Puerto Vallarta Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico. This average is based on long-term data collected between 1990 and 2020. Let's explore the details to provide you with a complete overview.

Puerto Vallarta has a relatively rainy climate with high precipitation levels, averaging 1511 mm (59 in) of rainfall annually. Despite the high annual total, it does experience a distinct dry and rainy season during certain months. Examine our detailed charts below to understand these seasonal patterns.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))

The seasons in Puerto Vallarta, bring significant changes in precipitation. The wettest month, September, receives heavy rainfall, with an average of 357 mm (14 in) of precipitation. This rainfall is distributed across 17 rainy days.

In contrast, the driest month, April, experiences much less rainfall, totaling 5 mm (0.2 in) over a single rainy day. These distinct seasonal differences provide diverse experiences throughout the year.

September, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 29°C (84°F). During the driest month April you can expect a temperature of 29°C (84°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Puerto Vallarta Temperature page.

Puerto Vallarta's average annual precipitation is 1511 mm (59 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

New York City, USA, receives 1276 mm (50 in) of rainfall annually, with precipitation evenly distributed throughout the year.

Meanwhile, Buenos Aires, Argentina, enjoys a humid subtropical climate with 1000 mm (39 in) of annual rainfall, mostly in the summer.

Adelaide, Australia, enjoys 511 mm (20 in) of annual precipitation, with dry summers and wet winters.

Bangkok, Thailand, experiences a tropical monsoon climate with 1668 mm (66 in) of annual rainfall, with the heaviest precipitation occurring during September and October.

Precipitation amounts are measured using specific gauges installed at weather stations, collecting both rain and snow and any other type of precipitation. Rainfall is measured directly in millimeters, while that from snow and ice is obtained by melting it. Automated systems often incorporate heaters to make this easier.

Information from these stations is transmitted via Wi-Fi, satellite, GPS, or telephone connections to central monitoring networks. This information is immediately updated and integrated into weather models and forecasts.

Precipitation has a very strong role in determining the local climate and ecosystem:

• Changing Rainfall Patterns: Global warming causes drastic changes in the patterns of rainfall. Some areas have been experiencing increased frequency and intensity of rainfall, while other areas experience longer dry spells or even droughts.
• Local Impacts: Many regions are experiencing heavier rainfall in the winter months and drier, hotter summers. This affects agriculture, water resources, and ecosystems.

• "Ginger" was the longest-lasting Atlantic tropical storm, which spun around the open ocean for 28 days in 1971.
• The world's largest snowflake was recorded in the Guinness Book of Records, at 38 cm (15 inches) wide and 20 cm (7.9 inches) thick. The snowflake fell at Fort Keogh, Montana, USA, on 28 January 1887.
• The greatest snowfall recorded was on Mt. Rainier, Washington State, USA, over 31.5 meters (103 feet) fell during the winter of 1972.

For more detailed information about Puerto Vallarta's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Puerto Vallarta Climate page.