Winter Season Activities in Puerto Vallarta

For many travelers, winter is the best time to visit Puerto Vallarta. Rather than being cooped up indoors, you’ll be able to soak up the fresh weather and enjoy all sorts of outdoor activities in Puerto Vallarta. From the sparkling water of the Pacific Ocean to the verdant jungles of the Sierra Madre Mountains, the city is an outdoor paradise, and there’s so many options for things to do in Puerto Vallarta that every day will feel like a new adventure. As you make your plan for what to do in Puerto Vallarta, put these tropical outdoor winter activities at the top of your list.

Whale Watching

It’s not just humans who travel for the tropical weather in Puerto Vallarta in December. Every year, humpback whales migrate down from arctic waters to mate and give birth in the Bay of Banderas. Because the bay is naturally quiet and protected, Puerto Vallarta in December is the ideal spot for their newborn calves to learn to swim. Whale watching Puerto Vallarta tours only run during the winter months, from December through March. Because these whales return north when the weather warms up, you’ll want to make sure to visit in the winter if a whale watching Puerto Vallarta tour is on your travel bucket list.

Hiking

If you want to hit the trails and climb some mountains, winter is the best time to visit Puerto Vallarta. With cooler temperatures and clear skies, you won’t feel covered in sweat and humidity as you explore the jungles. Hiking is one of the best outdoor winter activities because it gives you the chance to see hidden wonders and incredible views on your Puerto Vallarta vacation. Several of the popular hiking trails wind their way along rivers to secluded waterfalls that truly capture the essence of paradise. Others climb to great heights where you can take in panoramic views of the bay. Hiking is one of the free Puerto Vallarta activities that you can add to your vacation for a day of adventure.

Scuba Diving

As you make your list of what to do in Puerto Vallarta, you’ll want to try some new outdoor winter activities that you’ve never done before, and one of the most unique things to do in Puerto Vallarta is scuba diving. Puerto Vallarta in December is a great time to dive. The weather is calm and clear, and while the water temperatures will be cooler, the visibility makes this one of the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta if you’re wanting to see marine life up close. It’s also one of the most adventurous outdoor activities in Puerto Vallarta that will give you lifelong memories.

Exploring Local Beaches

The Bay of Banderas is lined with some of the world’s most exquisite tropical beaches. With lush palm trees and gently rolling waves, these beaches make a Puerto Vallarta vacation a trip to paradise. Exploring different beaches is one of the Puerto Vallarta activities you won’t want to miss out on. As you spend your days at different beaches, you’ll experience more of the local culture and see more of the city’s natural beauty.

Wandering the Cobblestone Streets

Sometimes, you don’t need a plan for what to do in Puerto Vallarta. As you leisurely stroll through downtown, you’ll come across hidden gems you didn’t even know to look for. Boutiques with handmade goods, craft cocktail bars, and jewelry shops are tucked in along the cobblestone streets. Because some shops and many of the art galleries close in the summer and fall, winter is the best time to visit Puerto Vallarta and wander around downtown.

When you take a Puerto Vallarta vacation in the winter, you can leave your heavy jacket and mittens at home. Instead of being stuck inside, you’ll be trying different outdoor activities in Puerto Vallarta, like hiking and scuba diving. There’s also plenty of laid back Puerto Vallarta activities for relaxing holidays, like window shopping and taking whale watching Puerto Vallarta tours. No matter how you spend your day, you’ll be refreshed and rejuvenated by the ocean breeze and the winter sunshine.