I’ve been returning to Puerto Vallarta since 2021, and April is one of my favorite times to be here. Days are warming up, but it usually feels less humid than summer.
April can be lovely for beach days and outdoor trips. Check Easter dates before expecting quiet beaches or cheaper hotels—the holiday sometimes falls in March, and the following week can stay busy.
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.
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.
Days are generally warm, and April tends to feel hotter than March. Pack light clothes, sun protection, and a light layer for evenings or boat trips. Check the forecast for your actual dates.
April falls in the drier season. Puerto Vallarta’s usual rainy season is June through October, although rain is still possible outside those months.
Wind, waves, and visibility vary from day to day. Follow beach flags before swimming, and ask your snorkel or dive operator about conditions and wetsuits if you get cold easily.
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.
Semana Santa brings many domestic visitors to Puerto Vallarta. Beaches, roads, and hotels can be busy, so book ahead if your dates overlap the holiday.
Religious processions and services take place around Easter, including at the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The waterfront and popular beaches can also be crowded. Check local schedules for specific events.
If you want a quieter trip, look beyond Easter Sunday: Semana Pascua, the following week, is also a holiday period for many families.
If you are coming for Semana Santa, book your accommodation early as the city does fill up quickly.
For your next spring trip, Easter Sunday is March 28, 2027. Holy Week runs March 21–27, and Semana Pascua follows March 29–April 4. The first few days of April 2027 can still be busy.
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.
The linked Chica Locca catamaran trip now visits Playa Chica Locca and Quimixto, not Yelapa. If you want to visit Yelapa, choose an itinerary that specifically includes it.
The current trip includes breakfast, snacks, a fajita lunch, and an open bar. Choose your meeting point when booking and check transport arrangements; getting to the departure point isn’t the same as hotel pickup.
Snorkeling equipment, kayaks, and paddleboards are listed among the inclusions. Water activities depend on sea conditions, so leave some flexibility in your plans.
In Quimixto, you can visit the waterfall or spend time at the beach. Horse and ATV options cost extra, so bring cash if you want one. For a different outing, here’s my guide to visiting Yelapa.
Go Snorkeling or Diving
April is still worth considering for joining a snorkeling tour, even though it’s outside the usual whale-watching season. Fish are part of the appeal; turtles, rays, and dolphins are possible encounters, not promised sightings.
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.
The linked this small group snorkeling tour is operated by Vallarta Natours. Check its current meeting point, inclusions, and swimming requirements before booking, especially if you aren’t confident in open water.
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.
The Extreme Adventure tour combines ziplines with an ATV route, suspension bridge, wind tunnel, and other activities. It’s an active outing with age, height, weight, and health restrictions. The operator currently lists a minimum age of eight and an extra $50 USD collision-damage insurance charge per ATV; check the full requirements before booking.
DISCOVER MORE THINGS TO DO IN PUERTO VALLARTA IN APRIL
FAQ: Puerto Vallarta in April
Is Puerto Vallarta good in April?
Yes. April is usually warm and part of the drier season. Check Easter dates: the holiday can fall in March or April, and the following week can also be busy.
Can you swim in Puerto Vallarta in April?
Swimming is possible at suitable beaches when conditions allow. Follow beach flags and local guidance; waves, currents, and water temperature vary. Ask about wetsuits for snorkeling or diving.
What is the best time of year to go to Puerto Vallarta?
The drier season, generally November through April, suits many outdoor trips. Your best month depends on your budget, holiday crowds, and activities.
Is it rainy in Puerto Vallarta in April?
April is generally dry, outside the usual June–October rainy season. Rain is still possible, so check the forecast before outdoor trips.
Can you see whales in Puerto Vallarta in April?
Don’t plan April around whale watching. It’s outside the usual authorized season; confirm dates with an authorized operator if whales are your priority.
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!
You may find better rates outside holiday dates, but prices don’t automatically drop after Easter Sunday. Compare the following week too, especially when Semana Pascua runs into April. Check these guides for accommodation ideas.
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April is a fantastic time to visit Puerto Vallarta.
April is usually a good option for warm days in the drier season. Leave some flexibility for boat trips and beach conditions.
Choose the holiday period if you enjoy a busy city, or later dates if a quieter stay is your priority.
For me, the appeal is mixing beach time with the mountains, good food, and a relaxed evening in town.
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
