The Weather Isn't Always Paradise
When people think about moving to Mexico, they usually imagine endless sunshine and perfect beach weather. The reality can be very different. We moved to Puerto Vallarta in late May, just as summer was beginning. We expected heat, humidity, and rain. We'd visited Puerto Vallarta seven or eight times before, so we thought we knew exactly what we were getting into. We didn't. Nothing prepared us for the next four or five months of intense humidity, daily rain, mold appearing overnight, and feeling like you needed another shower five minutes after the last one.
Before we moved, I kept seeing the same advice in expat groups: "Rent for a month before making the move." I never took it too seriously. I thought, I know Puerto Vallarta. Why would I need to live here for a month first? Now I completely understand why people say it. Vacation mode and everyday life are two very different experiences. Yes, air conditioning exists, but when you live here, you're the one paying the electricity bill. That beach breeze feels a little different when you're working, grocery shopping, doing laundry, and trying to keep your apartment cool. (And yes... that ties directly into my previous post about affordability.)
Unlike some of the other topics I've shared, weather can be a genuine deal breaker. The good news is that Mexico is huge, and there are climates to match almost every preference. But if your dream is Puerto Vallarta, don't underestimate what the weather can do to your lifestyle. We eventually adjusted. During the summer months we plan more of our day after sunset, when the city comes alive and being outside becomes enjoyable again. Looking back, I can say this with confidence: before you fall in love with a place, make sure you experience it in the season you'll actually be living there.
