Cheapest and Most Expensive Times To Visit Puerto Vallarta
Searching for the cheapest and most expensive times to visit Puerto Vallarta? This guide has you covered and will help you plan when to go based on your travel budget.
Most Expensive Time to Visit Puerto Vallarta
The most expensive time to visit Puerto Vallarta is during the winter high season and holiday weeks, when international tourists flock to Mexico’s Pacific coast.
- Winter Peak (December to April)
This is Puerto Vallarta’s busiest and costliest season, with warm, dry weather ideal for beachgoers. Resorts in the Zona Romántica, Marina Vallarta, and Nuevo Vallarta (Nuevo Nayarit) book up quickly, and flights are most expensive. - Christmas and New Year’s (late December – early January)
The priciest time of the year, when holiday travelers fill hotels and villas. Minimum-night requirements and premium pricing are common. - Spring Break & Semana Santa (March – early April)
Crowds of U.S. travelers and domestic tourists raise demand for hotels, flights, and nightlife venues. - Events Adding to Costs:
- Whale Watching Season (Dec – March) – A popular attraction that coincides with high travel demand.
- Vallarta Pride Festival (late May) – One of Mexico’s largest LGBTQ+ events, drawing thousands of visitors.
- Festival Gourmet International (November) – Celebrated food festival that increases demand before peak season.
Cheapest Time to Visit Puerto Vallarta
The cheapest time to visit Puerto Vallarta is during the summer and rainy season, when hot, humid weather and storm risks keep many tourists away.
- Summer (June to September)
High humidity and frequent afternoon rains make this the least popular time to visit. However, hotel rates and flights are deeply discounted. It’s a great time for budget travelers who don’t mind the weather. - Fall (October to early November, pre-peak)
A shoulder season with improving weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices before the winter rush begins. - Late Spring (late April to May, after Easter and before summer rains)
Warm, quieter, and more affordable than the busy winter and spring break periods.
Price Summary Table for Puerto Vallarta Travel
| Time Period | Price Level | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Dec – April (Winter Peak) | 💲💲💲 Highest | Dry season; busiest time, most expensive hotels and flights |
| Late Dec – Early Jan | 💲💲💲 Very High | Christmas & New Year’s; premium pricing and limited availability |
| March – April (Spring Break & Semana Santa) | 💲💲 High | International & domestic demand raises rates |
| Nov (Festival Gourmet) | 💲💲 High | Popular food festival before high season |
| Late May (Vallarta Pride) | 💲💲 High | Major LGBTQ+ festival increases demand |
| Late April – May | 💲 Moderate | Shoulder period; warm weather, lower costs |
| Oct – Early Nov | 💲 Low | Transition to peak season; affordable accommodations |
| June – Sept (Summer & Rainy) | 💲 Lowest | Hot, humid, rainy; least crowded, cheapest rates |
How To Save Money When Visiting Puerto Vallarta
- Travel in summer or early fall for the lowest hotel and flight prices.
- Book far in advance for Christmas, New Year’s, and Semana Santa to avoid peak pricing.
- Stay outside the Zona Romántica or Marina Vallarta for more budget-friendly accommodations.
- Look for all-inclusive resort deals in the off-season, when discounts are steep.
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