What to pack for Puerto Vallarta in May
Heading to Puerto Vallarta in May? Here's a packing list built directly from local climate averages — not generic blog advice.
May is mid-pack for warmth in Puerto Vallarta (ranked 6 of 12) and moderate for rainfall (ranked 8 of 12). Day temperatures are 2°C warmer than April and still warming into June — so this month's packing list won't be identical to April's or June's.
Essentials
- ★ Passport + a photocopy stored separately Travel documents
- ★ Phone + charging cables (USB-C, Lightning as needed) Daily essentials
- • Refillable water bottle (1L) Reduces single-use plastic + saves money
- • Compact daypack (15–20L) For day trips, hands-free walking
- • Travel-size first-aid kit (band-aids, ibuprofen, antihistamines) Pharmacy access varies
Tops
- ★ Lightweight LINEN shirts (3) — short and long sleeve Avg high 29.3°C, hot dry — linen wicks sweat, breathes, dries fast
- ★ Breathable t-shirts (4–5) — linen-blend, bamboo, or merino Avoid pure cotton in this heat
- · Tank tops (2) Peak heat hours
Bottoms
- ★ Lightweight breathable shorts (3–4) — linen or quick-dry Avg high 29.3°C
- • 1 pair of light long pants Sun cover for long days + AC indoors
Outerwear & layers
- • Lightweight cardigan or pashmina shawl Brutal restaurant/transport AC + cool evenings
Rain & weather protection
- • Light rain jacket OR compact umbrella (pick one) 5 rain days
Footwear
- ★ Walking sandals with arch support (Teva, Chaco, Birkenstock) Warm weather comfort
- ★ Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes — sneakers Long sightseeing days, religious sites, traffic-dodging
- • Flip-flops or pool slides Puerto Vallarta is a beach destination
Accessories
- ★ High-SPF sunscreen (SPF 30+ minimum, 50+ for fair skin) Strong sun expected
- ★ Sunglasses with UV400 protection Sunny conditions
- ★ Wide-brim sun hat or peaked cap Sun protection
Power, voltage & adapters
- ★ 127V at 60Hz Mains electricity standard for Mexico
- ★ Plug types: A, B (Type A — flat 2-pin (US/Canada/Japan style)) Most common: A. Older buildings may also use B.
- • From the UK/Ireland: bring a G→A travel adapter UK Type G plugs don't fit Mexico's outlets
- • From continental Europe: bring a C/F→A travel adapter EU Type C/F plugs don't fit Mexico's outlets
- • If your device is labeled '220–240V only' (common for European hairdryers/kettles), it WILL underperform or not work at all here. Most phone/laptop chargers are dual-voltage — they're fine. Mexico runs 127V — too low for EU-only 230V devices
- · Easiest option: a universal travel adapter (e.g. Anker, Epicka) that handles A/B/C/E/F/G/I in one — covers ~95% of countries. If you travel to multiple regions
✅ Can you carry-on?
Yes — May in Puerto Vallarta packs comfortably into a carry-on. Conditions stay mild enough that you can rely on light layers, one pair of shoes, and a packable rain shell.
24 suggested items total — 5 essentials, 6 clothing items, 3 pairs of shoes.
What you can leave at home
Based on Puerto Vallarta's May climate, here's what won't earn its bag space:
- heavy winter coat & thermal underwear
- gloves, scarves, and wool hats
- snow boots and ice grips
How this list was built
Every recommendation above maps to specific climate data for Puerto Vallarta in May: average high (29.3°C), average low (21.1°C), expected rain days (5), and any peak hazard seasons. Heavier items appear at colder temperatures; rain gear scales with how often it rains; sun protection appears when it's warm and dry.
The ★ items are essential — pack these first. The • items are recommended for comfort. The · items are nice-to-have if you have space.
Other months in Puerto Vallarta
Daily forecasts, climate averages, and the best activities for the season.