Vallarta Blog

Well, it is finally upon us; rainy season is here in Puerto Vallarta. We have had few cloudy rainy days this past couple of weeks and some big thunderstorms but beyond that its not as rainy as I remember it being last year or the year before. Perhaps it is just my thinking this or perhaps it’s just the usual slow start before the major storms.

All in all it hasn’t been bad, actually it is downright enjoyable when the clouds finally give in and start dropping down the moisture hanging so heavily in the air. The heat of the rainy season here in Vallarta is so different then in the winter, while still sunny and hot the average humidity is at around 90 %, making it hard to want to be doing any kind of work outdoors, unless it involves the ocean or a nice pool!

I like the rainy season and continue to enjoy every downpour we get, maybe because I grew up on the west coast of Canada, well known for its rain three quarters of the year. I am used to the rain and don’t mind getting caught in the occasional deluge, walking with the rain instead of trying to get away from it, ducking under a overhang or possibly into a favorite café or bar attempting to wait out the storm.

The surrounding mountains of Vallarta are growing green again; the small huts tucked into the foliage that are visible in the dry season disappear, turning into just a small light in the night forest. Grass causing curbsides to disappear, stairs often used growing narrow with the plant life renewing its hold on our man made world.

My favorite part about this rain may be the fresh scent of everything after its been washed clean, the lush scent of this tropical rainforest erasing the smell of hot dusty days. Yes, its rainy season again, time for all the flora and fauna to come back to life; land crabs and butterflies, mangoes and fresh herbs, I love the rain!

Rainy season also adds the opportunity to indulge oneself a little and enjoy the calm relaxed atmosphere that comes along with low season in any tourist driven city, all of my snowbird friends have gone home to enjoy the summer in another paradise, and although I love them all it does get to be quite the endless party! These are a few of my favorite things to do to get out of the heat for a little during the rainy season.
 
Enjoy it; being such a warm rain I sometimes like to just go walk around with the full intention of getting soaked, it’s a lovely shower not to mention during the hard downfalls there is the electric current of a storm racing through the air which adds a thrilling edge to the adventure.

Lounge around the pool or beach with a good book; a cold drink and some shade nearby. Extra fun at the beach or a lively poolside as a lot of Mexicans are on vacation and the families always are having fun. With so many choices of beaches in Vallarta it shouldn’t be hard to find one nearby that suits your action level (amount of people, water clarity, waves). If you don’t have a pool available to you many of the bigger resorts offer a day pass for onsite pool use.

Take in a movie; I use the rainy season as a good excuse for this as the air-conditioning provides some great relief if you have been walking around town doing errands or anything that requires a lot of time in the sun. There are many movie theaters here in Vallarta and the surrounding areas, check local listings for times of showings and language choices. I like to bring my own popcorn, I am still not sure if this is “allowed” but as I haven’t been stopped yet I guess I will just remain unaware of the rules, unless it becomes an issue.

Go to a favorite air-conditioned pub; giving myself the excuse of heat as to not feel guilty for sipping a pint or two in the middle of the day. It is extra nice if you bring friends and possibly play a game of cards, pool, darts or dice. (This is the most indulgent of the laziness I feel when the humidity is high.)

Go for a swim; the ocean is like a warm bath right now and there definitely have been times I felt like I never wanted to get out. The first summer I was here in Vallarta the tempeture of the water amazed me and I would spend hours a day snorkeling when I could, in Canada we were lucky to get a warm ocean for a week in august so I feel spoiled when the ocean is warm and flat.

Take in the growing greenery; there are many nature walks and tours to go on, getting lessons on natural flowers and plants is exciting and during the rainy season so very beautiful and diverse. The Vallarta Botanical Gardens is having an orchid series, to find out more about tours and lectures contact them or check out there web page online. Or take advantage of the rain and work on your own garden; with water like this your plants will flourish to giant proportions!