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When To Go · Destination Guide

Puerto Vallarta And Bahia De Banderas Mexico

Rock reefs, volcanic islands, and winter whales on Mexico's Pacific bay

Updated Jan 23, 2026 • 14 sources

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When To Go

Season planner for Puerto Vallarta and Bahia de Banderas

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. For divers, winter is about comfort and wildlife (especially humpback whales in the bay) with water often around 22°C to 26°C. Summer and early fall can deliver the warmest water (often 28°C to 30°C) and the best visibility windows, but you need flexibility for afternoon storms and eastern Pacific hurricane season. Across the year, early-morning boats usually see the calmest surface and the clearest water.

At A Glance Heatmap

ActivityJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Overall
Scuba
Freedive
Snorkel
Topside

Activity Drilldowns

PrimeShoulderPlan Carefully
Overall
November to April·Crowd:High In Dec To Mar·Cost:Premium In Holidays
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Ideal: Dry season, lower humidity, dependable beach days, and comfortable evenings.

Plan Carefully: 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.

If you hate humidity, anchor your trip in Nov to Apr.

Scuba
November to May (dry season) & July to October (warm-water visibility)·Crowd:Moderate To High·Cost:Moderate To Premium
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Ideal: Drier weather and generally calmer seas. Cooler water around 22°C to 26°C and the best odds of seeing humpback whales from the boat.

Plan Carefully: Warmest water around 28°C to 30°C and often the best visibility, but also peak rain and hurricane-season risk. Morning dives are the safer bet.

If your priority is whales plus reliable weather, focus on Dec to Mar.

Freedive
June to October for warm water, with calm-morning sessions year-round·Crowd:Low To Moderate·Cost:Moderate
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Ideal: Warm water around 28°C to 30°C can improve comfort for longer sessions. Plan around afternoon storms and runoff.

Plan Carefully: Cooler water and occasional wind chop. Many freedivers prefer a 5mm suit, plus a hood if you get cold easily.

The safest approach is to schedule technique sessions in sheltered coves and treat deeper line work as conditiondependent.

Snorkel
November to May for calmer seas & clearer nearshore water·Crowd:High In Holidays·Cost:Moderate To Premium
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Ideal: More consistent sea state for boats and coves, with cooler water around 20°C to 26°C.

Plan Carefully: Warm water around 28°C with heavy rain potential. Morning snorkels can be excellent, but runoff after storms can reduce visibility fast.

For families, pick calm days and prioritize covestyle stops like Las Caletas or Majahuitas.

Topside
November to April·Crowd:High In Dec To Mar·Cost:Premium In Holidays
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Ideal: Dry weather for beach clubs, markets, and mountain day trips.

Plan Carefully: Rainy season. Plan outdoor activities for mornings and keep indoor backups for afternoon storms.

Summer can still be fantastic if you like warm water, but expect rain and plan flexible sightseeing.

Seasonal Callouts Timeline

  • Humpback whale season in Bahia de Banderas

    JanJan
    FebFeb
    MarMar
    AprApr
    MayMay
    JunJun
    JulJul
    AugAug
    SepSep
    OctOct
    NovNov
    DecDec

    Winter is the headline season for humpback whales in the bay. You will often spot breaches on boat rides to Los Arcos and Marietas, and divers sometimes hear whale song underwater. Choose operators that follow approach rules and never pressure a close interaction.

  • Sea turtle nesting and hatchling releases

    JanJan
    FebFeb
    MarMar
    AprApr
    MayMay
    JunJun
    JulJul
    AugAug
    SepSep
    OctOct
    NovNov
    DecDec

    Late summer through fall is peak sea turtle season. Many local camps run hatchling releases at sunset. Observe quietly, keep lights off, and follow the camp's instructions so hatchlings can reach the sea.

  • Warm-water visibility window

    JanJan
    FebFeb
    MarMar
    AprApr
    MayMay
    JunJun
    JulJul
    AugAug
    SepSep
    OctOct
    NovNov
    DecDec

    Many operators report their warmest water and best visibility days in late summer and early fall. Plan morning dives, keep a storm buffer day, and watch forecasts during eastern Pacific hurricane season.

  • Macro life and nudibranch hunting

    JanJan
    FebFeb
    MarMar
    AprApr
    MayMay
    JunJun
    JulJul
    AugAug
    SepSep
    OctOct
    NovNov
    DecDec

    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

    JanJan
    FebFeb
    MarMar
    AprApr
    MayMay
    JunJun
    JulJul
    AugAug
    SepSep
    OctOct
    NovNov
    DecDec

    Early November brings altars, marigolds, and cultural events around Centro and the Malecon. It is a strong topside add-on if you are planning a fall dive trip.

  • Vallarta Pride season

    JanJan
    FebFeb
    MarMar
    AprApr
    MayMay
    JunJun
    JulJul
    AugAug
    SepSep
    OctOct
    NovNov
    DecDec

    May is a common timing for Puerto Vallarta's Pride celebrations, adding nightlife and events for mixed groups between water days.