Rainy season is a great time to visit Puerto Vallarta. Don’t panic if rain is in the forecast for your vacation. This post tells you what to expect weather-wise and suggests a list of things to do in Puerto Vallarta if it rains during your visit.

Travel Planning Tip: One of my favorite tools is https://weather-and-climate.com/. It offers a 10-day forecast and also a more generic climate forecast. It is an excellent tool for deciding the best time to travel.

Weather in Puerto Vallarta During High Season

Yes, this post is about rainy season in Puerto Vallarta, but I feel compelled to call this out. The weather in Puerto Vallarta during “high season” is PERFECT! It’s one of the main reasons we love living in PV.

From November through May, the sun shines every day. The high temperature is around 82 degrees. Overnight temps occasionally dip into the 60s but typically stay in the 70s. Seriously, there is nothing better than hopping on a plane when there’s snow on the ground at home and arriving in sunny Puerto Vallarta a couple of hours later!

When is Rainy Season in Puerto Vallarta?

Rainy season typically runs from June to October. It’s the craziest thing. One morning in late June, you wake up and instantly feel the humidity in the air. Near the end of October, when you see the locals wearing jackets in the mornings, you know the rainy season is over!

What to Expect During Rainy Season in Puerto Vallarta

So, your vacation to Puerto Vallarta is fast approaching, and there is rain in the forecast every SINGLE day. Don’t panic! You can usually expect a beautiful day (albeit humid) followed by clouds in the late afternoon and a rain shower in the evening or overnight.

If you are all about the beach or pool, you should get there early and plan on leaving by 4:00 pm. The photo below was taken at 3:00 pm on a day with an 80% chance of rain. See what I mean? No reason to freak out over rain in the forecast!

On the off-chance it does rain the entire time you are in Puerto Vallarta, there are TONS of things to do. Here are our favorites.

Top 10 Things to Do When it Rains in Puerto Vallarta

#10 – Go to the Mall

Galerias Vallarta – Av. Francisco Medina Ascencio 2920, Educación, 48338 Puerto Vallarta, Jal.

Galerias Vallarta is a modern shopping mall across the highway from where the cruise ships dock. It is air-conditioned, has tons of dining options, retail shopping, and a movie theater. They have a kid’s play area to let the little ones run off some energy. There is even a casino (for the big kids to run off some energy – and donate some pesos, haha!).

#9 – Visit a Museum

At the south end of the Malecon (by the arches) sits the Museo Historico Naval. Even if it isn’t raining, this is a great place to come soak up some A/C in the heat of the day. Museum lovers will enjoy a couple of hours learning about the Mexican Navy. The museum is small, but well-curated. Another favorite is Arte Vallarta Museo, which is chock full of exhibits related to Mexican art.

#8 – Go to a Movie Theater

Cinépolis VIP – Zona Hotelera, Las Glorias, 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco

There are a few movie theaters in Puerto Vallarta, but Cinépolis VIP is our favorite. Located in the Hotel Zone at La Isla Shopping Center, this movie theater shows all the latest blockbuster movies you find in the US (and, yes, the movies are in English!).

They have oversized comfy recliners, servers who come to your seat, a full bar, a menu with real food, and all the standard concessions you might crave. The best part… tickets to this movie theater cost about $10 USD. What a great deal!

#7 – Visit an Art Gallery

Art galleries abound in Puerto Vallarta. A quick Google search renders dozens of results just in Centro and Zona Romantica. Our current favorite, Galleria Dante, is perfect for a rainy day. It’s enormous and has a plethora of different styles under one roof. There is also a restaurant, Di Vino Dante, on the second floor. So if you hit the gallery in the afternoon or early evening, plan on grabbing a snack and a cocktail while you’re there.

#6 – Take a Cooking Class

It’s been years since I’ve taken a cooking class in Puerto Vallarta, so I’ll refrain from recommending a specific class. There are several in PV that are highly rated. The one I took included a trip to a Mexican market to buy groceries. We then went to the instructor’s home for the cooking class. I thought it was odd to go to the chef’s house, but I now realize this is quite common in Puerto Vallarta. The class I took was really interesting and fun! Check out Viator for some great options.

#5 – Chocolate Experience at ChocoMuseo

ChocoMuseo Puerto Vallarta – Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez 128, Centro, 48300 Puerto Vallarta, Jal.

ChocoMuseo offers five different workshops ranging in duration from 45 minutes to 3 hours. Participants can make everything from hot cocoa to mole. This is the perfect activity for a multi-generational group. The location is also super convenient since it’s right off the Malecon. And, let’s face it… chocolate is always the answer!

#4 – Spa Day

You probably already have this on your vacation to-do list, but spending an afternoon at the spa is ideal on a rainy day. There is just something about an overcast day that makes you rest and relax. Add a massage to that weather and you’ll be in a trance.

#3 – Live Music or a Show

Performing artists flourish in Puerto Vallarta. Many restaurants have live music with no cover charge. It’s usually just a couple of people in the corner with a guitar, but we’re always impressed with the local talent. A few of our favorites are Whiskey Kitchen, Awaysis, Nacho Daddy, and Casita & Garden.

There are also several theaters dedicated to music and shows. Incanto is one of our favorites. They offer a variety of entertainment (everything from pianists to bingo), and many shows have no cover charge. If you see one of the free shows, please remember to order food/drinks and tip the staff generously! (Note: Incanto is currently closed, but we hope to see them back again soon.)

#2 – Storm Watching

Isn’t it just like an Oklahoman to suggest storm chasing?! But really… if you have a view of the bay from your hotel or condo, you might get lucky and catch a spectacular storm over the Bay of Banderas. We’ve seen some incredible lightning shows. If a storm is rolling in, grab a nightcap and prepare for Mother Nature to show off!

#1 – Ignore the Weather Forecast and Dance in the Rain

This is the best advice I can offer: Go about your day and pay no attention to the weather forecast. One of my favorite Puerto Vallarta memories includes getting caught in a rainstorm.

A few years ago, we were in the Romantic Zone having a cocktail at Margarita Grill. A massive downpour came out of nowhere. The cobblestone streets flooded in about 15 minutes, and the rickety bar did little to keep anyone dry. The next thing we knew, people were literally dancing in the river that had formed. Now, that’s the right attitude for dealing with a rainy day!

Recap – Puerto Vallarta Rainy Season Things to Do

There is no shortage of things to do in Puerto Vallarta during the rainy season. Remember, the weather forecast probably looks more daunting than reality. Bonus, the crowds go away and you can see PV for the urban-tropical-paradise that it is!

Have you been to Puerto Vallarta in the rainy season? What did you think?