Fall in love with Puerto Vallarta's old world charm and dreamlike natural beauty. Lush tropical jungles surround this quaint colonial city with interesting architecture, cobblestone streets and white-washed buildings. Discover chic boutiques as you stroll along the Malecón, then check out the exploding art scene and sizzling nightlife. Sprawling golden beaches, Pacific blue waters and heart-stopping sunsets that reflect on majestic mountains complete this picture-perfect vacation spot.
Summer months are warmer, with highs in the upper 80s, but the sea breeze keeps it cool and comfortable. It seldom rains in winter. Hurricane season is the period from August till October, and that is when it is most likely to rain. October through May are generally the driest months; during the peak of the rainy season (June-September), it may rain for a few hours daily.
Even by the high standards of Mexico's Pacific Coast, Puerto Vallarta's beaches are a step above. In town, along the Bay of Banderas, resort hotels face golden, palm-fringed sands. Most resorts have facilities for sailing, windsurfing, and parasailing. Divers and snorkelers head for Los Arcos, an underwater rock formation in the south of the town. Golf is available at several courses and most hotels have tennis courts. Horseback riding along the beach is popular too, and some outfitters offer longer trips to mountain villages.
Here is a calendar of festivals, holidays and special events Puerto Vallarta offers in winter months.
December 1-12: Peregrinations for the Virgin of Guadalupe Numerous processions take place in the Church of our Lady of Guadalupe. Businesses, hotels, restaurants, neighborhood and civic associations make up the processions that include floats, singing, fireworks and dancing.
December 12: Anniversary of the Founding of Puerto Vallarta and Virgin of Guadalupe's Day Puerto Vallarta was founded by Don Guadalupe Sanchez Torres on this day in 1851, and it is the day to celebrate the honored Virgin Guadalupe on the anniversary of her miraculous appearance to a peasant in Mexico. Processions culminate with the central plaza filling with people celebrating this traditional Mexican holiday.
December 16-24: Posadas. Celebrated during Christmas week, Mexican families, businesses and neighborhoods throw Christmas parties called Posadas. A traditional posada is a re-enactment of Joseph and Mary's search for lodging (a posada) in Bethlehem. Guests carrying candles arrive in a procession to a designated house asking for lodging in song. The host is to refuse several times before the request is granted and the party starts.
December 25: Christmas Day (Navidad).
December 31: New Year's Eve. Often celebrated with a big dinner and the traditional 12 grapes and their corresponding hopes for the coming year.
January 1: New Year's Day.
January through March is for whale watching - Humpback whales return to Banderas Bay.
January 6: Day of the Kings (Dia de los Reyes). Traditional Mexican gift giving day for children, in honor of the Three Kings' visit to the baby Jesus. Mexican celebration, honoring the Three Kings' visit to the baby Jesus. Traditionally it is a gift-giving day, when children receive toys and gifts.
February 5: Constitution Day: Official speeches and ceremonies are conducted nationwide on this national holiday.
February 14: Friendship Day (Dia de Amistad). Love and friendship are celebrated this day.