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Playa del Carmen or Puerto Vallarta?
Both are beaches, food and nightlife destinations in North America. Playa del Carmen adds adventure, nature and shopping. Puerto Vallarta adds culture, mountains and romantic.
| Playa del Carmen | Puerto Vallarta | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Mexico | Mexico |
| Cost of a week | mid-priced | mid-priced |
| Crowds at peak | medium | medium |
| Best months | Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May | Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May |
| Warmest month | July, 31°C | July, 31°C |
| Coolest month | January, 26°C | January, 26°C |
| Known for | Portal Maya, Cenote Azul, Xcaret, Quinta Avenida, Cozumel ferry | Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Los Arcos, Malecón, Cuale River Island |
Month by month, side by side
| Month | Playa del Carmen | Puerto Vallarta |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 26°C | 26°C |
| Feb | 27°C | 27°C |
| Mar | 28°C | 27°C |
| Apr | 29°C | 28°C |
| May | 30°C | 29°C |
| Jun | 30°C | 30°C |
| Jul | 31°C | 31°C |
| Aug | 31°C | 31°C |
| Sep | 30°C | 30°C |
| Oct | 29°C | 30°C |
| Nov | 28°C | 29°C |
| Dec | 27°C | 27°C |
So which one?
Pick Playa del Carmen if…
you want adventure, nature and shopping. It suits backpackers particularly well.
Pick Puerto Vallarta if…
you want culture, mountains and romantic. It suits families particularly well.
Both are at their best in January, February, March, April, May.
Book whichever wins
Common questions
Is Playa del Carmen or Puerto Vallarta cheaper?
Playa del Carmen is mid-priced for a week, Puerto Vallarta is mid-priced.
Which is warmer, Playa del Carmen or Puerto Vallarta?
Playa del Carmen 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.