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Family Packing List for Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta with kids is the Pacific-coast alternative to Cancun: no Sargassum, a walkable malecón, mountain backdrop, and a more local feel than the all-inclusive zone in the Caribbean.
Updated April 2026
Quick answer
For a 6-day Puerto Vallarta family trip, expect 26–32°C year-round, dry season November–May and humid rainy season June–October. Pack lightweight cotton or linen, two swimsuits per person, comfortable walking sandals for the cobblestone Old Town and malecón, a light layer for evenings (Pacific breeze), and reef-safe sunscreen for the cleaner beaches and snorkeling spots like Los Arcos. North American devices need no adapter; UK and Australian plugs do.
At a glance
- Plug type:
- A / B (127V, 60Hz) — same as US/Canada
- Currency:
- Mexican peso (MXN); USD accepted at tourist sites
- Tipping:
- Expected; round up taxis, 10–15% restaurants, $1–2 USD per resort service
- Tap water:
- Not for drinking; bottled or filtered
- Sargassum:
- None — Pacific coast is unaffected
- Best beach feature:
- Cleaner, calmer than Caribbean coast year-round
Sample checklist preview
6 days · 2 adults · 2 childrenWhat the generator starts with for this trip type — you can edit everything in the next step.
- Swimsuits×1
- Hats×1
- Dress Shirts×1
- Dresses×1
- T-shirts×2
- Pants×1
- Shorts×2
- Socks×3
- Underwear×3
- Sleepwear×1
- Casual Sandals×1
- SunscreenShared (1)
The full generator adjusts these for weather, laundry, travelers, and destination.
What actually matters in Puerto Vallarta
- •No Sargassum on the Pacific coast. The brown seaweed that affects Caribbean beaches (Cancun, Riviera Maya, Cozumel) does not reach the Pacific. If beach quality is the trip's reason and you're traveling April–October, Puerto Vallarta or Mazatlán typically beats Cancun.
- •Old Town (Zona Romantica) is walkable on cobblestones. Comfortable walking sandals or supportive sneakers matter — heeled shoes hurt by mid-afternoon. A baby carrier outperforms a stroller on the rougher streets.
- •Mexico uses Type A/B plugs at 127V — same as US and Canada. UK Type G and Australian Type I plugs need an adapter.
- •Reef-safe sunscreen (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) is required at most snorkel and eco-park spots: Los Arcos National Marine Park, Marietas Islands, and many tour boats now check at boarding.
- •The malecón (oceanfront promenade) is the family-friendly centerpiece — walkable, lined with sculptures, vendors, and restaurants. Light layers help with the evening breeze coming off the Pacific.
- •Day trips reward different gear than the city: Yelapa (boat-only access) needs a dry bag; Marietas Islands need rash guards and snorkel gear (often included with tours); Sayulita is a 1-hour drive with surf-town casual.
- •Tap water is not drunk — bottled or filtered only. Resorts handle this; outside resorts, plan accordingly.
- •Spanish helps but most tourist-zone services speak English. Pesos are better than USD outside resorts.
- •Hurricane season is June–November on the Pacific too, but historically Puerto Vallarta has fewer severe storm hits than the Caribbean coast.
Typical weather by month
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 28°C / 82°F | 17°C / 63°F | 1 |
| Feb | 28°C / 82°F | 17°C / 62°F | 1 |
| Mar | 29°C / 84°F | 17°C / 63°F | 0 |
| Apr | 30°C / 86°F | 19°C / 66°F | 0 |
| May | 32°C / 89°F | 21°C / 70°F | 1 |
| Jun | 33°C / 91°F | 24°C / 75°F | 9 |
| Jul | 32°C / 90°F | 25°C / 76°F | 13 |
| Aug | 33°C / 91°F | 25°C / 76°F | 14 |
| Sep | 32°C / 89°F | 24°C / 75°F | 14 |
| Oct | 32°C / 89°F | 23°C / 73°F | 7 |
| Nov | 30°C / 86°F | 20°C / 68°F | 1 |
| Dec | 29°C / 84°F | 18°C / 64°F | 1 |
Typical monthly averages for planning. Check a forecast closer to your trip.
Seasonal things to plan around
- Jun–OctRainy season with daily afternoon thunderstorms — usually short and intense, leaving the rest of the day clear. Pack a compact rain shell.
- Jun–NovPacific hurricane season; less active than Atlantic but real. Major hits to PV are rare but possible.
- Year-roundStrong UV and reflection off water — reef-safe SPF 30+ matters even on overcast days.
- Winter holidays / Feb–MarPeak Canadian and US snowbird season. Resorts are full and prices peak. Shoulder months (Apr–May, Oct–Nov) are quieter and cheaper.
Common Puerto Vallarta packing mistakes
- •Packing flip-flops for the Old Town. Cobblestones and rough sidewalks are not flip-flop friendly. One supportive sandal per person handles malecón walks and dinners.
- •Bringing chemical sunscreen for snorkeling tours. Most boats now require reef-safe; locals and operators are increasingly strict.
- •Underestimating the breeze. Even summer evenings on the malecón can feel cool — one light layer per person.
- •Forgetting the FMM card at departure. Same as Cancun — included in airline ticket but you need it on the way out. Replacement fee is ~$40.
- •Treating it like Cancun and not exploring outside the resort. PV rewards walking, eating in small places, and day trips more than larger Caribbean destinations.
- •Bringing only USD cash — small businesses and street vendors prefer pesos, and exchange rates at hotels are noticeably worse than ATMs.
Notes by where you're traveling from
From the US
- •Flight: 4–5 hours direct from West Coast hubs (LAX, SFO, SEA); 6–7 from East Coast. Puerto Vallarta (PVR) is well-served.
- •No tourist visa for stays under 180 days; FMM card included in airline ticket.
- •Adapter: not needed — same A/B plugs and 120V as the US.
- •Currency: USD widely accepted at tourist sites; pesos better at small businesses and street vendors.
From the UK
- •Flight: 12+ hours typically with one stop, often via the US. Note: US connections still require a US ESTA.
- •No Mexican tourist visa for stays under 180 days; FMM included in airline ticket.
- •Adapter: Type G → A/B. Mexico is 127V — most modern chargers are dual-voltage; appliances may need a converter.
- •Currency: Pound to peso direct via ATM is the best rate.
From Canada
- •Flight: 5–6 hours direct from Toronto/Montreal/Vancouver. PV is one of the most popular winter Mexican destinations for Canadians.
- •No tourist visa for stays under 180 days; FMM included in airline ticket.
- •Adapter: not needed — same A/B plugs and 120V as Canada.
- •Many Canadians winter here November–April. Off-season (June–October) is much quieter.
From Australia
- •Flight: 25+ hours with connections, usually via LA or San Francisco. US connections require US ESTA.
- •No Mexican tourist visa for stays under 180 days; FMM included in airline ticket.
- •Adapter: Type I → A/B. 127V; verify dual-voltage on chargers.
- •Plan a recovery day on arrival — kids hit a jet-lag wall around day 3.
Venue and attraction rules
- Malecón (oceanfront promenade)
- Free, walkable. Family-friendly evenings; sand sculptures and street performers. Light layers for sea breeze.
- Los Arcos National Marine Park
- Snorkeling reef park; reef-safe sunscreen required. Most tours include snorkel gear; bring a rash guard for kids.
- Marietas Islands
- Day trip by boat (~1 hour). The famous "Hidden Beach" is access-controlled and may require a separate permit. Reef-safe sunscreen required; rash guards essential.
- Yelapa
- Boat-only village south of Bay of Banderas. No vehicle access. Bring a dry bag for the boat ride and cash — limited card acceptance in the village.
- Sayulita
- Surf town 1 hour north. More casual, beach-town vibe. Walk-around-friendly with kids. Day trip or weekend.
- Old Town (Zona Romantica)
- Cobblestones — supportive walking sandals or sneakers needed. Restaurants, art galleries, and Los Muertos beach access.
FAQ
Cancun vs Puerto Vallarta for a family beach trip?
Puerto Vallarta wins for: walkable Old Town, no Sargassum, more local feel, mountain backdrop, easier flights from US West Coast and Canada. Cancun wins for: more all-inclusive options, larger airport, easier US East Coast flights, broader spread of eco-parks and Mayan ruins. For families with younger kids who like a single resort, Cancun. For families who like to walk, eat out, and explore, Puerto Vallarta.
Is Sargassum really not a problem here?
Correct — Sargassum affects Caribbean-facing beaches only. Puerto Vallarta is on the Pacific and historically gets none. If your trip dates fall in peak Sargassum season (April–October) and beach quality is critical, Puerto Vallarta is the safer Mexican choice.
Do we need pesos or will USD work?
USD works at resorts, larger restaurants, and major tour operators (often at unfavorable rates). Pesos work better everywhere else. ATM withdrawals at the airport or bank ATMs (avoid hotel ATMs) give the best rates. A combination of card + 2,000 MXN cash for a week handles most situations.
When is the cheapest time to visit?
May–June and October–November are shoulder seasons — fewer crowds, lower prices, and weather still good (rainy season storms tend to be short afternoon affairs). July–August is the rainiest and least pleasant. December–April is peak season with snowbird crowds and highest prices.
Is Puerto Vallarta walkable with strollers?
Hotel zones and the malecón itself are stroller-friendly. The Old Town's cobblestones are tougher. A baby carrier handles both better than a wheeled stroller. If you bring a stroller, choose one with larger wheels.
Do we need an adapter?
US and Canadian families: no — same A/B plugs and 120V as home. UK and Australian families: yes — pack a Type A/B adapter. Most modern phone, laptop, and camera chargers are dual-voltage; hair tools and small appliances often are not.
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