Puerto Vallarta Weather in August: What to Expect

If you found your way to this article, you’re probably thinking about an August trip to Puerto Vallarta and wondering what the weather might be like at the peak of summer. This was exactly me a couple of years ago. After plenty of winter and spring vacations, I decided to head to Puerto Vallarta in August. Even though I did enjoy it – actually more than I thought – there are a few disadvantages to visiting Puerto Vallarta in the rainy season. Let’s get into it.

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Puerto Vallarta Weather Overview

Located along Mexico’s western Pacific coast, Puerto Vallarta‘s weather is warm year-round. The temperatures fluctuate some but are generally never hotter than 95F or colder than 55F. Like most subtropical locations, Puerto Vallarta experiences two seasons – a rainy season, running June through October and a dry season, which is November through May. And keep in mind that hurricane season runs June through November.

Those two weather seasons also coincide with high and low tourist season as well. The busiest time of the year is November through Easter when most North Americans visit. But by the end of April and the beginning of May, the snowbirds have gone home and the crowds have really thinned out.

All of that being said, rain and weather don’t know months. I’ve been to Puerto Vallarta several times in June with more cloudy days than I had in August and never saw a drop of rain. Also, having a rainy season doesn’t mean you can’t have rain in the dry season. Although rare, Puerto Vallarta has been known to experience rain in the winter months and has even experienced drought conditions in the rainy season.

Puerto Vallarta Weather in August

Puerto Vallarta weather in August is hot and very humid but conditions can vary from year to year. Normal daytime temps range in the mid 90’s with nighttime lows in the mid 70’s. Temps in the 90’s may not seem all that hot for some people but the real challenge is the is the humidity, which can reach 86% or more, making it feel much hotter.

For visitors from the deep south or Florida, you probably won’t be bothered by these temperatures too much. However, if you are someone from drier climates like California, the Pacific Northwest or Canada then that humidity can be intense. Personally, I think it’s the perfect pool weather.

Most days start off sunny, with clouds building in the afternoon and the heaviest showers in the evening. August is the second rainiest month, averaging around 10 inches of rainfall. Light daytime showers can be common but they usually don’t interfere with activities. It’s the evening storms, with lightning, you’ll want to plan around.

How Rain Affects Puerto Vallarta

If you’ve never been caught in a tropical downpour, just know it can totally change your plans – walking around or going out gets tough fast. In Puerto Vallarta, part of that is due to the Sierra Madre Mountains that surround the city. Once it starts to rain high in the mountains, that water rushes down and streets become rivers. Walking on sidewalks can also be difficult.

Umbrellas are practically useless in hard tropical rain and wind. Even when the rain stops it could be awhile before you can actually walk around downtown and not get wet. Since the streets tend to be narrow and prone to flooding, splashing by passing cars is a real hazard during and even after the rain.

And as if getting splashed isn’t enough, the rain brings something else with it – mosquitoes. With the summer rains, these pesky bugs become much more common and can be a nuisance, especially in the evenings. Besides the nuisance factor, there’s an increased risk of mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue fever during the rainy season.

While all this might sounds miserable, it’s really not. As long as you know what to expect and are prepared for Puerto Vallarta’s August weather it’s totally manageable – and can still be a great time to visit. Out of the nine nights I was there near the end of August, only two evenings had rain heavy enough to change my plans.

Advantages of Visiting Puerto Vallarta in August

Now that you know what the weather might be like in Puerto Vallarta in August, let’s talk about why it’s still a good time to visit. As I mentioned earlier, one of the biggest advantages of visiting in August is the smaller crowds. Fewer people means more availability and better prices on accommodations.

There’s no shortage of places to stay in Puerto Vallarta. In all the touristy neighborhoods, hotels offer lower rates to entice visitors to their properties during the low, and shoulder, season. In some cases, you can find accommodations for less than half the price of what they are in December and January. Airfare is also less as well.

Fewer people in town also makes it easier to dine in restaurants and get reservations for those special dinners or celebrations. You’ll likely enjoy shorter wait times, more personalized service and a more relaxed dining atmosphere overall.

It’s also easier to find availability on tours for places like las Islas Marietas, and other day trips from Puerto Vallarta. And while you may miss whale spotting season, summer is when there’s the most opportunity for baby turtle releases.

August is also one of the best months for enjoying the ocean. The water is warm and comfortable, perfect for swimming, snorkeling (even though it is a bit more murky in August) or just floating along the coast. If you are someone like me who just enjoys sitting and walking on the beach, then you’re more likely to find space to enjoy a quieter experience.

Last but not least, Puerto Vallarta is beautiful in August! Thanks to the summer rains, the surrounding mountains and jungles are at their greenest. It’s an ideal time for nature lovers and photographers who want to see Puerto Vallarta at its most colorful. All the photos in this article are from my August visit and you can see the greenery and how the skies looked on different days.

Disadvantages of Visiting Puerto Vallarta in August

Now for the downside. With fewer visitors in town, some businesses take the opportunity to close for a break after the busy season. It’s not uncommon for restaurants to shut down temporarily – this also happens in September. During my visit, a few places near my condo that I was excited to try were closed for the entire month.

Another disadvantage is the reduced entertainment options. During peak tourist season, Puerto Vallarta features a wide variety of shows and live performances, but by May, many of them close for the season by May. While some bars and restaurants still offer live music, the overall atmosphere and vibe is quieter and less energetic compared to the high season. Although we had not problem finding things to do.

One more thing I noticed in August was what I would describe as tourist fatigue. It seemed that everyone was tired and just “over” tourist season. Service was a bit lackluster. I love Puerto Vallarta and its people with all my heart but for the first time I felt like I was a nuisance in a few places. I had never experienced that before. (It definitely won’t keep me from returning.)

Tips for Visiting Puerto Vallarta in August

If you do decide to visit Puerto Vallarta in August, there are some things you can do to make your vacation more enjoyable despite the weather. First, consider staying somewhere other than Downtown or the Romantic Zone. These neighborhoods are my favorites and are cute but they tend to have narrow cobblestone streets that are difficult to navigate during or after the rain.

Instead, look into accommodations in the Marina – San Tropico Petit Hotel would be perfect – or the Hotel Zone. Both areas offer hotels and resorts with on-site restaurants. That way, if it rains in the evening, your dinner plans won’t be affected – you can stay dry and still enjoy a great meal without having to leave the property. Plus, most resorts offer some kind of entertainment or activity in the evenings. You won’t be bored if you stay in.

Booking in a condo with a kitchen is another good option. While most people don’t want to cook on vacation, having a kitchen gives you the flexibility to keep snacks or meals on hand, so you’re not forced to go out if the weather takes a turn for the worst. We (my daughter and I) stayed at Loft 268 in the Romantic Zone and loved our one bedroom condo and rooftop pool.

We also stayed at the Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa and Hotel Rosita. Even though we loved both of these very different hotels – they each have onsite restaurants – but the Marriott offered more of a variety of food and has some nightly entertainment. It’s the ideal spot for rainy evenings. Plus, there’s an onsite spa. I can’t imagine anything better than getting a massage or having a soak when it’s rainy.

A condo in rainy season is convenient because a lot of them – like ours – feature rooftop pools that are partially covered. Many also have common areas like gyms, game rooms and outdoor grills. As long as it’s not lightening, those areas are perfect for waiting out the rain. And it gives you the chance to hang out with other travelers instead of just sitting in your room.

Safety Tips for Visiting Puerto Vallarta in August

When visiting Puerto Vallarta in August, it’s important to stay weather-aware. Remember it’s also hurricane season so tropical storms can pop up rather quickly. Downloading a reliable weather app like Windy or AccuWeather – along with a few other helpful apps for traveling in Mexico – helps you plan your day and avoid getting caught unaware.

Beach safety is also important. If you’re planning to swim, always pay attention to the warning flags along the shore. A red flag means strong currents or unsafe conditions. Yellow is caution and purple is for wildlife. When in doubt, just stay out of the water. Conditions can change fast, especially after a storm, so don’t take any chances.

After heavy rain, you should avoid the rivers around the city. They flow down from the mountains into the ocean and while they may look harmless, the water can carry debris, trash or even sewage after a storm. Definitely not ideal for swimming or wading. Sticking to the beach, or the hotel pool, is a much safer (and cleaner!) option during and after the rain.

What to Pack for August in Puerto Vallarta

There’s a saying that there’s no bad weather only bad clothes which means if you prepare for the weather then it’s not really bad weather. That might be true for some weather but maybe not accurate for tropical rain and weather. Just in case, here are a few things to help you prepare for a Puerto Vallarta in August trip:

• Sunscreen – Even on overcast days, the UV index is high and you can burn quickly.
• An umbrella – Handy for sudden downpours, as long as it’s not too windy.
• Rain poncho – A lightweight poncho is better than a jacket in the humid heat.
• Closed toe shoes – Helpful for walking on wet streets or avoiding splashes after the rain.
• A book, a game or a deck of cards – perfect rainy day activities
• Mosquito repellant – Essential in the evenings or after rain when mosquitoes are most active.
• After-Bite Stick or Cream – Just in case you do get bitten.
• Quick-Dry Clothing – Helps with comfort and drying off faster after sudden rain or sweat.
• Reusable Water Bottle – Stay hydrated in the heat (and eco-friendly, too).
• Lightweight Daypack or Waterproof Bag – To carry essentials and keep valuables dry.
• Hat and Sunglasses – For sun protection during peak hours.
• Portable Fan – Helpful for staying cool in the midday heat.
• Small Flashlight – In case of a power outage during a storm (not common, but possible).
• Copies of Important Documents in a Ziplock Bag – Just a smart idea during rainy season travel.
• Camera Cover or Waterproof Case – Protect your devices from sudden downpours or splashes.

August in Puerto Vallarta Round-Up

Visiting Puerto Vallarta in August might not be everyone’s first choice, but for travelers willing to take a chance in the rainy season, it comes with plenty of perks – fewer crowds, better prices, lush green scenery and warm ocean water. With some planning, like checking the weather forecast, packing smart and choosing the right area to stay in, you can avoid most of the downsides.

Staying in the Marina or Hotel Zone, booking tours in advance and keeping flexible dinner plans make it easy to enjoy your trip, even if the weather doesn’t fully cooperate. Just be mindful of beach safety, avoid rivers after rain and don’t forget the bug spray. With the right attitude, Puerto Vallarta in August can offer a quieter, more budget-friendly version of this beautiful destination – and a chance to experience a different side of the city.