Puerto Vallarta Weather in December

December weather

December is warm and mostly dry in Puerto Vallarta. Expect afternoons around 29°C and evenings near 18°C, with about two rainy days. The air can still feel humid, but it's comfortable for wandering the Malecón, exploring Centro or taking a boat trip along Banderas Bay.

You'll have enough sunshine for beach time, though cloud can drift in. The sea and sand are better bets than a long inland hike in the afternoon. December is drier than November, but January gets even less rain.

Holidays and crowds

The Our Lady of Guadalupe celebrations bring processions to the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe from December 1 to 12. Later in the month, posadas—Christmas gatherings with songs and processions—take place around town. The festive streets are lovely, but Centro can get slow and crowded during events.

Families often find December's mild evenings easier than sticky summer weather. Still, this is high season, and Christmas and New Year draw plenty of visitors. Expect busier beaches and higher prices than in the rainy, quieter months. If you prefer calmer streets, early December is usually a better fit than the holiday rush.

A local tip

For the Guadalupe celebrations, stay near Centro if you want to watch a procession, but allow extra time to cross town. Streets around the church can fill up, and traffic may crawl. The nearby plaza is a handy place to pause and take in the music before heading along the Malecón.

For a quieter beach day, consider taking a water taxi from the Los Muertos pier to Yelapa. The ride is part of the outing, and you'll trade the city's holiday crowds for a small coastal village. Check the return boat times locally, since you won't want to miss the last ride.