Tropical Season is in Full Swing! Here is What to Do on a Rainy Day in PV
By Joey Martinez
Published June 11th, 2026
Now that summer break is here, a vacation is a must—and you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to visit Puerto Vallarta. While some shy away from the summer months, visiting during our "Tropical Season" (as we like to call the rainy season at Gay Guide Vallarta) comes with incredible perks, from lush green mountains to great travel deals.
If you are looking to get some color to brag about to your co-workers, don’t let cloudy skies fool you. Be extra cautious: sand and water both reflect UV rays, exposing your skin from above and below. Even on an overcast day, slather on that sunscreen and enjoy the beach with a delicious Margarita or Mezcalito.
Keep in mind, "rainy season" doesn't mean a total washout. Some days can be rainy all day, while others bring bright, sunny, and crisp mornings followed by a dramatic afternoon shower and beautifully clear evenings.
The Eastern Pacific tropical season officially runs from May 15th through November 30th. However, the actual rains in Puerto Vallarta usually start mid-June and wrap up by early October, with September bringing the most intense and dramatic storms. While hurricanes passing off the coast can bring extra rain and high surf around September and October, direct hits on PV are historically rare thanks to the protective embrace of Banderas Bay.
The Saver Season
Unlike the high season, summer brings cheap lodging all across town. Casa Cupula has fantastic travel deals listed right on their website, and Boana Torre Malibu is perfectly situated just a block from the gay beach, with every condo offering a stunning ocean view. You’ll also find excellent summer restaurant specials throughout the Romantic Zone.
But the big question is: What can you do when it actually rains?
The answer is simple, and it can be as relaxing or as thrilling as you want.
For a Relaxing, Zen Afternoon
• Get a Massage: Book a session at a local spa or have a masseuse come straight to your hotel, condo, or villa. Thrive IV MedSpa is a great option; they even offer specialized medical treatments for your health and beauty.
• Recharge: Take the time to catch up on your reading or indulge in a long nap. Returning home fully recharged is the ultimate productivity hack.
• Cozy Up: If it's just a light drizzle, take a leisurely horseback ride with Juan Caballos up the Río Cuale. It is an excellent way to navigate these scenic mountain trails safely while the jungle is at its greenest. You can also take a stroll in the gardens and do a little birdwatching south of Vallarta at the Vallarta Botanical Gardens (their Hummingbird Week runs July 4th and 5th!). Or, simply sit on your balcony with a hot coffee or Mexican hot chocolate and watch the spectacular lightning storms roll in the bay.
For an Action-Packed Adventure
(Note: Always skip these during active lightning storms!)
• Zip-Lining: Flying through the canopy in a light drizzle is an incredible rush. The lines even feel a little faster as you speed through the raindrops.
• ATV or RZR Rides: Most tours head straight into the mountains, making a rainy day perfect for a thrilling, muddy ride through trails and swollen rivers. You can book an ATV tour, a zip-line, or a combination of both directly with Estigo Tours—check out the array of activities they have to offer on their website.
• Coastal Hiking & Waterfalls: Take a 30- to 45-minute bus or taxi ride south to Boca de Tomatlan. From there, you can hike the gorgeous coastline to Las Animas beach. Once you're done, you can hike back or catch a panga(water taxi) back to Boca or the Los Muertos Pier. If you'd rather not navigate the trails alone, check out Curiel Xperience for an amazing guided experience to hidden waterfalls and much more.
Nightlife & Entertainment
While main stage venues like The Palm Cabaret & Bar, Coco Cabaret, and Nacho Daddy have paused their main show seasons to prepare for winter, the nightlife is far from dead.
You can still find fantastic live music at Garbo Piano Bar and La Catrina Cantina. Plus, you can't miss the iconic drag shows and go-go boys at Blue Chairs Rooftop Bar, Paco’s Ranch, and La Noche. (Check our website calendar for daily showtimes!)
The Ultimate Perk: The Town is Yours
While the hot, humid days mean tourism slows down slightly for locals, it’s a massive win for you. It means no waiting in line at popular restaurants, immediate service for massages, uncrowded streets, and no fighting for the best front-row lounge chair on the gay beach at The Blue Chairs Beach Club.
And what happens if you’re at a bar and it starts to pour? Order another round! Don't worry about running into another bar soaked; locals are completely used to serving wet customers this time of year. Just be considerate and conscious about the seating: plastic or metal chairs are much easier to dry off than fabric seating.
And just a heads-up: if a bar has the AC blasting, you're going to freeze if you're wet. So choose your seats wisely, grab another Mezcalito, and enjoy the show! If you're desperately looking to escape the humidity and need to find a frosty, air-conditioned sanctuary right now, flip through our Gay Guide Vallarta guidebook! Look for the businesses featuring our handy AC icon. You can pick up a physical copy around town or browse the exact same layout online right now via our digital guidebook.
To see all the LGBTQ+ activities, spas, and promos available right now, check out our listings at www.gayguidevallarta.com or follow our socials for exclusive discounts on tours, lodging, and dining.
