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Wondering what April in Puerto Vallarta is like? This is my third year living in Puerto Vallarta during April – it’s one of my favorite times to be here.
April marks the end of the high season in Puerto Vallarta, but temperatures aren’t too humid yet, making it an excellent time to enjoy perfect beach days with better deals on accommodations and tours.
In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the weather in Puerto Vallarta in April, things to do, and special events happening.
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Weather in Puerto Vallarta in April
Puerto Vallarta enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. April marks the end of the high season, when temperatures start to climb up. However, the weather conditions in April are still quite comfortable.
During April, you can expect the average daily temperature in April to be around 82°F to 84°F (27-28°C), rarely falling below 80°F (27°C) or exceeding 90°F (32°C).
April is one of the driest months in Puerto Vallarta. The average rainfall is just 2 inches (50mm), making it an ideal time to visit if you want to avoid the rainy season.
The wind speed in April is relatively low, and the cloud cover is generally minimal, so there’s plenty of sunshine to enjoy. The water temperature is also perfect for swimming, averaging around 78°F (26°C) throughout the month.
If you’re looking for a warm and sunny getaway to escape the tailwind of winter in Canada or the U.S., April is one of the best times to visit Puerto Vallarta.
Events in Puerto Vallarta in April
Puerto Vallarta hosts a year-round calendar of exciting events, but here are some to make on your calendar if you’re coming during April.
Semana Santa
Semana Santa, the Spanish term for ‘holy week’, is the week before Easter and one of the most widely celebrated holidays in Mexico.
There are an estimated 20 million nationals traveling during this time – and many flock to Puerto Vallarta to enjoy it’s beautiful weather and festivities.
While you can enjoy impressive religious precessions and ceremonies at the Lady of Guadaloupe church, easter week is also a giant fiesta in Puerto Vallarta.
It marks the end of high season and the city goes out with a bang – quite literally. There will be fireworks going off everywhere and the Malecon will be packed with people. If you love big crowds and parties, come during easter week. If you don’t… come after.
If you are coming for Semana Santa, book your accommodation early as the city does fill up quickly.
Holy week in 2023 will be from Sun, Apr 2, 2023 – Sat, Apr 8, 2023.
Things to do in Puerto Vallarta in April
Whether you’re interested in outdoor activities, cultural experiences, or just lounging on the beach, here are some of the top things to do in Puerto Vallarta in April.
Take a catamaran tour
April is when the weather starts to really warm up in Puerto Vallarta, making it the perfect time to join a catamaran trip.
There is no better way to spend a day in Puerto Vallarta than sunbathing on top of a boat, cerveza in hand, while you’re brought to some of the most beautiful beaches in the area for water activities.
Our top pick for catamaran tours in Puerto Vallarta is the Yelapa Catamaran Tour by Chico Loco.
This full-day tour includes a continental breakfast, snacks, a taco lunch, as well as all the soft drinks, coffee, beer, wine, or margaritas you want. Salud!
As you cruise down the Bay of Banderas towards Yelapa, you’ll have a chance to stop for some snorkeling, as well as use the kayaks, paddle boards, tubes, splash nets, and more.
Once in the beautiful village of Yelapa, you have the option to take a short hike to a waterfall, chill out on the beach, or enjoy more water activities in the sea.
Go Snorkeling or Diving
The warm waters of Banderas Bay are home to an abundance of marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, manta rays, and dolphins. Unfortunately most of the whales have departed by April, but it’s still worth joining a snorkeling tour.
My favorite place to go snorkeling and diving in Puerto Vallarta is Los Arcos Marine Park, which are natural rock arches in the ocean that provide a home to many marine animals. As these rocks are in the middle of the ocean, the only way to get there is on a boat.
We recommend this small group snorkeling tour as it’s highly rated, reasonably priced, and guided by a certified lifeguard and a marine biologist.
Go Ziplining through the mountains
While April is undoubtedly one of the best times to enjoy the water activities in Puerto Vallarta, don’t miss out of the mountains!
The Sierra Madre mountains are the backdrop of the city and provide a playground of fun outdoor adventure, including ziplining, atv tours, canopy tours, hiking trails, and more.
April is a great time to explore the mountains because it’s not too humid yet. One of my favorite ways to explore the mountains is on a ziplining tour, where you can experience the sensation of flying across the beautiful tropical jungle.
Our top pick for zipline tours in Puerto Vallarta is this extreme adventure tour, where you’ll experience the longest and fastest zipline in the country, PLUS indoor skydiving, off-road courses, water slides, and more. It’s a day packed with adventure, to say the least.
DISCOVER MORE THINGS TO DO IN PUERTO VALLARTA IN APRIL
FAQ: Puerto Vallarta in April
Is Puerto Vallarta good in April?
Yes, April is a great time to visit Puerto Vallarta! The weather in Puerto Vallarta during this month is warm and sunny, with low levels of precipitation and comfortable water temperatures, making it an ideal time for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities. Additionally, April is when Semana Santa takes place which is one of the most fun times to be in Puerto Vallarta.
Can you swim in Puerto Vallarta in April?
Yes, you can definitely swim in Puerto Vallarta in April. The water temperature during this month is typically warm and comfortable, ranging between 77-82°F (25-28°C). April is when the temperatures start to really warm up, making it an ideal time to cool off in the ocean and enjoy the water activities PV has to offer.
What is the best time of year to go to Puerto Vallarta?
The best time of year to go to Puerto Vallarta is generally considered to be from December to March, which is the peak tourist season. However, April is a great time to visit Puerto Vallarta as it makes the end of high season but you can still enjoy amazing weather with fewer crowds.
Need more help planning your trip to Puerto Vallarta? Get a custom-made itinerary or book a consultation call with me here.
Is it rainy in Puerto Vallarta in April?
April is typically one of the driest months in Puerto Vallarta, with an average rainfall of just 2 inches (50mm). The weather is usually sunny and warm, making it a great time for outdoor activities like swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the city.
Can you see whales in Puerto Vallarta in April?
It’s unlikely. Humpback whales migrate to the waters off the coast of Puerto Vallarta from December to March to mate and give birth, but sightings are still possible in early April.
Where to stay in Puerto Vallarta in April
If you’re visiting Puerto Vallarta during Semana Santa, I cannot stress how important it is to book your accommodation ahead of time!
One benefit of coming after is that accommodation prices will be much lower – but, you’ll miss all the big parties. Check out these posts for ideas on where to stay in April.
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April is a fantastic time to visit Puerto Vallarta.
With its warm and sunny weather, low rainfall, and perfect water temperatures, it’s an ideal time for beachgoers, snorkelers, and divers.
Experiencing Semana Santa is also an amazing experience! However if you want to skip the crowds and get better deals, plan your trip to come after Easter Sunday.
Whenever you decide to come, we’re sure you’ll fall in love with Puerto Vallarta just like we have.
Planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta? Don’t miss these posts!
- Grand Miramar Puerto Vallarta Review
- 4 Best Hidden Beach Tours Puerto Vallarta
- How to Visit Mismaloya Beach
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