Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta in September

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Stay in Puerto Vallarta in September

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September is the wettest month in Puerto Vallarta, and that fact shapes everything about a visit. The city receives rain on roughly 23 of 30 days, humidity sits around 86%, and highs average 30.4°C (87°F) while nights barely cool to 24.6°C (76°F). Storms tend to follow a predictable rhythm: mornings start clear and sunny over Banderas Bay, dark clouds pile up above the Sierra Madre Occidental by early afternoon, and warm, heavy rain falls for 30 to 60 minutes before the sky opens again around sunset. The air between those bursts feels thick enough to chew.

This is deep low season. The North American and European visitors who fill Zona Romántica's sidewalk restaurants in February are months away. Hotel occupancy likely drops below 40%, which pulls room rates to their annual floor. You might walk into a beachfront restaurant that needs a two-week reservation in January and find three occupied tables. The quiet has an upside, but it comes with a real caveat: September falls at the statistical peak of Eastern Pacific hurricane season, and tropical storms can form off the Jalisco coast with 48 hours' warning.

The cultural anchor that lifts September above a total wash is Fiestas Patrias. On the night of September 15, the main plaza beside the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe fills with thousands of locals for the Grito de Dolores, the reenactment of Miguel Hidalgo's 1810 call to independence. Fireworks crack over the bay afterward. The parade on September 16 moves through Centro and along the Malecón. For two or three days, the waterfront draws more energy than at any other point between June and November.

Why visit in September

Room rates drop sharply from the December through March peak, and all-inclusive resorts in the Hotel Zone run their deepest seasonal promotions of the year
Fiestas Patrias on September 15 and 16 is the most spirited public celebration outside of Semana Santa, with free concerts and fireworks that feel genuinely local rather than tourist-oriented
Beaches like Playa de los Muertos, which pack tight with lounge chairs in winter, feel open and unhurried throughout the month
The Sierra Madre hillsides turn intensely green after four months of rain, making jungle hikes and the orchid conservatory at Vallarta Botanical Gardens more photogenic than during the dry brown stretches of March or April

Worth knowing

September delivers the highest monthly rainfall of the year, with afternoon downpours that can stall outdoor plans for an hour or more
Eastern Pacific hurricane season reaches its statistical peak, and tropical storms occasionally force flight cancellations or multi-day indoor stretches with little advance warning
The humidity makes any prolonged outdoor exertion between noon and 4 PM feel oppressive, and even evenings rarely offer real relief
Several boat-tour operators, particularly those running excursions to Islas Marietas and Los Arcos, reduce schedules or suspend trips when seas run high

Best for

Think twice if

Weather measured 30° / 25°C 214mm rain · 23 rainy days · 86% humidity rains perceptibly ~2.5h/day · 85% of mornings dry

Crowds low

Pack Lightweight moisture-wicking shirts in linen or technical fabric, since cotton absorbs the damp air and stays wet for hours. Waterproof sandals with rubber soles for slippery cobblestones. A compact rain jacket or packable poncho for the daily afternoon storms.

The daily pattern tends to be reliable, even if the rain itself is not optional. Mornings start warm and hazy, with the sun heating the bay until early afternoon. By 2 or 3 PM, dark clouds mass along the Sierra Madre ridge to the east and release short, heavy bursts of warm rain. The downpours cool the air briefly before the humidity rebounds within the hour. Evenings are typically calm, warm, and muggy. Overnight lows keep the air warm enough that sleeping without air conditioning is uncomfortable. The ocean temperature runs around 29 to 30°C (84 to 86°F), warm enough to feel like bathwater on entry.

Seasonal caution

Eastern Pacific hurricane season peaks in September. Monitor NOAA and Mexico's Servicio Meteorológico Nacional forecasts before and during your trip, as tropical systems can develop within 48 hours of landfall
Rip currents strengthen along the bay's beaches after storms. Red and yellow warning flags appear on Playa de los Muertos and Playa Camarones frequently this month. Obey them without exception
Mosquito populations spike after standing water accumulates from daily rain. Dengue and Zika transmission remains possible across Jalisco state through October, so repellent and long sleeves at dusk are not optional

Year-round climate

Averages from the last 5 years.

Monthly climate averages for Puerto Vallarta
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 September

Public holidays

Independence Day(Día de la Independencia)16 September 2026

Headline events

Nationwide Free

Fiestas Patrias (Mexican Independence Day)

September 15-16

Mexico's biggest patriotic celebration, anchored by the Grito de Dolores ceremony on the evening of September 15 and a full day of parades, music, and public gatherings on September 16. In Puerto Vallarta, the ceremony takes place in the main plaza with fireworks over the bay, followed the next morning by a civic parade. It is the single liveliest public event of the low-season calendar.

#FiestasPatrias

Best things to do in September

Watch the Grito de Dolores ceremony in the main plaza

cultural

On the evening of September 15, the plaza beside the cathedral fills with locals and the few tourists still in town. The municipal president leads the crowd through the historic independence shouts from the building's balcony, followed by fireworks over the bay. Food vendors set up along the surrounding blocks with pozole, tamales, and micheladas.

The Grito happens once a year, on the night of September 15. No equivalent event occurs in any other month.

Booking tipNo tickets needed. Arrive before 9 PM to secure a clear sightline to the balcony. The square fills well before the 11 PM ceremony.

Surf September swells at Sayulita

outdoor

The beach break at Sayulita receives consistent south and southwest swells in September that produce rideable waves in the 1 to 2 meter range. Surf schools along Calle Delfín rent boards and run morning lessons. The town itself is compact enough to walk end to end in 15 minutes.

September's swell direction and consistency tend to outperform the calmer winter months, when the break often goes flat for days at a stretch.

Booking tipBook morning sessions before 10 AM. Conditions are cleanest before onshore winds pick up after midday.

Hike the green Sierra Madre foothills

outdoor

Months of continuous rain transform the dry brown hillsides above the city into dense subtropical jungle. Trail systems near Vallarta Botanical Gardens, founded in 2004, wind through forest canopy that reaches peak lushness this month. Rivers run full. The canopy filters the worst of the humidity under the trees.

The Sierra Madre hits peak greenery after four straight months of rain. By December, the hillsides begin drying out and turning brown again.

Booking tipStart early, before 9 AM. Trails get muddy and slippery after the afternoon rains. Closed-toe shoes with tread are not optional.

Release olive ridley sea turtle hatchlings

nature

Campamentos tortugueros (turtle camps) along the bay host public hatchling release programs during nesting season. Volunteers guide tiny olive ridley turtles from protected nests down to the waterline at sunset. The camp at Boca de Tomates beach, north of the airport, runs one of the more accessible programs for visitors.

Olive ridley nesting peaks from August through October along the Jalisco coast. September sits in the middle of hatching season, with releases happening several times per week.

Booking tipPrograms start at sunset. Confirm times directly with the camp, as schedules depend on hatching cycles and shift day to day.

Charter a sportfishing trip from Marina Vallarta

outdoor

September's warm surface water draws dorado (mahi-mahi) and sailfish close to Banderas Bay. Charter boats departing from the marina report strong catch rates through the month. With fewer recreational vessels on the water, popular fishing grounds feel less congested than during the winter high season.

Dorado season peaks from June through October, and warm September surface temperatures concentrate fish closer to shore than during the cooler winter months.

Booking tipBook a morning departure. Afternoon winds chop up the water and some captains cancel late runs in September. Confirm the cancellation policy in case of tropical weather.

Explore the Isla del Río Cuale art market

cultural

The narrow island in the Cuale River, wedged between Centro and Zona Romántica, hosts an open-air craft market under a canopy of ficus trees. In September, with far fewer tourists browsing, artisans have time to talk about their work and are notably more open to negotiation. The river rushes louder on either side after the afternoon rains, adding texture to the walk.

September's thin foot traffic means better conversation with vendors and room to negotiate 20 to 30% below tagged prices, which is uncommon during the winter rush.

Eat your way through Fiestas Patrias street food

food

The nights of September 15 and 16 bring temporary food stalls to the waterfront and the streets around the main plaza. Expect pozole, tamales, elotes (grilled corn with mayo, chile, and lime), churros, and buckets of michelada. The food scene is distinctly local and priced for the domestic crowd.

These particular food vendors cluster in the plaza area only for Fiestas Patrias. The menu is patriotic, seasonal, and absent from the waterfront the rest of the year.

What to eat in September

In season: fruit

Guanábana (soursop)
A spiky tropical fruit with creamy, tart-sweet pulp that peaks in availability along Mexico's Pacific lowlands in late summer. Juice vendors on the Malecón blend it into cold aguas frescas that cut through the September heat.

On menus now

Chile en nogada
A roasted poblano pepper stuffed with picadillo (ground meat, dried fruits, spices), draped in cold walnut cream sauce, and garnished with pomegranate seeds and parsley. The dish mirrors Mexico's flag in green, white, and red. September is the peak month because fresh walnuts from Puebla and pomegranates reach markets simultaneously. Several restaurants in Zona Romántica and Versalles run special chile en nogada menus through the Fiestas Patrias weekend.
Pozole rojo
A hominy and pork soup in a rich red chile broth, served with shredded cabbage, sliced radish, dried oregano, and tostadas. Pozole is the traditional Fiestas Patrias dish across Jalisco. Street vendors and fondas in El Pitillal serve it at evening gatherings through mid-September.
Sierra mackerel ceviche
Pacific sierra season begins along the Jalisco coast around September. The firm, oily flesh cures cleanly in lime juice, tossed with red onion, tomato, serrano chile, and cilantro. Marisquerías near the Mercado Municipal Río Cuale serve it heaped on crisp tostadas.

What to drink

Tuba
A lightly fermented coconut palm sap drink, faintly sweet and served cold from glass jugs by street vendors near Los Muertos pier and along the waterfront. Tuba sellers appear more frequently during the humid months when locals want something cooler than coffee.

Regular events in September

Grito de Dolores ceremonyFree

The centerpiece of Fiestas Patrias, held in the main plaza. The municipal president leads the crowd through Mexico's independence shouts from the balcony, followed by fireworks and music that continue past midnight.

September 15, ceremony begins around 11 PM

Independence Day paradeFree

A civic and military procession passes through the city center on the morning after the Grito. School groups, municipal officials, and local organizations march in a display that feels more community pageant than military exercise.

September 16, morning

Día Nacional del CharroFree

A national holiday celebrating Mexico's traditional horsemanship, observed the day before Independence Day. In Jalisco, the birthplace of charrería, the day typically brings exhibitions and regional events, though Puerto Vallarta's observances tend to be modest compared to those in Guadalajara.

September 14

Olive ridley sea turtle releasesFree

Public hatchling release events at turtle camps along the bay's beaches. Releases happen at sunset when conditions are right, several times per week through the month. Free to attend, though donations support the conservation programs.

Throughout September, at sunset

Best places this September

Malecón
landmark
Puerto Vallarta's roughly 1-km seaside boardwalk, lined with bronze sculptures by artists including Alejandro Colunga and Ramiz Barquet. In September, the promenade feels emptier than at any other point in the year. Sunsets tend to be more dramatic after the afternoon rain clouds fracture and catch the light on their way out.
Centro
Los Muertos Beach
beach
The main beach in Zona Romántica, stretching south from Los Muertos pier. September brings more open sand than the winter months, though red-flag days for rip currents are common after storms. The pier itself is a solid sunset-watching spot when the sky cooperates.
Zona Romántica
Vallarta Botanical Gardens
park
A 20-hectare garden about 30 minutes south along Highway 200, opened in 2004. The orchid conservatory, vanilla plantation, and jungle trails benefit from the rains and reach their greenest in September. A riverside swimming area and on-site restaurant make it a comfortable half-day trip.
Isla del Río Cuale
market
A narrow island in the middle of the Cuale River, home to an art and craft market, a small archaeological museum, and shaded walking paths beneath old ficus trees. The river runs high and loud this month, which gives the stroll a different atmosphere than the dry months when the water slows to a trickle.
Centro
5 de Diciembre neighborhood
neighborhood
A residential area north of Centro with a growing collection of taquerías, coffee shops, and mezcalerías that serve a local clientele year-round. September is a good time to explore because the restaurants still operating through low season tend to be the ones earning their survival on food quality alone.
5 de Diciembre
Mercado Municipal Río Cuale
market
The municipal market at the mouth of the Cuale River, with two floors of food stalls, produce vendors, and souvenir shops. The upper-level food stalls serve fresh ceviche, fried whole fish, and aguas frescas. September's lighter foot traffic means shorter waits and more attentive service.
Centro
Conchas Chinas
beach
A series of small rocky coves south of Zona Romántica, reached by a steep road or by walking south along the shore from the main beach at low tide. The rock formations create sheltered pools that stay calmer than the open sand when September swells roll in.
Conchas Chinas

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Packable rain jacket or ponchoAfternoon storms arrive nearly every day. A compact, fast-drying layer fits in a daypack and keeps you moving through the 30 to 60 minute downpours rather than waiting them out under an awning. Shop
Waterproof sandals with rubber solesCobblestone streets in the older neighborhoods become slick after rain. Leather sandals and basic flip-flops lose traction on wet stone. Choose something with grip that you can walk in for hours. Shop
Insect repellent with 25 to 30% DEETStanding water from daily rains breeds mosquitoes through September. Apply at dusk, when biting peaks, especially near the Cuale River and garden areas. Pharmacy selection narrows in low season, so bring your preferred brand from home. Shop
Dry bag or waterproof phone pouchSudden downpours can catch you mid-walk along the waterfront. A small dry bag protects your phone, wallet, and camera when the rain arrives faster than a taxi. Shop
Lightweight moisture-wicking shirtsCotton absorbs the saturated air and takes hours to dry. Technical or linen fabrics handle the constant damp far better and prevent the clammy feeling that makes September afternoons miserable. Shop
Reef-safe sunscreen, SPF 50+Cloud cover in September tricks visitors into skipping sun protection. UV intensity at the 20°N latitude is high even on overcast mornings. Los Arcos Marine Park requires reef-safe formulas. Shop
Electrolyte packetsHeat and humidity cause faster dehydration than most visitors expect. Tap water in Puerto Vallarta is not reliably potable, so mixing electrolyte powder into bottled water is the simplest solution. Shop
Light long-sleeve layer for eveningsMosquitoes peak at sunset. A thin long-sleeve shirt provides a physical barrier when eating outdoors at beachfront restaurants, and doubles as a light cover for air-conditioned interiors. Shop

Insider tips

Mornings are almost always dry and sunny. Schedule beach time, hikes, or market visits before noon. By early afternoon, watch the clouds build over the mountains to the east. When they darken and drop low, you have roughly 30 minutes before the rain hits. Locals treat the afternoon storm as a natural intermission, not a disruption.
El Pitillal, about 4 km inland from the Hotel Zone, is where many service workers live and eat. Taco stands and fondas there serve birria and pozole at a fraction of what Zona Romántica charges for similar dishes. The neighborhood stays lively through September because its clientele is local year-round.
If you're in town for the Grito on September 15, buy your Mexican flag, face paint, and noisemakers from the vendors who set up along Calle Juárez in the days beforehand. Prices climb within a block of the main plaza on the night itself.
The surf town north of the city fills up for the Fiestas Patrias long weekend despite it being low season everywhere else. If you want both the waves and the Grito, stay in Puerto Vallarta and day-trip for surf on the 14th or 17th instead of trying to do both from Sayulita.

Avoid these mistakes

Booking a full-day boat tour to Islas Marietas without checking conditions first. High seas cancel trips frequently in September, and the national park enforces seasonal access restrictions during seabird nesting. Confirm with your operator 24 hours ahead, and pick one that offers free rescheduling.
Stacking all outdoor activities into a single day. The afternoon storms are predictable but immovable. Visitors who plan a morning beach session, a midday hike, and an evening boat cruise in one day lose the middle block to rain every time. Spread outdoor plans across separate mornings.
Skipping travel insurance that covers weather disruptions. Tropical storms can ground flights at the airport for 24 to 48 hours, and standard airline rebooking policies do not cover hotels or missed connections during weather events.
Underestimating the sun on overcast mornings. The cloud layer at this latitude still passes strong UV, and sunburns happen faster when visitors assume grey skies mean low exposure.

Practical tips for September

Tour operators along the waterfront reduce their schedules in September. Confirm availability a full day ahead for any boat trip, since rough seas cancel departures without much warning. Dress casually for the Grito ceremony, but plan to reach the main plaza before 9 PM to secure a decent vantage point, because the crowd fills the square well before the 11 PM ceremony begins. Several restaurants in the Marina Vallarta area close for part of September or operate on shorter hours, so call ahead before making the trip. City buses between Centro and the surf towns to the north run on a regular schedule year-round, departing from the corner of Calle Brasil and Calle Insurgentes in the 5 de Diciembre neighborhood, but verify the last return time, which tends to move earlier on weekdays. If flying into Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport, verify your airline's hurricane rebooking policy before departure and keep a digital copy of your travel insurance accessible offline. Mosquito activity peaks at dusk, so plan to be indoors or covered when the sun drops.

FAQ

Is September a good time to visit Puerto Vallarta?

Honestly, September is one of the least popular months. It brings the heaviest rainfall of the year, persistent humidity, and sits at the peak of Pacific hurricane season. That said, it offers the lowest accommodation rates, near-empty beaches, and the Fiestas Patrias celebration. If your schedule is flexible and you're comfortable with tropical weather patterns, it can work well on a budget. If you need reliable sunshine, the November through April dry season is a safer choice.

What is the weather like in Puerto Vallarta in September?

Expect warm days in the low 30s°C (upper 80s°F) and warm nights that barely cool down. Rain falls more often than not, mostly in afternoon bursts lasting 30 to 90 minutes. Mornings are typically sunny and clear. The ocean feels almost uncomfortably warm, like stepping into a bath. You will want air conditioning to sleep comfortably, and you will want a rain layer in your bag every time you leave the hotel.

Is Puerto Vallarta crowded in September?

Not at all. September is deep low season, and tourist numbers drop to their annual trough. Beaches that fill with lounge chairs in winter have open stretches of sand. Restaurants seat walk-ins without hesitation. The one exception is the Fiestas Patrias weekend, when Mexican domestic visitors arrive for the holiday. Even then, the crowd is modest compared to Christmas or Semana Santa.

Are hurricanes a real risk in Puerto Vallarta in September?

The risk is real but context matters. September is statistically the most active month for tropical cyclones in the Eastern Pacific basin. Most storms that form off the coast track west, away from the mainland, so direct hits on Banderas Bay are uncommon. Distant hurricanes can still bring heavy rain bands, rough seas, and occasional flight disruptions. Trip insurance with weather coverage is a reasonable precaution for any September booking.

Can you swim in the ocean in Puerto Vallarta in September?

Yes, but pay close attention to the beach warning flags posted each morning. Rip currents strengthen after storms, and red flags appear more frequently this month than during the dry season. Sheltered coves at Conchas Chinas tend to stay calmer than the open beach. The water is very warm, so a wetsuit would be unnecessary. Mind the flags and you will be fine.