Puerto Vallarta in December 2025: Events, Festivals & Travel Guide 🎉
December in Puerto Vallarta is a magical time when this vibrant coastal city comes alive with festive cheer, perfect weather, and countless activities. Whether you’re a sun-seeker, an adventure enthusiast, or a culture lover, Puerto Vallarta in December 2025 offers an unforgettable travel experience. This guide will walk you through what to expect – from holiday festivals and outdoor adventures to practical travel tips – so you can make the most of your winter getaway in this tropical paradise. 😎🌴
Weather in December ☀️
One of the biggest perks of visiting Puerto Vallarta in December is the fantastic weather. Despite being winter, December days are warm and sunny with temperatures often reaching 28-30°C (mid-80s°F) during the day. At night, it cools down to around 15-18°C (60s°F), so you might want a light sweater for evenings. Rainfall is almost non-existent – December falls in PV’s dry season, with only about 25mm of rain in the whole monthholiday-weather.com. This means you’re very unlikely to see a drop of rain during your trip, and you’ll enjoy plenty of sunshine (around 10 hours of sun daily)
The Pacific Ocean is warm and inviting too – water temperatures hover around 26-27°C (around 80°F), ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. Essentially, you can spend your days on the beach or out on the bay comfortably. Don’t forget sunscreen, hats and sunglasses, as the sun is still strong. And pack a light jacket or shawl for those pleasantly cooler nights. Overall, you can expect picture-perfect vacation weather – sunny skies, warm days, low humidity, and gorgeous sunsets every evening! 🌅✨
Festivals & Holiday Events 🎄
December 2025 is brimming with festive events that showcase Puerto Vallarta’s rich culture and holiday spirit. The holiday season here is a joyous blend of Mexican traditions and lively tourist celebrations – there’s always something happening!
Fiestas Guadalupanas (December 1–12): The month kicks off with the Festival of Our Lady of Guadalupe, one of Puerto Vallarta’s most important religious and cultural events. For 12 days, locals and visitors unite in downtown PV to honor Mexico’s patron saint, the Virgin of Guadalupe. This 12-day festival features nightly processions(over 400 processions in total!) filled with decorated floats, folkloric dancers, Mariachi music, and fireworks, all winding toward the beautiful Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in El Centro. The atmosphere is electric 🎊 – streets fill with food stalls selling tamales, churros, and other traditional treats, and fireworks light up the sky as people celebrate with faith and gratitude. The final night (Dec 12) is the grand climax, with the largest pilgrimage drawing thousands of devotees. Even if you’re not religious, experiencing one of these vibrant processions is a must for the cultural immersion (just head to the Cathedral area in the evenings). Check the official site or local bulletin for nightly procession schedules.
Las Posadas (December 16–24): Starting mid-December, Puerto Vallarta joins all of Mexico in the tradition of Las Posadas, which are community celebrations reenacting Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter. For nine nights leading up to Christmas Eve, neighborhoods host posada parties complete with candlelit processions, caroling, piñatas, and plenty of food and hot ponche (fruit punch). You might catch groups singing door-to-door or be invited to break a star-shaped piñata – it’s all part of the fun! These posadas blend religious customs with festive partying 🎉. Visitors are welcome to observe or join in; it’s a heartwarming way to experience local holiday culture.
Christmas Eve & Christmas Day: In Mexico, Christmas Eve (Noche Buena) is often the bigger celebration than Christmas Day. On December 24th, many local families attend midnight Mass at the main church and then enjoy late-night Christmas dinners at home or in restaurants. Around town, you’ll see dazzling Christmas lights and nativity scenes (don’t miss the giant Christmas tree and decorations on the Malecón and in plazas 🎄). Many hotels and restaurants host special Christmas Eve dinners (reservations recommended!). Christmas Day (Dec 25) itself tends to be a relaxed, quiet day spent with family or at the beach for some. As a tourist, you’ll find plenty of restaurants open and festive menus, but also a laid-back holiday vibe.
New Year’s Eve (December 31): Puerto Vallarta knows how to ring in the New Year with style! 🎆 New Year’s Eve 2025 will be an unforgettable party. The city organizes free celebrations, especially along the Malecón (waterfront promenade). Expect live music, street parties, and a spectacular fireworks show at midnight lighting up Banderas Bay. Crowds gather on the Malecón and beaches to watch fireworks explode over the ocean – an absolutely magical sight! Many clubs, bars, and resorts also throw New Year’s parties (some ticketed with open bar, DJs, etc.), so you can choose between joining the energetic street carnival or a more upscale event. Either way, be ready to shout “¡Feliz Año Nuevo! 🎊” as you welcome 2026 with a bang. Tip: If you want a dinner reservation or a spot at a popular venue for NYE, book well in advance.
Aside from these major festivities, December may also feature other events: for instance, sports enthusiasts can look out for events like the Puerto Vallarta Half Marathon in early December, and sometimes there are special concerts or shows (in 2025, an international artist like Lionel Richie is even scheduled to perform at VidantaWorld on Dec 11!). You can check the official tourism site’s event calendar for any concerts, culinary festivals, art fairs, or sports events happening during your visit. But rest assured, the holiday atmosphere throughout December is constant – from weekly farmer’s markets and art walks, to hotel entertainment and beach clubs hosting themed nights, the city is buzzing with energy.
Outdoor Adventures & Whale Watching 🐋
If you love adventure and the great outdoors, Puerto Vallarta in December is paradise. The pleasant climate means you can comfortably explore jungles, mountains, and ocean all day. December is also the start of whale watching season, making it a prime time for nature lovers.
Whale Watching: Starting each December, majestic humpback whales migrate to Banderas Bay to mate and give birth, offering visitors a chance to witness these gentle giants up close. Whale watching is absolutely a bucket-list activity here 🐳. Tours officially begin in early December (2025’s season opens around December 8th) and run through March. On a guided whale-watching excursion (typically ~3 hours long), you might see whales breaching, slapping their tails, or even newborn calves learning to swim. It’s an awe-inspiring experience to see a 40-ton humpback leap out of the water! There are many licensed tour operators offering whale tours – from large boats to smaller eco-friendly pangas. Tip: Book a morning tour for the calmest seas and best chance of sightings, and don’t forget your binoculars and camera. Some tours even come with hydrophones so you can hear the whales sing. Remember, touching or swimming with whales is not allowed (they’re protected), but even watching from a respectful distance will leave you amazed.
Aside from whales, December’s cool-ish weather (not too humid) is perfect for other outdoor adventures. You can go zip-lining through the jungle canopy, take an ATV or jeep tour into the Sierra Madre mountains, or hike to waterfalls like El Eden or Yelapa’s falls. The surrounding rainforest is lush (thanks to the summer rains) and the views of the bay from mountain trails are gorgeous. If you’re into wildlife, consider an eco-tour to the Marietas Islands for bird watching (blue-footed boobies!) or a trip to the Vallarta Botanical Gardens which is blooming with winter flowers. Turtle releases also sometimes still occur in early December – baby sea turtles hatch on the beaches from nests laid in prior months (the tail end of turtle season, which runs July through December). Check with local conservation programs or resorts if there’s a turtle release you can participate in – helping tiny turtles to sea at sunset is a heartwarming activity 🐢💚.
✨ Insider Highlight: For an unforgettable ocean adventure beyond whale watching, try a bioluminescence snorkeling tour! Mismaloya Xtreme (https://mismaloyaxtreme.com) is a top local operator offering nighttime snorkel trips at Los Arcos Marine Park, where you can swim with glowing plankton. On a dark December night, the waters light up with bioluminescent plankton – every movement creates a trail of sparkles around you. It’s a magical experience to float under the stars and see the ocean literally twinkle around you! 🤿🌟 Mismaloya Xtreme provides expert guides and small-group tours, making them an awesome choice for this unique adventure.
Snorkeling & Diving 🤿
Water activities are fantastic in December, thanks to the calm seas and great visibility after the rainy season. If you’re a fan of snorkeling or scuba diving, you’re in for a treat – Puerto Vallarta’s marine life is thriving and the ocean is warm (~27°C), so you can comfortably spend hours in the water.
Snorkeling: Some of the best snorkeling spots in PV include Los Arcos National Marine Park, the Marietas Islands, and beaches like Mismaloya or Colomitos cove. Los Arcos (those iconic granite islets in the bay) is a must-visit – you’ll snorkel among colorful fish, corals, and maybe spotted eagle rays or sea turtles. Visibility in winter is usually good, especially on clear sunny days. Many snorkeling tours will take you by boat to Los Arcos or Marietas (famous for its hidden beach), often combined with other activities like kayaking or beach time. If you prefer to go solo, you can also snorkel right off the beach at places like Conchas Chinas or Mahahuitas – just bring or rent gear. Keep an eye out for Pacific tropical fish like angelfish, parrotfish, pufferfish, and even octopuses hiding in the rocks!
Scuba Diving: Certified divers will find several exciting dive sites in Banderas Bay. Besides Los Arcos (which has deeper dive sites and underwater caves), you can explore sites like El Morro or Chimo (for advanced divers, with deeper waters teeming with giant manta rays and sometimes sharks), or Las Marietas which offer tunnels and vibrant sea life. December’s conditions are generally good for diving – water clarity is decent and currents manageable. If you’re not certified, fear not: many dive shops offer introductory “Discover Scuba” dives or even full certification courses, so you could become a PADI certified diver during your vacation! Professional dive operators will ensure you have safe and memorable undersea excursions.
🌟 Don’t Miss This: Looking for the ultimate snorkeling experience in Puerto Vallarta? Mismaloya Xtreme (https://mismaloyaxtreme.com) is highly recommended for their snorkeling and bioluminescence tours. 🤩🌊 By day, they’ll take you to the best reefs and sea caves around Los Arcos, and by night, they offer that phenomenal bioluminescent plankton snorkel where the water glitters with every movement. It’s like swimming in a sea of stars! ✨ With small groups and knowledgeable local guides, Mismaloya Xtreme offers a fun, safe, and truly one-of-a-kind excursion – perfect for making your December trip extra special.
Travel Tips for December 🧳
Visiting Puerto Vallarta in December is wonderful, but keep these practical tips in mind to maximize your enjoyment:
- Book Accommodation & Flights Early: December (especially around Christmas and New Year’s) is peak tourist season in PV. Hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals fill up fast, and prices do rise. For the best deals and options, try to book your stay and flights a few months in advance. If you plan to travel during the holiday weeks, booking by early fall is ideal. 🌐✈️
- Reserve Tours & Restaurants: Likewise, popular tours (like whale watching, zip-lines, and boat trips) can sell out quickly in high season. It’s a good idea to reserve key activities ahead of time, particularly if you have limited days. Same goes for holiday dining – if you want a special Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve dinner at a specific restaurant, make a reservation. Many venues host special events that require booking. 📅🍽️
- Pack Smart: Bring light breathable clothing for warm days (shorts, t-shirts, swimwear, sundresses) and a mix of casual resort wear and a few nicer outfits if you plan on fine dining or going out in the evenings (PV’s nightlife can be a bit dressy at clubs). For evenings and early mornings, pack a light jacket, sweater, or shawlbecause the sea breeze can feel cool. Don’t forget comfortable walking shoes or sandals for exploring cobblestone streets and outdoor tours, and of course your beach essentials (swimsuit, flip-flops, sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen). If you plan on hiking or zip-lining, bring sneakers or hiking sandals. And maybe throw in some bug spray for any jungle excursions (though mosquitoes aren’t too bad in dry season). 🎒👕👡
- Embrace the Crowds (or Avoid Them): Puerto Vallarta in late December can be bustling with tourists, especially around New Year’s. The city’s energy is fantastic if you enjoy a lively atmosphere – you’ll meet people from all over the world, and the nightlife is buzzing. If you prefer it quieter, consider visiting in early or mid-December. The first two weeks of December are a sweet spot: the weather is great and holiday decorations are up, but crowds are a bit thinner until the Christmas rush starts around the third week. Either way, give yourself a bit of extra time at the airport and for restaurant service, as everything is a touch busier than usual. 😄👫🌆
- Currency and Shopping: The local currency is the Mexican Peso. In tourist areas, US dollars are accepted in many places, but you’ll get a better value paying in pesos. There are plenty of ATMs and banks in town – withdraw pesos for the best rate. When shopping for holiday gifts or souvenirs at markets (like the Olas Altas Farmers Market or artisanal stalls), don’t hesitate to bargain politely – it’s part of the culture. And if you’re here around Christmas, you might see special seasonal markets or Christmas bazaars popping up, which are great for unique hand-crafted items. 💸🎁
- Respect Local Traditions: If you attend local festivities (like the Guadalupe processions or a posada), remember you are witnessing cherished traditions. Be respectful – dress modestly at church events, ask before taking close-up photos of participants, and join in with an open heart. You’ll find that Vallarta’s locals are very welcoming and proud to share their culture. A few basic Spanish phrases (¡Feliz Navidad! = Merry Christmas, ¡Feliz Año Nuevo! = Happy New Year) will put a smile on faces. 🤗🇲🇽
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll navigate through the high season like a pro and fully enjoy all the delights Puerto Vallarta offers in December.
In summary, Puerto Vallarta in December 2025 is an incredible destination blending tropical relaxation with festive celebration. From sunny beach days and thrilling whale watching to colorful cultural festivals and holiday feasts under the stars, there’s an experience waiting for every traveler. The city’s charm is undeniable – picture yourself sipping a margarita on the beach on Christmas Day, or dancing on the Malecón as fireworks usher in the New Year. 🎆❤️
Whether you’re coming to explore or to simply unwind, December is the perfect time to create lasting memories in Puerto Vallarta. So pack your bags, bring your holiday spirit, and get ready for a December to remember in this Mexican paradise. ¡Bienvenidos a Puerto Vallarta y Felices Fiestas! 🥳🌟🏝️
Happy travels and happy holidays! ¡Feliz Navidad y próspero Año Nuevo 2026! 🎄🎉🎇