What's the Weather Like in Puerto Vallarta in May
May is nearing summer and the rainy season in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The temperatures are on the rise, the days are getting longer, and the rainfall begins to increase. It's a good time to visit to catch some of the early-summer (June - October) sunshine before the rainy season fully sets in.
Temperature
The daily average temperature for May is 26°C, but this can often rise to a scorching 33°C and above during the hottest parts of the day. Average low temperatures sit at around 18°C an improvement on the previous few months. This means that even the nights are warm at this time of year in Puerto Vallarta. It's a good idea to pack layers, so you have cool clothing like t-shirts, shorts, and swimwear for the daytimes, and a couple of light cardigans and jumpers for after dark. Don't forget your suncream, too, as you're going to need it.
Rainfall
May might well be heading towards the rainy season, but there's still only a small amount of rainfall throughout the month around 9mm. It's highly unlikely you'll get caught in any showers, so it's not necessary to pack an umbrella you can always duck inside somewhere if the heavens do decide to open up.
Sunshine Hours
Thanks to its positioning so close to the equator, Puerto Vallarta has ample sunshine throughout the year. In May you can expect to see around 12 hours of sunshine per day, giving you plenty of time to explore all the attractions and activities in the city as well as hit up the numerous beaches that dot the coast.
Sea Temperature
Beach-goers will be in their element in Puerto Vallarta in May, as the sea temperatures sit at a steaming 26°C, providing perfect conditions for swimming and splashing about in the shallows. Watersports are also popular along the coast, with the warm Pacific breeze supplying the waves and wind needed for kitesurfing and paragliding.
All in all, May in Puerto Vallarta is extremely pleasant. Be careful if you're out and about during the hottest parts of the day though as the sun can be particularly harsh at this time of year. But, if you're looking for great beaches, an abundance of attractions, and a laidback atmosphere, then it's a great time to visit before the rainy season sets in.
If you're looking for a weather forecast for Puerto Vallarta, you are advised to visit this page.
Hotels for Puerto Vallarta in May
Garza Blanca Resort and Spa
Garza Blanca Resort and Spa is a five-star luxury accommodation with an extensive list of facilities and amenities. The suites and luxury residences are decked out in a sleek, modern design with marble floors, muted tones, and ambient lighting. There's also a secluded, quirkily-shaped infinity pool that looks out across the blue waters of Banderas Bay and to the sweeping green mountains beyond, as well as an on-site lounge bar and steak restaurant.
Hacienda Hotel and Spa
The Hacienda Hotel and Spa boasts traditional Mexican design with rustic details and lots of exotic plants and flowers. The rooms are simple but well-designed, with bursts of reds and oranges and typical Mexican patterns, plus they each have their own private balcony with views out across the spectacular surroundings. Guests can enjoy the on-site swimming pool, in-house spa with a selection of relaxing facilities, as well as the three restaurants and two bars.
Hotel Catedral Vallarta
For an intimate experience, check into the Hotel Catedral Vallarta, which is a flurry of traditional Mexican design with bright colours and cosy lighting in the centre of the city. There's a peaceful internal courtyard in the middle of the complex, and each room has its own balcony or terrace which soaks up the surrounding views. In addition, there is an in-house spa and a quirky restaurant serving up a delicious selection of gourmet dishes.
Beaches for May for Puerto Vallarta
The beaches are some of the most popular attractions in Puerto Vallarta and it's no wonder they offer soft, white sand, exotic palms trees, and sparkling blue waters filled with colourful underwater life.
Yelapa Beach
Yelapa Beach is an extremely secluded stretch of sand that is reached by a two hour water-taxi journey from Banderas Bay. It backs onto a traditional fishing village and is surrounded by a beautiful, thriving rainforest filled to the brim with exotic wildlife and plants. Here, there's a 50m tall waterfall, plus the chance to try some fishing and SCUBA diving. There are also numerous fresh fish restaurants that line the beach.
Majahuitas Beach
Majahuitas Beach is another paradise island-style hotspot, hidden away from the crowds that flock to Puerto Vallarta. It's a haven for wildlife and boasts soft, white sand shores with a selection of inlets, as well as a sunken canyon. It's the perfect place to hop on a kayak to explore the coast.
Restaurants and Bars for Puerto Vallarta in May
Porto Bello
Porto Bello offers an elegant dining experience amidst stylish décor and ambient lighting. There is an outdoor terrace area where you can enjoy the warm May evenings, and the menu consists of a mouth-watering selection of pastas and pizzas and other Italian goodies like grilled steak, butterfly prawns, veal cutlets, and fresh, sautéed fish.
Coexist Cafe
Coexist Café is a fun, laidback bar and restaurant that is a part of the Hotel Rio. It's a great place to go for breakfast, with its selection of coffees, teas, and pastries, but it also boasts delicious lunch and dinner menus, including savoury crepes, tostadas, fish dishes, pizzas, and pastas.
Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta in May
Vallarta Adventures
If you want to get your adrenalin pumping, then consider booking an activity with Vallarta Adventures, a local company that offers a great selection of fun and quirky activities for visitors to get stuck into. You can zipline through the dense, green jungles, explore the underwater world by snorkelling or SCUBA diving, or stay dry and take a whale-watching tour out at sea.
San Sebastian
Take a trip to the nearby colonial town of San Sebastian, where you can soak up the rich history of the area which sits amongst the lush greenery of the mountains that surround Puerto Vallarta. It's a secluded hotspot that offers an insight into traditional Mexican lifestyles, from coffee cultivating to farming. Explore the winding streets and admire the ornate architecture that characterises the town.
