If you’re sitting at a desk somewhere chilly right now, the phrase current weather in puerto vallarta mexico probably sounds like a dream. You’re likely picturing endless sunshine and a margarita that doesn't melt too fast. Honestly? You’re mostly right.
But there’s a nuance to the Jalisco coast this week that most weather apps don’t really capture. Today, January 15, 2026, Puerto Vallarta is sitting in that sweet spot where the "winter" chill—and I use that term very loosely—is keeping things crisp enough to actually walk the Malecón without breaking into a full-body sweat.
The Current Vibe: Clouds, Sun, and That "Perfect" Temperature
Right now, the mercury is hovering around 81°F (27°C) for the daytime high. That sounds hot to a Canadian, but it's remarkably mild for the tropics. Last night, it dipped down to 67°F (19°C).
People get this wrong all the time. They think Mexico is always a blast furnace. But January in Vallarta is different. It’s "light sweater weather" once the sun goes behind the Sierra Madre mountains. If you’re heading out for an evening at The Blue Shrimp or just a stroll near the church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, bring a layer. You'll thank me when that Pacific breeze kicks in around 8 PM.
Humidity is sitting at a manageable 67% today. Compared to the 90% soup we get in August, this feels like a different planet. It's breathable. It's comfortable.
What’s happening in the sky today?
We’ve got a mix of partly sunny intervals and some stubborn cloud cover. It isn't that boring, flat grey you see in London. It’s more of a dramatic, puffy-cloud situation that makes for incredible sunset photos.
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- Rain chance: Basically zero. We're talking 10% tops.
- UV Index: It’s a 3 today. Don't let the clouds fool you. The tropical sun at this latitude is sneaky. You’ll still get a burn if you spend three hours on a boat without SPF.
- Wind: A gentle 5 mph nudge from the west. Just enough to keep the palm fronds moving.
Why the Water is the Real Story Right Now
If you're looking at the current weather in puerto vallarta mexico because you want to swim, here is the real talk: the Pacific is cooling down.
The sea temperature is currently 76°F (24°C). To some, that’s refreshing. To others, it’s a bit of a shock if you’re used to the bathtub-warm water of September.
But this "cooler" water is exactly why the bay is currently exploding with life.
The Humpback Factor
The humpback whales are here. They love this specific 75-77°F range. It’s perfect for the moms to nurse their calves in the shallow parts of Banderas Bay without the babies overheating or getting stressed by predators.
If you go out on a boat today, your chances of seeing a breach are arguably at their peak for the entire year. The water is calm, the morning mist clears by 9 AM, and the whales are active.
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Dealing with the "Cold Front" Myth
You might hear locals talk about a "Norte" or a cold front. In Puerto Vallarta, a cold front means the temperature drops to 62°F at 4 AM. It isn't a blizzard. It’s just enough of a shift that the humidity vanishes and the sky turns an impossibly deep blue.
We had a bit of that over the last 48 hours. It cleared out the haze. Visibility is excellent right now—about 8 to 10 miles. If you head up to the Mirador Cerro de la Cruz, you can see all the way across to Punta de Mita and the Marietas Islands with total clarity.
Surviving the Seasonal Shift: Actionable Tips
Don't just look at the 81°F high and pack only shorts. You need a strategy for the 15-degree temperature swing that happens the moment the sun drops.
1. The "Layer Up" Rule
Pack at least one linen long-sleeve or a light denim jacket. The breeze off the water in the Romantic Zone can feel surprisingly brisk once you've been sitting still for an hour at dinner.
2. Book Morning Tours
While the afternoon is warmer, the wind usually picks up around 2 PM. This makes the bay "choppy." If you’re prone to seasickness, the current weather in puerto vallarta mexico dictates that you should be on a boat by 8:30 AM and back on land by 1 PM for the smoothest ride.
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3. Hydration over Sunscreen (Almost)
Because it isn't "sticky" out, you might forget to drink water. The dry air in January wicks moisture off your skin faster than you realize.
4. Watch the Tides
With the current lunar cycle (we're just past the new moon), the evening tides are creeping up a bit higher on the beaches. If you're planning a sunset dinner on the sand at Playa Los Muertos, double-check that your table isn't in the "splash zone."
What to Expect for the Rest of the Week
Looking ahead at the 10-day trend, things are staying remarkably stable. We’re seeing a slight climb toward 83°F by Tuesday, but no major storm systems are lurking in the Pacific.
It's "Goldilocks" weather. Not too hot, not too cold. Just right for actually doing things rather than just hiding in an air-conditioned hotel room.
Check the local flags if you’re heading to the beach. Green or yellow is standard this time of year, but always keep an eye out for red flags near the Ameca River mouth if there’s been any unusual swell.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
Check the local surf report if you’re heading north to Sayulita, as the current NW swell is bringing in some 3-4 foot sets. If you’re staying in town, verify your whale-watching tour departs from Marina Vallarta or the Los Muertos Pier, as morning conditions are currently much better for departures than late-day slots.