When To Go · Destination Guide
Rock reefs, volcanic islands, and winter whales on Mexico's Pacific bay
When to go
Puerto Vallarta and Bahia de Banderas run on a classic Pacific pattern: a drier, cooler season from roughly November to April, and a warmer, wetter season from June to October.
Best overall window
Dry season, lower humidity, dependable beach days, and comfortable evenings.
Outside that window
Rainy season with afternoon storms and eastern Pacific hurricane risk. Water is warm around 28°C and the bay can still be great in the morning.
Start with the overall answer, then switch only when scuba, freedive, snorkel, or topside timing changes the trip in a meaningful way.
The overall row stays visible so you can compare it against the currently selected scope.
| Scope | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | Overall - Jan: Best | Overall - Feb: Best | Overall - Mar: Best | Overall - Apr: Best | Overall - May: Good | Overall - Jun: Tradeoffs | Overall - Jul: Tradeoffs | Overall - Aug: Tradeoffs | Overall - Sep: Tradeoffs | Overall - Oct: Tradeoffs | Overall - Nov: Best | Overall - Dec: Best |
These do not replace the overall planner. Use them only if a specific animal or event is driving your trip dates.
Humpback whale season in Bahia de Banderas
Best for Topside, Scuba, Snorkel, Freedive
Dec to Mar
Winter is the headline season for humpback whales in the bay.
Sea turtle nesting and hatchling releases
Best for Topside, Snorkel
Jul to Dec
Late summer through fall is peak sea turtle season.
Warm-water visibility window
Best for Scuba, Snorkel, Freedive
Jul to Oct
Many operators report their warmest water and best visibility days in late summer and early fall.
Macro life and nudibranch hunting
Best for Scuba
Nov to Apr
Cooler season dives on rocky reefs like Los Arcos can be excellent for macro life: nudibranchs, octopus, morays, and cryptic invertebrates on the ledges.
Dia de Muertos in Puerto Vallarta
Best for Topside
Nov
Early November brings altars, marigolds, and cultural events around Centro and the Malecon.
Vallarta Pride season
Best for Topside
May
May is a common timing for Puerto Vallarta's Pride celebrations, adding nightlife and events for mixed groups between water days.
Built from climate references, access rules, and destination operators. Wildlife timing and route flexibility can shift year to year.