Stay in Puerto Vallarta in December
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Opens Trip.com on Fri 4 Dec to Sun 6 Dec 2026; change the dates there.
December in Puerto Vallarta opens with the Fiestas de la Virgen de Guadalupe, a 12-day celebration that fills Centro with nightly processions, brass bands, and fireworks from December 1 through 12. The Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe becomes the nightly anchor, with the surrounding plaza packed shoulder to shoulder by 9 PM. Thousands of pilgrims and locals fill the streets, and the smell of roasting elote and copal incense drifts through the neighborhood well past midnight.
Daytime highs average 27.8°C (82°F) and lows settle near 19.1°C (66°F), with barely 8mm of rain across the whole month. Humidity sits around 78%, but the onshore breeze off Banderas Bay keeps afternoons more comfortable than that number suggests. Mornings are beach-ready by 9 AM. After dark, a light layer feels right for outdoor dining in Zona Romántica.
Hotel rates hit their annual ceiling around December 20, when North American school holidays, Canadian snowbird arrivals, and near-perfect weather converge. The first two weeks still deliver the Guadalupe festivities at noticeably lower nightly rates. If you can travel before Christmas week, you get most of what makes December special at a fraction of the late-month premium.
Why visit in December
- Rain is essentially a non-factor for the entire month, making December one of the driest and most reliable windows for beach days on Mexico's Pacific coast
- The Guadalupe celebration brings dance troupes, regional food vendors, and a free carnival atmosphere to Centro's streets for nearly two weeks
- Humpback whales begin arriving in Banderas Bay, with early-season sightings possible from shore on calm December mornings
- Direct flight frequency from US and Canadian cities reaches its annual peak, with carriers adding seasonal routes that don't operate the rest of the year
Worth knowing
- Hotel rates hit their annual peak during the final 10 days of the month, and popular properties in Zona Romántica and Marina Vallarta typically book out weeks in advance
- The Malecón and Los Muertos Beach draw their largest crowds of the year in the Christmas-to-New-Year stretch, with visitors arriving from Guadalajara, the US, and Canada
- Sunset falls around 6 PM, roughly 2.5 hours earlier than summer months, which cuts afternoon beach and pool time shorter than many visitors expect
Best for
Think twice if
December sits in the heart of the dry season on Mexico's Pacific coast. Warm, sunny days are the norm, and rain is rare enough that many visitors never see a single drop during a two-week stay. The Pacific breeze off the bay takes the edge off what might otherwise feel sticky by afternoon. Evenings bring a noticeable cooldown that makes open-air dining comfortable without fans or air conditioning. The ocean stays warm enough for extended swimming without a wetsuit.
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 |
Holidays and festivals in December
Public holidays
- Christmas Day(Navidad)25 December 2026
When is Christmas season in 2026?
27 November to 26 December 2026
Christmas season is a major cultural celebration in Puerto Vallarta. In 2026 it runs from 27 November to 26 December 2026.
Headline events
Fiestas de la Virgen de Guadalupe
December 1-12
Puerto Vallarta's biggest annual celebration. Twelve nights of processions, live music, traditional dances, and firework displays converge on the city-center cathedral plaza. Each neighborhood organizes its own peregrinación. The final night draws tens of thousands into the streets and is the single largest public gathering of the year.
Best things to do in December
Whale watching in Banderas Bay
wildlifeHumpback whales migrate to the warm waters of Banderas Bay to breed and calve each winter. Tours depart from the Malecón and Marina Vallarta, typically lasting 2-3 hours on open water. December catches the early arrivals before the January and February peak.
Early whale season means smaller tour groups and freshly arrived whales. By mid-January the boats multiply and availability tightens.Booking tipReserve at least a week ahead for December weekends. Weekday tours tend to run with smaller groups.
Walking the Guadalupe festival processions
culturalEach neighborhood organizes its own peregrinación to the cathedral during the festival. The atmosphere along Morelos and Juárez streets in Centro is part religious devotion, part street party. You can join any procession as a spectator or walk alongside.
This is the only time of year these processions happen. The final night is the single largest public gathering in Puerto Vallarta.Booking tipNo booking needed. Show up in Centro by 8 PM any evening while the festival is running.
Hiking at Vallarta Botanical Gardens
natureThe gardens opened in 2004 in the Sierra Madre foothills, about 30 minutes south of the city center. The site features a river trail, an orchid conservatory, and a vanilla plantation. December's dry conditions make the trails firm and fully navigable after months of rainy-season mud.
Trails firm up after the September-October rains. Comfortable temperatures allow a full morning of walking without the heat stress of April or May.Booking tipVisit on a weekday morning to avoid the weekend crowds that spike with December's tourist volume.
Water taxi to Yelapa
excursionYelapa is a small coastal village accessible only by boat, about 45 minutes south of the Playa de los Muertos pier. The village has a waterfall, a handful of beachfront restaurants, and none of the peak-season congestion of the main PV beaches.
Calm December seas make the crossing smooth compared to the choppier summer months. Water taxi frequency also increases with the tourist season.Booking tipCatch the morning departure before 11 AM. The last return water taxi typically leaves Yelapa around 4 PM.
Snorkeling at Los Arcos
water sportsLos Arcos National Marine Park, a cluster of granite rock formations south of the city near Mismaloya, offers some of the best snorkeling on the bay. The rock arches and underwater caves hold tropical fish, sea turtles, and the occasional manta ray.
Post-rainy-season visibility improves noticeably, and calmer seas mean easier access to the formations than during the summer swell.Booking tipMorning departures encounter flatter water and fewer boats at the site.
Sunset sailing on Banderas Bay
excursionCatamaran and sailboat tours depart from Marina Vallarta for 3-4 hour cruises along the coast. December's clear skies deliver reliable sunset views over the Pacific, and the cooler evening air makes the return sail comfortable.
The dry season produces some of the clearest sunset conditions of the year. Cloud-free evenings are the norm rather than the exception.Booking tipBook at least a week ahead for peak-season weekend departures. Midweek sails run with fewer passengers.
Surfing at Sayulita and Punta de Mita
water sportsSayulita, about 40 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta, picks up consistent north swells through December. The main beach break works for beginners. Punta de Mita offers more challenging reef breaks nearby for experienced surfers.
North Pacific swells generated by winter storms arrive consistently from December onward. The combination of warm water and reliable waves draws surfers from across Mexico.Booking tipRent boards in Sayulita rather than transporting gear from PV. Arrive before 9 AM for less crowded lineups.
What to eat in December
In season: fruit
Guayaba
Mexican guava reaches peak ripeness in the winter months. The small, pink-fleshed fruit appears at produce stalls and markets throughout the city, and it goes into the season's ponche.
On menus now
Birria
Jalisco's signature slow-braised goat or beef stew, simmered for hours with dried chiles and spices. While available year-round, birria is traditionally a celebration and cool-weather dish, and December's holiday tables feature it prominently.
What to drink
Atole
Warm, thick drink made from masa, water, and piloncillo, flavored with vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry. The traditional pairing with tamales during the holiday weeks.
Festival food
Ponche navideño
Hot Christmas punch made with tejocotes, guava, sugarcane, cinnamon, and piloncillo. Street vendors and homes throughout Pitillal and Centro serve it from large clay pots during the posadas season. The warm, spiced fruit aroma is one of the defining scents of a December evening.
Tamales
December is peak tamale season across Mexico. Coastal Puerto Vallarta adds its own variations with shrimp and fish fillings alongside the traditional pork and chicken versions, often wrapped in banana leaf rather than corn husk.
Buñuelos
Thin, crispy fried dough rounds drizzled with piloncillo syrup or dusted with cinnamon sugar. Traditionally served at holiday gatherings from mid-December through New Year's.
Regular events in December
Las PosadasFree
Traditional Mexican nightly processions reenacting Mary and Joseph's search for shelter. Neighborhoods across Puerto Vallarta host their own posadas with candles, singing, piñatas for children, and cups of hot ponche for everyone who walks along.
December 16-24New Year's Eve on the MalecónFree
Fireworks launch over Banderas Bay at midnight, visible along the entire waterfront. The Malecón fills with locals and visitors for live music, food vendors, and the midnight countdown.
December 31ArtWalk VallartaFree
Galleries in Zona Romántica open their doors on Wednesday evenings during the high season, with complimentary refreshments and opportunities to meet working artists. December's snowbird influx makes these evenings noticeably more social than the early-season editions in October.
Wednesday evenings, late October through MayBest places this December
Malecón
promenadePuerto Vallarta's mile-long waterfront promenade is at its best on December evenings, when the temperature settles into the low 20s Celsius and the last light hits the public sculpture collection along the seawall. Street performers and vendors appear in larger numbers during peak season.
CentroIsla Río Cuale
parkThis narrow island sits between the two channels of the Cuale River in the middle of the city. Art and craft vendors line the walking paths under mature trees that provide midday shade. December's dry weather keeps the paths clean and navigable, a clear improvement over the muddy conditions of September and October.
CentroConchas Chinas
beachA series of small, rocky coves about 15 minutes south of Zona Romántica by taxi. The beaches here are a fraction of the size of the main strand but draw a fraction of the crowds. December's calm surf makes the swimming safer and more pleasant than during the choppier summer.
Conchas ChinasMercado Municipal Río Cuale
marketThe municipal market on the north bank of the Cuale River sells produce, prepared food, and crafts. The cooked-food counters serve regional specialties at prices well below restaurant equivalents in the tourist zones. December's holiday foot traffic keeps the craft stalls competitive.
CentroCostalegre
beachThe stretch of coastline south toward Manzanillo offers quieter beaches and fewer tourists than the bay side. December's dry weather and calm seas make day trips along this coast particularly appealing for travelers looking for solitude during the peak season.
Gringo Gulch
neighborhoodThe hillside neighborhood above the Cuale River where Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton kept a home in the 1960s. December evenings make the steep cobblestone streets comfortable to climb. The rooftop views over the cathedral dome and Banderas Bay reward the effort.
Centro
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Insider tips
The first week of December delivers the Guadalupe festival atmosphere without the Christmas-week pricing. Hotels in 5 de Diciembre, the neighborhood between Centro and Marina Vallarta, tend to run 30-40% below equivalent rooms in Zona Romántica while keeping you within a 15-minute walk of both areas.
For whale watching, book through a local cooperative near the Malecón departure points rather than your hotel's concierge desk. You'll likely end up on the same boat with a smaller group and a better rate.
Digital nomads tend to prefer early December over the holiday weeks. Puerto Vallarta scores 7.2 out of 10 for digital-nomad suitability (sourced from TTDI's editorial rubric), and co-working spaces in Zona Romántica fill up less than you might expect, since most December visitors are vacationing rather than working.
The sunset view from the Playa de los Muertos pier faces almost due west in December. By March, the angle shifts enough that the sun dips behind the southern headland instead. December and January offer the cleanest sightline from that spot.
Avoid these mistakes
- Booking a hotel for the full month at a flat rate set by the Christmas-week ceiling. The first two weeks of December cost significantly less than the holiday period. Split the reservation at the rate boundary if you are staying through both halves.
- Skipping the Guadalupe festival because it sounds purely religious. The nightly processions are a citywide street party with music, dancing, food stalls, and firework displays. Visitors without any religious connection consistently find it one of the highlights of a December trip.
- Assuming walk-in seating is available at popular Zona Romántica restaurants during Christmas week. Dinner spots along Olas Altas and Basilio Badillo fill up days in advance. Make reservations as soon as your travel dates are set.
Practical tips for December
Book accommodations at least four weeks ahead for stays spanning Christmas through New Year's. Whale-watching tours with smaller operators sell out by early December for holiday-week dates. Many restaurants in Zona Romántica accept holiday-week reservations, and the popular spots along Olas Altas fill days in advance. Banks and government offices close on December 25 and January 1. Some smaller shops in Pitillal also close during portions of the Guadalupe festival week. ATMs in the Zona Hotelera sometimes run low on cash during the holiday rush, so withdrawing from bank branches in Centro during business hours is a safer bet. Tipping at 15% remains standard in sit-down restaurants. Water taxis to coastal villages run more frequently in December, but last return departures still leave by 4 PM.
FAQ
Is December a good time to visit Puerto Vallarta?
December is one of the top months for weather, with warm, dry days and almost no rain. The trade-off is peak-season pricing and crowds, particularly in the second half of the month. If you can visit during the first two weeks, you get the Guadalupe festivities and excellent conditions at a lower cost than the holiday window.
What is the weather like in Puerto Vallarta in December?
Warm and dry. The rainy season ends in October, and by December the Pacific coast is well into its sunniest stretch. Overcast days are uncommon, and you can comfortably spend full days outdoors. Evenings cool down enough for a light layer. You're unlikely to encounter the oppressive heat or afternoon downpours of the June through September wet season.
Is Puerto Vallarta crowded in December?
Early December is busy but manageable, especially on weekdays. The Christmas-to-New-Year stretch is the most crowded period of the year, with hotel occupancy near capacity, beaches full, and restaurant wait times at their longest. If crowds bother you, the first two weeks are the better window.
Is Puerto Vallarta safe for solo travelers in December?
Puerto Vallarta rates 6.8 out of 10 for solo-traveler safety (see the TTDI Solo-Safety Index). The main tourist zones, including Zona Romántica, Centro, and Marina Vallarta, are well-patrolled and comfortable to walk at night. Standard urban precautions apply outside the primary tourist corridors. December's larger police presence during the festival and holiday season adds visibility in the most-visited areas.
How far in advance should I book for December in Puerto Vallarta?
For Christmas week and New Year's stays, book at least 6-8 weeks ahead for hotels and 3-4 weeks for activity tours. The first half of December is less competitive, but popular Zona Romántica properties still fill 2-3 weeks out. Reserve holiday-week restaurant dinners as soon as your dates are set.
Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta in December
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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