6 Reasons Why Mexico’s Pacific Coast is a Year-round Destination

Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Western Sierra Madre Mountains, Puerto Vallarta-Riviera Nayarit on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is a stunning treasure. There’s no bad time of year to visit – here are six reasons why.

1. A perfect tropical climate

With an annual average temperature of 77° F, Puerto Vallarta, in the state of Jalisco, and Riviera Nayarit, in the state of Nayarit, are a vacationer’s dream. More than 330 days of uninterrupted sunshine each year make for the perfect backdrop for Instagram-worthy photos.

2. A natural playground

Thanks to a thriving, diverse ecosystem, a real-life National Geographic experience awaits you. Different seasons bring different animals but there are many beautiful spots that can be explored at any time of the year. Tours to the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Islas Marietas in Riviera Nayarit, including a beautiful hidden beach, and a visit to El Salado Estuary in Puerto Vallarta, a protected natural area of 169 hectares with crocs and hundreds of bird species, are two of the best!

3. Exciting events every month

In both Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit, you’ll find events of all kinds happening each month. In September, there are lively Independence Day celebrations and in November, experience the colorful Day of the Dead and International Gourmet Festivals. The rest of the year you’ll find many celebrations in the smaller towns as well as a variety of sports events, including El Día Nacional del Charro (Charro Day) in Puerto Vallarta and the Polo Cup in Sayulita, Riviera Nayarit.

4. Incredible paradise-like beaches

Beaches in Mexico’s Pacific Coast are sure to never disappoint. Enjoy an amazing excursion to the Majahuitas or Yelapa beach in Puerto Vallarta, full of restaurants, bars and activities, then relax the following day in Riviera Nayarit’s Lo de Marcos, a serene town with one of very few remaining untouched beaches. And that perfect year-round weather gives you plenty of opportunity to make the most of your beach time.

5. Vibrant arts and culture

Mexico’s Pacific Coast puts on a vibrant art show all year long! The art scene is graced by many national and international artists, sculptors and musicians and there are plenty of galleries and shows. In Puerto Vallarta, check out the sculptures and paintings along El Malecon. In San Pancho, the cultural heart of Riviera Nayarit, enjoy local cultural events at the Community Center, an arts collective, and a flourishing local music scene.

6. Colorful snorkeling and diving

You can snorkel and dive year-round on the Pacific Coast. There are differences in the seasons, but the water is wonderfully warm and waves are fairly calm throughout the year. From December to February you are more likely to encounter manta rays and dolphins in the wild, and the water is at its warmest and visibility is clearest from June to October.