It's the question every family asks before booking: when is it best to visit Puerto Vallarta? The short answer: there's no bad time — the bay has something special to offer all year round. The long answer depends on what your family is after: guaranteed sunshine, low prices, humpback whales, or baby turtles making their way to the sea. Here's the breakdown, season by season.
November to April: the golden season
It's the most popular time of year for good reason: clear skies almost every day, mild temperatures (24–28 °C / 75–82 °F), and calm seas that are perfect for the little ones. What's more, between December and March, the bay's star attraction arrives: humpback whales, who come to Banderas Bay to give birth. A whale-watching tour with kids is the kind of experience they'll remember for life — and one you won't find in the Caribbean.
Something to keep in mind: it's high season, so prices go up and beaches fill in, especially around Christmas, New Year's, and Easter week. If you're traveling on these dates, booking months ahead makes all the difference.
May: spring's sweet spot
May is the frequent traveler's secret: still no rain, no more Easter-week crowds, warming seas, and rates on their way down. If your dates are flexible and you want the balance of good weather and good prices, this month deserves a spot on your radar.
June to October: tropical summer (and the best rates of the year)
Rainy season scares off a lot of travelers — and that's exactly the opportunity. The reality of summer in Vallarta: sunny, warm mornings, perfect for the beach or the pool, with rain that almost always arrives as the afternoon fades. In exchange, you get the lowest rates of the year, beaches with plenty of room to spare, and the Sierra Madre at its most vibrant green.
The season's family bonus: from August to December, the bay's turtle camps organize baby sea turtle releases at sunset. Watching your kids send a baby turtle off toward the sea is worth more than any souvenir.
And a fact that puts every parent's mind at ease: unlike the Caribbean, Mexico's Pacific coast is sargassum-free all year round, with Blue Flag certified beaches like Playa de Oro and Playa Camarones that guarantee international standards of cleanliness and safety.
So, when's the best time for your family to travel?
If you're after the best price: June to October, avoiding long weekends. The same room, the same all-inclusive, at a fraction of the cost.
If whales are the dream: December to March, booking ahead of time.
If you want the turtle experience: August to December, with peak releases between August and November.
If you're traveling with babies or very young children: November to May, when the heat is gentler and the sea is calmer.
Your home on the bay, any time of year
Buenaventura Grand Hotel & Great Moments is a family all-inclusive right on the beach, just steps from the Malecón and downtown Puerto Vallarta. Whatever season you choose, you'll find a pool with kids' activities, dining for every taste, and the beach just steps from your room.
Traveler's tip: book directly on our official website to secure the best rate guaranteed, flexible cancellation, and exclusive benefits you won't find on online travel agencies.
travel guide
Frequently asked questions
It depends on what you're looking for: from November to April the weather is dry and mild, ideal if you want guaranteed sunshine and whale watching; from June to October you'll find the best rates of the year, less crowded beaches, and experiences like sea turtle releases.
Humpback whale watching season in Banderas Bay runs from December to March. It's one of the destination's most impressive family experiences, and it doesn't exist in the Mexican Caribbean.
Baby sea turtle release season runs roughly from August to December. Local turtle camps organize sunset releases that kids and adults can take part in.
During the rainy season (June to October), mornings are usually sunny, and showers arrive in the afternoon or evening, generally as brief storms. Most days you can still enjoy the beach and pool without any trouble.
Low season — from June to October, outside of long weekends and school holidays — offers the most affordable lodging rates of the year. Booking directly on the hotel's official website lets you lock in additional promotions and the best rate guaranteed.