Seasonal Guides
Puerto Vallarta in November 2026: Food, Culture and Local Experiences
Festival Gourmet International, the end of Day of the Dead and daytime experiences to pair with the season’s food and culture.
By Vallarta Roots · Published
Event dates: Day of the Dead festival: October 31 – November 2, 2026 · Festival Gourmet International: November 12–22, 2026 (announced)
November is one of the best months for food and culture in Puerto Vallarta. The month opens with Day of the Dead, the Festival Gourmet International is announced for November 12–22, 2026, and the weather typically turns drier after the rainy season. Combine evening events with daytime experiences to see more of the region.
Events in November 2026
These events are organized by third parties—not by Vallarta Roots. Confirm details on official channels.
Day of the Dead (early November)
Puerto Vallarta’s Festival de las Almas is announced for October 31 – November 2, 2026 on the Malecón and in the Historic Downtown. See our Day of the Dead guide for details.
Festival Gourmet International (November 12–22)
The 31st edition of this long-running culinary festival is announced across Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit and Tepic, with participating restaurants, guest chefs and special dinners. Many events have limited seating, so reserve directly with the festival or the restaurants.
Daytime food experiences
Festival dinners are mostly evening affairs, which leaves your days open. If you want to understand Mexican cooking from the home kitchen rather than a restaurant, Cooking with Grandma is a hands-on, approximately five-hour experience with a local family.
For something sweet, Sayulita & Chocolate Factory combines time in the surf town with a chocolate experience. If you enjoy spirits, the full-day Tequila Experience goes deeper into agave and its traditions.
Culture and city walks
The Historic Downtown is pleasant to explore in November’s milder weather. A private City Tour introduces the streets, the church and local shopping before a festival dinner. Further afield, the mountain town of San Sebastián del Oeste offers colonial history and cooler air.
Sample November combinations
| Morning / daytime | Evening |
|---|---|
| Cooking with Grandma | Festival Gourmet dinner (booked separately) |
| Puerto Vallarta City Tour | Sunset on the Malecón |
| Sayulita & Chocolate Factory | Relaxed dinner near your hotel |
| San Sebastián del Oeste | Early night—it is a full day |
November travel tips
- Book popular festival dinners and private tours early—the high season begins.
- Bring light layers for mountain day trips.
- Arrange transportation for evening events to avoid parking downtown.
- Remember the US Thanksgiving holiday can increase demand late in the month.
Frequently asked questions
Is November a good time to visit Puerto Vallarta?
Many travelers enjoy it: the rainy season usually ends, the landscape is still green and the cultural calendar is busy. Weather varies, so check the forecast before you travel.
When is the Festival Gourmet International 2026?
It is announced for November 12–22, 2026. Check the official festival website for the final program.
Does Vallarta Roots sell Festival Gourmet tickets?
No. The festival is a separate event. We offer daytime private tours and transportation that you can combine with it.
Keep planning
Official sources
Event details are set by their organizers and may change. Confirm before you go.