Home /Destinations /Mexico /Jalisco /Weather
Weather Guide

Jalisco Weather & Climate Guide 2025

Plan your trip with detailed weather information and seasonal tips for Jalisco.

Jalisco is Mexico's cultural heartland, birthplace of tequila, mariachi music, and the Mexican hat dance. Home to the vibrant metropolis of Guadalajara and the Pacific resort city of Puerto Vallarta, it offers a stunning blend of colonial heritage, indigenous traditions, and natural beauty.

Best Time to Visit

✓

Best Months

November to April

Dry season brings clear skies, warm temperatures, and low humidity across Jalisco. Puerto Vallarta is at its finest with whale watching (Nov-Mar) and perfect beach weather. Guadalajara is pleasantly warm and comfortable for sightseeing.

✗

Months to Avoid

June to October

Rainy season brings daily afternoon thunderstorms, high humidity, and occasional tropical cyclones affecting Puerto Vallarta. September is the wettest month with heavy flooding possible. Guadalajara's highland climate moderates the rain but humidity rises significantly.

Climate Overview

Jalisco has two distinct climate zones: the highland interior (including Guadalajara at 1,566m elevation) has a mild subtropical highland climate with warm days, cool nights, and a pronounced rainy season from June to October. The Pacific coast (Puerto Vallarta) has a tropical wet-dry climate with year-round warmth, hot humid summers, and a drier, sunnier winter season. Lake Chapala's basin has one of Mexico's most pleasant microclimates, sometimes called the 'Land of Eternal Spring.'

Month-by-Month Guide

What to expect each month of the year.

Jan

Guadalajara 22°C/72°F (high), 10°C/50°F (low); Puerto Vallarta 28°C/82°F (high), 18°C/64°F (low)
Peak tourist season in Puerto Vallarta. Beautiful dry weather statewide. Whale watching at its best in Bay of Banderas. Guadalajara evenings can be chilly.

Feb

Guadalajara 24°C/75°F (high), 11°C/52°F (low); Puerto Vallarta 29°C/84°F (high), 19°C/66°F (low)
Excellent conditions across Jalisco. Zero rainfall. Valentine's Day brings romantic packages to Puerto Vallarta. Whale watching season peaks. Carnival celebrations in some towns.

Mar

Guadalajara 26°C/79°F (high), 13°C/55°F (low); Puerto Vallarta 30°C/86°F (high), 20°C/68°F (low)
Dry and warm. Spring breakers arrive at Puerto Vallarta. Semana Santa (Holy Week) in late March/April brings Mexican domestic tourists. Good conditions for all activities.

Apr

Guadalajara 28°C/82°F (high), 15°C/59°F (low); Puerto Vallarta 31°C/88°F (high), 22°C/72°F (low)
Pre-rainy season — still dry but temperatures rise. Easter week (Semana Santa) can be very crowded. Best month for exploring Jalisco's highland towns before summer heat.

May

Guadalajara 30°C/86°F (high), 17°C/63°F (low); Puerto Vallarta 32°C/90°F (high), 24°C/75°F (low)
Getting hot. Occasional early storms at end of month. Lower tourist numbers and prices. Puerto Vallarta starts to get humid. Excellent for budget travelers who don't mind heat.

Jun

Guadalajara 26°C/79°F (high), 17°C/63°F (low); Puerto Vallarta 32°C/90°F (high), 26°C/79°F (low)
Rainy season begins. Daily afternoon showers in Guadalajara (mornings still clear). Puerto Vallarta gets hot and humid with evening rains. Green landscapes emerge after dry months.

Jul

Guadalajara 24°C/75°F (high), 16°C/61°F (low); Puerto Vallarta 32°C/90°F (high), 26°C/79°F (low)
Mexican school holidays bring domestic tourists. Hot and humid on the coast. Guadalajara afternoons see heavy rain but mornings are clear. Rainy season at its height.

Aug

Guadalajara 24°C/75°F (high), 16°C/61°F (low); Puerto Vallarta 31°C/88°F (high), 26°C/79°F (low)
Busiest month for domestic tourism. Heavy rains in both Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta afternoons. Hot and humid coast. Guadalajara is at its greenest and most lush.

Sep

Guadalajara 23°C/73°F (high), 15°C/59°F (low); Puerto Vallarta 31°C/88°F (high), 26°C/79°F (low)
Wettest month of the year. Tropical storm risk for Pacific coast. Guadalajara can see flooding. Lowest tourist numbers and hotel prices. Independence Day celebrations September 15-16.

Oct

Guadalajara 24°C/75°F (high), 14°C/57°F (low); Puerto Vallarta 30°C/86°F (high), 24°C/73°F (low)
Rains begin to ease in second half of month. Excellent value for money as tourist numbers are low. Day of the Dead preparations throughout Jalisco. Beautiful green landscapes.

Nov

Guadalajara 24°C/75°F (high), 12°C/54°F (low); Puerto Vallarta 29°C/84°F (high), 22°C/72°F (low)
Dry season returns. Humpback whales arrive in Bay of Banderas. Día de los Muertos (Nov 1-2) celebrations. Excellent weather begins. Fewer tourists than December peak.

Dec

Guadalajara 22°C/72°F (high), 11°C/52°F (low); Puerto Vallarta 28°C/82°F (high), 20°C/68°F (low)
Peak tourist season. Excellent weather, Christmas and New Year celebrations, elaborate light displays in Guadalajara's historic center. Holiday crowds and prices are highest now.
🌤️

Seasonal Planning Guide

Complete weather data, packing lists by season, and event calendars.

Get Guide

Seasonal Breakdown

Detailed information for each season.

🌸 Spring

Mar-May

Dry season ending in Guadalajara with warming temperatures and occasional fog. Puerto Vallarta is warm with very low rainfall and calm seas. Lake Chapala blooms with wildflowers. The best shoulder-season time to visit.

Tips: Pack light layers for Guadalajara evenings (15-18°C at night). Puerto Vallarta is hot — full sun protection essential. Easter week (Semana Santa) brings domestic tourist crowds in late March/April.

☀️ Summer

Jun-Aug

Rainy season arrives with afternoon thunderstorms throughout Jalisco. Guadalajara enjoys lush green landscapes after months of drought. Puerto Vallarta gets hot and humid with heavy rain. Mexican families vacation in August creating crowded conditions.

Tips: Bring rain gear and quick-dry clothing. Book accommodation well ahead for August. Plan activities for mornings before 2PM when storms typically build.

🍂 Fall

Sep-Nov

September is Jalisco's wettest month and can see remnant tropical storm impacts on Puerto Vallarta. By October the rains ease and November sees the return of beautiful dry weather. Humpback whales begin arriving in the Bay of Banderas in November.

Tips: Avoid September travel to Puerto Vallarta if possible. November is excellent for whale watching. Hotels offer lowest rates in September and early October.

❄️ Winter

Dec-Feb

Jalisco's peak tourist season brings warm sunny days to Puerto Vallarta (25-29°C) and pleasant days in Guadalajara (22-26°C) with cool evenings. Zero rainfall, excellent whale watching, and festive Christmas/New Year celebrations.

Tips: Book hotels and restaurants well in advance for December and January. Bring a light jacket for Guadalajara evenings (10-14°C). Apply sunscreen diligently in Puerto Vallarta.

What to Pack

Seasonal packing recommendations.

Year-Round Essentials

  • Modest clothing (cover shoulders and knees)
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
  • Light scarf or shawl (for religious sites)
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Power adapter
  • Basic first aid kit

Hot Weather Additions

  • Lightweight, breathable fabrics
  • Extra sun protection
  • Cooling towel
  • Light colors to reflect heat
  • Sandals with back straps

Cool Weather Additions

  • Warm layers (fleece, sweater)
  • Light jacket or coat
  • Rain gear (umbrella, waterproof jacket)
  • Closed-toe shoes
  • Warm accessories (if winter)

Events & Crowd Levels

Plan around busy periods and special events.

🔴 High Season

December to February (international winter tourists), July to August (Mexican domestic summer holidays)

Higher prices, advance booking essential, crowded attractions.

🟡 Shoulder Season

March to May, October to November (best combination of good weather and manageable crowds)

Good balance of weather and crowds. Reasonable prices.

🟢 Low Season

June to September (rainy season; Puerto Vallarta sees significant tourist drop)

Best deals, fewer tourists. Some services may be limited.

Major Events & Holidays

Late January-February
Fiestas de la Candelaria

Religious festivals celebrating Candlemas throughout Jalisco with music, food, and traditional dances

March/April
Semana Santa (Holy Week)

Elaborate Easter processions, especially in Guadalajara and Teuchitlán. Massive domestic tourist movement.

September 15-16
Mexican Independence Day

Enormous celebrations in Guadalajara's Plaza de la Liberación with fireworks, music, and the presidential 'Grito de Independencia' reenactment

October 12
Festival de la Virgen de Zapopan

Millions participate in Guadalajara's most important religious celebration, transporting the Virgin's image through the city

November 1-2
Día de los Muertos

Day of the Dead celebrations with elaborate ofrendas (altars), marigold displays, and cemetery vigils throughout Jalisco

November-March
Humpback Whale Season

Whale watching tours from Puerto Vallarta as humpback whales migrate to the warm Bay of Banderas

December
Festival Internacional del Cine de Guadalajara

One of Latin America's most important film festivals held in Guadalajara in late November/early December

December 12
Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe

Mexico's most important religious holiday with massive pilgrimages, music, and celebration throughout Jalisco

Plan Your Perfect Jalisco Trip

Get our complete seasonal guide with detailed packing lists, event calendars, and month-by-month planning tips.

Download Weather Guide