Mexico, North America

Puerto Vallarta in January

Whale season and ideal weather. The first week is busy with holiday travelers; after that, a great month.

BestDry and sunny, highs near 81F (27C), pleasant nights near 62F (17C)

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

The straight answer

January is one of the best months of the year to visit Puerto Vallarta. Whale season and ideal weather. The first week is busy with holiday travelers; after that, a great month.

Weather: Dry and sunny, highs near 81F (27C), pleasant nights near 62F (17C)
Crowds: 4 of 5
Prices: 4 of 5

What January is like in Puerto Vallarta

January is one of Puerto Vallarta's best months. Skies are dry and blue, highs sit near 81F (27C), and nights cool to about 62F (17C), which makes evening walks on the Malecon a pleasure. Humpback whales are in Banderas Bay. The first week is packed with holiday travelers and priced to match, then things settle into a busy but comfortable rhythm.

January suits nearly everyone: families, couples, snowbirds, and first-timers who want reliable sun and whales. The only people who should think twice are those on a tight budget, since this is high season. If price matters most, look at late April or May for dry weather at lower rates.

Make the most of January

What is especially good about Puerto Vallarta this month.

Whales in the bay

Humpback mothers and calves are in Banderas Bay, and January is one of the most active months. You can sometimes spot spouts from the Malecon.

Cool mornings for hiking

The trails to the south shore coves are far more pleasant in January's mild mornings than in summer heat.

Post-holiday calm

Once the New Year crowds leave in the first week, restaurants and tours are easier to book while the weather stays perfect.

What to pack for January

A light sweater for cool evenings
A hat and reef-safe sunscreen for whale-watching boats
Binoculars for spotting whales from shore
Comfortable sandals for cobblestone streets

Our timing tip

Skip the first week of January if you can, when holiday prices linger, and book a first-departure whale trip for the calmest water.

Book Puerto Vallarta for January.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Puerto Vallarta
Opens a hotel search for Puerto Vallarta in January, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for January
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 January. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in January

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 January, quick answers

Is January a good time to visit Puerto Vallarta?

January is one of the best months of the year to visit Puerto Vallarta. Whale season and ideal weather. The first week is busy with holiday travelers; after that, a great month.

What is the weather like in Puerto Vallarta in January?

Dry and sunny, highs near 81F (27C), pleasant nights near 62F (17C).

Is Puerto Vallarta crowded in January?

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

What is happening in Puerto Vallarta in January?

Humpback whale season (december through march).