Puerto Vallarta Weather in January

January is deep in Puerto Vallarta's dry season: highs of 79.6°F, lows of 63.1°F, and fewer than two rain days for the whole month on average. Days are warm and bright, and evenings turn cool enough that a light layer earns its place in the bag.

Humidity sits at 82%, high on paper but far more tolerable than in summer because the air itself is mild.

Sea temperature is 77.9°F, comfortable for swimming though a step below the bathwater warmth Banderas Bay reaches in late summer.

Humpback whales arrive in Banderas Bay from late fall to breed and calve, and January is well inside the season. Boat tours out of Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta regularly see breaching whales and mothers with calves.

No tropical storm activity has been recorded for January in the historical record; Pacific hurricane season runs roughly mid-May through November.

This is high season for North American and Canadian winter visitors, so the Malecón, the Zona Romántica and beach clubs run busy and resort rates peak. Book early.

The dry weather also suits day trips: the Marietas Islands, Yelapa by water taxi, and the surf town of Sayulita to the north are all at their most reliable.

Pack light clothing for the day, a sweater for the evening, and sunscreen. A rain jacket is unnecessary.