End of the drier season · Weather & things to do
Puerto Vallarta in May
Puerto Vallarta's warmest month brings highs averaging 100°F (38°C), lows of 76°F (24°C) and about 0.4 in (10 mm) of rain.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 53/100, 7th of 12.
- Avg high
- 100°F (38°C)
- Avg low
- 76°F (24°C)
- Rain
- 0.4 in (10 mm)
- Humidity
- 51%
- Cloud cover
- 52%
- Daylight
- ~12 h 59 min
- Comfort score
- 53/100 · Fair
What May feels like
Heat sets the pace, with highs around 100°F (38°C). Get out early and keep the hottest hours for somewhere cool.
Mornings start much cooler: lows average 76°F (24°C), about 13°C (24°F) below the afternoon high.
Rain is scarce: about 0.4 in (10 mm) for the whole month.
Plan around May
May sits mid-table; the best months are November – February.
- Last dry month before the rain picks up: June brings 6.1 in (155 mm).
- Comfort holds steady from April (53 → 53/100).
- Our Guadalajara, Tequila & Puerto Vallarta route recommends Nov – Apr, so May falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for May
- Light, breathable clothes100°F afternoons
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hathigh UV on clear days
- Refillable water bottleeasy to dehydrate in the heat
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 76°F
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Puerto Vallarta in May
Afternoons run hot (100°F), so these picks mix early-start outdoor spots with cool indoor breaks.
Pancho's Takos
Late-night taco joint known for al pastor carved off the trompo.
Why now A break from 100°F afternoons.
Yelapa
Car-free cove village reached by water taxi, with a waterfall walk and beach.
Why now Go early — afternoons average 100°F.
Playa Mismaloya
Small bay south of town with snorkeling at Los Arcos rock formations.
Why now Best first thing, before the 100°F afternoon heat.
Islas Marietas
Protected volcanic islands with blue-footed boobies and the Hidden Beach.
Café des Artistes
French-Mexican restaurant in a garden setting, a Vallarta fixture since 1990.
Nearby in May
- Tequila in May~91 mi · highs 96°F, 0.7 in rain · 2°C (4°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Guadalajara in May~121 mi · highs 92°F, 1.1 in rain · 5°C (8°F) cooler by day, wetter
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 May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Puerto Vallarta?
It's middling, scoring 53/100. The best months are November – February, at up to 76. Expect highs of 100°F (38°C) and 0.4 in (10 mm) of rain. Our Guadalajara, Tequila & Puerto Vallarta route recommends Nov – Apr, so May is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Puerto Vallarta in May?
Average highs are 100°F (38°C) and average lows 76°F (24°C), making it the warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Puerto Vallarta in May?
Not much: about 0.4 in (10 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 2nd-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 54.6 in (1388 mm).
What should I pack for Puerto Vallarta in May?
Bring light, breathable clothes (100°F afternoons), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (high UV on clear days), refillable water bottle (easy to dehydrate in the heat), a warm layer for evenings (lows near 76°F) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Puerto Vallarta
Planning Puerto Vallarta in May?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.