Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, July 16, 2026 – Puerto Vallarta is starting Thursday mostly clear, warm, and humid. At 6:18 a.m. local time, the temperature was 26°C (78°F), with an apparent temperature near 31°C (88°F), humidity at 88%, and a light east-southeast wind near 6 km/h (4 mph), according to the morning weather observation. An observation from the airport area reported similar humidity and slightly warmer conditions.
Temperatures are forecast to reach about 34°C (94°F) this afternoon before falling to approximately 24°C (76°F) overnight. The apparent temperature could approach 43°C (110°F) in direct sun and remain near 39°C (102°F) in the shade during the hottest part of the day.
The morning should remain largely dry. Rain chances begin rising after 1 p.m., reaching about 60% around 2 p.m. and 69% near 3 p.m. Occasional afternoon rain may be followed by a heavier thunderstorm during the evening.
Heat builds before the rain
The combination of high humidity and temperatures above 32°C (90°F) will make outdoor activity more demanding from late morning through midafternoon.
People working outdoors, walking long distances, or exercising should schedule breaks, carry water, and use shade where possible. The forecast calls for a high ultraviolet index even with increasing cloud cover, so sun protection remains useful before the afternoon rain develops.
Winds outside thunderstorms should remain light, generally near 10 to 11 km/h (6 to 7 mph). Briefly stronger gusts and choppy coastal conditions are possible if a storm crosses the bay.
Lightning and short-lived street flooding
The forecast does not establish that flooding will occur. A strong or slow-moving downpour could still cause temporary pooling on low-lying streets, underpasses, and along roads with limited drainage.
Drivers should reduce speed when rain begins and avoid entering water-covered streets when the depth cannot be judged. Visibility can fall quickly during the heaviest part of a tropical downpour.
Beach visitors and boat operators should leave exposed areas at the first sound of thunder. Beach flags, port instructions, and local conditions should be checked again before entering the water, as conditions can change quickly.
Tropical Storm Elida remains far offshore
Tropical Storm Elida was about 1,065 kilometers (660 miles) southwest of the southern tip of Baja California at 2 a.m. Pacific time, moving west at 19 km/h (12 mph) with sustained winds of 95 km/h (60 mph).
The National Hurricane Center advisory listed no coastal watches, warnings, or hazards affecting land. Elida is not a direct threat to Puerto Vallarta under the current forecast, although its development should continue to be monitored during Pacific hurricane season.
Best window for Thursday plans
The most reliable period for errands, beach time, and outdoor appointments is this morning through midday. Anyone planning afternoon activities should carry rain protection and allow extra travel time after 1 p.m.
Evening diners and eventgoers should be prepared for a possible heavy thunderstorm and brief transportation delays. Forecast timing can shift, especially with localized summer storms, so conditions should be checked again later Thursday.
