Puerto Vallarta in May
Good time to visit
Shoulder season begins with manageable crowds and much better prices. The heat builds and rain increases, but mornings still offer great beach weather.
Weather
May marks the transition to rainy season with increasing humidity and occasional afternoon thunderstorms. Mornings usually stay sunny, but clouds build throughout the day. When it rains, it pours briefly then clears.
32°C high23°C low7 rain days
Crowds & Cost
moderate crowds
~$125/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Cinco de Mayo
- •Mother's Day (May 10)
- •Vallarta Pride
May Tips
- •Pack a light rain jacket or umbrella for afternoon storms
- •Hotel rates drop significantly - great value for decent weather
- •Morning activities work best before afternoon heat and rain hit
All Months
November through April gives you perfect weather — 80°F days, 65°F nights, and almost zero rain. This is peak season though. Hotels double their rates and restaurants fill up by 7pm. Book everything in advance.
May and October work as shoulder seasons. You'll get occasional rain showers but also empty beaches and hotel deals. October can be humid after the summer rains, but hurricane season mostly misses Puerto Vallarta.
June through September brings the heat and humidity. Daily highs hit 90°F with 80% humidity. Afternoon thunderstorms cool things down but also flood the cobblestone streets. Some restaurants close during August. On the plus side, hotel rates drop 40% and you'll have beaches mostly to yourself.
Avoid Easter week and Christmas week unless you enjoy crowds and inflated prices. Mexican families vacation here during those times, which creates a fun local atmosphere but also means everything costs more.
Puerto Vallarta Scores
Solo
8/10
Couples
9/10
Families
8/10
Adventure
6/10
Budget
6/10
Luxury
8/10
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