Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta's Low Season
May through November brings lush jungles, empty beaches, local culture — and dramatically lower pricesPuerto Vallarta's rainy season (May–November) is one of the best-kept secrets in Mexican travel. Most days are still sunny and warm — it's the heat and humidity that define the season more than any rain. When showers do arrive, they come in short intense bursts in the late afternoon, clearing fast and leaving the jungle electric green and the air perfectly fresh.
From Casa Aliona's hilltop perch, watching an afternoon storm roll across Banderas Bay is genuinely spectacular — lightning over the Pacific, the kind of show you'd pay for. And from the villa, you don't need to go anywhere.
Vallarta Botanical Gardens
Tucked into the hills 14 miles south of PV at 1,300 feet elevation, the 64-acre garden comes alive in rainy season. Orchids bloom, waterfalls surge, and the forest canopy turns deep emerald. Go on a cloudy morning for the best light and coolest temperatures — one of the most beautiful places in the region at any time of year.
Zip-lining and ATV Tours through the Sierra Madre
The jungles are most dramatic in the wet season — swollen rivers, lush canopies, and powerful waterfalls make adventure tours genuinely thrilling. Most operators offer significant low-season discounts, making this the best time to book.
The Malecon and Art Scene
Puerto Vallarta's famous boardwalk is pleasantly quiet in low season — fewer crowds at the iconic bronze sculptures, more room to linger, and a more authentic local atmosphere. The Museo Naval and Arte Vallarta Museo in Versalles offer cool air-conditioned culture without the high-season crowds.
Spa Days
PV has an outstanding spa culture, and there is no better excuse to indulge than a rainy afternoon. Many incorporate traditional Mexican healing techniques and locally sourced ingredients. Low season means easier bookings and frequent specials — treat yourself.
Cooking and Mezcal Classes
Low season is the perfect time to go deeper into Mexican food culture. Vallarta Eats food tours run year-round, Miriam's Culinary Experience offers hands-on cooking classes, and Mezcal y Sal runs tasting flights with paired snacks in a wonderfully moody atmosphere.
Beach Days — Better Than You'd Expect
Most rain falls in the evening, not during the day. Mornings are often gloriously sunny and you will have Playa Conchas Chinas or Playa Amapas almost entirely to yourself — which is arguably the best version of these beaches. Bring sunscreen, the sun is still strong.
Prices drop significantly across the board — flights, restaurants, and tour operators all offer summer deals. The beaches are empty.