Puerto Vallarta in December for Weather, Events, and Things to Do
Would you like to travel to Puerto Vallarta in December? In this post I will tell you all about it from the weather you will find and the top things to do in this time of the year.
Puerto Vallarta is a dream for many travelers who want to escape the cold and enjoy the sun, sand, and sea.
But what can you expect from this beautiful Mexican town in the last month of the year?
Is the weather going to be warm enough for you to escape the cold and enjoy the best of this town?
In this article, I will give you an overview of Puerto Vallarta’s weather in December, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of visiting this month, the events and activities you can enjoy, and some useful tips to make your trip unforgettable.
Without further ado, let’s begin!
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Puerto Vallarta Weather in December – At a Glance
🌡 Temperature in Puerto Vallarta in December
One of the main attractions of Puerto Vallarta in December is the pleasant temperature that allows you to enjoy the outdoors without feeling too hot or too cold.
The average temperature in Puerto Vallarta during December is 73°F (23°C), which is slightly cooler than the previous months, but still warm enough for swimming and sunbathing.
The highest temperature you can expect in this month is 86°F (30°C), which usually occurs around noon, while the lows will hover around 59°F (15°C), which happens at night or early morning.
During the day, expect averages of 78°F (25.3°C). Things cool off noticeably during the night, with average temps of 70°F (21.3°C).
These temperatures are ideal for exploring the town, relaxing on the beach, or taking part in various activities and events.
Keep two things in mind though, the sunlight can be quite intense during the day, so make sure you bring your sunscreen. Secondly, bring a jacket or two with you for those chilly nights in December.
🌧 Precipitation in Puerto Vallarta in December
One of the advantages of visiting Puerto Vallarta in December is that you don’t have to worry about getting wet.
December only has 10-25mm of total precipitation in the whole month, with just 1-2 rainy days. Even on those days, the rain only lasts for 20-30 minutes at most.
With less than an inch of rain in total throughout the month, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll get caught in any showers, so there’s no need for you to pack an umbrella, although you might want to just stay on the safe side.
☀️ Sunshine in Puerto Vallarta in December
One of the reasons why Puerto Vallarta is such a popular winter destination is its abundant sunshine.
Even though December is the shortest month of the year in terms of daylight hours, Puerto Vallarta still enjoys around 10 hours of sunshine per day.
That’s more than enough time to get out and about in the city as well as soak up the winter sun on the beaches.
Puerto Vallarta’s sunshine is not only plentiful but also consistent.
Low precipitation means that the city has a very low cloud cover in December, with an average of only 16%.
This means that you can expect clear blue skies and bright sunshine most of the time.
🌊 Puerto Vallarta Sea Water Temperature in December
Puerto Vallarta’s beaches are one of the biggest pulls to the dream destination.
And you’ll be happy to know that Puerto Vallarta has a very enjoyable sea temperature in December.
The average seawater temperature is around 81°F (27°C) this month, which is very comfortable for swimming, snorkeling, and the variety of watersports on offer along the shoreline.
You can also enjoy the marine life and coral reefs that thrive in the warm waters of Banderas Bay, making December a perfect month to go scuba diving.
No wonder it’s part of the high season!
Sargassum Seaweed in Puerto Vallarta in December
You may have heard of the notorious sargassum seaweed that plagues some of the beaches in Mexico with its brown color and foul smell.
This seaweed accumulates on the shores of some destinations, affecting the water quality and the tourism industry.
But don’t worry, you won’t find any sargassum seaweed in Puerto Vallarta at any time of the year.
Sargassum seaweed is only a problem on the Caribbean (eastern) coast of Mexico, where it affects places like Tulum and Cancun during the sargassum season, which runs from May to December.
The Pacific (western) coast of Mexico, where Puerto Vallarta is located, has no sargassum seaweed at all.
Events in Puerto Vallarta in December
🎊 The Guadalupe Processions
The Guadalupe Processions are a blend of Aztec and Catholic traditions, reflecting the rich and diverse culture of Mexico.
Hundreds of processions, organized by different shops, groups, and communities, make their way to the Guadalupe Church in the center of the city.
The processions are colorful and lively, featuring folk dancers, live music, costumes, and floats.
The participants sing and chant as they walk, expressing their devotion and gratitude to the Virgin Mary.
The processions usually start in the afternoon and end after midnight, but as the festival approaches its climax on December 12th, the processions can last for up to twenty hours a day.
The streets are filled with people, lights, and sounds, creating a festive atmosphere. It’s an event you won’t want to miss if you’re in Puerto Vallarta in early December.
🎊 Christmas Posadas
One of the most festive and colorful traditions in Puerto Vallarta is the celebration of Las Posadas, which means “the inns” in Spanish.
For nine days leading up to Christmas, from December 16th to 24th, this celebration reenacts the journey of Mary and Joseph searching for a place to stay before the birth of Jesus.
Every night, a group of people dressed as Mary, Joseph, angels, shepherds, and other characters from the nativity story walk through the streets of Puerto Vallarta, carrying candles and singing songs.
They stop at different houses along the way, asking for shelter
The procession continues until they reach the final destination, where they are received with joy and hospitality.
There, a street party begins with traditional Mexican foods such as tamales, pozole, buñuelos, and a special punch.
🎊 New Year’s Eve
Puerto Vallarta offers a fun and festive way to celebrate the end of the year. This charming coastal town offers a variety of events and activities to suit every taste and budget.
Whether you prefer a romantic dinner, a lively street party, or a spectacular fireworks show, you will find it all in Puerto Vallarta.
One of the main attractions of New Year’s Eve in Puerto Vallarta is the free concerts at Los Arcos on the Malecon, the seaside promenade that runs along the downtown area.
Here you can enjoy live music from local and international artists, as well as traditional folk dances and performances.
The Malecon is also a great spot to admire the colorful decorations and sculptures that adorn the streets and buildings.
Another popular option is to join the street party on Olas Altas in Zona Romantica, the historic and bohemian neighborhood of Puerto Vallarta.
This lively area is filled with bars, restaurants, and nightclubs that cater to all kinds of crowds.
You can dance the night away with your friends, mingle with locals and tourists, and sample some of the delicious food and drinks that Puerto Vallarta has to offer.
Pros of Visiting Puerto Vallarta in December
👍🏼 The best weather: If you want the absolute best weather you can find in Puerto Vallarta, you can’t go wrong with visiting in December.
Average highs during the day are quite comfortable, and you can plan all the activities that Puerto Vallarta has to offer to your heart’s content since there’s very little precipitation throughout the month.
👍🏼 Best time for whale watching: Whale watching is one of those magical experiences that you have to try if you’re going to be visiting in December.
Humpback whales start arriving in the ocean around Puerto Vallarta in November, and December is the best month to have the most active population of adult whales.
👍🏼 Surfers’ paradise: Surfing in Puerto Vallarta is great almost any time of the year, but it’s at its peak from December to April when the north swells hit the region.
Both beginners and experienced surfers will find waves to their liking in different areas of the city.
👍🏼 Excellent conditions for exploring the jungle: Thanks to the excellent weather, it’s the perfect time for exploring the outdoors and the jungle.
Whether you want to zipline, take ATV rides, or just hike through nature, you won’t have to worry about it raining or getting too hot.
👍🏼 Tons of events: December is a great time to visit Puerto Vallarta, as there are tons of events happening throughout the month that will make your stay even more memorable.
From festivals and concerts to art shows and sports, you will never run out of things to do in Puerto Vallarta in December.
👍🏼 Lots of sunshine: Sure, the days are shorter compared to summer months, but on average you’ll get about 10 hours of sunshine per day.
Combine that with mild temperatures and you get days that are perfect for watersports and lounging on the beach.
Cons of Visiting Puerto Vallarta in December
👎🏼 Crowds: High season is both a pro and con in my opinion.
On the one hand, you get tons of events and the perfect weather to enjoy them; on the other, this is about as crowded as Puerto Vallarta gets.
If you’re someone like me who doesn’t enjoy the crowds, December may not be the month for you.
You won’t be able to make last-minute bookings either, as almost everything gets booked months in advance.
👎🏼 Can get a bit noisy and chaotic: Puerto Vallarta can be noisy and chaotic in December, especially in the Romantic Zone, which is one of the most popular areas in the city for nightlife, restaurants, and shopping.
You may have to deal with traffic, loud music, and parties until late at night.
👎🏼 High prices: Because of the overwhelming demand for everything, from flights to accommodations to events, be prepared to pay significantly more if you visit during the high season (December to April).
Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta in December
✔️ Go Whale Watching
If you are looking for an unforgettable experience in Puerto Vallarta, you should definitely consider going whale watching in December.
This is one of the best months to see the majestic humpback whales that visit the Bay of Banderas every year to mate and give birth.
You will be amazed by their size, grace, and acrobatic skills as they breach, splash, and sing in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean.
December is a great time to see pregnant females, newborns, and courting males who display their impressive jumps and tail slaps to attract mates.
✔️ Hike Through the Vallarta Botanical Gardens
Nature lovers should not miss the opportunity to hike through the Vallarta Botanical Gardens.
This is not your typical garden, it’s a wild and wonderful jungle paradise that will delight your senses.
The gardens cover 64 acres of the Mismaloya jungle to the south of the city.
Unlike a typical manicured garden, the landscape here is largely left wild, with several hiking trails winding their way over steep hills and down to the edge of the Los Horcones River.
The trails vary from moderate to difficult, and a good pair of shoes is necessary to navigate over the uneven paths.
✔️ Go Snorkeling
Snorkeling is one of the best ways to explore the amazing underwater world of Puerto Vallarta.
The seas around this beautiful city are home to a ton of variety in marine life, especially in December, when the water temperature is ideal and the visibility is high.
You will be amazed by the colors, shapes, and sizes of the fish and other creatures that inhabit the coral reefs, rocks, and caves.
Some of the fish you’ll see are manta rays, dolphins, marlins, mackerels, and much more.
You can also go snorkeling with the whale sharks, which is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
✔️ Go Surfing
As I covered above, December is one of the best months to catch some waves in this beautiful destination.
Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you will find a great surf spot that suits your level and style.
Puerto Vallarta is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, but you can’t actually surf in the city center.
You will need to travel a bit to reach the best surf spots near Puerto Vallarta, which are located along the Riviera Nayarit and south of Bahia de Banderas.
You can easily get there by bus, taxi, car, or even water taxi, and it won’t cost you much.
You can also book a surf lesson or a surf tour online, which will include transportation, equipment, and instruction.
✔️ Take a Walk Along the Malecon
The Malecon is the oceanfront boardwalk that stretches for 12 blocks in the heart of the city. During December, it’s brimming with activity due to the high season.
During the day, you can admire the stunning views of the bay and the mountains, as well as the impressive bronze sculptures that adorn the boardwalk.
You can also browse the stalls of vendors selling regional handicrafts and traditional sweets, or stop by one of the many oceanfront eateries and tequila bars to sample some local cuisine and drinks.
At night, the Malecon transforms into a lively and festive scene, with street performers, live music, fireworks, and dancing.
You can also visit some of the nearby landmarks, such as the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Main Plaza, and the Cuale Island.
Best of all, it’s a free activity that won’t cost you anything.
✔️ Discover the Delicious Cuisine
Can you go to Mexico and not enjoy the food? In my humble opinion, that’s impossible. The whole country is a paradise for food lovers.
Whether you are looking for street food, restaurants, or seafood, you will not be disappointed by the flavors and quality of the food in Puerto Vallarta.
One of the best ways to experience authentic Mexican cuisine in the city is to try street food, which is cheap, delicious, and plentiful.
You can find vendors selling tacos, tortas, quesadillas, tamales, elotes, churros, and more.
Some of the other popular street food dishes are birria (a spicy goat stew), pozole (a corn and meat soup), and tortas ahogadas (sandwiches drowned in tomato sauce).
If you prefer a more formal setting, you can choose from many restaurants that offer Mexican cuisine with a twist.
Puerto Vallarta has plenty of restaurants that offer dishes that combine traditional Mexican ingredients with Asian, French, or international influences.
Tips for Visiting Puerto Vallarta in December
📌 Be prepared for the sunlight: December is a great month to enjoy the sun and all the activities great weather offers in Puerto Vallarta, but make sure you also bring plenty of sunscreen and a hat.
While the temperature stays mild on most days, the sunlight can get intense.
📌 Pack according to the weather: During the days, you’ll get by easily with light clothes.
However, there are a few nights in December when the temperature can drop too chilly. So you might want to bring some warm clothing for those evenings.
📌 Carry local cash: Puerto Vallarta being a tourist hub, most places will accept credit cards and USD/GBP/EUR/etc.
However, you’ll get charged extra for that, sometimes as much as 10-20% extra. In order to avoid that, make sure to carry cash in Pesos.
When you’re going out, carry enough local cash for the day.
📌 Brush up on (or learn) some Spanish: While English is commonly spoken in Puerto Vallarta, it doesn’t hurt to learn some common Spanish phrases before you get there.
Learn how to greet and introduce yourself with polite expressions, ask for directions, etc. so you can still get around when you encounter someone who doesn’t speak English or whose English isn’t conversational.
📌 Safety first: Puerto Vallarta is a very safe city, but, like everywhere, petty crime like theft can occur.
You can significantly reduce your chances by taking some basic safety precautions.
Make sure to never leave your belongings unattended, don’t wear flashy jewelry outside, only carry enough cash for the day, and if you’re going out at night, make sure to stick to well-lit and populated parts of town.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is December a Good Month to Go to Puerto Vallarta?
First of all, the weather in December is mild and sunny, with average temperatures of 73°F (23°C) and minimal rainfall.
This means you can enjoy the stunning beaches and the warm ocean water without worrying about rain or heat.
Secondly, December is the start of the whale-watching season in Puerto Vallarta.
You can witness the majestic humpback whales migrating to the Bay of Banderas for their breeding season.
You can join a whale-watching tour or a cruise and get close to these gentle giants of the sea.
Thirdly, December is a festive time in Puerto Vallarta, as you can experience some of the local traditions and celebrations.
I’ve covered 3 of the most popular events above, but there are many more that happen all around the city.
Is it Warm Enough to Swim in Puerto Vallarta in December?
You can also catch some amazing sunsets on the beach or from your balcony.
What is Puerto Vallarta Like at Christmas?
With events like Christmas Posadas, Christmas itself, and New Year’s Eve happening in the city, the environment is very festive.
How Many Days Do I Need in Puerto Vallarta?
Puerto Vallarta has a lot to offer, from stunning beaches and water activities to cultural attractions and festivals, to nature and adventure tours.
You can have a great trip in any amount of time, but here are some suggestions based on different durations.
3 to 5 days is enough time to see most of the highlights of the city. So if you’re traveling on a budget, aim for that duration.
However, if your budget and timeline allow it, you can aim for a longer duration (around 8 days) and also see the neighboring areas.
You can visit San Sebastian del Oeste, a colonial town in the mountains that has preserved its architecture and traditions.
You can also spend a day in Sayulita, a charming town north of Puerto Vallarta, which is known for its surfing, bohemian vibe, and colorful streets.
Final Thoughts: Puerto Vallarta in December
Puerto Vallarta is a wonderful place to visit in December, as you can enjoy the mild and sunny weather, the whale watching season, and the Christmas festivals and traditions.
You can relax on the beach, explore the islands, join the processions, and taste the street food and gourmet cuisine.
You can also experience the culture and history of Mexico in the nearby towns and villages.
Puerto Vallarta is a destination that offers almost unlimited opportunities for fun and relaxation. So book your vacation in December without any worries.
Before You Go…
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