Weather in Puerto Vallarta in September + Events and Things to Do

Curious about the weather in Puerto Vallarta in September? Then this post is for you. You will find all you need to know about Puerto Vallarta In September, including weather, Events, and things to do plus more travel tips.

Puerto Vallarta has all the features of a memorable Mexican destination, including world-class beaches, thriving nature, delicious local and international cuisines, shops, lots of historic allure, and many more things.

But a trip to PV isn’t the same any time of year, so your mileage may vary based on the month of your visit.

September is a decent month to visit Puerto Vallarta, but make sure to plan accordingly.

In this post, I will tell you about the Puerto Vallarta weather in September along with events and things to do, so it’s a good place to start if you don’t know much about PV.

Let’s begin by briefly talking about the town itself.

Puerto Vallarta is a beautiful city located on the Pacific coast of Mexico. It’s a popular tourist destination known for its high-end boutique hotels, fine dining, nightlife, and shopping.

This small city has everything that makes a perfect vacation destination, but the real reason why it’s so popular among tourists is because of its beautiful scenery, thriving nature in the Sierra Madre mountains, beautiful beaches, and colonial charm.

All in all, Puerto Vallarta is a dream tourist destination for so many reasons. But is it just as good in September? That’s exactly what we’re about to find out, so hold tight!

Weather in Puerto Vallarta In September – At a Glance

Puerto Vallarta is located on the Pacific side of Mexico and has a tropical climate. The city experiences two distinct seasons in terms of weather patterns—a rainy season from June to October, and a dry season from November to May.

September is one of the wettest months in Puerto Vallarta with an average rainfall of 11 inches.

Temperatures during this month range from 75-90 degrees Fahrenheit (24-32 degrees Celsius). The average humidity is high but not as much as the previous month, which is definitely annoying but not enough to spoil the fun of your trip.

The average wind speed is also the same as in the previous and upcoming months, and the surf is flat. Below is some more detailed information on PV weather.

Temperature in Puerto Vallarta in September

The average maximum temperature of Puerto Vallarta in September is about 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius), so it’s definitely warm enough to enjoy the beach or go for a hike in the jungle.

The average low stays around 76 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius).

The highest day temperature rarely exceeds 94°F (34°C), and the lowest night temperature rarely drops below 66°F (18°C).

Precipitation in Puerto Vallarta in September

Puerto Vallarta gets a lot of rain in September because it is hurricane season and there are chances of tropical storms.

However, you won’t have to worry about any major hurricanes hitting the town because of the protection offered by Banderas Bay.

The average rainfall is about 11 inches. You can expect at least a little rain on half the days of September, but it’s usually in the late afternoon or evenings and comes in the form of short bursts, which means you will have plenty of space to fit in excursions and activities into the day.

Sunshine in Puerto Vallarta in September

September may not have the longest days, but they’re also not short by any means.

Although the skies are gray most of the days, you will get more than 12 hours of sunshine in Puerto Vallarta during the month of September, with sunrise at 7:47 AM and sunset at 8:03 PM.

The average maximum UV index is high despite lots of cloud cover, so sunscreen and staying under shade as much as possible are advised.

Sea water temperature

The pleasantly warm sea temperatures of August continue in September as well. With an average sea temperature of 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius), the water on Puerto Vallarta beaches is perfect for a swim.

What’s more, these ocean temperatures come with excellent visibility as well, so you can better enjoy watersports like snorkeling and scuba diving.

Sargassum Seaweed In Puerto Vallarta in September

The sargassum seaweed is an issue on the Caribbean side of Mexico, so the Pacific Ocean beaches are pretty much unaffected.

Puerto Vallarta also has the Bay of Banderas, which offers additional protection to its beautiful beaches, so you don’t have to worry about sargassum here any time of year.

Events in Puerto Vallarta in September

There are pretty much no big events in early September, but PV goes into full party mode in the later half of the month.

Almost all the days after the 13th of September are basically events and festivities. Here are the big events that take up those days.

Independence Day

Mexican independence day is celebrated as a two-day festival in Puerto Vallarta.

As you can guess, the celebration is one of the biggest events in the country and includes lots of fireworks, food, and music.

Every year on the afternoon of 15 September, people gather in the main square of town to enjoy traditional food and music until 11 PM.

Then bells and fireworks mark the cry for independence, followed by a huge party.

The next day brings more local food, music, and festivities along with a military parade.

Charro Day

Celebration of the National Day for Mexican cowboys (charros) begins with a huge parade downtown with the cowboys riding through the streets in their traditional attire and ends with a party involving dance and mariachi music at the Malecon.

The festivities take place every 14th of September.

San Pancho Days

San Pancho, a small fishing village north of Sayulita, celebrates its saint patron’s day as a 9-day festival.

The St. Francis of Assisi festival begins on October 25, and involves parades, live music, food, carnival rides, and festivities.

The last day of the festival features partying and dancing into the night after lighting the Castillo, which is a giant structure of fireworks.

Pros of Visiting Puerto Vallarta in September

✅ September is one of the months that come right after the vacation period and before the high season, so it’s when crowds are at their lowest.

If you’re looking for an intimate and relaxed vacation with fewer people around, September is a good time for it.

✅ Another great thing about the low-season months like September is the lower pricing on everything from flights to rooms and excursions.

So, while visiting PV during September, you will find unbelievably good deals on almost everything!

✅ You will have the potential for lots of outdoor activities during September, including beach days, jungle excursions, and tours to the nearby attractions. Just make sure to take a look at the weather forecast for the day beforehand.

✅ The ocean water is warm and the undersea visibility is also great in September. This means the month is great for watersports activities like swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and scuba diving.

Cons of Visiting Puerto Vallarta in September

👎 The month of September is one of the rainiest months of the Puerto Vallarta hurricane season, so you can expect at least little rain during the afternoons/evenings for 15 days of the month, and almost all of the month sees cloudy days (though, it’s still slightly less rainy than the previous month, which is the wettest month of the year).

👎 With fewer tourists visiting Puerto Vallarta, it’s harder to find tours for activities and excursions. This is because many tour operators close up or offer fewer outings during the low season months, or they don’t reach the minimum number.

👎 September is one of the hottest summer months, so you can expect higher temperatures along with the highest humidity levels compared to the rest of the year.

Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta in September

Take a walk in the Old Town and on the Malecon

The Old Town of Puerto Vallarta is famous for its charming cobblestone streets lined with Colonial buildings, adorable cafes and restaurants, shops, and monuments. You can take a walk here and move on to the lovely Malecon right after for an unforgettable day in PV.

Enjoy the water sports

The watersports activities offered on the stunning beaches of Puerto Vallarta are one of the most famous in Mexico.

These include swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and many more.

You can take an entire day to enjoy these activities or just relax by the seaside unwinding, but whatever you do, make sure to visit one of Puerto Vallarta’s many beaches – they’re beautiful all year round!

Explore the lush jungle

Seeing the thriving jungle of Puerto Vallarta is an extraordinary outdoor activity that you can enjoy during your trip.

The jungle is peaceful and brimming with greenery, and there are lots of hiking trails leading to hidden waterfalls in it that you can take as well.

Tips For Visiting Puerto Vallarta in September

► Make sure to stay hydrated

The September temperatures are hot and balmy, so keeping yourself hydrated and staying under shade as much as possible is important.

► Be prepared for the sun and the mosquitos

There is plenty of cloud cover during September, but the sun is intense even behind clouds. The insects (particularly mosquitos) are also an issue in the rainy season.

Don’t forget to pack lots of eco-friendly sunscreen and mosquito repellent to protect yourself from the sun and bugs.

► Keep some cash (in pesos) on you to pay for expenses

Many places in Puerto Vallarta accept cards, but there are some that don’t, so it’s always a good idea to have some pesos at hand to pay for something at a place that doesn’t accept cards.

► Plan your activities and excursions with rain in mind

As I have mentioned already, September is one of the wettest months of the year, so you should always check the weather forecast before you plan anything, as many events are held outdoors and may be canceled due to bad weather.

Puerto Vallarta in September FAQs

How is the weather in Puerto Vallarta in September?

The Puerto Vallarta weather in September is usually sunny and warm, with highs in the low 90s and lows in the mid-70s.

This is the perfect time to enjoy all that Puerto Vallarta has to offer, including its many beaches, restaurants, and shops.

There are also a number of events and activities taking place this month, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Just keep in mind that September is among the wettest months of the year, and there are at least 15 days of rain during it.

But these are mostly just short bursts in the afternoon or evening, so you can still plan activities with a quick glance at the weather forecast.

Is it safe to travel to Puerto Vallarta in September?

YES. Puerto Vallarta is a major tourist destination in Mexico, and it receives thousands of visitors every year.

The town is safe all year round as long as you follow some common sense safety rules like keeping an eye on your belongings, not leaving your food and drinks unattended in restaurants and bars, and leaving your valuables in the safety box of your room.

Also read: Is it safe to travel to Puerto Vallarta?

➢ Do I need travel insurance in Mexico? Yes, you do! I can never stress enough what a lifesaver it can be in unexpected situations. Although I hope I never need it, it gives me peace of mind to know that whatever happens, I am covered. I have been using  Safety Wing, and I find it quite fair, covering a lot for its pricing level. Depending on your needs or you can compare different insurance companies on this useful site, TRAVEL INSURANCE MASTER. Make sure you read carefully what’s included before making the purchase. If you are undecided yet, you can read my post on the best travel insurance for Mexico for more clarity.

What kind of trip to expect in Puerto Vallarta in September?

Puerto Vallarta is a beautiful city located on the Pacific coast of Mexico, and September is a great time to visit here for lots of outdoor activities with no crowds.

This is when there are good deals on everything and not many people around.

There are plenty of events and activities to keep visitors entertained, such as National Charro Day and Independence Day.

Visitors can also enjoy exploring the city’s many beaches, shops, and restaurants, and the lush jungle with hiking trails leading to hidden waterfalls is another great place for outdoor adventures.

What’s the best time to visit Puerto Vallarta?

The best time to visit Puerto Vallarta depends on the kind of trip you want. The perfect time to visit for the best weather conditions is between December and May.

The winter months offer the coldest temperatures of the year but are still warm and comfy for excursions and activities, and the Spring months are the driest months of the year.

But this is also the high season, so rates and crowds both are also high during it.

Late December through early March is the best time to visit if you’re visiting Puerto Vallarta for whale-watching.

Humpback whales arrive near the shore by December and leave by April. The winter months are also the period when the surf is great, so you can visit PV during these months if you’re looking to go surfing.

April through June is when you will find fewer people around and good deals on rooms. You can expect warm, sunny days and great underwater visibility.

This is a good time to visit with your family because the weather is decent, there are lots of great deals available, and crowds are gone after the peak time for tourists and Spring Break crowds.

Just be careful not to arrive during the Holy Week (the week leading up to Easter).

The best months to avoid crowds and find lower prices on everything are July through September (the low season).

It’s right before the Mexican vacation season, so you’re guaranteed to have at least some of the attractions all to yourself, and most with just a few people around.

Just keep in mind that Puerto Vallarta experiences higher temperatures, one of the highest UV indexes, humid weather, and the Atlantic hurricane season in the late summer, so it’s definitely not the best time for good weather.

Are there lots of hurricanes in Puerto Vallarta during the hurricane season?

No, there are not a lot of hurricanes in Puerto Vallarta during the hurricane season. The area is actually fairly sheltered from major storms by the Banderas Bay acting as a natural barrier.

Hurricane Kenna, the hurricane that hit PV in 2002, occurred 35 years after the hurricane before it.

This means that historical weather data also shows major storms are very unlikely in PV, which is pretty good news.

For Further Reading

• Traveling to Puerto Vallarta in August: Weather, Things to Do and Events
• The best time to visit Puerto Vallarta for weather, prices, events, and more
• 37 Amazing Things To Do In Puerto Vallarta in 2022
• Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun – which one is better?
• Is Puerto Vallarta Safe to travel? Puerto Vallarta safety tips for 2021
• 13 Puerto Vallarta travel tips for first timers
• The Best Area to Stay in Puerto Vallarta in 2022