Puerto Vallarta month by month · Dry & sunny
January is in the dry season — sunny days and very little rain.
Photo: Fernando Flores, CC BY-SA 2.0
Dry & sunny
January is in the dry season — sunny days and very little rain. Daytime highs average 29°C (84°F) and nights 17°C (62°F). The weather station records about 2.2 days with rain and 34 mm of rainfall in the month. The sea in Banderas Bay averages 25°C (77°F), and the sun sets around 18:41.
Rain and temperature, all year
Rain (mm)High (°C)
January 2027
Every winter, humpback whales migrate to the warm water of Banderas Bay to mate and give birth. Watching a mother and calf — or a full breach — is the trip most winter visitors remember.
Full guide →The Malecón has been the heart of the night: in 2025 a free party with a stage near the Lighthouse, live music and midnight fireworks. The 2026 program has not been announced yet, so here is what is known and what to confirm.
Full guide →The real end of the holiday season: children get gifts from the Three Kings and families share a rosca de reyes. Whoever finds the figurine hidden in the bread owes everyone tamales on February 2.
Tours
from $79 USD
🐋 Whale season starts in about 4 weeks
Spot humpbacks and listen on the onboard hydrophone (Dec–Mar)
from $105 USD
🐋 Whale season starts in about 4 weeks
Eye-level humpback safari in a 10-guest biologist boat
from $120 USD
from $99 USD
🐋 Whale season starts in about 4 weeks
Watch humpbacks in the morning, snorkel a calm cove after
from $99 USD
⚡ Limited daily access — Book ahead
Boat to a protected island park: snorkel, kayak and blue-footed boobies
from $99 USD
⚡ High Demand — Books weeks ahead
Sail into the sunset: open bar, light dinner and live music
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Where to stay
January sits in high winter dry season — rates rise near holidays and snowbird months. Compare live availability before booking.
FAQ
January is in the dry season — sunny days and very little rain. Daytime highs average 29°C (84°F) and nights 17°C (62°F). The weather station records about 2.2 days with rain and 34 mm of rainfall in the month. The sea in Banderas Bay averages 25°C (77°F), and the sun sets around 18:41.
Yes, if you want sunshine: January averages only 2.2 days with rain, and it's whale season.
About 25°C (77°F) on average in Banderas Bay (Open-Meteo, 2023–2025).
What's on this week in Vallarta, plus a heads-up when holiday plans and dates are announced. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
