,720 USD.

November

Start of Peak Season

Day of the Dead festivities transform the Malecón into a spectacular nighttime festival; also the start of high season when whale watching begins and the city buzzes back to life.

Highlights

  • Day of the Dead Festival (Nov 1–2) on the Malecón — colorful Catrinas, music, dancing, food vendors, and illuminated displays at night
  • Day of the Dead Parade through historic El Centro ending at Los Arcos del Malecón
  • Whale watching season begins along Banderas Bay

Watch out for

  • Start of peak season means rising prices and returning crowds

What creators said

PRESS PLAY ↗

Nancy's Solo Trips and Tips

Describes the Day of the Dead Festival on the Malecón as an incredible experience — especially beautiful at night with colored lights, under warm tropical skies. Festival runs November 1–2 annually.

PRESS PLAY ↗

Nancy's Solo Trips and Tips

Covered the 2024 Day of the Dead Parade live — starts in 5 de Diciembre neighborhood, moves through cobblestone streets of El Centro, ends at Los Arcos on the Malecón. Described as fantastic and colorful.

PRESS PLAY ↗

Ayngelina

Visited Puerto Vallarta in November, documenting the city's history and neighborhoods including Zona Romántica; notes there is much more to the city than beaches and margaritas.

Methodology

Synthesized from 40 Puerto Vallarta-scoped videos across 18 travel YouTubers; only city-specific timing claims used, with IMPLICIT-only months omitted from byMonth.

Synthesized from 40 Puerto Vallarta-scoped videos across 18 Mexico-focused YouTubers. Country guide: Best time to visit Mexico. Things to do: Puerto Vallarta attractions.