Middle of the drier season · Weather & things to do
Puerto Vallarta in January
Little changes in Puerto Vallarta from December: highs stay near 88°F (31°C), lows near 67°F (20°C), and about 0.6 in (16 mm) of rain falls.
At 75/100 for comfort (2nd of 12), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 88°F (31°C)
- Avg low
- 67°F (20°C)
- Rain
- 0.6 in (16 mm)
- Humidity
- 64%
- Cloud cover
- 55%
- Daylight
- ~10 h 53 min
- Comfort score
- 75/100 · Great
What January feels like
Expect proper heat: afternoons average 88°F (31°C), so plan walking and hiking for the morning and save midday for shade, lunch or a swim.
Lows average 67°F (20°C).
Rain is scarce: about 0.6 in (16 mm) for the whole month.
Plan around January
January is one of Puerto Vallarta's best months on the climate data.
- Comfort holds steady from December (76 → 75/100).
- January sits inside the Nov – Apr window our Guadalajara, Tequila & Puerto Vallarta route recommends.
What to pack for January
- Light, breathable clothes88°F afternoons
- Sun hat and sunscreenmidday heat
- Refillable water bottleeasy to dehydrate in the heat
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Puerto Vallarta in January
Afternoons run hot (88°F), so these picks mix early-start outdoor spots with cool indoor breaks.
Yelapa
Car-free cove village reached by water taxi, with a waterfall walk and beach.
Why now January scores 75/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Playa Mismaloya
Small bay south of town with snorkeling at Los Arcos rock formations.
Why now Highs near 88°F and 0.6 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Islas Marietas
Protected volcanic islands with blue-footed boobies and the Hidden Beach.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Café des Artistes
French-Mexican restaurant in a garden setting, a Vallarta fixture since 1990.
Why now Go early — afternoons average 88°F.
Pancho's Takos
Late-night taco joint known for al pastor carved off the trompo.
Why now A break from 88°F afternoons.
Nearby in January
- Tequila in January~91 mi · highs 80°F, 0.5 in rain · 5°C (8°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Guadalajara in January~121 mi · highs 75°F, 0.4 in rain · 7°C (13°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 January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Puerto Vallarta?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 75/100. Expect highs of 88°F (31°C) and 0.6 in (16 mm) of rain. January is inside the Nov – Apr window our Guadalajara, Tequila & Puerto Vallarta route recommends.
How hot is Puerto Vallarta in January?
Average highs are 88°F (31°C) and average lows 67°F (20°C), making it the 2nd-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Puerto Vallarta in January?
Not much: about 0.6 in (16 mm) of rain falls across January on average, the 4th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 54.6 in (1388 mm).
What should I pack for Puerto Vallarta in January?
Bring light, breathable clothes (88°F afternoons), sun hat and sunscreen (midday heat), refillable water bottle (easy to dehydrate in the heat) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Puerto Vallarta
Routes in season in January
- Guadalajara, Tequila & Puerto Vallarta Nov – Apr
Planning Puerto Vallarta in January?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.