Stay in Puerto Vallarta in May
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May in Puerto Vallarta is the cheapest month to visit, and for good reason. Daytime highs regularly reach 33°C (low 90s°F), and humidity sits near 79%. You'll feel the weight of the air the moment you step onto the Malecón. But here's what the winter crowds miss entirely. May sits at the tail end of the dry season on Banderas Bay, with most of the month's roughly 20mm of rain falling in brief late-afternoon showers toward the final week. June brings 128mm and the whole summer character of the city changes. You get hot, mostly dry weather at rock-bottom rates, with Los Muertos Beach and the cobblestone streets of Zona Romántica mostly to yourself.
The North American snowbird exodus happened weeks ago in April, and the Mexican summer-vacation families won't appear until late June. That mid-season gap leaves Puerto Vallarta in a quiet, locals-first mode that feels genuinely different from the city most tourists experience during peak season. Restaurant patios in the 5 de Diciembre neighborhood sit half-occupied on Saturday nights. The Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe towers over a Centro district that moves at a slower, more distinctly Mexican pace.
Two dates anchor the month for locals. Día del Trabajo on May 1 closes banks and government offices across Mexico. Día de las Madres on May 10 fills every restaurant in town with multigenerational Mexican families and live mariachi serenades that carry through Zona Romántica past midnight.
Why visit in May
- Mostly dry weather. May sits at the tail end of the dry season, averaging roughly 20mm of rain. The heavier summer downpours don't arrive consistently until June.
- Empty beaches and uncrowded attractions. Los Muertos Beach, the Malecón, and Islas Marietas feel spacious without the peak-season tourist volume.
- Sportfishing season opens. Dorado, sailfish, and roosterfish arrive in Banderas Bay waters during May.
- The lowest accommodation and tour rates of the year across Banderas Bay, deep in low season.
Worth knowing
- Daytime highs of 33°C (91°F) and persistent humidity above 78% make midday hours on the Malecón or Los Muertos Beach genuinely oppressive. You'll want air conditioning between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
- Many seasonal restaurants and expat-run bars in Zona Romántica and Centro close between late April and October, thinning the dining options considerably.
- The North American expat community largely leaves after Easter, shrinking the English-speaking social scene and organized group activities.
Best for
Think twice if
The transition month between dry and wet seasons. Most of May stays dry, but scattered afternoon showers become possible toward the final week as moisture builds over the Sierra Madre. Mornings start warm and climb to a sticky 33°C peak by early afternoon, though an onshore breeze off the Pacific usually takes the edge off by 3 p.m. Nights settle around 22-23°C, cool enough to sleep with a window open in hillside neighborhoods like Conchas Chinas. The Pacific stays warm enough for comfortable swimming at any hour of the day. Clouds tend to stack up in the late afternoons toward month's end, and a brief shower is possible before sunset.
Seasonal caution
- The UV index in Puerto Vallarta exceeds 11 on most May afternoons, among the highest readings in the Northern Hemisphere at this time of year. Unprotected skin at latitude 20°N burns within 15-20 minutes at midday. SPF 50+ and shade-seeking behavior are essential between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
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 May
Sportfishing for dorado and sailfish
outdoorBanderas Bay's offshore waters warm in May, drawing dorado (mahi-mahi), sailfish, and roosterfish closer to the coast. Full-day charters leave from Marina Vallarta, and the panga cooperatives at Boca de Tomatlán also run trips in smaller boats.
May marks the opening of the Pacific billfish and pelagic season. These species are largely absent from Banderas Bay during the cooler winter months.Booking tipBook charters 3-4 days ahead. Fewer boats operate in low season than during the winter peak.
Snorkeling at Los Arcos Marine Park
outdoorThe granite rock formations south of Mismaloya shelter sea turtles, manta rays, and schools of sergeant majors in their underwater channels. Boat tours depart from Boca de Tomatlán, about 20 minutes south of Zona Romántica by road.
Low rainfall and minimal river runoff mean underwater visibility is near its annual peak. By late June, heavier rains cloud the water significantly.Booking tipMorning departures have calmer seas and better light. Most operators require a minimum of 4 passengers in low season.
Sierra Madre waterfall hike
outdoorGuided treks through tropical forest south of Puerto Vallarta lead to swimmable waterfall pools. The hikes typically take 2-3 hours each way through dense canopy with river crossings along the route.
Mostly dry trails with firm footing through most of the month. The June-through-September rains turn sections of these paths into mudslides and make the river crossings unsafe.Booking tipBook through a reputable outfitter in Zona Romántica. The trailheads south of Boca de Tomatlán are not well signed for independent hikers.
Vallarta Botanical Gardens visit
natureThe gardens sit at a higher elevation in the Sierra Madre foothills, about 30 minutes south of Centro on the coastal highway. The orchid conservatory, native-plant trails, and on-site restaurant are open year-round.
The elevation keeps afternoon temperatures at the gardens noticeably milder than the 33°C coast of Banderas Bay. May's mostly dry conditions keep trails firm, and several orchid species bloom during the spring transition.Booking tipTake the southbound bus from Centro. Confirm the return schedule at the gardens, as service runs less frequently in low season.
Estero El Salado bird watching
natureThis urban estuary reserve sits within the Hotel Zone area, protecting mangrove habitat that hosts crocodiles, over 100 documented bird species, and blue crabs. Guided walks follow raised boardwalks through the canopy.
Late spring brings migratory species through the Pacific flyway. May's low visitor numbers mean smaller tour groups and quieter boardwalks, which improves sighting odds.Morning Malecón sculpture walk
cultureThe seaside promenade stretches along the waterfront through Centro, lined with dozens of permanent bronze and steel sculptures by Mexican and international artists. Several pieces have become visual symbols of Puerto Vallarta.
Early-morning temperatures in May are comfortable enough for the full walk before the 33°C midday heat sets in. The winter crowds are gone, leaving clear sightlines for photographs against Banderas Bay.Sunset sailing on Banderas Bay
outdoorCatamarans and sailboats depart Marina Vallarta for 3-to-4-hour sunset cruises along the coast, passing the Los Arcos rock formations and secluded southern beaches. May's calm seas make the ride noticeably smoother than winter departures.
The transition from dry to wet season produces dramatic sunset colors as high-altitude moisture scatters the light. Ocean swells are lower than in the windier November-through-February period.Booking tipLow-season departures sometimes need minimum passenger counts. Booking 2 days ahead helps operators consolidate groups.
What to eat in May
In season: fruit
Mango Ataulfo
Jalisco's golden Ataulfo variety reaches peak sweetness in May. Street vendors along the Malecón sell them sliced with chamoy and Tajín. Their floral fragrance carries across the sidewalks in the afternoon heat.
Pitaya
The bright magenta Stenocereus cactus fruit grown across Jalisco starts its harvest in May. The flesh is milder and less sweet than the Southeast Asian dragon fruit variety. Locals eat it with a squeeze of lime and a pinch of salt.
On menus now
Aguachile
Raw shrimp cured in lime juice and blended chiles, served ice-cold with cucumber and red onion. The Sinaloan-style version is popular in Puerto Vallarta's marisquerías, and May's heat makes this sharp, briny dish feel like the right meal at every lunch.
Pescado zarandeado
Whole butterflied snook or red snapper grilled over mangrove wood coals, a Nayarit tradition common in restaurants along Banderas Bay. The smoky char and tangy achiote marinade hit your nose before the plate arrives. Fresh catch quality in late spring tends to be particularly good.
What to drink
Tejuino
A Jaliscan drink made from fermented corn dough, served cold with lime sorbet and a salt rim. The tangy, slightly sweet flavor is the traditional local answer to a hot Pacific-coast afternoon. You'll find it from roaming vendors in Centro and near the Río Cuale market.
Regular events in May
Día del TrabajoFree
Mexico's national Labor Day. Local beaches along Banderas Bay see heavier-than-usual traffic as families take the long weekend. Some tour operators adjust schedules or run holiday promotions.
May 1Cinco de Mayo observanceFree
The commemoration of the 1862 Battle of Puebla is more subdued in Jalisco than in Puebla state or the United States. Some bars near the Malecón host themed parties, but the day passes quietly for most of the city.
May 5Día de las MadresFree
Mexican Mother's Day draws multigenerational family gatherings to restaurants citywide. Live mariachi serenades are traditional in the Centro and Zona Romántica districts. The atmosphere gives low-season visitors a rare window into the domestic celebration side of the city.
May 10Best places this May
Los Muertos Beach
beachPuerto Vallarta's main public beach stretches south from the Río Cuale outlet through Zona Romántica. May's low season means open palapa spots without the dawn-arrival strategy that February demands. The sand is coarse and golden, and the surf stays gentle enough for wading.
Zona RománticaVallarta Botanical Gardens
natureThe orchid conservatory and native-plant trails occupy a hillside site in the Sierra Madre foothills. The gardens opened in 2004 and have grown into one of the most respected botanical collections on Mexico's Pacific coast. A riverside restaurant on the grounds serves Jaliscan dishes.
Isla del Río Cuale
parkThe narrow river island between Centro and Zona Romántica hosts a small museum, an artisan market, and shaded walkways under mature trees. The riverside setting catches a breeze even on the stickiest May afternoons. The sound of the current over rocks mixes with birdsong overhead.
CentroIslas Marietas
natureA protected national park about 35 km northwest of Puerto Vallarta. The famous Playa del Amor sits inside a collapsed volcanic crater. Daily visitor permits are capped, and May's low tourist volume improves your odds of entry compared to the winter months.
Conchas Chinas
beachA quieter residential beach neighborhood south of Zona Romántica. Rocky coves hold small sandy stretches backed by hillside villas. Sea glass and tide pools appear at low tide. The water clarity in May is excellent for casual snorkeling right off the rocks.
Conchas ChinasMalecón
promenadeThe seaside promenade stretches along the waterfront through Centro, lined with permanent sculpture installations by Mexican and international artists. Evening strollers return even during the low season, and the sunset views over Banderas Bay benefit from May's mostly clear skies.
CentroCostalegre
beachThe string of beaches south of Banderas Bay toward Barra de Navidad includes some of the most undeveloped Pacific coastline in Jalisco. May's calm seas and near-empty sand make it a strong day-trip or overnight option from the city.
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Insider tips
The fishing cooperatives at Boca de Tomatlán, about 20 minutes south of Zona Romántica by bus, run panga trips for a fraction of what the Marina Vallarta charter desks charge. The boats are smaller and the amenities minimal, but the fishing grounds cover the same stretch of Banderas Bay.
Día de las Madres on May 10 is likely the busiest restaurant night of the year in Puerto Vallarta. If you plan to eat out that evening, reserve well ahead or go early. The taco stands in the Versalles neighborhood tend to absorb less of the holiday crush than the Zona Romántica tourist corridor.
The Vallarta Botanical Gardens sit high enough in the Sierra Madre foothills that the temperature drops noticeably compared to the coast. On a sticky Centro afternoon, the gardens feel like a different climate zone entirely.
Some Zona Romántica restaurants heading into their summer closure run end-of-season specials during the first two weeks of May. The dining rooms are nearly empty and service tends to be more attentive. You'll likely be eating the last of the season's menu before it gets reworked for November.
In May's quiet low season, you can walk into dive shops and surf outfitters along Los Muertos Beach and arrange day trips on the spot. During peak season those same operators book out days in advance.
Avoid these mistakes
- Booking a whale-watching excursion for May. Humpback season on Banderas Bay runs December through late March. The whales have migrated north by this point, and any operator selling May departures is being misleading about what you'll see.
- Planning a midday walk along the full Malecón without water or a hat. The exposed concrete promenade stores and radiates heat, and the mid-May sun at latitude 20°N hangs nearly directly overhead. Highs of 33°C feel closer to 38°C on the unshaded boardwalk. Walk before 10 a.m. or after 5 p.m.
- Assuming May will feel like peak-season winter weather. Humidity sits near 79%, and daytime temperatures run a full 6-8°C above what the February or March visitor experiences. The air feels heavier than most first-timers expect, and late May can bring the first brief afternoon showers.
Practical tips for May
Most seasonal expat-oriented restaurants and bars in Zona Romántica and Centro close from late April through mid-October, so verify hours before walking to a specific venue. Plan banking and government errands around the May 1 holiday, when those services close for the day. The southbound bus to the Vallarta Botanical Gardens runs year-round but at reduced frequency in low season. Confirm return times at the gardens before committing to an afternoon visit. Book sportfishing charters at least 3-4 days ahead because fewer boats operate in May than during high season. Tap water is unsafe to drink throughout the year, so keep bottled or purified water on hand, especially if you're active outdoors in the 33°C heat. Most shops and restaurants accept credit cards, but the smaller taco stands and beach vendors in neighborhoods like Versalles and Boca de Tomatlán tend to prefer cash in pesos.
FAQ
Is May a good time to visit Puerto Vallarta?
May is a genuinely good time if you prioritize low prices and empty beaches over a full restaurant scene. The weather is hot, with highs around 33°C (91°F), and mostly dry through the first three weeks. Late May occasionally sees the first scattered afternoon showers as the wet season approaches. The main trade-offs are summer closures at seasonal restaurants and persistent humidity that rarely drops below 78%. If you've visited during peak season and want a quieter, more locally-paced version of the city, May delivers that.
What is the weather like in Puerto Vallarta in May?
Expect average highs around 33°C (91°F) and lows near 22.5°C (73°F), with roughly 20mm of rainfall for the month, mostly concentrated in brief late-afternoon showers toward the final week. Humidity runs around 79%. It's noticeably hotter and stickier than the winter months, and the first hints of the wet season sometimes appear by late May. The ocean is warm, around 27°C (81°F), and an afternoon Pacific breeze helps on most days.
Is Puerto Vallarta crowded in May?
No. May is one of the quietest months of the year. The North American winter visitors left in April, and the Mexican domestic-tourism wave doesn't arrive until late June when school breaks start. You'll find uncrowded beaches, easy restaurant walk-ins, and shorter waits at daily-capped attractions like Islas Marietas.
Is May part of hurricane season in Puerto Vallarta?
The Eastern Pacific hurricane season officially starts May 15, but tropical storms affecting Banderas Bay this early are extremely rare. The serious cyclone risk on Mexico's Pacific coast runs from late August through early October. May remains a safe month weather-wise, with minimal precipitation and stable conditions. Standard travel insurance is a sensible precaution for any tropical trip regardless of month.
Can you swim in the ocean at Puerto Vallarta in May?
Yes, and conditions are better than many months. Water temperatures hover around 27°C (81°F), visibility is near its annual peak because summer river runoff hasn't started in earnest, and the surf tends to be calmer than during winter swell season. Los Muertos Beach and the coves at Conchas Chinas both have manageable waves for casual swimmers. Pay attention to lifeguard flags, especially near Mismaloya where currents can strengthen.
Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta in May
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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