What January feels like in Puerto Vallarta
January is part of Puerto Vallarta's dry season, when rain totals drop well below the wet months. Afternoons are warm and pleasant, good for long days out. After dark the temperature drops clearly: nights stay mild. The air is muggy, so it feels hotter than the thermometer suggests.
Rain in Puerto Vallarta in January
Dry weather dominates, and an umbrella can mostly stay packed. Wet days average about 7.8 mm (0.3 in), enough to soak you without an umbrella. That is lighter than the city's yearly norm of about 9.9 mm per rainy day. It is among the three driest months of the year.
How January compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, January comes out as the coolest month in Puerto Vallarta. Afternoons run 0.5°C (0.9°F) cooler than in December, with 11 mm less rain. Temperatures barely move from one month to the next here. The next month's average high: 27.4°C (81.3°F).
Who January suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — comfortable enough to explore on foot all day.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — afternoons are too warm to linger outside.
Tips for visiting Puerto Vallarta in January
Versatile Layers
Days are noticeably warmer than nights — layers you can add or remove.
Sunglasses
Plenty of sun, so bring sunglasses and a cap.
Quick questions
How warm is Puerto Vallarta in January?
Afternoons average 27.3°C (81.1°F) and nights about 18.1°C (64.6°F) — warm by most people's standards. It is the coolest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Puerto Vallarta in January?
No — January is one of the drier times, with about 2 rainy days and 16 mm in total.
What should I wear in Puerto Vallarta in January?
The numbers point to versatile layers and sunglasses. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is January or February better for visiting Puerto Vallarta?
February, narrowly: it ranks #3 of 12 among Puerto Vallarta's months, against #4 for the other.
