Puerto Vallarta Hurricane Simon Update: Is It Safe to Travel Now?

Quick Facts: Puerto Vallarta Hurricane Simon Updates

• Hurricane Simon reached Category 4 strength over the weekend before weakening as it moved slowly along Mexico's Pacific coast.

• Puerto Vallarta International Airport has begun reopening, with commercial flight operations authorized to resume starting at 12:01 a.m. local time on Tuesday, October 13.

• Flights may still face disruptions, even with the airport reopening. Airlines are responsible for restoring their individual schedules.

• Businesses and transportation began returning to normal on Monday, October 12, as rain eased and local restrictions were relaxed.

• Puerto Vallarta's beaches remained closed on Monday, despite the gradual reopening of other activities.

• Dangerous surf, flooding, and mudslides remain concerns across affected sections of Mexico's Pacific coastline.

• Jalisco remains under a Level 3 U.S. State Department advisory, meaning Americans are advised to reconsider travel to the state because of security risks unrelated to the hurricane.

• Travelers should check directly with their airline and accommodations before departing, especially if traveling in the next several days.

What Happened in Puerto Vallarta During Hurricane Simon?

Puerto Vallarta's usually lively beachfront took on a very different appearance over the weekend as Hurricane Simon approached Mexico's Pacific coast. Businesses boarded up their windows, residents stocked up on supplies, and visitors were urged to remain indoors as authorities prepared for potentially devastating winds, flooding, and storm surge.

Simon strengthened into a Category 4 hurricane on Saturday, October 10, with winds reaching approximately 150 mph. Authorities in Jalisco suspended classes and began evacuations in 22 coastal municipalities, while beaches and maritime activities were restricted.

The storm subsequently weakened, but its slow movement created another concern: prolonged rainfall. Even without a direct strike from the hurricane's eye, communities along the coast faced dangerous winds, rising rivers, hazardous waves, and the possibility of landslides.

By Monday, October 12, conditions in Puerto Vallarta had improved enough for workers to begin removing plywood from storefronts and businesses to reopen. The Associated Press documented people returning to the city's streets as rainfall eased, although authorities continued monitoring Simon's movements.

Puerto Vallarta businesses began reopening on October 12 as conditions improved following Hurricane Simon.

Is Puerto Vallarta Airport Open? Latest Flight Updates

There's encouraging news for travelers with flights to Puerto Vallarta. Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) has been cleared to resume commercial operations, following its temporary closure during Hurricane Simon.

Airport operator Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP) initially suspended operations at 6 p.m. on Saturday, October 10. The closure was extended as officials continued assessing weather conditions, but improving conditions allowed the airport to begin a phased reopening earlier than its revised deadline.

According to GAP's October 12 airport reopening announcement:

• Monday, October 12, at 2:30 p.m.: Official aircraft operations were authorized to resume.

• Tuesday, October 13, at 12:01 a.m.: Commercial flights and other airport operations were authorized to resume.

• Individual airline schedules: Airlines remain responsible for determining when their scheduled flights will restart.

Although the airport has reopened, flight schedules may take a little longer to return to normal. Travelers could still experience cancellations or delays as airlines work to get aircraft and crews back into place.

If you're flying to or from Puerto Vallarta in the coming days, check your flight status directly with your airline before heading to the airport. It's also worth confirming your hotel reservations, airport transfers, and any onward connections.

For the latest updates, visit the official Puerto Vallarta Airport website or check the airport operator's latest announcements.

Puerto Vallarta International Airport began a phased reopening after suspending flights during Hurricane Simon.

Are Puerto Vallarta's Beaches, Hotels, and Attractions Open?

Puerto Vallarta is gradually returning to normal, but travelers shouldn't expect everything to be operating as usual just yet.

On Monday, October 12, local authorities began easing restrictions as conditions improved. Businesses and transportation services started returning to normal, while schools were scheduled to reopen Tuesday. However, beaches remained closed because of continuing ocean hazards, even as other activities resumed.

For vacationers, that means restaurants, shops, and other establishments may be reopening even while swimming, boating, and excursions remain restricted. Dangerous waves and rip currents can persist after the worst of a hurricane has moved away, so clearer skies aren't necessarily a signal that it's safe to return to the water.

If you're already staying at a resort, check with the front desk before heading out. Hotels can provide property-specific updates on beach access, restaurants, pools, transportation, and any lingering service interruptions. Travelers planning excursions should be especially careful with boat trips around Banderas Bay, water taxis to nearby beaches, and activities involving rivers or mountain roads. Confirm that operators have resumed service and received any necessary clearance from local authorities.

What about cruises? Hurricane Simon has also disrupted cruise itineraries, with ships changing scheduled calls to Puerto Vallarta during the storm. Cruise passengers should rely on their cruise line for updated port stops and excursion arrangements.

For local announcements and emergency guidance, visitors can also check the Jalisco Civil Protection Authority and the Mexican government's Civil Protection information.

Puerto Vallarta's popular beaches remained subject to restrictions as the destination began recovering from Hurricane Simon in October 2026.

Is It Safe to Travel to Puerto Vallarta Right Now?

Puerto Vallarta is gradually reopening after Hurricane Simon, but travelers should remain cautious as the storm continues moving offshore. According to the National Hurricane Center's October 13 advisory, Simon has weakened significantly from its Category 4 peak but remains a hurricane, with heavy rainfall, dangerous surf, and flooding still possible along Mexico's Pacific coast.

The U.S. State Department also maintains a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory for Jalisco because of security concerns unrelated to the hurricane. However, the advisory lists no additional restrictions for U.S. government employees in Puerto Vallarta or neighboring Riviera Nayarit.

If you're traveling to Puerto Vallarta in the coming days, here's what to keep in mind:

• Check your flight status. Airlines may still experience delays or cancellations as operations return to normal.

• Confirm your hotel arrangements. Ask about power, water, transportation, and available amenities.

• Avoid closed beaches and flooded areas. Dangerous surf, rip currents, and damaged roads can remain hazardous even after the rain stops.

• Review your travel insurance. Check your coverage for storm-related cancellations, delays, and unexpected expenses.

• Follow local updates. Conditions and restrictions may change as recovery efforts continue.

For the latest information, check the National Hurricane Center, Puerto Vallarta's airport operator, and the U.S. State Department's Mexico Travel Advisory.

NOAA's National Hurricane Center continues to monitor Hurricane Simon as the storm moves slowly off Mexico's western coastline.

Puerto Vallarta spent the weekend bracing for the worst, and so far it looks like the bay mostly got the rough edge rather than the full force. If your trip is this week, travel with flexible bookings and a healthy respect for the surf, and you’ll likely still get the warm evenings and long dinners you came for. If you’re still planning a fall or winter visit, Simon is a useful reminder that hurricane season runs through the end of November, so travel insurance is worth the small cost. The sunsets over Banderas Bay aren’t going anywhere. Ideally viewed from a balcony with something cold in hand.

Frequently Asked Questions: Puerto Vallarta and Hurricane Simon

Is Puerto Vallarta airport open after Hurricane Simon?

Yes. The airport was cleared for commercial flights on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, after closing at 6 p.m. on Saturday, October 10. Airlines are setting their own schedules, so check your specific flight before heading to the airport.

Did Hurricane Simon make landfall in Puerto Vallarta?

No. Simon’s eye stayed offshore as it tracked parallel to the coast as a Category 4 storm on Sunday. As of Tuesday morning, it was a Category 1 hurricane about 95 miles west of Cabo Corrientes.

Should I cancel my trip to Puerto Vallarta this week?

The airport is open and Simon is weakening, so there’s no official reason to cancel. A tropical storm watch remains in place, though, so keep plans flexible and check the National Hurricane Center’s latest advisory before you fly.

Can I change my flight to Puerto Vallarta for free?

Delta’s waiver covers Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara trips scheduled for October 10 to 12, with free changes if you rebook and travel by October 15. Other airlines have their own policies, so check your carrier’s travel alert page.

Is it safe to swim in Puerto Vallarta right now?

Use real caution. The National Hurricane Center warns of life-threatening surf and rip currents along the coast for several days, so follow lifeguard flags and any local beach closures.

What is the difference between a tropical storm watch and a warning?

A watch means tropical storm conditions are possible in the area, typically within about 48 hours. A warning means they’re expected, so it’s the more serious of the two.

Is Puerto Vallarta safe for Americans in 2026?

The State Department rates Jalisco at Level 3 but places no staff travel restrictions on Puerto Vallarta or Riviera Nayarit. Use dispatched taxis or ride apps and avoid driving between cities after dark.

When does hurricane season end in Puerto Vallarta?

The eastern Pacific hurricane season runs from May 15 to November 30. Late fall trips can still see storms, so travel insurance with weather coverage is worth considering