Puerto Vallarta in January
Peak dry season: warm days, cool evenings, almost no rain and the whales in full swing.
January is the heart of Puerto Vallarta's dry season and one of its two best months for whales. Days are warm and sunny, evenings cool enough for a light layer, humidity is low and rain is rare. After the holiday rush of the first week, the town is calmer, though still very much in high season.
January at a glance
| Weather | Average high 27 °C (80 °F), low 17 °C (62 °F) |
|---|---|
| Rain | About 34 mm, on roughly two days |
| Sea | About 24 °C (75 °F) |
| Humidity | Low |
| Crowds and prices | High; busiest in the first week, with the end of the Mexican holidays |
| Whales | Reliable sightings and lots of surface activity |
Weather in January
Highs around 27 °C, nights around 17 °C, low humidity and rain on about two days in the month: some of the most comfortable weather of the year for walking the town and the hills. Mornings and evenings can feel fresh. See the weather guide.
The sea, beaches and wildlife
The sea cools to about 24 °C, clear and pleasant for snorkelling around Los Arcos. January is one of the two best months for whale watching, with reliable sightings and plenty of surface behaviour, and many Marietas trips combine the two.
What's on in January 2027
Crowds and prices
High season. The first week is the busiest, with the end of the Christmas holidays; after that it is calmer, though still high season. Book whale and Marietas trips ahead. See best time to visit.
Sunrise and sunset
Puerto Vallarta keeps UTC−6 all year (see time zone), so these are the times on the clock. The bay faces west: the sun sets over the water, best watched from the Malecón.
| Date | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 January | 7:37 | 18:32 | 10 h 54 |
| 15 January | 7:40 | 18:41 | 11 h 01 |
| 31 January | 7:38 | 18:51 | 11 h 14 |
What to pack
Light clothes for the day, a sweater for the evenings and early boat trips, a swimsuit and strong sun protection — the sun is strong even when the air feels mild. See what to pack.
Ideas for a January trip
- Whale watching, ideally on a small boat with a naturalist.
- Walks while it's cool: the coastal trail to Las Ánimas and the viewpoints in hikes and viewpoints.
- A mountain day in San Sebastián del Oeste, around its patron feast.
- A full week: our 7-day itinerary.
← December · February → — or see every month at a glance in our weather guide.
Frequently asked
Is January a good time to visit Puerto Vallarta?
Yes: it is one of the best months, dry and sunny with highs around 27 °C, low humidity and excellent whale watching. It is also high season, so book ahead.
How warm is the sea in Puerto Vallarta in January?
About 24 °C on average: cool at first, comfortable for swimming and snorkelling.
Is January good for whale watching in Puerto Vallarta?
Yes, one of the two best months, with reliable sightings and lots of surface activity. The peak runs from late January to early March.
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