Beaches & Islands · Best Nov–Apr
Puerto Vallarta packing list for families
Puerto Vallarta is a real Mexican town on a big, beautiful bay, with whales in winter and jungle right behind the beach. Packing for boats, hills, and heat makes the trip easier for everyone.
Photo by Jeffrey Eisen on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Puerto Vallarta
- Winter is humpback whale season in Banderas Bay, and seeing them from a boat is the highlight for so many kids. I book a morning tour when the water is calmer and pack motion-sickness bands just in case.
- The old town is hilly and cobblestoned, which is charming and hard on strollers. I use a carrier for little ones there and keep the stroller for the Malecón and the resort.
- Summer and early fall bring heat, humidity, and evening storms, but also sea turtle releases at some resorts and fewer crowds. If you go then, plan beach mornings and a rest in the afternoon.
Best timeNov–Apr
PlugsUS plugs, no adapter needed
MoneyMexican peso (US dollars accepted in some places)
PassportYes
Your packing edit
Puerto Vallarta
This time of year
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Carry-on17
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Travel neck pillow for the grown-ups
Kids' travel pillow
Light blanket or large scarf for the plane
Change of shirt for the grown-upsSpills on a kid mean spills on you.
Baby wipes, even for big kids
Kids' backpack for their own things
Coloring book, sticker book, or activity pad
A new book or two
Gum or mints
Clothing13
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Light sweater or sweatshirt per personPlanes, restaurants, and evenings run cool.
Light rain jacket per person
Leggings or comfy travel pants for the flight
Shorts and skirts
Swim cover-ups
Belt
Sports bra or workout clothes
Socks for closed shoes, plus a spare pair
Pajamas for the first night in the carry-onIf a bag is late, bedtime still happens.
Shoes4
Sandals
Flip-flops or slides for the pool and shower
Dress shoes or nicer sandals
Kids' water shoesMany beaches have rocky entries and boat landings.
Beach & pool12
Swimsuits2 per person
UPF rash guardsKristina's pick
Mineral sunscreen
Wide-brim sun hats
Swim diapers
Hyperlite life jacket for boat and ocean daysKristina's pickA properly fitted life jacket for boats and open water.
Lightweight beach tote
Goggles
Sand toys that nest flat
Pool float or swim vest for little swimmers
After-sun aloe
Sand-free beach towel
Adventure1
Kids' binocularsKristina's pickFor spotting whale spouts across the bay in winter.
Little ones12
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Sippy cup or straw cup
Bibs and a few spoons
Portable changing pad
Diaper cream
Baby monitor
Fitted crib sheet from homeA familiar smell helps babies sleep in a new crib.
Outlet covers
Potty seat or folding potty
Little things22
AirTag in each checked bagKristina's pickYou'll know your bag made the connection before you do.
Stain remover penGelato happens. Photos still look great.
Laundry detergent sheetsOne sink wash halfway through means packing half the clothes.
Gallon zip bags, a handfulWet swimsuits, sandy shoes, and the occasional car-sick emergency.
Pen in your carry-onFor arrival forms, so you're not borrowing one in the immigration line.
Hair ties and a small detangling brush
Hand sanitizer wipes and pocket tissues
Lollipops or gum for takeoff and landingSwallowing helps little ears pop.
A few wrapped surprise toys for the flightUnwrapping buys you twenty minutes. Unwrapping slowly buys thirty.
Stick-on battery night lightHotel rooms are pitch dark, and the bathroom is never where they expect.
Kids' nail clippers and tweezersSplinters from boardwalks and docks are a vacation classic.
Kids' sunglasses
Wet bag for swimsuits
Electrolyte packetsHot days and long walks catch up with kids before they say they're thirsty.
Earplugs and an eye mask for the grown-ups
Waterproof phone pouchFor boat days and splashy whale photos.
Small foldable tote for souvenirs and laundry
Sewing kit and safety pins
Luggage tags
Collapsible water bottle for the grown-ups
Sunglasses for the grown-ups
Small bills in pesosUseful for taxis, Malecón treats, and tips.
Health & toiletries20
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Bug spray
Hanging toiletry bag
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
Deodorant
Hairbrush, comb, and hair ties
Face wash and moisturizer
Makeup and makeup remover
Razor
Contact lenses, solution, and glasses
Prescription medicines in original bottlesKeep them in your carry-on, never in checked bags.
Bandages and blister pads
Kids' thermometer
Anti-itch cream
Hand lotion and SPF lip balm
Feminine products
Clear quart bag for liquids
Motion-sickness bandsWhale-watching and Marietas boats can be bumpy.
Documents & tech16
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Driver's licenses and kids' IDs
Health insurance cards
Travel insurance details
Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
Some cash in small billsFor tips, taxis, and markets.
Photos of passports and IDs on your phone
Booking confirmations saved offline
Phone chargers and cables for everyone
Multi-port wall chargerOne outlet, every device charged by morning.
Tablet chargers and kids' headphones adapter
Wireless earbuds for the grown-ups
Airplane Bluetooth adapter for seatback screens
Camera and memory card
E-reader
Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip
The outfit edit
Jungle to beach
Natural, palm green, sand, papaya
For the kids
For photos
- Earthy tones that work in jungle and sand
- Bright papaya for a pop
Tap any piece to shop the look.
Month by month
Puerto Vallarta weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 81°F 27°C | Dry season with sunny days and pleasant evenings | Humpback whale season in Banderas Bay |
| February | 81°F 27°C | Dry season with sunny days and pleasant evenings | Humpback whale season in Banderas Bay |
| March | 82°F 28°C | Dry season with sunny days and pleasant evenings | Humpback whale season in Banderas Bay Easter and spring breaks bring busy weeks for Mexican and US families |
| April | 84°F 29°C | Dry season with sunny days and pleasant evenings | Easter and spring breaks bring busy weeks for Mexican and US families |
| May | 87°F 31°C | Getting hotter and more humid, with rains starting in late June | |
| June | 90°F 32°C | Getting hotter and more humid, with rains starting in late June | |
| July | 91°F 33°C | Hot, humid, and rainy, often with evening storms; hurricane season peaks Aug–Oct | Sea turtle nesting and hatchling releases on local beaches |
| August | 92°F 33°C | Hot, humid, and rainy, often with evening storms; hurricane season peaks Aug–Oct | Sea turtle nesting and hatchling releases on local beaches |
| September | 91°F 33°C | Hot, humid, and rainy, often with evening storms; hurricane season peaks Aug–Oct | Sea turtle nesting and hatchling releases on local beaches |
| October | 91°F 33°C | Hot, humid, and rainy, often with evening storms; hurricane season peaks Aug–Oct | Sea turtle nesting and hatchling releases on local beaches |
| November | 88°F 31°C | Drier and comfortable as the rains end | Sea turtle nesting and hatchling releases on local beaches Day of the Dead on Nov 1–2, with altars and parades |
| December | 84°F 29°C | Dry season with sunny days and pleasant evenings | Humpback whale season in Banderas Bay Sea turtle nesting and hatchling releases on local beaches Our Lady of Guadalupe pilgrimages through the old town, Dec 1–12 |
Questions families ask
Puerto Vallarta with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Puerto Vallarta with kids?
The best time is Nov–Apr. Dry season with sunny days and pleasant evenings
What's the weather like in Puerto Vallarta?
Typical daytime highs range from about 81°F (27°C) in January to about 92°F (33°C) in August. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Puerto Vallarta?
Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Puerto Vallarta?
None. Puerto Vallarta uses the same plugs as the US.
What's your top tip for Puerto Vallarta with kids?
Winter is humpback whale season in Banderas Bay, and seeing them from a boat is the highlight for so many kids. I book a morning tour when the water is calmer and pack motion-sickness bands just in case.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.