Mexico, North America
Puerto Vallarta in April
Whales mostly gone, but dry, warm, and easing off in price after Easter week. Semana Santa fills the beaches with Mexican families.
The straight answer
April is a good month to visit Puerto Vallarta. Whales mostly gone, but dry, warm, and easing off in price after Easter week. Semana Santa fills the beaches with Mexican families.
- Weather
- Dry, highs near 84F (29C)
- Crowds
- 3 of 5
- Prices
- 3 of 5
What April is like in Puerto Vallarta
April is dry and warm, with highs near 84F (29C) and almost no rain. The whales have mostly headed north, but the sea is warmer and the town is relaxed. When Semana Santa falls in April, beaches fill with Mexican families for a lively, crowded week. After Easter, prices ease and the pace slows noticeably.
April suits families and couples who want sunny beach days without paying peak winter prices, especially after the Easter rush. It is not the month for whale watching, so if that is your main goal, come in January or February instead. Late April is one of the better value windows of the dry season.
Make the most of April
What is especially good about Puerto Vallarta this month.
Semana Santa on the beach
If Holy Week lands in April, beaches like Los Muertos come alive with Mexican families, food stalls, and a real holiday mood.
Post-Easter value
Once Easter week passes, hotel rates drop while the weather stays dry and sunny.
Vallarta Botanical Garden
A cool mountain escape about 30 minutes south, with orchids, good birding, and a river for a dip on hot afternoons.
What to pack for April
- High-SPF sunscreen for strong spring sun
- Light cotton or linen clothes
- A reusable water bottle
- Swim shoes for the river at the botanical garden
Our timing tip
Aim for the second half of April after Easter week, when the beaches are calmer and hotel deals start to appear.
Book Puerto Vallarta for April.
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- Hotels for April
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Puerto VallartaOpens a hotel search for Puerto Vallarta in April, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Puerto VallartaWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Puerto VallartaTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Puerto Vallarta for April. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Things to do in Puerto Vallarta
The Malecon and Centro
Walk the waterfront at sunset, then climb into the old town to the Guadalupe church's crown. Evenings are when the Malecon comes alive.
Whale watching in Banderas Bay
December through March. Go with a licensed operator; many trips leave from the Marina and Nuevo Vallarta.
Zona Romantica and Los Muertos Beach
The liveliest neighborhood in town, with the pier, beach bars, and the best walking-and-eating streets.
Yelapa and the south shore
A water taxi from Los Muertos pier reaches Yelapa, Las Animas, and Quimixto. Yelapa's waterfall walk and slow village pace make a great day.
Vallarta Botanical Garden
About 30 minutes south in the mountains, with orchids, a river to swim in, and good birding. Best in the green season or early in the dry season.
Marietas Islands
A protected national park with strict daily limits; the famous hidden beach requires a permit and a licensed tour. Book ahead in high season.
Beat the crowds
- Avoid Christmas to New Year and the Semana Santa week; the rest of the dry season is busy but manageable.
- Take whale-watching and Marietas trips on the first departure of the morning, when the bay is calm and boats are fewer.
- Late April and May give you dry weather and much lower prices after the Easter rush.
- Stay in the Zona Romantica or Centro rather than the Hotel Zone if you want to walk everywhere and skip taxis.
Know before you go
- September into early October: some restaurants and smaller hotels close for staff vacation or renovation. Call ahead for specific places.
- Whale tours only run from December to March. Outside those months, the humpbacks are gone.
- The Marietas Islands are periodically closed for environmental recovery and have daily visitor caps. Check with licensed tour operators before you plan around them.
- Hurricane season runs June through November, peaking August to October. Direct hits are uncommon, but storms can disrupt flights and boat tours.
Puerto Vallarta in April, quick answers
Is April a good time to visit Puerto Vallarta?
April is a good month to visit Puerto Vallarta. Whales mostly gone, but dry, warm, and easing off in price after Easter week. Semana Santa fills the beaches with Mexican families.
What is the weather like in Puerto Vallarta in April?
Dry, highs near 84F (29C).
Is Puerto Vallarta crowded in April?
Crowds in Puerto Vallarta are moderate in April; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.
Keep planning Puerto Vallarta.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in April
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