November is when the best of Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit comes around. The weather becomes perfect; warm during the day and cool at night.
Humpback whales arrive in the bay to carry out their reproductive cycle. Pop-up markets of local producers and artisans set up shop in various parts of Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit. Fish migrations reach the bay and therefore fishermen get their best catch. Additionally, you may have the fortune of seeing some turtles nesting or help release their hatchlings into the sea.
Whale season in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit
One of the biggest attractions in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit are the humpback whales. Each year, these colossal creatures visit us to perform their mating and procreation rituals. The amazing competition between males to mate with a female is a spectacle worth seeing. These large mammals collide with each other and slap their fins while chasing the female in a wild race. They also perform big jumps and pirouettes during their courtship to attract the female’s attention.
From November through March, the whales remain in the bay and there are boats that offer tours to watch them more closely. The gestation period of humpback whales is 11 months. Therefore, many of the females who became pregnant the previous year give birth while they are here. It is not uncommon to see a mother with her calf playing around, jumping and slapping their fins. A moment that will surely be engraved in your memory!
Seasonal farmers markets of local producers
If you prefer organic food and like supporting local commerce, you will love this. From November to May, pop-up markets are set up in various parts of Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit. Within them, you will find organic products and handmade crafts by the regional population.
| Market | Location | Day | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riviera Farmers Market | The parking lot at Nuevo Vallarta Business Center | Tuesday | 9:00 am – 2:00 pm |
| Mercado Artesanal San Pancho | Plaza del Sol in San Pancho, Nayarit | Tuesday | 10:00 am – 2:00 pm |
| Forever Spring Farmers Market | The parking lot at La Comer Bucerías | Wednesday | 9:00 am – 2:00 pm |
| Art & Market Marina Vallarta | The dock at Marina Vallarta | Thursday | 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm |
| Mercado del Pueblo | On Revolución Street in Sayulita, Nayarit | Friday | 10:00 am – 2:00 pm |
| Olas Altas Farmers Market | Lázaro Cárdenas Park | Saturday | 9:00 am – 2:00 pm |
Sport fishing in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit
The cold currents in the bay during this season bring large specimens of tuna, marlin, swordfish and mahi mahi. Very important international fishing tournaments are organized in both Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit; the most experienced fishermen compete to see who catches the largest fish.
If you are a fishing enthusiast but do not want to compete, you can also go on a fishing tour. The most experienced captains offer their services to take you where you will assuredly find fish.
Turtle nesting
Although the season is coming to its end, it is still possible to witness the nesting of sea turtles in December. Live the incredible experience of watching these animals come out of the sea to lay eggs in order to perpetuate the species.
Because it is an endangered animal, there are multiple turtle camps along the bay. These camps are dedicated to the protection of eggs until hatching. When you visit them, the people in charge will explain in detail the life cycle of sea turtles. Go with your family and participate together in a release of hatchlings. You may release a newborn turtle on the beach and say goodbye while it enters the sea.
Weather in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit
One of the main winter attractions in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit is the weather. With warm days and cool nights, the temperature is ideal for enjoying the beach. Winter begins on December 21st with an average temperature ranging between 17 and 27 degrees Celsius. Almost every day is sunny, since the rainy season in this region is during the summer. The humidity decreases considerably in comparison to summer, so there isn’t that unpleasant feeling of being “sticky”.
Many visitors choose to spend all those winter months on our shores to escape the cold of their homeland. Here they enjoy winter in tank tops, shorts and sandals, with an ice cold drink in their hands. Stay at Marival Resorts and enjoy this season to the fullest.
The best of Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit comes around during the winter season. Come and visit!