Mexico, North America

Puerto Vallarta in September

The rainiest month and peak storm risk. Some restaurants close for a few weeks. Mexican Independence on the night of September 15 is the bright spot.

Think twiceHottest and wettest, highs near 91F (33C), frequent downpours

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

The straight answer

September is a month to think twice about visiting Puerto Vallarta. The rainiest month and peak storm risk. Some restaurants close for a few weeks. Mexican Independence on the night of September 15 is the bright spot.

Weather: Hottest and wettest, highs near 91F (33C), frequent downpours
Crowds: 1 of 5
Prices: 1 of 5

What September is like in Puerto Vallarta

September is the month to avoid in Puerto Vallarta. It is the hottest and wettest time of year, with highs near 91F (33C), frequent downpours, and peak hurricane risk. Some restaurants and smaller hotels close for a few weeks. The town is very quiet and prices are the lowest of the year, but the weather makes many plans hard.

Only very flexible, heat-tolerant travelers chasing the lowest prices should consider it. The one bright spot is Mexican Independence, with the Grito in the main plaza on the night of September 15 and a parade on the 16th. Everyone else should wait for November, when the dry season returns.

Make the most of September

What is especially good about Puerto Vallarta this month.

Mexican Independence

The Grito in the main plaza on the night of September 15, fireworks, and a parade on the 16th make for a lively night in a quiet month.

Lowest prices of the year

If you can handle the heat and rain, rooms are cheaper now than at any other time.

Turtle hatchlings

Hatching season continues, and local conservation camps still run evening releases.

What to pack for September

A sturdy rain jacket
Quick-dry clothes and extra socks
Insect repellent
A power bank and flashlight

Our timing tip

If you must go, plan around September 15 and 16 for the Independence celebrations and book only fully refundable rooms and flights.

Book Puerto Vallarta for September.

Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.

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

What's on in September

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.

Mexican Independence Day

Night of September 15 and September 16

The Grito in the main plaza, fireworks, and a parade. A lively night in an otherwise quiet month.

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.