Puerto Vallarta faces west over the Bay of Banderas, which means the sun sets right over the water almost every evening. A sunset dinner in Puerto Vallarta is one of the simplest and most memorable things you can plan on your trip. Here’s what time the sun sets each month, where to watch it and how to plan the perfect evening, from happy hour to dessert.
What time is sunset in Puerto Vallarta?
Puerto Vallarta uses Central Time all year (Mexico no longer changes clocks for daylight saving). The earliest sunsets are in late November and early December, around 6:20 pm, and the latest are in early July, around 7:45 pm.
| Month | Approximate sunset |
|---|---|
| January | 6:30 – 6:50 pm |
| February | 6:50 – 7:05 pm |
| March | 7:05 – 7:15 pm |
| April | 7:15 – 7:25 pm |
| May | 7:25 – 7:35 pm |
| June | 7:35 – 7:45 pm |
| July | 7:40 – 7:45 pm |
| August | 7:20 – 7:40 pm |
| September | 6:50 – 7:20 pm |
| October | 6:25 – 6:50 pm |
| November | 6:20 – 6:25 pm |
| December | 6:20 – 6:30 pm |
Times are approximate; check a sunset app for your exact date. The sky is usually at its most colorful in the 15 to 20 minutes after the sun disappears, so don’t rush off.
When to book your table
Plan to sit down about 45 to 60 minutes before sunset. That gives you time to order a drink, watch the golden hour light and still be at your table when the sky turns pink and orange. Sunset tables are the first to go, so reserve ahead, especially in high season and on weekends.
Where to watch the sunset in Puerto Vallarta
- The Malecón: the oceanfront boardwalk is the classic spot for an evening walk as the sun goes down.
- Los Muertos Beach and the pier: the beach in the Zona Romántica, with the pier lit up after dark.
- The hills above town: viewpoints above downtown give you the whole bay from above.
- On the water: sunset sailing and boat tours leave from the marina and other docks around the bay.
- A riverside or oceanview restaurant: the easiest way to enjoy the sunset and dinner in one place.
How to plan the perfect sunset evening
Here’s a simple plan we love for couples and friends visiting downtown Puerto Vallarta:
- Before 5 pm: stop by Oscar’s Distillery for a free walk-in tequila tasting (open until 5:30 pm, last walk-in at 5 pm). New to tequila? Read what to expect at a tequila tasting.
- 4 to 6 pm: grab a cocktail by the river during Golden Hour 2×1.
- Sunset: watch the sky change color over the bay from your table.
- Dinner: share a lobster tail or surf & turf, with dessert for two.
- After dinner: a Grand Bay by Oscar’s tequila at the bar, then a walk along the Malecón.
A sunset dinner at Oscar’s
Oscar’s sits on Isla Río Cuale in the Zona Romántica, in an open-air garden where the Cuale River meets the ocean. Family-owned since 1997, it’s a short walk from the Malecón and Los Muertos Beach, but far from the noise of the street.
- Open daily 11 am to 10 pm, with the same all-day menu.
- Golden Hour 2×1 every day from 4 to 6 pm.
- For sharing: lobster tail, surf & turf, filet mignon, grilled octopus and the catch of the day.
- For everyone: vegetarian and gluten-free options and a kids menu.
- Our own tequila: end the night with Grand Bay by Oscar’s, made at our distillery.
Celebrating something? Add a note when you book and our team will help make it special. See more ideas on our romantic dinner in Puerto Vallarta page.
Planning a sunset proposal?
Sunset is the most popular time to propose in Puerto Vallarta. Oscar’s offers two proposal packages by the river, Giant Letters “Marry Me” and Amor de Oro, for MXN 19,500 each, both with a bottle of wine and a 45-minute photo session. You can add a three-course dinner for two (MXN 5,600, drinks and tip included) and fireworks (MXN 13,650). A non-refundable MXN 4,000 deposit is required to book. See the proposal packages.
Tips for a great sunset dinner
- Reserve ahead and ask for a sunset table.
- Bring a light layer in December to February; evenings by the water can feel cool.
- Celebrating something? Mention it when you book, whether it’s an anniversary, a birthday or a honeymoon, and our team will help make it special.
- In the rainy season, ask for a covered table: storms are more likely from June to October, but they usually pass quickly. At Oscar’s, our palapa keeps dinner going rain or shine.
- Take photos early, then put the phone away and enjoy the moment.
FAQ
What time is sunset in Puerto Vallarta today?
It depends on the month: from about 6:20 pm in late November to about 7:45 pm in early July. See the table above.
Does the sun set over the ocean in Puerto Vallarta?
Yes. Puerto Vallarta faces west over the Bay of Banderas, so on clear evenings the sun sets over the water.
What is the best month for sunsets in Puerto Vallarta?
November to May is the dry season, with practically no rain and clear skies, so you can count on a sunset over the water almost every evening. The rainy season (roughly June to October) brings dramatic, colorful clouds, with the occasional afternoon storm that usually passes quickly.
Do I need a reservation for a sunset dinner?
Yes, reservations are recommended for sunset tables. At Oscar’s you can book on OpenTable or call 322 223 0789.
Sunset times are approximate, calculated for downtown Puerto Vallarta in Central Time.
