Puerto Vallarta vs Cabo: Is Puerto Vallarta or Cabo San Lucas Better for You?

Puerto Vallarta and Cabo are famous tourist destinations in Mexico, thanks to their rich culture and diverse attractions. It is no wonder why people find it hard to choose between these two Mexican locations, given their promises of fun experiences. Cabo and Puerto Vallarta offer memory-filled vacations and honeymoons in unique, separate ways. What's the difference between Puerto Vallarta and Cabo? This Puerto Vallarta vs Cabo article explores crucial elements of both destinations by comparing their Weather, Vacation expenses, and tourist attractions. You should be able to choose between the two Mexican cities based on your preferences after reading.

We hope you find it insightful!

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Best Time to Visit Puerto Vallarta and Cabo

Puerto Vallarta

The best time to go to Puerto Vallarta is in April and May. It is the period between the end of winter and the start of summer. During these months, there is low precipitation, and the weather warms up. Tourists are fewer as most winter visitors leave after enjoying the activities of the high seasons in Puerto Vallarta. The waters become ideal for swimming, and the temperature darts between the mid-70s and mid-80s. Resorts and hotel owners also charge moderate rates during those two months as visitors subside. July to September in Puerto Vallarta see the least visitors as that is the summer season. Summertime in Puerto Vallarta means plenty of rain and intense sunlight. The climate is humid, and the days are hot and sticky. During the rainy seasons, prices generally decrease because of the low number of tourists. By October, the rain subsides, and winter launches in Puerto Vallarta. Visitors begin to swarm the city to enjoy the various delights that the season brings. Many hurry to the Mexican City to catch the festivals happening in November and prepare for whale watching in December.

By January, more winter visitors join the crowd to enjoy the fine weather till mid-March. Winter in Puerto Vallarta is the destination's peak season. You can expect a hike in general expenses, from basic to luxuries. However, the season also brings more fun activities and festivals, which causes a spike in tourists visiting.

Cabo

The best time to visit Cabo San Lucas is from May to June, just before summertime. During this period, the Cold season ends, and the winter crowd leaves Cabo. The weather warms up, and the sea temperature becomes balmy and ideal for swimming. You can expect sweet deals from hotels and other establishments during that period as the visitors subside. July to September is summertime in Cabo San Lucas. The temperature goes as high as the 90s, and there are bursts of rain. During summer, hotels offer their lowest rate due to the decrease in visitors around the city. Most people around for the period spend more time at the beach to ease the hot atmosphere and stay indoors when the rain falls. It is not a suitable time for outdoor activities. It is also the city's hurricane season.

October to April is the high season in Cabo. The winter crowd comes in to watch whales and fish in the booming Cabo waters. The weather is fine and suitable for outdoor tours and activities all around the city. Prices generally hike, and accommodations become tough to secure.

Puerto Vallarta top view.

Puerto Vallarta vs Cabo: Average Hotel Price

Whether you choose Puerto Vallarta or Cabo, their hotel prices are affected mainly by seasonal changes. During the peak seasons in the destinations, hotel prices hike as the crowd increases. It is advisable to book your rooms ahead of the trip to secure discounts in the various hotels or resorts.

During the low seasons, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo hotels give discounts to attract the limited number of visitors around. They also offer sweet deals and bonuses for national celebrations and notable festivals.

Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta and Cabo

Cabo and Puerto Vallarta are locations with loads of fun activities. From festivals to touring postcard-worthy destinations, check out the list of things to do in Puerto Vallarta and Cabo below:

Puerto Vallarta

Tour the Male on Boardwalk.
Check out Los Arcos de Mismaloya on a boat cruise.
Go whale watching in the various Puerto Vallarta waters in December.
Enjoy a beach day at Playa de Los Muertos.
Experience the nightlife at Chicabal.

Cabo

Join or watch the fishing tournament during wintertime in Cabo.
Go snorkeling in the Chileno Bay.
Go on a boat cruise to see the land's end.
Scuba dive in the Cabo San Lucas Marine Park.
Ride Camels in Cabo San Lucas.
Visit lover's beach with your spouse.

Cabo resort.

Conclusion: Which is Better Puerto Vallarta or Cabo?

If you are looking for a destination with more tourist vibes and attractions, Cabo is your best option here. Cabo San Lucas is a more tourist-oriented location than Puerto Vallarta, with its all-inclusive vacation spots and facilities. Puerto Vallarta offers a quieter vacation and a deeper Mexican feel than Cabo. Puerto Vallarta beaches are safe to swim and snorkel due to their calm waters. Cabo, on the other hand, experiences high waves now and then. Both destinations offer mesmerizing nightlife to tourists, but Puerto Vallarta does it better with its Mexican vibe.

To sum it up, Cabo is your destination for a more detailed tour-filled vacation, while Puerto Vallarta offers a chilled trip, a richer cultural feeling, and cruises in places that give you a closer peek at nature.

FAQ

Is Puerto Vallarta or Cabo better?

If you're looking for a party atmosphere, then Cabo is probably the better choice. Puerto Vallarta has a more laid-back vibe and is better suited for families or couples looking for a relaxed vacation. Cabo is also going to be more expensive than Puerto Vallarta, so if you're on a budget, Puerto Vallarta is the better choice.

What is the difference between Puerto Vallarta and Cabo?

Puerto Vallarta is a much older city than Cabo, and as such, its architecture and infrastructure reflect that. Puerto Vallarta is a larger city with more history and activities, while Cabo is a smaller resort town. Puerto Vallarta has a wetter climate and more vegetation, while Cabo is in a desert climate. Puerto Vallarta is known for its beaches and other attractions, while Cabo is primarily known for its resort town atmosphere and beaches.

Is Puerto Vallarta more expensive than Cabo?

Puerto Vallarta is typically cheaper than Cabo in terms of accommodation and food, but Cabo may be cheaper in terms of activities.

Is the weather better in Puerto Vallarta or Cabo?

Puerto Vallarta has a tropical climate, with hot, humid weather year-round. Cabo, on the other hand, has a more arid climate, with hotter temperatures in the summer and cooler temperatures in the winter. So, if you're looking for a sunny beach vacation, Puerto Vallarta is the better choice. But if you're looking to escape the heat, Cabo may be a better option.

Are beaches better in Puerto Vallarta or Cabo?

If you want calm water and beautiful sunsets, Puerto Vallarta is the place for you. But if you're looking for waves and breathtaking scenery, Cabo is the better choice.