Puerto Vallarta in December
In December, Puerto Vallarta averages 27°C (81°F) during the day and 19°C (66°F) at night, with around 6 days of rain (23 mm total).
Peak seasonConditions are warm and beach-friendly. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate.
December is a great month to visit Puerto Vallarta: pleasant temperatures and relatively few wet days.
How December compares to the rest of the year in Puerto Vallarta
December is in the middle of the year for warmth in Puerto Vallarta (9th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (7th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 2°C below the annual average (29°C). December runs 2°C cooler than November (29°C) and cools 1°C in January (26°C).
December sunrise & sunset in Puerto Vallarta
Times shown for Puerto Vallarta local time (America/Mexico_City), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Puerto Vallarta — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Puerto Vallarta's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Puerto Vallarta in December
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (Peak season) and Puerto Vallarta's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — December in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is in peak season during this month — expect bigger crowds at famous sights, higher hotel and flight prices, and longer queues. Restaurant reservations a few days out are advisable, and any boutique hotels you have your eye on should be booked weeks ahead. The trade-off: most attractions, restaurants, and seasonal services are fully open, the weather is at its most reliable, and the city feels at its most alive.
Why this tier: excellent tourism weather Christmas / New Year travel surge beach-season conditions
Sun & mosquito risk — December in Puerto Vallarta
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Sea temperature in Puerto Vallarta — December
Across the year Puerto Vallarta's sea swings from 24.5°C (April) to 31.6°C (September) — December sits at 26.9°C.
Puerto Vallarta in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 26°C / 79°F | 18°C / 64°F | 10 mm | 4 | — |
| February | 26°C / 79°F | 18°C / 64°F | 24 mm | 4 | — |
| March | 27°C / 80°F | 17°C / 63°F | 19 mm | 3 | — |
| April | 28°C / 82°F | 19°C / 66°F | 1 mm | 2 | — |
| May | 29°C / 85°F | 21°C / 70°F | 10 mm | 5 | — |
| June | 30°C / 86°F | 24°C / 75°F | 146 mm | 21 | — |
| July | 31°C / 87°F | 25°C / 76°F | 190 mm | 28 | — |
| August | 30°C / 87°F | 25°C / 76°F | 244 mm | 30 | — |
| September | 30°C / 86°F | 24°C / 76°F | 279 mm | 29 | — |
| October | 30°C / 85°F | 24°C / 75°F | 151 mm | 23 | — |
| November | 29°C / 84°F | 21°C / 71°F | 27 mm | 8 | — |
| December | 27°C / 81°F | 19°C / 66°F | 23 mm | 6 | — |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Puerto Vallarta in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Puerto Vallarta in December?
In December, Puerto Vallarta averages a high of 27°C (81°F) and a low of 19°C (66°F) — generally warm.
Does it rain a lot in Puerto Vallarta in December?
December sees occasional rain in Puerto Vallarta, with about 6 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit Puerto Vallarta?
December is warm. It suits travelers who are comfortable with warm weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Puerto Vallarta in December?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen. See the full December packing list for Puerto Vallarta for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.