Mexico, North America

Puerto Vallarta in July

Mexican summer holidays keep hotels fairly busy. Sea turtle nesting and hatching season is underway on nearby beaches.

TradeoffsHot and humid, highs near 90F (32C), frequent night storms

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

The straight answer

July is a month of real tradeoffs in Puerto Vallarta. Mexican summer holidays keep hotels fairly busy. Sea turtle nesting and hatching season is underway on nearby beaches.

Weather: Hot and humid, highs near 90F (32C), frequent night storms
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What July is like in Puerto Vallarta

July is hot and humid, with highs near 90F (32C) and frequent storms, mostly at night. Mornings are often clear, and the jungle is deep green. Mexican summer holidays keep hotels fairly busy, especially on weekends, so prices sit in the middle. Sea turtle nesting and hatching season is under way on nearby beaches.

July suits families on summer break who can handle heat, and anyone curious about sea turtles. It is less suited to people who want dry, easy weather or long midday outings. If comfort matters more than timing, the dry season from November to April is far more pleasant.

Make the most of July

What is especially good about Puerto Vallarta this month.

Sea turtle releases

Local conservation camps run evening releases of olive ridley hatchlings, and kids love watching them head for the waves.

Summer holiday energy

Mexican families on vacation give the beaches and Malecon a lively, local feel.

Waterfalls in full flow

Summer rains fill the rivers and falls, like the one at Yelapa, reached by water taxi from Los Muertos pier.

What to pack for July

Quick-dry clothes and a spare set
A light rain jacket
Strong insect repellent
Sandals that can get wet

Our timing tip

Ask your hotel about turtle release schedules as soon as you arrive, since releases depend on when nests hatch and fill up on short notice.

Book Puerto Vallarta for July.

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

What's on in July

Sea turtle hatching season

Roughly July through December

Olive ridley turtles nest on area beaches. Local conservation camps run evening hatchling releases, which are a highlight for kids.

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 July, quick answers

Is July a good time to visit Puerto Vallarta?

July is a month of real tradeoffs in Puerto Vallarta. Mexican summer holidays keep hotels fairly busy. Sea turtle nesting and hatching season is underway on nearby beaches.

What is the weather like in Puerto Vallarta in July?

Hot and humid, highs near 90F (32C), frequent night storms.

Is Puerto Vallarta crowded in July?

Crowds in Puerto Vallarta are moderate in July; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.

What is happening in Puerto Vallarta in July?

Sea turtle hatching season (roughly july through december).