The most popular way to reach Puerto Vallarta from abroad is by plane. The Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) receives direct flights from 50 different airports from across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, including 13 domestic flights. Officially known as the Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport, PVR is the 7th busiest airport in Mexico. It is centrally located with easy access to the city.

Puerto Vallarta’s warm, tropical climate provides ideal year-round temperatures, with dry winters and rainy summers. Average temps range from a high of mid-90s and high humidity in the summer rainy season (June - Oct) to evening lows of upper-60s in the mild winters. November through May tend to be drier months, with less humidity, offering 10 to 12 hours of sunshine.

The best time to visit PV is from December to April, which is also considered the high season, driven largely by international visitors, retirees, and snowbirds seeking warmer climates. This is also when you’ll find humidity hasn’t kicked in yet, so walking along or spending the whole day at the beach is very enjoyable. While May - November is considered to be a lower season, there is consistent weekend activity coming from all parts of Mexico.

Puerto Vallarta offers exciting local and international events throughout the entire year, with many of these revolving around culture, gastronomy, sports, and film.

• Puerto Vallarta Carnaval (usually late February)
• The Mexico Open at Vidanta (PGA tournament held in February)
• International Film Festival (March) Festival Internacional de Cine en Puerto Vallarta (FICPV)
• Festival Fiestas de Mayo: Month-long celebration in May encompassing Puerto Vallarta’s anniversary, featuring live music, carnival rides, culture, and tradition
• Vallarta Pride held mid to late May, attracting over 17,000 attendees
• Day of the Dead celebrations (Nov 1) and month-long International Gourmet Festival held in November

With plenty of spots to choose from, Puerto Vallarta’s beaches are pleasantly swimmable. Still, it is important to remain alert to tides, weather, and water conditions as the Pacific Ocean can present stronger waves at certain times of the year. Winter and Spring provide the calmest waters for swimming, while the warmest water temps are Summer and Fall.