What's the Weather Like in Puerto Vallarta in August?
August is slap bang in the middle of the rainy season (June - October) in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Despite it being summer, the hours of sunshine are shorter than the rest of the year and days are characterised by tropical downpours mixed with searing hot temperatures. The city is less busy at this time of year thanks to the increased rainfall, so it's a great time to visit if you want to explore without the crowds.
Temperature
Average daily temperatures sit at a scorching 27°C, but during the hottest parts of the day it's not unusual to see the mercury soar to 33°C and above. Even at night the temperatures are extremely mild at around 21°C. During the day you can get away with wearing t-shirts, shorts, and swimwear, though it might be a good idea to pack a thin cardigan or jumper to slip on if the temperature drops considerably at night. Don't forget suncream, either, as the sun is particularly harsh at this time of year.
Rainfall
Thanks to its location so close to the equator, Puerto Vallarta enjoys a tropical climate which, unfortunately, does include a rainy season. During August there is a lot of rainfall around 350mm over an average of 15 days throughout the month. It's almost a certainty that you'll experience some showers whilst you're there, so remember to pack an umbrella and some waterproofs to make sure you stay dry.
Sunshine Hours
August is also part of the summer in Puerto Vallarta, yet it sees some of the shortest days throughout the year. On average, you can expect to enjoy around 8 hours of sunshine a day. It may not seem like much, but there's still plenty of time to get out and see all the sights.
Sea Temperature
Puerto Vallarta is hugely popular with beach-goers who flock to its sandy shores and sparkling waters. Even in the rainy season you'll see a considerable amount of visitors on the beach soaking up the seriously hot sunshine. Plus, the sea temperatures are a very pleasant 30°C in August, providing perfect conditions for swimming and watersports.
August may not be the driest month of the year far from it, in fact but it still boasts soaring temperatures. The crowds aren't as thick at this time of the year, either, so you'll have more peace and quiet exploring the attractions and relaxing on the beach.
If you're looking for a weather forecast for Puerto Vallarta, you are advised to visit this page.
Hotels for Puerto Vallarta in August
Plaza Pelicanos Club Resort
Plaza Pelicanos Club Resort is a large hotel complex right on the beachfront. Rooms are spacious and well decorated, with Mexican tiled floors, brightly coloured furnishings and ambient lighting. All have their own private balconies and terraces that either look out across the sea or the central grounds. Guests have access to the private stretch of beach immediately in front of the hotel, as well as the on-site swimming pool, tennis court, restaurant and bar.
Los Tules Resort
The Los Tules Resort is located near downtown Vallarta right on the beach front, and the large complex offers numerous amenities and facilities. The rooms are decked out in a rustic design with tiled floors, chunky wood furniture and muted, earthy colours. Each room has its own private balcony overlooking the bay, and there are also seven swimming pools, five tennis courts, and a poolside bar and restaurant.
Los Arcos Suites
For a more intimate experience, check into Los Arcos Suites, which boasts traditional Mexican décor with tiled floors and plenty of greenery. Each suite has its own living and dining area as well as a balcony or terrace and there's also a swimming pool, a spa, and an on-site restaurant for guests to enjoy.
Beaches for August for Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is hugely popular for its beaches, which stretch the length of Banderas Bay and beyond. Visitors flock to the white-sand shores in search of exotic backdrops and to explore the shimmering blue waters of the Pacific Ocean.
The beaches here are packed with activities, where you can discover the colourful marine life that characterise this region, try your hand at some adrenalin pumping watersports, or simply kick back and relax with a book beneath a palm tree. At this time of year the rain does scare away some of the beach-goers, but during the hot sunny spells, the crowds start to re-appear again.
Boca de Tomates Beach
Boca de Tomates Beach sits just on the outskirts of the city near the Ameca River and offers a secluded sandy hotspot for those seeking peace and quiet. The biggest draw for this beach, though, is its abundance of pescado sarandeado grilled red snapper which you can find being served up all along its length. It's also great for surfing and windsurfing.
Restaurants and Bars for Puerto Vallarta in August
Xocodiva
Chocolate lovers should not miss the chance to visit Xocodiva, an artisan chocolate shop selling a range of delicious handmade treats. You can pick up a selection of truffles, caramels, nougat and other varieties, plus there's always a few free tasters on hand to get you in the mood.
Joe Jack's Fish Shack
For a lively, hip, and laidback atmosphere, grab a table at Joe Jack's Fish Shack, a popular haunt for locals and visitors alike. There is a quirky bar downstairs which rustles up a collection of classic cocktails, and then there's a dining terrace on the top floor which offers great views across the surrounding scenery. The menu is obviously filled with a great variety of fresh fish, like octopus, shrimp, and red snapper, but there's also a non-fish menu, featuring dishes like burgers, BBQ chicken, and salads.
Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta in August
Talavera
Art and culture lovers should pop into Talavera, a boutique store that displays an excellent selection of locally made pottery. The shop is filled with colourful Mexican designs on plates, bowls, boxes, ornaments and even sinks. Plus, you can learn more about this traditional Mexican craft whilst you're there through the friendly staff and helpful information packs.
