Stay in Puerto Vallarta in July
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July in Puerto Vallarta means rain, and plenty of it. The city sits deep in its wet season, with afternoon downpours rolling off the Sierra Madre Occidental most days between about 3pm and 6pm. Mornings along Banderas Bay tend to be hazy and still, the kind of heat that fogs your sunglasses the moment you walk outside. Lightning cracks over the water, warm rain hammers the cobblestones of Zona Romántica for an hour or two, and then it clears to a muggy Pacific sunset.
This is not the postcard Puerto Vallarta you see in February brochures. The hillsides above Conchas Chinas turn a deep, almost jungle green. Streams that run bone-dry by April now push through canyons south of town toward Mismaloya. Vallarta Botanical Gardens, founded in 2004 along Highway 200, reaches its most fragrant period of the year. El Centro streets flood during the heaviest storms, though, and some beach palapa restaurants pull their sand-level furniture until October. On Isla Río Cuale, the river runs fast and brown on both sides of the footbridge, a sound you never hear in the dry months.
If you can work around wet afternoons, July has genuine pull. Accommodation rates across Marina Vallarta and Zona Romántica drop to their lowest annual point. The Malecón feels like a different city from what it is in January. Restaurants along Calle Basilio Badillo and in 5 de Diciembre that require reservations in high season will seat you without a wait. Domestic tourism picks up mid-July when Mexican school holidays begin, but even that wave barely registers against the deep low-season calm.
Why visit in July
- Hotels and vacation rentals compete for a thin summer crowd. Many properties in Marina Vallarta offer complimentary room upgrades or meal packages, and booking flexibility tends to be generous.
- The Sierra Madre foothills and canyons south of town turn a deep, dramatic green. Seasonal streams fill for the first time since the previous October, and trails through the jungle canopy near Boca de Tomatlán feel genuinely wild.
- Tourist crowds thin dramatically compared to the December-March high season. Los Muertos Beach, packed shoulder-to-shoulder in February, has stretches of open sand even on weekends. Beach vendors along the Zona Romántica shoreline might outnumber visitors on a weekday morning.
- Ocean temperatures reach 28-29°C (82-84°F), some of the warmest of the year, comfortable for extended snorkeling sessions at Los Arcos National Marine Park south of Mismaloya.
- Sea turtle nesting season opens along Banderas Bay, with organized hatchling release programs at campamentos tortugueros near Boca de Tomatlán and Nuevo Vallarta beginning mid-July.
Worth knowing
- Rain falls most afternoons, and beach time at Los Muertos and the Conchas Chinas coves effectively ends by early afternoon on storm days. Outdoor plans from about 2pm onward need a flexible backup.
- Humidity around Banderas Bay makes 31°C feel closer to 37°C. Air conditioning is essential in every room, not optional. Even the shaded cobblestone streets of Zona Romántica feel oppressive by noon.
- Some tour operators reduce schedules or close entirely between June and September. Isla Marietas day trips and deep-sea fishing charters out of Marina Vallarta are the most affected.
- Mosquitoes and no-see-ums (called jejenes locally) peak during the wet months, particularly near the Río Cuale estuary, around Isla Río Cuale, and in shaded, vegetated areas south of Conchas Chinas.
Best for
Think twice if
July marks the thick of Puerto Vallarta's wet season. Daytime highs average 30.7°C (87°F) and lows settle around 24.5°C (76°F), but persistent 85% humidity pushes the felt temperature well past 35°C on still afternoons in Zona Romántica's cobblestone streets. Total rainfall reaches 201mm across roughly 22 rainy days, concentrated in afternoon and early-evening bursts that typically last 1-2 hours before clearing. Mornings dawn warm and hazy over Banderas Bay, the kind of air where you feel the moisture on your skin before you feel the sun. Nighttime temperatures rarely drop below the mid-20s Celsius. Sleeping without air conditioning is difficult in every part of the city, from the hillside colonias above Gringo Gulch to the beachfront condos along Marina Vallarta.
Seasonal caution
- July falls within Mexico's Pacific hurricane season (June through November). Direct strikes on Puerto Vallarta are infrequent, but tropical systems can bring 2-3 consecutive days of heavy rain and rough seas with limited advance notice.
- Flash flooding occurs in low-lying streets across El Centro and parts of Zona Romántica during intense downpours. The intersection near Lázaro Cárdenas and Constitución is a frequent trouble spot. Avoid walking through flowing water on the streets, as drain covers can dislodge.
- Riptides and strong swells increase on open-ocean beaches during and after storms. Swim at beaches with lifeguard presence like Los Muertos near the pier, and check conditions before entering the water in the afternoon.
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 July
Sea turtle camp visits and hatchling releases
wildlifeCampamentos tortugueros along the Banderas Bay shoreline begin their nesting season programs in mid-July. Volunteers patrol beaches at night to protect olive ridley turtle nests, and organized hatchling releases happen at sunset when clutches mature. The camps at Boca de Tomatlán and near Nuevo Vallarta are the most accessible from central Puerto Vallarta. Watching the tiny hatchlings scramble across wet sand toward the surf is quietly moving.
Nesting season for olive ridley turtles opens in July along the Pacific coast of Jalisco.Booking tipReleases are announced same-day. Ask your hotel front desk to check with local camps each morning.
Waterfall hike to Cascada de Quimixto
hikingTake a water taxi from Boca de Tomatlán to the village of Quimixto, then hike roughly 30 minutes through tropical forest to a cascade that plunges into a natural swimming pool. The trail is lush and shaded, the air thick with the smell of wet earth and green growth. The pool water is refreshingly cool after the humid walk.
The cascade runs at full force during the rainy season, compared to a trickle in the dry months of March and April.Booking tipWater taxis depart from Boca de Tomatlán throughout the morning. Go early and aim to start the hike by 9am to finish before afternoon storms.
Surfing at Sayulita and Punta de Mita
water sportsSummer brings consistent south and southwest swells to the breaks north of Puerto Vallarta. Sayulita's main beach break works well for beginners and intermediates, while Punta de Mita offers more powerful reef breaks for experienced surfers. Water temperatures hover around 28°C, warm enough to surf without a wetsuit.
Summer swells from the south Pacific reach Nayarit's coast most consistently from July through September.Booking tipSurf schools on Sayulita's main beach fill morning slots quickly even in low season. Book 2-3 days ahead for weekend mornings.
Morning snorkeling at Los Arcos
water sportsThe rock formations of Los Arcos National Marine Park, a short boat ride from Mismaloya, shelter reef fish, rays, and occasionally sea turtles. July water visibility is lower than dry-season months but still typically 5-10 meters on calm mornings. The warm water means long, comfortable sessions without a wetsuit.
Water temperatures peak in July and August, and the marine life is active around the rocks. Morning conditions before storms build offer the best visibility window.Booking tipBook morning departures from Mismaloya or Boca de Tomatlán only. Most operators will not take boats out after noon in July due to afternoon weather.
Cooking class focused on Jalisciense cuisine
food and drinkSeveral cooking schools in Zona Romántica and the Versalles neighborhood run hands-on classes where you prepare regional dishes like birria, chiles rellenos, or mole. Classes typically start with a market visit to Mercado Municipal Río Cuale for ingredients, then move to the kitchen for 3-4 hours of cooking and eating.
Afternoon rain makes indoor activities more appealing, and class availability is better in low season. The summer corn and fruit harvests across Jalisco provide peak-season ingredients.Booking tipClasses run smaller groups in July. Booking a day or two ahead is usually sufficient.
Day trip to San Sebastián del Oeste
day tripThis former silver-mining town sits in the Sierra Madre about 90 minutes from Puerto Vallarta at roughly 1,500 meters elevation. The air is noticeably cooler and drier than at sea level, the cloud forest surrounding the town is lush in July, and the colonial architecture and small-batch raicilla distilleries make for a welcome change of scenery. The temperature difference alone feels like a gift after days of coastal humidity.
The mountain town's elevation provides relief from coastal humidity, and the surrounding cloud forest reaches its most dramatic green during the wet season.Booking tipThe mountain road is winding and can be slippery in rain. Drive in the morning or book a guided tour that departs early.
Malecón sculpture walk at golden hour
cultureThe seaside boardwalk in El Centro features dozens of permanent sculptures by Mexican and international artists along its roughly 12-block stretch from Hotel Rosita south to the Los Muertos Pier amphitheater. Walking end to end takes about 40 minutes at an easy pace, with the sound of waves on your left and the smell of grilled corn from evening vendors.
July sunsets behind the Sierra create dramatic golden-hour light between roughly 7:45pm and 8:15pm, and the boardwalk is empty enough to photograph the sculptures without crowds in every frame.What to eat in July
In season: fruit
Mango Ataulfo
July catches the tail end of Jalisco's Ataulfo mango season. The small, honey-sweet fruits appear on street carts across Zona Romántica and in aguas frescas at Mercado Municipal Río Cuale. By late July the season winds down, so the first weeks get the best fruit.
On menus now
Aguachile
Raw shrimp cured in lime juice with serrano chili, cucumber, and red onion. This Pacific coast specialty is served ice-cold at marisquerías along Los Muertos Beach and feels like the right food in July heat. The Nayarit-style version with coconut milk is worth seeking out at the seafood stalls near the Río Cuale bridge.
Pozole rojo
Jalisco's traditional Thursday dish, a red-broth stew of pork and hominy served with a plate of garnishes including cabbage, radish, oregano, and tostadas. Rainy July evenings give the warm, filling bowl an appeal it never quite has in the dry season. The fondas around Isla Río Cuale serve generous portions.
Street food peaks
Elote and esquites
July falls in peak corn season across Jalisco. Street vendors grill ears on charcoal or serve the kernels in cups with mayonnaise, chile powder, lime, and cotija cheese. The carts appear across El Centro and along the Malecón most evenings after 6pm, the smoky-sweet smell mixing with salt air.
What to drink
Agua de jamaica
Hibiscus tea served ice-cold from glass jars at fondas and juice stands. The tart, slightly floral flavor becomes the go-to refreshment in July's humidity. Vendors along Isla Río Cuale sell it by the glass or by the liter.
Regular events in July
Fiesta de la Virgen del CarmenFree
Celebrations honoring the patron saint of fishermen and sailors, with processions from waterfront churches and decorated fishing boats on Banderas Bay. The area around the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe hosts food vendors and live music through the evening.
July 16Fiestas de JulioFree
Jalisco's statewide cultural program of concerts, charreadas (rodeos), art exhibitions, and regional dance performances. The program is centered in Guadalajara, but satellite events including live performance evenings occasionally reach Puerto Vallarta's cultural center and Malecón.
Throughout JulyTemporada de Anidación de Tortugas Marinas openingFree
The official start of the Pacific coast sea turtle nesting season, with campamento tortuguero programs along the Banderas Bay shoreline beginning patrols, nest protection, and organized public hatchling release events that continue through December.
Mid-July onwardBest places this July
Los Muertos Beach
beachThe main beach in Zona Romántica is at its most relaxed in July. The south end near the Los Muertos Pier tends to have calmer water than the northern stretches toward the Río Cuale mouth. Arrive before noon for the best conditions, as afternoon storms push most beachgoers inland by 2pm. The pier itself is a pleasant walk, with pelicans roosting on the railings.
Zona RománticaCathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe
landmarkThe parish church with its distinctive crown tower is the most recognizable landmark in Puerto Vallarta, visible from most points along the Malecón. The stone interior stays cool during afternoon storms, making it a natural shelter when rain hits El Centro. On July 16, the Fiesta de la Virgen del Carmen brings processions and music to the surrounding streets.
El CentroIsla Río Cuale
park and cultureThe narrow river island between El Centro and Zona Romántica holds small galleries, a cultural center, and the Museo Río Cuale. Foot traffic drops in July, and the river running fast and brown on either side adds sound and energy that are absent in the dry months. The shaded path along the island's spine feels 2-3 degrees cooler than the streets above.
El CentroMercado Municipal Río Cuale
marketThe covered municipal market spans two floors of crafts, textiles, and food stalls. It works well as a rainy-afternoon destination, with fruit stands, fresh juice, and inexpensive comida corrida options on the upper level. Bargaining is expected and more relaxed than in high season when cruise-ship passengers flood the aisles.
El CentroPlaya Las Gemelas
beachA smaller cove beach south of the main hotel zone, sheltered between two rocky headlands that block the worst of the river-runoff turbidity affecting larger beaches after heavy rain. The water here tends to stay clearer than Los Muertos on storm days, and the rocky points create calmer conditions for swimming on most July mornings.
Conchas ChinasVallarta Botanical Gardens
gardenThe gardens along Highway 200, about 30 minutes south of central Puerto Vallarta, are at their most spectacular during the wet season. Orchids bloom along the trails, the jungle canopy closes in overhead, and the on-site river pool fills with clear mountain water. The restaurant serves solid Jalisciense food with a view of the Horcones Valley. Go in the morning and you might have entire trail sections to yourself.
Las JuntasGringo Gulch
neighborhood walkThe steep hillside neighborhood above the Río Cuale bridge, once home to Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton during the filming of Night of the Iguana in 1964. The narrow streets and staircases are lush with bougainvillea in July, and the elevated position catches breezes that never reach street level. The views over the cathedral tower and Banderas Bay are worth the climb, especially in the golden-hour window before sunset.
El CentroCalle Basilio Badillo
dining streetThe main restaurant and gallery street in Zona Romántica runs about 6 blocks from the hillside down toward the beach. In July, the tables that spill onto the sidewalk under canvas awnings feel almost private compared to the shoulder-to-shoulder scene in February. The fondas here serve 3-course comida corrida set lunches that are the best dining value in the neighborhood.
Zona Romántica
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Insider tips
The first two weeks of July are noticeably quieter than the second half, when Mexican school holidays begin around July 15-20. For maximum solitude at restaurants and on beaches, arrive in early July. Los Muertos Beach on a Tuesday morning in the first week can feel almost private.
Afternoon rain is ideal cover for a long comida corrida (set lunch) at one of the fondas along Calle Basilio Badillo in Zona Romántica. The 3-course set meals are the best dining value in the neighborhood, and you eat while the storm passes overhead, rain drumming on the awning, the street emptying out.
Post-storm golden-hour light along the Malecón creates dramatic photography conditions, especially looking south toward Los Arcos and the Sierra Madre from the amphitheater near Hotel Rosita. In July, that window runs roughly 7:45pm to 8:15pm.
Ask your hotel about turtle release events each morning before finalizing evening plans. The campamentos usually announce releases the same day, and watching olive ridley hatchlings reach the surf at sunset near Boca de Tomatlán is worth rearranging a dinner reservation.
The stretch of Malecón between the main square and the Seahorse sculpture (Caballito de Mar by Rafael Zamarripa) is where locals gather after storms clear. Street food carts set up around 6pm, and the wet pavement reflects the sunset light in a way that disappears completely in the dry months.
Avoid these mistakes
- Booking an all-day catamaran or boat tour out of Marina Vallarta without checking the weather window. In July, morning departures that return by 1pm work fine. Afternoon sailings risk getting caught in a storm over open water, and most responsible operators will cancel.
- Packing only shorts and tank tops for evenings. Mosquitoes near the Río Cuale and in vegetation-heavy areas like the path to Conchas Chinas are aggressive after sunset in the wet season. Lightweight long sleeves and pants save considerable discomfort.
- Assuming the rain ruins the whole day. Puerto Vallarta's July rain pattern is remarkably consistent. Mornings are almost always clear, and most storms pass within 2 hours. Plan outdoor activities before noon and indoor ones for the afternoon.
- Skipping sun protection on overcast mornings. Cloud cover in July is deceptive at this latitude (20.6°N). The UV index stays high enough to burn exposed skin in under 30 minutes, even when the sky looks grey over Banderas Bay.
Practical tips for July
Most restaurants in Zona Romántica and 5 de Diciembre keep regular hours through July, though some beach clubs along Playa Los Muertos and rooftop bars along Calle Olas Altas reduce operations to weekends only. Book boat tours and snorkeling trips at Los Arcos for morning departures, as most operators out of Mismaloya and Boca de Tomatlán will not launch after noon when seas can turn. July sits within Mexico's Temporada de Huracanes (Pacific hurricane season, June through November), and tropical storms occasionally pass close enough to bring 2-3 days of continuous rain. Check forecasts from Mexico's Servicio Meteorológico Nacional before committing to multi-day outdoor plans. The Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) rarely closes for weather, but delays of 1-2 hours are possible on heavy-storm afternoons. Solo travelers should note that Puerto Vallarta rates 6.8/10 for solo-traveler safety (see the TTDI Solo-Safety Index), with the well-lit Malecón, Zona Romántica's Calle Olas Altas, and Marina Vallarta comfortable to walk at night, though standard precautions apply in less-touristed colonias inland. If renting a car, the highway toward Sayulita can have standing water on the shoulders during major downpours, and the mountain road up to San Sebastián del Oeste gets slippery after storms.
FAQ
Is July a good time to visit Puerto Vallarta?
It depends on what kind of trip you want. July sits deep in the wet season, so you get afternoon thunderstorms rolling off the Sierra Madre most days between about 2pm and 6pm. The trade-off is real, though. Hotels across Marina Vallarta and Zona Romántica hit their lowest rates of the year. Los Muertos Beach is quiet enough to claim a prime spot near the pier on any morning. Restaurants along Calle Basilio Badillo and in 5 de Diciembre seat you without a wait. Ocean temperatures reach 28-29°C, warm enough for long snorkeling sessions at Los Arcos. If you are comfortable building your days around the morning weather window and treating rainy afternoons as time for food, markets, and cooking classes, July delivers a side of Puerto Vallarta that the high-season crowds never see.
Does it rain all day in Puerto Vallarta in July?
Almost never. The pattern is consistent enough that you can plan around it. Mornings dawn warm and hazy over Banderas Bay, and you'll typically get 4-5 hours of clear skies along Los Muertos and the Conchas Chinas coves. Clouds build over the Sierra Madre around midday, and storms tend to arrive between 2pm and 5pm. Most pass within 1-2 hours, and by 7pm you can usually walk the Malecón in dry air with dramatic post-storm light over the water. On a typical July day you might swim until noon, duck into a fonda on Isla Río Cuale for a long lunch while rain hammers the tin roof, and be back outside by sunset. Full-day washouts are rare unless a tropical system parks offshore.
Is Puerto Vallarta crowded in July?
The first half of July is genuinely quiet. The Malecón, packed with strolling crowds in February, might have a handful of joggers and local families on a Monday morning. Beach vendors along Los Muertos can seem to outnumber visitors on weekdays. Restaurants on Calle Basilio Badillo that turn people away in December will seat you immediately. The second half picks up modestly when Mexican school holidays begin around July 15-20, bringing domestic families to Nuevo Vallarta and the Marina. Even that wave, though, barely registers against the November-through-April high season.
Is July hurricane season in Puerto Vallarta?
The Pacific hurricane season runs from June through November, so July is technically within that window. Puerto Vallarta has experienced major storms before, including Hurricane Kenna in 2002. More commonly, nearby tropical systems bring a few days of sustained rain and rough seas along Banderas Bay rather than a direct landfall. Mexico's Servicio Meteorológico Nacional issues forecasts with several days of warning for approaching systems. Travel insurance covering weather disruptions is a practical addition for any Pacific coast trip during these months.
Can you still enjoy the beach in Puerto Vallarta in July?
Mornings are good for the beach most days. Los Muertos in Zona Romántica has calm sections near the pier, and the sheltered coves along Conchas Chinas tend to stay clearer than the open stretches after rain. Playa Las Gemelas, about 10 minutes south of the hotel zone between two rocky headlands, blocks the worst of the post-storm turbidity. Ocean temperatures hover around 28-29°C, warm enough to stay in the water comfortably for hours. Plan to reach the sand by 8am or 9am and wrap up by early afternoon when clouds build. After storms, riptides strengthen on open beaches, so stick to spots with lifeguard presence and check conditions before going in.
Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta in July
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.
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Free cancellation Puerto Vallarta Rhythms of the Night: Gourmet Dinner & Alma Show
Cruise: 5 hours, free cancellation.
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Free cancellation Puerto Vallarta, Islas Marietas Tour with BBQ Lunch at Majahuitas
Cruise: 7 hours, free cancellation.
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Free cancellation Private Tour: Puerto Vallarta ATV Adventure
Outdoor experience: 3 hours, free cancellation.
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