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Cancun or Puerto Vallarta?

Both are beaches, food and nightlife destinations in North America. Cancun adds luxury, adventure and islands. Puerto Vallarta adds culture, mountains and romantic.

CancunPuerto Vallarta
CountryMexicoMexico
Cost of a weekmid-pricedmid-priced
Crowds at peakmediummedium
Best monthsJan, Feb, Mar, Apr, MayJan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
Warmest monthJuly, 31°CJuly, 31°C
Coolest monthJanuary, 26°CJanuary, 26°C
Known forPlaya Delfines, MUSA, El Meco, Nichupté Lagoon, Isla MujeresChurch of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Los Arcos, Malecón, Cuale River Island

Month by month, side by side

MonthCancunPuerto Vallarta
Jan26°C26°C
Feb27°C26°C
Mar28°C26°C
Apr29°C27°C
May30°C29°C
Jun30°C30°C
Jul31°C31°C
Aug31°C30°C
Sep31°C30°C
Oct30°C30°C
Nov28°C29°C
Dec27°C28°C

So which one?

Pick Cancun if…

you want luxury, adventure and islands. It suits luxury particularly well.

Pick Puerto Vallarta if…

you want culture, mountains and romantic.

Both are at their best in January, February, March, April, May.

Book whichever wins

Hotels in CancunHotels in Puerto Vallarta
Cancun guidePuerto Vallarta guideWhen to visit CancunWhen to visit Puerto Vallarta

Common questions

Is Cancun or Puerto Vallarta cheaper?

Cancun is mid-priced for a week, Puerto Vallarta is mid-priced.

Which is warmer, Cancun or Puerto Vallarta?

Cancun peaks at 31°C in July; Puerto Vallarta peaks at 31°C in July.

Can you do both in one trip?

Yes — they are in the same country, so combining them is straightforward.

Temperatures are measured averages (ERA5, Open-Meteo). Hotel links are partner links — your price is unchanged.

Some links on this page are partner links. If you book through them TonyPlan earns a small commission — the price you pay is exactly the same.