Start of the drier season · Weather & things to do
Puerto Vallarta in December
This is the coldest month in Puerto Vallarta: highs average 88°F (31°C) and lows 68°F (20°C), with about 0.7 in (17 mm) of rain.
At 76/100 for comfort (the top score of the year), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 88°F (31°C)
- Avg low
- 68°F (20°C)
- Rain
- 0.7 in (17 mm)
- Humidity
- 70%
- Cloud cover
- 55%
- Daylight
- ~10 h 45 min
- Comfort score
- 76/100 · Great
What December feels like
Afternoons run hot at about 88°F (31°C), which leaves mornings and evenings as the time for walking.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 68°F (20°C).
It's one of the drier stretches, with only about 0.7 in (17 mm) of rain.
Plan around December
December is one of Puerto Vallarta's best months on the climate data.
- Shortest days of the year, about 10 h 45 min of daylight.
- Comfort improves from 70/100 in November to 76/100.
- December sits inside the Nov – Apr window our Guadalajara, Tequila & Puerto Vallarta route recommends.
What to pack for December
- Light, breathable clotheshighs average 88°F
- Sun hat and sunscreenmidday heat
- Refillable water bottleeasy to dehydrate in the heat
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Puerto Vallarta in December
Start early and take shelter at midday: the picks below pair morning outings with places to cool off.
Zona Romántica
Cobbled old-town district of restaurants, shops and the Los Muertos Pier.
Islas Marietas
Protected volcanic islands with blue-footed boobies and the Hidden Beach.
Why now December scores 76/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Café des Artistes
French-Mexican restaurant in a garden setting, a Vallarta fixture since 1990.
Why now Highs near 88°F and 0.7 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Yelapa
Car-free cove village reached by water taxi, with a waterfall walk and beach.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Vallarta Botanical Garden
Hillside gardens of orchids and native plants, with a river for swimming.
Why now Go early — afternoons average 88°F.
Nearby in December
- Tequila in December~91 mi · highs 80°F, 0.4 in rain · 4°C (8°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Guadalajara in December~121 mi · highs 76°F, 0.3 in rain · 7°C (12°F) cooler by day, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~884 m to Puerto Vallarta's ~8 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Puerto Vallarta in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Puerto Vallarta?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 76/100. Expect highs of 88°F (31°C) and 0.7 in (17 mm) of rain. December is inside the Nov – Apr window our Guadalajara, Tequila & Puerto Vallarta route recommends.
How hot is Puerto Vallarta in December?
Average highs are 88°F (31°C) and average lows 68°F (20°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Puerto Vallarta in December?
Not much: about 0.7 in (17 mm) of rain falls across December on average, the 5th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 54.6 in (1388 mm).
What should I pack for Puerto Vallarta in December?
Bring light, breathable clothes (highs average 88°F), sun hat and sunscreen (midday heat), refillable water bottle (easy to dehydrate in the heat) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Puerto Vallarta
Routes in season in December
- Guadalajara, Tequila & Puerto Vallarta Nov – Apr
Planning Puerto Vallarta in December?
Share this December plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.