How to Enjoy Perfect Weather in Puerto Vallarta in November?

So there I was, sitting in my office in Denver watching fat snowflakes cover my car windshield, when my coworker Sarah mentioned she’d just booked a November trip to Puerto Vallarta. “November?” I said. “Isn’t that the worst time to go to Mexico?” Man, did I have that backwards.

Three weeks later, I’m stepping off the plane at PVR airport on November 15th, 2017, and the first thing that hits me is this incredible warmth that doesn’t feel sticky or gross. It’s like someone cranked the perfect thermostat to exactly where you’d want it. My phone said 81 degrees, but it felt way better than 81 degrees back home ever did.

I spent nine days there, and not once did I check the weather app on my phone. Why would I? Every morning was sunshine, every afternoon was beach-perfect, and every evening was so comfortable I forgot air conditioning existed. That trip completely changed my mind about when to visit Mexico, and now I’m that annoying friend who won’t shut up about November in Puerto Vallarta.

The Real Deal About November Weather in Puerto Vallarta

Look, I’m not going to bore you with a bunch of weather statistics that sound like a meteorology textbook. Instead, let me tell you what November weather actually feels like when you’re walking around Puerto Vallarta.

First off, the humidity situation is completely different from summer. In August, I felt like I was breathing through a wet towel. But November? The air actually moves. You can walk around during the day without your shirt sticking to your back every five minutes. It’s dry enough that your hair doesn’t turn into a frizzy mess the second you step outside.

The temperature thing is weird but awesome. During the day, it gets up to about 84 degrees, which sounds hot on paper. But with the ocean breeze and lower humidity, it feels more like a perfect spring day that just happens to be warm enough for swimming. At night, it drops down to around 70, which is jacket weather if you’re from Arizona but absolutely perfect if you’re from anywhere that has real winter.

Here’s what really blew my mind – the ocean temperature stays around 78-80 degrees all month long. Do you know how rare that is? It’s like swimming in a giant bathtub that someone set to the exact temperature you’d want. Not cold enough to make you gasp, not warm enough to feel like soup.

What November days actually look like:

• Wake up to 70-degree mornings (coffee on the balcony weather)
• Warm up to perfect 82-degree afternoons (beach chair weather)
• Cool down to 75-degree evenings (outdoor dinner weather)
• Sleep in 70-degree comfort (windows open, no AC needed)

Rain? I saw exactly one brief shower in nine days, and it lasted maybe twenty minutes. The locals told me November usually gets about an inch of rain for the whole month, compared to eight inches in September. That’s the difference between maybe carrying an umbrella and definitely packing rain gear.

Why November Weather Beats Every Other Month

I’ve been to Puerto Vallarta four times now – July 2016, November 2017, March 2019, and November 2021. Each trip taught me something different about how weather affects your vacation experience.

July was a sweat-fest. I’m talking about needing three showers a day, hiding in air conditioning during peak hours, and feeling gross even when sitting still. The humidity was so intense that my glasses fogged up every time I walked outside. Not fun.

March was nice but unpredictable. One day would be gorgeous, the next might be cloudy and cooler. I spent more time checking weather forecasts than enjoying my vacation.

But November? Both times were absolutely consistent. Wake up, sunshine. Go to bed, still comfortable. Zero weather-related stress or planning needed.

Here’s how the months stack up based on my actual experiences:

MonthHow Hot It FeelsHumidity LevelRain SituationMy Honest RatingJulyBrutal, hide-indoors hotSticky and grossAfternoon storms6/10 - too intenseMarchNice but unpredictableMediumHit or miss7/10 - decent but variableNovemberWarm but comfortableDry and pleasantBasically none10/10 - absolutely perfect

The secret sauce is timing. October is when the rainy season ends, so by November you’re getting all the benefits of the dry season without the cooler temperatures that come later in winter. It’s like catching weather at its absolute peak.

I talked to Miguel, who’s lived in Puerto Vallarta his whole life and works as a fishing guide. He told me, “November is when we locals actually enjoy being outside all day. Summer’s too hot, winter gets chilly at night, but November? That’s when this place shows off.”

Activities That Are Actually Fun in November Weather

Beach Life Without the Misery

My November morning routine became something I looked forward to instead of something I endured. I’d wake up around 7 AM when it was still a cool 72 degrees, grab coffee from the little place next to my hotel, and walk down to Los Muertos Beach. The sand wasn’t hot enough to burn your feet yet, and you had the whole place mostly to yourself.

By 10 AM, when it warmed up to around 80 degrees, jumping in the ocean felt incredible. The water temperature was so perfect I could float around for hours without getting cold or overheated. I’m not exaggerating – I spent at least three hours in the water every day and never once felt uncomfortable.

Afternoon beach time (when it hit that 84-degree peak) sounds like it would be miserable, but it wasn’t. The ocean breeze kept things comfortable, and when you did get too warm, the water was right there waiting. Plus, the heat wasn’t that oppressive, sticky kind that makes you want to hide in a hotel room.

Beach activities that work great in November:

• Early morning walks before the sand gets hot
• All-day swimming sessions (water temp is perfect)
• Afternoon reading under beach umbrellas
• Volleyball or frisbee without dying of heat stroke
• Sunset watching without mosquito attacks

Adventures You Won’t Hate

This is where November really shines compared to other times I’ve visited. I did a canopy zip-line tour through the jungle, and it was actually enjoyable instead of a survival exercise. In July, hiking up to those platforms would have been torture. In November, it was just a nice warm-up.

The whale watching season starts in November, and I got lucky enough to see a whole pod of humpback whales during a four-hour boat trip. Spending that much time on the ocean in 80-degree weather with calm seas felt like a privilege instead of an endurance test.

I also did something I’d never attempt in summer – walked all over downtown Puerto Vallarta for an entire day. Cobblestone streets, steep hills, art galleries, markets, churches – all totally doable when you’re not melting into a puddle every twenty minutes.

Outdoor stuff that November makes bearable:

• Jungle hiking without heat exhaustion
• All-day boat trips in comfort
• Walking tours that don’t require recovery time
• Fishing trips where you actually enjoy being on deck
• Market browsing without feeling faint

Nightlife That Doesn’t Suck

November evenings in Puerto Vallarta are what vacation dreams are made of. As soon as the sun starts going down around 6:30, the temperature drops to this magical 76-degree zone where you could wear anything and feel perfect.

I ate outside every single night – something impossible during summer when evening humidity makes you feel like you’re dining in a sauna. We’re talking about three-hour meals at beachfront restaurants, drinks that don’t immediately turn into warm soup, conversations that don’t get interrupted by constant sweating.

The Malecón boardwalk becomes this incredible place to hang out instead of a humid death march. Street performers actually have audiences because people can stand around comfortably. Couples walk hand-in-hand instead of rushing between air-conditioned buildings.

Getting Your Trip Right for November Weather

Packing Like Someone Who’s Actually Been There

My first November trip, I packed like I was going to the surface of the sun. All tank tops, shorts, and sandals. While that covers the daytime basics, I was completely unprepared for how comfortable the evenings would be and how cold restaurant air conditioning can feel.

Here’s what actually makes sense for November:

Daytime gear that works:

• Cotton t-shirts (breathable when it’s warm)
• Comfortable shorts (you’ll live in these)
• One sundress for women (perfect temp for dresses)
• Good walking sandals (not cheap flip-flops)
• Baseball cap or sun hat (UV protection is serious business)

Evening additions you’ll actually use:

• Light cardigan or sweatshirt (restaurants blast AC)
• One pair of long pants (some places have dress codes)
• Decent shoes for walking on cobblestones
• Light jacket for early morning stuff

Weather gear that matters:

• Serious sunscreen (SPF 30 minimum, reapply constantly)
• Good sunglasses (you’re closer to the equator)
• Small umbrella (probably won’t need it, but just in case)
• Bug spray (evening mosquitoes can be annoying)

The sunscreen thing is crucial and caught me off guard. Because November feels so comfortable, you forget you’re getting blasted with intense tropical sun. I got fried on day two because the pleasant temperature made me careless about protection.

Where to Stay for Weather Happiness

Location affects your weather experience more than you’d think. I’ve stayed in different parts of Puerto Vallarta and noticed real differences in how the weather feels.

Zona Romántica keeps you close to everything with constant ocean breezes. Being able to walk to the beach in two minutes means you can escape to the water whenever afternoon temperatures peak. The ocean proximity keeps things consistently comfortable.

Marina Vallarta offers more space and fewer crowds with excellent airflow from the wider beach area. Hotels here usually have better pool setups for when you want shade during peak sun hours.

Downtown area gives you the cultural experience but can feel a few degrees warmer due to all the concrete and less ocean breeze. Still totally comfortable in November, just slightly more intense during peak afternoon hours.

Nuevo Vallarta provides that resort experience with wide-open beaches that get constant airflow. The larger beach area creates more wind circulation, keeping afternoon temperatures from feeling oppressive.

My advice? Stay as close to the ocean as you can afford. The constant breeze makes all the difference between weather that’s comfortable and weather that’s absolutely perfect.

Working With November’s Weather Patterns

Daily Schedule That Actually Makes Sense

After multiple November trips, I’ve figured out the rhythm that works best with the natural temperature flow:

6:00-8:00 AM: This is prime time. Cool enough (around 70-72 degrees) for comfortable walking, jogging, or peaceful coffee time. Sunrise happens around 7 AM and creates incredible photo opportunities without heat stroke.

8:00 AM-noon: Perfect exploring weather. Temperatures climb gradually from 75 to 82 degrees, making walking tours, cultural sites, and market visits totally pleasant. You’re warm enough to enjoy being outside but not so hot that you’re constantly hunting for shade.

Noon-4:00 PM: Beach and pool hours. Peak temperatures around 84-86 degrees, ideal for water activities. Ocean at 79 degrees feels refreshing without being cold. This is lounging weather, not hiking weather.

4:00-7:00 PM: Transition time. Temperatures start dropping, perfect for air-conditioned shopping, gallery visits, or getting ready for evening activities.

7:00 PM and later: Evening magic time. Temperatures settle around 76-78 degrees, absolutely ideal for outdoor dining, drinks, walking around, or romantic stuff. You can spend hours outside in complete comfort.

Real Talk About Weather Challenges

Even perfect weather comes with some gotchas I learned the hard way:

You’ll get dehydrated faster than you think. November doesn’t feel brutally hot, but you’re still sweating more than usual and need to drink water constantly. I got lightheaded on day three during an afternoon market walk because I wasn’t paying attention to hydration.

The sun is more intense than it feels. Comfortable temperatures create false confidence about UV exposure. I got seriously sunburned because the pleasant weather made me forget about sun protection. Set a phone reminder to reapply sunscreen every two hours.

Evening bugs can be active. Not a huge problem, but coastal areas sometimes get mosquito activity after sunset. Light bug spray before evening activities prevents annoyance.

Indoor AC can feel freezing. Many restaurants and shops crank air conditioning for summer tourists. That light sweater I mentioned? You’ll wear it inside, not outside.

Ocean is usually calm but watch the flags. November typically brings gentle waves perfect for swimming, but occasional riptides can develop. Always check beach conditions and swim near lifeguards.

Money Talk for Perfect Weather

Let’s be honest – November’s incredible weather comes with peak season prices. Hotels know they’re offering premium conditions, and they charge accordingly. You’ll pay 25-35% more than summer rates, but the weather difference makes it worth every penny.

I’ve found early November (first two weeks) costs less than late November when Thanksgiving crowds arrive. Booking 2-3 months ahead usually locks in better rates than waiting until the last minute.

Ways to save money that actually work:

• Stay a few blocks inland for lower hotel costs (sacrifice some ocean breeze)
• Look for package deals including meals and activities
• Use perfect weather for free beach days instead of expensive tours
• Fly mid-week instead of weekends
• Consider vacation rentals for stays longer than a week

The perfect weather actually helps your budget in unexpected ways. You’ll spend more time enjoying free outdoor activities – beach time, sunset watching, walking tours – instead of paying for expensive indoor entertainment to escape bad weather.

Why November Weather Changes Everything

After comparing Puerto Vallarta to other tropical destinations and visiting during different seasons, I’m convinced November offers some of the best weather conditions anywhere in the world.

It’s not just about comfortable temperatures – it’s about reliability and consistency. You can plan activities with confidence knowing weather won’t mess up your plans. You can pack lighter because temperature swings are minimal. You can spend more time outdoors because conditions stay pleasant all day long.

The combination of warm days, comfortable nights, almost no rain, and constant ocean breezes creates what I call “vacation weather perfection.” It’s consistent, beautiful conditions that let you completely relax instead of constantly adjusting to weather problems.

November weather transforms Puerto Vallarta from just another beach destination into an experience that spoils you for other places. You’re not just visiting somewhere beautiful – you’re experiencing it under ideal conditions that showcase everything this place has to offer.

Whether you want romantic dinners under stars, jungle adventures, lazy beach days, or cultural exploration, November’s weather provides the perfect foundation for whatever kind of vacation you’re after. It’s the difference between a good trip and an unforgettable one.

Have you experienced Puerto Vallarta in November? What weather-related discoveries or favorite activities worked perfectly for you during this incredible month? Share your stories and tips in the comments – let’s help other travelers figure out why November might be the ultimate secret to Mexican paradise!