Puerto Vallarta in November: Weather, Events and Local Tips

Puerto Vallarta in November is one of those sweet spots that first-time visitors stumble onto by luck and longtime regulars guard a little jealously. The summer rains are packing up, the light turns soft and golden, and the town is still unhurried before the holiday crowds roll in. If you are wondering whether early November is a good time to visit, we are happy to say it might just be our favorite month of the whole year!

What November Weather in Puerto Vallarta Really Feels Like

Let’s start with the question everyone asks: is it still hot? Yes, in the loveliest way. Daytime highs in Puerto Vallarta in November usually land around 86 to 89 degrees Fahrenheit (30 to 32 Celsius), and evenings settle into a balmy 70 to 72 F (21 to 22 C). That means mornings made for beach walks, afternoons for the pool or a shady balcony, and dinners outdoors in nothing more than a light layer.

The ocean stays warm enough for swimming all month, hovering near 82 F (28 C), and the heavy humidity that makes September feel sticky starts to ease as the weeks pass. By the end of November the dry season is genuinely moving in, and the sunsets stretch out longer and more theatrical over Banderas Bay.

Rain Tapering Off: Why Early November Is the Sweet Spot

November sits right on the seam between Puerto Vallarta’s rainy season and its dry season. The first week or two can still bring a passing afternoon shower, usually a short, warm burst that clears within an hour and leaves everything smelling green and fresh. By mid-month the rain is mostly a memory, and you are looking at long days of clear blue sky.

A little rain, we think, is a fair trade for the payoff: jungle that is still lush and emerald, rivers and waterfalls at full voice, and rental rates that have not yet climbed to high-season numbers. That is the best of both worlds, and it is exactly why we love hosting guests in November.

Events and Festivals to Plan Your Trip Around

There is more happening in November than most first-timers expect! The town starts its slow build toward the holidays, and you will find live music most nights in the bars around Zona Romantica and along the malecón, plus art walks through the galleries of Old Town.

November 1 and 2 bring Día de Muertos, when altars appear in plazas and families honor loved ones with marigolds, candles, and pan de muerto. It is a beautiful, tender tradition, and visitors are warmly welcome to observe with respect. Later in the month, Revolution Day on November 20 often brings a parade and a proud, festive atmosphere through the streets.

If you are hoping to catch a show, a cooking class, or a sunset sail, this is also the month when seasonal restaurants and tour operators settle into their winter calendars, so the schedule starts to fill in nicely.

Crowds, Prices, and the Quiet-Season Perks

Here is the insider part. November is shoulder season, which means the beaches are not wall-to-wall, the restaurants still have room for you without a reservation, and the pace stays relaxed and local rather than packed and frantic. Flights and stays are kinder on the wallet than in December, though prices do begin to climb as the US Thanksgiving holiday approaches, so earlier in the month is the calmer, better-value window.

You will also find that the people you meet have more time to chat. That is one of the quiet gifts of November in Puerto Vallarta: the town feels like itself.

What to Pack for Puerto Vallarta in November

Think light and easy. Breathable clothing, a swimsuit or two, a cover-up, and sandals for the beach, plus comfortable walking shoes for the cobblestone streets of Old Town. Add reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, and bring insect repellent for the lush early-month evenings.

A light rain jacket or a compact umbrella earns its place in your bag for the first week or two, along with one light layer for breezy dinners by the water. Cash in pesos is handy for taxis, markets, and smaller taquerías, though cards are widely accepted in restaurants and shops.

Where to Base Yourself for an Easy First Visit

For a first trip, we always point guests toward the hillside Amapas neighborhood and the walkable streets of Zona Romántica and Old Town, both just steps from Los Muertos Beach. Here you are close enough to walk to dinner, coffee, and the malecón, yet high enough for the sweeping ocean and mountain views that make a Puerto Vallarta sunset unforgettable.

Our family hosts a handful of condos and studios right in this area, each one a comfortable base for a November getaway. Casa Opportunity is a one-bedroom apartment with panoramic bay and mountain views just four blocks from Los Muertos Beach. Casa Mi Sueño and The Nest (Casa Mi Nido) both offer ocean-view one-bedroom comfort in the hills of Amapas, and Casa Hummingbird is a roomy studio near Old Town. If you prefer a quieter barrio feel, the Casa Vizcarra 1 and Casa Vizcarra 2 studios sit in a traditional Old Town neighborhood just a short stroll from the sand.

How to Get Around

One of the joys of staying in Amapas or Zona Romántica is that you can walk to most of what you will want to see. When you go farther, taxis are plentiful and inexpensive, the local green-and-white buses run up and down the coast, and ride apps work well in town. From the airport, it is a short ride of roughly 20 to 30 minutes to the Old Town area.

Our November Tip for a First Visit

Book your stay early, plan one sunset dinner with a view, and leave plenty of room in your days for wandering. November in Puerto Vallarta rewards the unhurried traveler, and we love helping guests find the spots that never make the guidebooks.

We would be delighted to host you this November. Send us a message with your dates and we will help you choose the condo that fits your trip best. We can’t wait to welcome you!