What to Pack for Puerto Vallarta
Light clothes, real shoes, and a few things people always forget.
Puerto Vallarta is warm year-round, so packing is mostly about humidity, sun and those cobbled streets. Check the weather guide for your month, then use this.
Clothing
- Light, breathable fabrics — linen and cotton; synthetics get sticky in humidity.
- A light layer — evenings in the dry season are cooler, and boat trips are breezy.
- Swimwear ×2 — one never dries in the rainy season.
- One smart-casual outfit — a few Old Town restaurants and rooftops warrant it.
- Rain jacket or light poncho if travelling June–October.
Shoes — this one matters
Old Town's streets are cobbled, steep and uneven. Bring comfortable walking shoes with grip; leave the heels behind. Flip-flops for the beach, water shoes if you plan to visit the rocky coves at Conchas Chinas.
Sun & sea
- Reef-safe sunscreen — required at some protected sites like the Marietas, and better for the bay.
- Hat and sunglasses — the sun is strong even in winter.
- Beach towel — not all hotels let you take theirs out.
- Dry bag for boat trips.
Things people forget
- Insect repellent — mosquitoes are worse in the green season.
- A basic first-aid kit and any prescriptions.
- A power bank for long boat days.
- Cash in small notes — see money & tipping.