Mexico, North America

Puerto Vallarta in October

Rains fade through the month and the town gets ready for the season. Still humid, but a good value window later in the month.

Quiet valueHot, highs near 90F (32C), rains tapering

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

The straight answer

October is a quiet, good-value month to visit Puerto Vallarta. Rains fade through the month and the town gets ready for the season. Still humid, but a good value window later in the month.

Weather: Hot, highs near 90F (32C), rains tapering
Crowds: 2 of 5
Prices: 2 of 5

What October is like in Puerto Vallarta

October is a month of transition. Highs remain near 90F (32C) and it is still humid, but the rains fade as the month goes on and the town starts gearing up for the season. Restaurants that closed in September reopen, the jungle is at its greenest, and prices stay low. Hurricane risk is still real in the first half of the month.

Late October suits flexible couples and budget travelers who want green hills, quiet beaches, and good deals. Early October is riskier and wetter. Families wanting dependable dry weather should hold off until late November or December.

Make the most of October

What is especially good about Puerto Vallarta this month.

Late-month value window

As the rains taper off, you get mostly clear days at low-season prices.

Green season hiking

Trails to the south shore coves and the botanical garden are lush and full of birds.

Turtle releases continue

Nesting and hatching season runs on, and releases are a great family evening.

What to pack for October

A light rain jacket for the odd storm
Breathable clothes
Insect repellent
Hiking sandals or trail shoes

Our timing tip

Book for the last ten days of October, when the rain is usually winding down and prices have not yet climbed for the season.

Book Puerto Vallarta for October.

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

What's on in October

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 October, quick answers

Is October a good time to visit Puerto Vallarta?

October is a quiet, good-value month to visit Puerto Vallarta. Rains fade through the month and the town gets ready for the season. Still humid, but a good value window later in the month.

What is the weather like in Puerto Vallarta in October?

Hot, highs near 90F (32C), rains tapering.

Is Puerto Vallarta crowded in October?

October is one of the quieter months in Puerto Vallarta; most sights can be done without long waits.

What is happening in Puerto Vallarta in October?

Sea turtle hatching season (roughly july through december).