Stay in Puerto Vallarta in August
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August in Puerto Vallarta means rain. Heavy afternoon downpours hit almost daily, fed by moisture off Banderas Bay and thermal lift from the Sierra Madre foothills. Mornings along the Malecón tend to start warm and partly cloudy, the air already thick enough to feel on your skin by 9 am. By 3 or 4 pm, dark cumulus clouds pile over the mountains and thunderstorms hammer the coast for an hour, sometimes two, before the sky clears and Centro's cobblestones steam with the smell of wet stone and frangipani.
This is the deep trough of Puerto Vallarta's tourist calendar. Zona Romántica's restaurants still operate, and Los Muertos Beach still draws sunbathers before noon, but the empty tables and open lounge chairs would be unthinkable in February. Several tour operators along Banderas Bay reduce their August schedules or close entirely. Boat trips to the Islas Marietas and snorkel runs to Los Arcos get cancelled when Pacific swells build. The reward for tolerating the storms is the lowest accommodation rates of the year, plus walk-in tables at restaurants on Basilio Badillo that need reservations in December.
The Sierra Madre foothills turn a saturated green that the dry season's gold-brown slopes never show. Waterfalls in the canyons south toward Boca de Tomatlán run at full volume. Sea turtle nesting season is underway at camps along Banderas Bay, with olive ridley hatchlings released most evenings through December. If you can schedule around the afternoon storms, August reveals a side of this Pacific coast that the November-through-April crowds never encounter.
Why visit in August
- Accommodation rates hit the lowest point of the year, typically 40-50% below the December-March peak, making Puerto Vallarta accessible for travelers on a tight budget
- The Sierra Madre foothills and the road south toward Vallarta Botanical Gardens turn intensely green, and rain-fed waterfalls in the canyons near Boca de Tomatlán reach their peak flow
- Olive ridley turtle camps along Banderas Bay host nightly hatchling releases from mid-July through December, and August sits at the overlap of active nesting and hatching cycles
- Zona Romántica, Centro, and Los Muertos Beach are noticeably quieter than any month from November through April, with no wait times at popular restaurants or crowded sand
Worth knowing
- Rain falls on the majority of the month's days, with heavy afternoon thunderstorms that can last 1-2 hours and occasionally flood low-lying streets near Río Cuale
- Humidity stays persistently high, making even moderate daytime temperatures feel oppressively warm, with heat-index values regularly above 37°C (99°F)
- Eastern Pacific hurricane season peaks in August and September, and while direct hits on Puerto Vallarta are infrequent, tropical storms can bring 2-3 days of continuous rain and flight disruptions
- Several boat tour operators reduce schedules or suspend trips to the Islas Marietas and Los Arcos National Marine Park when swells exceed safe thresholds
Best for
Think twice if
August shares the title of Puerto Vallarta's wettest month with September. Average highs reach 30.7°C (87°F) and lows hold around 24.7°C (76°F), a narrow 6°C band that keeps nights almost as warm as afternoons. Total rainfall hits 212 mm across 26 rainy days. Humidity averages 85%, high enough that sweat barely evaporates and the heat index regularly pushes perceived temperatures past the danger threshold. Mornings along Banderas Bay tend to be partly cloudy and swimmable. The afternoon thunderstorm cycle, typically arriving between 3 and 5 pm, becomes predictable after a few days. Nights stay warm and damp, rarely offering the cooling relief that January or February evenings bring. Ocean temperatures sit around 29-30°C (84-86°F), warm enough that the water provides little contrast to the air.
Seasonal caution
- Eastern Pacific hurricane season runs from May 15 to November 30, with August and September as the statistical peak. Puerto Vallarta sits in the path of Pacific tropical cyclones. Hurricane Patricia in 2015 and Hurricane Kenna in 2002 both struck Jalisco's coast. Monitor NOAA and Mexico's Servicio Meteorológico Nacional forecasts before and during your trip.
- Afternoon flash flooding can occur in low-lying streets near Río Cuale and through parts of Centro after heavy downpours. Avoid crossing flooded roads on foot or by car, as water depth is difficult to judge on cobblestones.
- Rip currents intensify along open-ocean beaches during summer swells. Swim at lifeguarded beaches like Los Muertos rather than unmonitored stretches north of Marina Vallarta.
Year-round climate
Averages from the last 5 years.
| Month | Avg high (°C) | Avg low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 26 | 17 | 6 |
| Feb | 26 | 17 | 9 |
| Mar | 26 | 16 | 0 |
| Apr | 27 | 18 | 0 |
| May | 30 | 20 | 2 |
| Jun | 30 | 24 | 128 |
| Jul | 31 | 25 | 201 |
| Aug | 31 | 25 | 212 |
| Sep | 30 | 25 | 214 |
| Oct | 30 | 24 | 112 |
| Nov | 30 | 21 | 6 |
| Dec | 28 | 19 | 8 |
Best things to do in August
Sea turtle hatchling releases
wildlifeOlive ridley turtles nest along the beaches of Banderas Bay from July through December. Conservation camps, including the one at Boca de Tomates north of the airport, invite visitors to watch and help release hatchlings on most evenings around sunset. The tiny turtles scramble across the sand toward the surf in the fading light. It is one of the few wildlife encounters in Puerto Vallarta that does not require a boat.
August sits at the overlap of nesting and hatching cycles, so you might witness both nest protection work and live releases in a single visit. Earlier months have fewer emerged clutches.Booking tipNo reservation needed at most camps. Arrive 30-45 minutes before sunset to secure a spot. Releases depend on hatchling emergence and can be cancelled on any given night.
Waterfall hikes in the Sierra Madre canyons
hikingThe canyons south of Puerto Vallarta along Highway 200, particularly near the turnoff toward Vallarta Botanical Gardens, fill with rain-fed cascades that barely trickle in the dry months. Trails range from 30 minutes to 2 hours round trip, winding through dense green canopy with the sound of rushing water growing louder as you climb.
August rainfall feeds these waterfalls to their strongest flow of the year. By November, most are reduced to a fraction of their current volume.Booking tipGo in the morning before the afternoon storms. A local guide from villages near the trailheads is recommended, as paths get slippery after heavy rain.
Kayaking through Estero El Salado
natureThis 168-hectare mangrove estuary sits within city limits between Marina Vallarta and the Hotel Zone. Guided kayak tours paddle through tunnels of red mangrove where crocodiles sun on mudbanks, herons perch overhead, and kingfishers dart between branches. The brackish water smells of salt and decomposing leaves, and the shade inside the mangrove canopy drops the temperature several degrees.
Higher water from the rains opens interior channels that are too shallow from January through May. You reach deeper into the estuary than any dry-season tour.Booking tipMorning tours at 8 or 9 am avoid both the afternoon storms and the midday heat. The estuary's visitor center coordinates access.
Surfing at Sayulita and Punta de Mita
water sportsSummer brings south and southwest swells to the beaches north of Puerto Vallarta. Sayulita, about 40 minutes north, and Punta de Mita, about 45 minutes, both pick up consistent waves in the waist-to-head-high range. The water is warm enough that a wetsuit is unnecessary, and the lineup is far less crowded than in the winter tourist months.
August's south swells deliver the most consistent surf of the year along the north shore of Banderas Bay. Winter months see flatter or smaller conditions at these breaks.Booking tipBoard rentals and lessons are widely available in Sayulita without advance booking. Weekday mornings are quieter, as weekend domestic visitors from Guadalajara fill the lineup on Saturdays.
Cooking classes with seasonal ingredients
culinarySeveral cooking schools in Zona Romántica offer hands-on classes that visit Mercado Municipal Río Cuale for ingredient shopping before returning to a kitchen. August menus tend to feature chiles en nogada, fresh corn dishes, and tropical fruits at the tail end of mango season. The market smells like lime, fresh herbs, and ripe fruit in the morning.
The combination of easy low-season bookings and peak seasonal ingredients like fresh corn, late mangoes, and walnut-season nogada preparations makes August one of the more interesting months for culinary instruction.Booking tipBook 3-4 days ahead. Class sizes are small in low season, and some schools require a minimum of 2-3 participants to run.
Snorkeling at Los Arcos National Marine Park
water sportsThis cluster of granite arches and islets sits about 15 minutes by boat south of Los Muertos Beach. Fish diversity is high in summer, with visibility typically 5-10 meters between storms. Manta rays and sea turtles appear more frequently in the warmer water than they do from December through March.
Summer ocean temperatures attract pelagic species like manta rays that are less common in the cooler months. The trade-off is more frequent weather cancellations, so a flexible schedule helps.Booking tipBook with an operator who offers free rescheduling for weather cancellations. Morning departures face calmer seas than afternoon runs.
Evening Malecón walk after a thunderstorm
walkingPuerto Vallarta's seaside boardwalk, lined with bronze sculptures and ocean-facing cafes, transforms after the daily afternoon storm. The temperature drops 3-4°C, the sky often breaks into dramatic sunset colors, and locals emerge for their evening paseo. The stretch from the Caballero del Mar sculpture south toward Los Muertos Pier is liveliest after 7 pm.
The post-storm cooling effect is unique to the rainy season. Dry-season evenings from November through April are pleasant but lack the dramatic sky theater and the relief of cooler air after a hot, humid day.What to eat in August
In season: fruit
Mango criollo
The tail end of Jalisco's mango season still delivers ripe criollo and manila varieties at Mercado Municipal Río Cuale through mid-August. Street vendors along the Malecón sell them sliced with lime and Tajín. The flesh is at its sweetest and softest before the season closes around the third week of August.
On menus now
Chiles en nogada
Poblano chiles stuffed with picadillo of ground meat, dried fruit, and spices, topped with walnut cream sauce and pomegranate seeds. The dish appears on menus across Jalisco starting in early August to mark the approach of Mexican Independence Day on September 15-16. The green, white, and red presentation echoes the flag. Restaurants in Zona Romántica and along the Malecón tend to run it as a special through September.
Pescado zarandeado
Butterflied whole huachinango marinated in a dark chile paste and grilled over mangrove wood, a tradition from the Nayarit coast that migrated south to Puerto Vallarta's beachfront palapas. The summer catch of red snapper tends to be plentiful along Banderas Bay, and the smoky, charred skin paired with a cold Pacífico feels right in the heat.
Street food peaks
Elotes and esquites
August falls in the middle of Mexico's fresh corn harvest. Street carts near the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Centro sell roasted ears (elotes) and corn-in-a-cup (esquites) dressed with mayo, cotija cheese, chile powder, and lime throughout the evening hours after the afternoon rain clears.
What to drink
Tejuino
A fermented corn drink served ice-cold with a scoop of lime sorbet and a pinch of salt, originally from Jalisco's highlands. Vendors in Pitillal and near Mercado Municipal sell it from coolers. The fermentation is barely alcoholic, and the sweet-sour-salty combination is one of the few things that genuinely cuts through August's saturated air.
Regular events in August
Sea turtle releases at Boca de Tomates conservation campFree
Conservation camp north of Puerto Vallarta's airport invites visitors to watch olive ridley hatchlings make their way to the Pacific each evening at sunset, conditions permitting. The camp also welcomes volunteers for nest patrol shifts earlier in the day.
Nightly, July through December, weather permittingDía de la AsunciónFree
The Feast of the Assumption on August 15 is a national holiday in Mexico. Services at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Centro draw local congregations, and some shops and offices close for the day. The observance is quiet in Puerto Vallarta compared to larger pilgrimages in central Mexico's basilicas.
August 15Pre-Fiestas Patrias civic preparationsFree
In the final week of August, Puerto Vallarta's municipal government begins decorating the main plaza and the Malecón with green, white, and red bunting in preparation for Grito de Independencia on September 15-16. School parades and civic ceremonies appear in the last days of the month, and the festive energy builds gradually through September.
Late August, roughly August 25-31Best places this August
Vallarta Botanical Gardens
gardenLocated about 30 minutes south of Centro on Highway 200, these gardens opened in 2004 and are at their most lush in August. The vanilla orchid collection and the palm garden both peak in the wet months. A river pool at the bottom of the property offers a cool soak after the walk. Go in the morning and plan to leave by early afternoon before the storms build.
Km 24 Highway 200 southEstero El Salado
nature reserveA protected mangrove estuary inside city limits. August's elevated water levels open interior kayak channels that are inaccessible from January through May. Birding is excellent year-round, but summer brings additional resident species. Crocodile sightings on mudbanks near the entrance channel are common.
Marina VallartaIsla Cuale
market and parkA narrow river island in the middle of Río Cuale, connected by foot bridges to both Centro and Zona Romántica. A small open-air market sells crafts, and the shaded walkways stay cooler than the surrounding streets. In August the river runs high and fast, a visual contrast to the trickle it becomes by March.
CentroLos Muertos Beach and Pier
beachThe main beach in Zona Romántica is at its quietest in August. The sail-shaped Los Muertos Pier, completed in 2013, works well as a morning destination before clouds build. Beachfront palapa restaurants serve cold drinks and ceviche to a fraction of the high-season crowd. The sand is warm enough to feel through sandals by 10 am.
Zona RománticaMercado Municipal Río Cuale
marketPuerto Vallarta's main public market on the north bank of Río Cuale. The upper floor sells crafts and souvenirs, while the ground floor has food stalls and fresh juice vendors. August brings peak-season corn, late mangoes, and seasonal produce to the stalls. It is less touristed in low season, and vendors tend to be more relaxed about browsing and tasting.
CentroConchas Chinas coves
viewpoint and beachRocky coves south of Zona Romántica along the climbing road offer elevated views of Banderas Bay. The green hillsides in August make the panorama more photogenic than in the dry months, when the slopes go brown. Swimming in the sheltered coves is possible on calm mornings, and the rocks hold tide pools worth inspecting.
Conchas Chinas5 de Diciembre neighborhood
neighborhood walkA residential barrio north of Centro that has slowly attracted small galleries and neighborhood cafes. August is quiet enough to walk the streets without the foot traffic of winter. The neighborhood sits on a hill above the Malecón, with stairway shortcuts that offer bay views between the rooflines.
5 de Diciembre
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Insider tips
The afternoon storms follow a learnable pattern within 2-3 days. Watch the cloud line over the Sierra Madre from the Malecón around 2 pm. When the peaks disappear behind dark cumulus, you have roughly 45 minutes before rain reaches the coast. That window is enough to get under cover or back to your accommodation.
Pitillal, a neighborhood about 15 minutes inland from the Hotel Zone, has some of the strongest street food in the metro area at noticeably lower prices than Zona Romántica. The taco stands near Pitillal's town square serve birria and carnitas that most visitors never try because the area rarely appears in English-language guidebooks.
Many Zona Romántica restaurants that require reservations in January and February become walk-in friendly in August, sometimes with seasonal tasting menus that take advantage of lower ingredient costs and fewer covers. Ask if there is a menú de temporada before ordering from the regular card.
If a tropical storm warning appears on the forecast, stock up on water and provisions a full day before the projected arrival. Convenience stores near the coast sell out quickly, while the larger Soriana on Francisco Medina Ascencio tends to keep stock longer.
Avoid these mistakes
- Booking a full week of outdoor boat tours without backup plans. At least 2-3 of those trips will likely face cancellation due to swells or storms. Keep half the itinerary flexible with indoor alternatives like cooking classes, the Cuale Cultural Center, or the galleries in Centro.
- Scheduling the most important beach day for the end of the trip. If a 2-3 day tropical weather system rolls in, you lose those final days entirely. Front-load beach and water activities to the first clear mornings after arrival.
- Walking through flooded streets near Río Cuale and Centro after heavy downpours. Flash floods carry debris, and water depth is deceptive on cobblestones. Wait 30-45 minutes after the rain stops for drainage before walking low-lying routes.
- Skipping sunscreen on overcast mornings. Cloud cover at Puerto Vallarta's latitude blocks only a small fraction of UV radiation. Sunburns from supposedly cloudy mornings are among the most common complaints at local pharmacies in August.
Practical tips for August
Book accommodation with free cancellation, since tropical weather can force last-minute changes. Most pharmacies in Zona Romántica along Olas Altas stock electrolyte packets that help with the dehydration high humidity accelerates. Uber operates in Puerto Vallarta and is generally reliable, though drivers become scarce during heavy rain between 3 and 6 pm. City buses along the main coastal road on Francisco Medina Ascencio continue running through storms, and the route from Marina Vallarta through Centro to Zona Romántica covers most visitor needs. Dress code is casual everywhere except a few upscale restaurants along the Malecón that expect closed-toe shoes. Tipping 10-15% at restaurants is standard. Many tour operators and small shops accept pesos only, so carry cash from ATMs in Centro rather than relying on card terminals. The Aeropuerto Internacional Gustavo Díaz Ordaz (PVR) occasionally sees short delays during storms, but cancellations at the airport itself are rarer than delays on connecting flights through Mexico City. Puerto Vallarta scores 7.2 out of 10 for digital-nomad suitability (sourced from TTDI's editorial rubric), and low-season cafes in Zona Romántica with reliable Wi-Fi make productive morning workspaces before the afternoon rain sends everyone indoors.
FAQ
Is August a good time to visit Puerto Vallarta?
It depends on your tolerance for rain and humidity. Puerto Vallarta's rainy season peaks in August, with downpours on the majority of days and sticky air that makes moderate temperatures feel far warmer. That said, mornings are usually clear enough for the beach, and accommodation rates drop to the lowest of the year. Unique August experiences like turtle hatchling releases and rain-fed waterfall hikes in the Sierra Madre are not available during the popular dry-season months. Puerto Vallarta scores 7.8 out of 10 for family friendliness (see the TTDI Family-Friendliness Index), and those infrastructure strengths hold in every season. Mind you, if reliable sunshine matters to you, November through April is the safer window.
What is the weather like in Puerto Vallarta in August?
Expect warm, humid conditions throughout the month. Mornings are partly cloudy with comfortable swimming temperatures in Banderas Bay. Afternoon thunderstorms roll in from the Sierra Madre between 3 and 5 pm on most days, dumping heavy rain for 1-2 hours before clearing. Evenings are warm, damp, and often graced with colorful post-storm sunsets. The gap between daytime and nighttime temperatures is the narrowest of any month, so nights offer little cooling.
Is Puerto Vallarta crowded in August?
No. August is one of the quietest months of the year. International tourism drops sharply, and domestic visitors from Guadalajara concentrate on weekends rather than weekdays. Los Muertos Beach has open chairs most mornings, restaurants rarely need reservations, and hotel properties that sell out months ahead during the December-March peak have same-week availability. The Malecón is noticeably less trafficked than any month from November through April.
Should I worry about hurricanes in Puerto Vallarta in August?
The risk is real but statistically modest for a direct hit on the city itself. Puerto Vallarta sits on the Eastern Pacific hurricane belt, and August sits at the statistical peak of the season alongside September. Most storms pass well offshore, but tropical depressions can still bring continuous heavy rain for 2-3 days and disrupt flights, especially connections through Mexico City. Travel insurance with trip-interruption coverage is worth carrying. Monitor the NOAA Eastern Pacific forecast and Mexico's Servicio Meteorológico Nacional advisories starting a week before departure.
Is it safe to swim in the ocean in Puerto Vallarta in August?
At protected, lifeguarded beaches like Los Muertos in Zona Romántica, morning swimming is generally fine. Summer swells create stronger currents than the calm winter seas, and rip currents become more common along unmonitored stretches north of Marina Vallarta. Avoid swimming during or immediately after storms, when visibility drops and currents intensify. Puerto Vallarta's solo-traveler safety score sits at 6.8 out of 10 (see the TTDI Solo-Safety Index), which reflects general urban awareness rather than beach-specific hazards.
Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta in August
Free cancellation Puerto Vallarta Best Zipline Canopy + Tequila and Speed Boat Ride
Day trip: 5 hours, free cancellation.
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Free cancellation Mega Yacht ALL INCLUSIVE Yelapa Waterfall & Snorkeling Adventure
Outdoor experience: 6 hours, free cancellation.
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Free cancellation Ziplining, Waterfalls, and Speedboat Tour in Puerto Vallarta
Outdoor experience: 6.5 hours, free cancellation.
via Viator
Free cancellation Puerto Vallarta Rhythms of the Night: Gourmet Dinner & Alma Show
Cruise: 5 hours, free cancellation.
via Viator
Free cancellation Puerto Vallarta, Islas Marietas Tour with BBQ Lunch at Majahuitas
Cruise: 7 hours, free cancellation.
via Viator
Free cancellation Private Tour: Puerto Vallarta ATV Adventure
Outdoor experience: 3 hours, free cancellation.
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