Mexico, North America

Puerto Vallarta in February

Peak whale activity and the most reliable sunshine. Ocean is a touch cool, near 73F (23C).

BestDry, highs near 81F (27C)

Los Arcos marine park, Puerto Vallarta — Puerto VallartaPhoto: Andrew Milligan sumo, CC BY 2.0

The straight answer

February is one of the best months of the year to visit Puerto Vallarta. Peak whale activity and the most reliable sunshine. Ocean is a touch cool, near 73F (23C).

Weather: Dry, highs near 81F (27C)
Crowds: 4 of 5
Prices: 4 of 5

What February is like in Puerto Vallarta

February is the sweet spot in Puerto Vallarta. It is dry and sunny nearly every day, with highs near 81F (27C) and comfortable nights. Whale activity peaks in Banderas Bay, and the town is lively without the Christmas crush. The ocean is a touch cool, near 73F (23C), which is refreshing for adults but can be brisk for small kids.

This is the month for whale lovers, sun seekers escaping winter, and families on mid-winter breaks. Crowds and prices are high, so book early. Travelers who want warmer water should consider May, when the sea has heated up and rates have dropped.

Make the most of February

What is especially good about Puerto Vallarta this month.

Peak whale season

February is often the best month to see breaching, singing males and mothers with calves. Nearly every trip sees whales.

The most reliable sunshine

Rain is very rare, so you can plan boat days to Yelapa and the south shore with confidence.

Marietas Islands in calm seas

Morning seas are usually smooth for the trip to this protected national park. Book a licensed tour ahead, since daily numbers are capped.

What to pack for February

A rash guard for cooler water
A light layer for breezy boat rides
Seasickness tablets for whale trips
Reef-safe sunscreen

Our timing tip

Book whale watching and Marietas trips for your first days in town, so you have a backup morning if seas are rough.

Book Puerto Vallarta for February.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Puerto Vallarta
Opens a hotel search for Puerto Vallarta in February, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for February
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Puerto Vallarta
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Puerto Vallarta
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Puerto Vallarta for February. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in February

Humpback whale season

December through March

Humpbacks calve and court in Banderas Bay. January and February are the most active weeks.

Things to do in Puerto Vallarta

Full guide

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.

Tickets and tours →

Whale watching in Banderas Bay

December through March. Go with a licensed operator; many trips leave from the Marina and Nuevo Vallarta.

Tickets and tours →

Zona Romantica and Los Muertos Beach

The liveliest neighborhood in town, with the pier, beach bars, and the best walking-and-eating streets.

Tickets and tours →

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.

Tickets and tours →

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.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

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.

Tickets and tours →

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 February, quick answers

Is February a good time to visit Puerto Vallarta?

February is one of the best months of the year to visit Puerto Vallarta. Peak whale activity and the most reliable sunshine. Ocean is a touch cool, near 73F (23C).

What is the weather like in Puerto Vallarta in February?

Dry, highs near 81F (27C).

Is Puerto Vallarta crowded in February?

Puerto Vallarta is busy in February, though mornings and late afternoons stay workable.

What is happening in Puerto Vallarta in February?

Humpback whale season (december through march).