In October, Puerto Vallarta wakes up to sunshine and, some afternoons, dresses itself in clouds. The rain arrives, refreshes the gardens, and moves on, leaving behind a clear sky and the scent of wet earth that invites you to linger. In Mexico, rain has always had its own rituals: a hot bowl of caldo, a conversation under the portales, a temazcal. In this guide, we share what to do in Puerto Vallarta when it rains, the Hacienda Buenaventura Hotel & Mexican Charm way.

October in Vallarta: The Month of Afternoon Storms

October is when the rainy season starts winding down. It rains much less than in September, and when it does, it's usually in the afternoon or evening, in brief showers. Mornings are almost always clear, and the gardens show off their deepest green.

The key to enjoying it as a family is simple: sun and water in the morning, tradition and flavor in the afternoon.

Beach and Pool Mornings

October mornings are made for the water. At the hotel, the pools are surrounded by tropical gardens that look more vibrant than ever after the rains.

Hacienda Buenaventura is located in Puerto Vallarta's Hotel Zone, and the beach is a short walk away or just a few minutes on the hotel's complimentary shuttle. It's best to go early, when the ocean is usually calmer.

The Portales: Mexican Architecture Built for the Rain

Mexican haciendas were built with the climate in mind. Their portales, the covered walkways supported by arches and columns, offered shelter from the intense sun and the seasonal downpours. Around them opened courtyards with gardens that welcomed the rain and stayed cool and green.

That's why a rainy afternoon at a hacienda feels so special: you can watch the rain fall on the garden without getting wet, listen to it tapping on the rooftops, and let time slow down. That same spirit gives its name to Los Portales, the hotel's restaurant.

Temazcal: The Mexican Ritual for a Rainy Afternoon

What Is a Temazcal?

The temazcal is a steam bath of pre-Hispanic origin. Its name comes from the Nahuatl word temazcalli, which translates as "house of bathing." Inside a small enclosed structure, herb-infused water is poured over hot volcanic stones to create an aromatic steam. For Indigenous peoples, it was a ritual of purification and well-being, and today it remains one of Mexico's most living traditions.

The Temazcal at Piedra Viva Spa

Piedra Viva Spa is an open-air spa surrounded by gardens, offering massages, facials, and a traditional temazcal experience inspired by Mexican wellness rituals. Experiencing it while the October rain falls outside is a unique way to connect with tradition.

If you have a health condition or are pregnant, check with the spa team before booking.

Mexican Sayings About the Rain

Rain lives in the language, too. These sayings are perfect to share as a family while the storm passes:

"Está lloviendo a cántaros" (It's raining by the pitcherful). When the downpour is so heavy it seems like someone is emptying jugs of water from the sky.

"Nunca llueve a gusto de todos" (The rain never pleases everyone). What bothers some, others love. Some miss the beach, while others enjoy the temazcal.

"Llueve sobre mojado" (It rains on what's already wet). When something keeps repeating or piling up.

"Al mal tiempo, buena cara" (Put a good face on bad weather). The perfect saying for a cloudy vacation afternoon.

"Después de la tormenta viene la calma" (After the storm comes the calm). And in Vallarta, a spectacular sunset, too.

When the Rain Clears: A Night of Mexican Flavor

Once the rain moves on, the October night turns cool and perfect for dinner. For an adults-only evening, Sabores de México offers dinners by advance reservation. And if you're looking for something more intimate, the hotel also offers private romantic dinners.