What to Do When It Rains in Puerto Vallarta (Gay Edition)
If you’ve been to Puerto Vallarta during rainy season, then you know: one minute you’re guzzling drinks at Green chairs, and the next the sky opens up like someone upstairs got dramatic.
And listen — as a gay man living in PV, I can assure you… the rain is not the end of the fun. It just means you’re about to switch from pool party to indoor shenanigans. If you know what I’m sayin’… and I think you do.
So, here’s your official guide on everything gay and fabulous you can do in Puerto Vallarta when the weather refuses to cooperate.
1. Let the Rain Lead You Straight to Spartacus (Yes, That Spartacus)
When the clouds roll in, the boys roll into Spartacus, PV’s most iconic gay bathhouse. Steam rooms, jacuzzis, play areas, private corners — baby, it's a whole ecosystem.
Why it’s perfect for rainy days:
You’re already wet. Just lean in.
Everyone you were trying to flirt with on the beach is suddenly inside with you… or literally. :O
Hours disappear and no one complains. Great way to kill time since there’s nothing really else to do outside.
If your vacation goals include “sweating without the sun,” this is your move.
2. Get a Massage and Let Somebody Rub Away the Weather
Rainy days are self-care days, period.
Some of my go-to gay-friendly massage spots:
Eclipse Spa – super relaxing, consistently good.
Vita Spa – the girls know exactly why this place is popular.
Acqua Men’s Spa – No funny business but just the right amount of erotic massage vibes.
In-home massage services – nothing hits like hearing the rain outside while someone works your shoulders inside.
There’s something for everyone and every need when it comes to massages here in Vallarta.
3. Get Cozy in a Gay Café or Lounge
PV has some adorable indoor spots where you can wait out a storm with coffee, pastries, and half the gay expats in town.
Try:
Starbucks – albeit a chain and kinda crappy politics, its a great place to people watch.. who knows you may find your hubby.
Margarita PV – Across the street from Starbucks, I love hanging out here during the day and just day drinking the day away.
Bean & Brick – Cute coffee shop/cafe vibes
Joint PV – They have a great working space, if you want to just get some work done while its gross out
Want more of my favorite places to eat, head here.
4. See a Drag Show, Cabaret Performance, or Indoor Event
PV’s entertainment scene doesn’t care about rain. There is always a party going on!
My favorites:
The Palm Cabaret & Bar
ACT2PV
Tryst Drag Brunch (they’ll still perform in the rain)
Between drag queens, singers, comedians, and the occasional diva covering Adele, you won’t miss the sunshine. Want my favorite gay bars? Head here.
5. Take a Cooking Class or Tour/Tasting
When you can’t sip on the beach, sip inside. My favorite food tour is Vallarta Eats, if you use my code: NICK10 at checkout you’ll get a discount. Book here. The company is gay owned #Support.
Other ideas:
Learn how to make authentic Mexican dishes (moles, salsas, ceviche).
Do a guided mezcal tasting — most are indoors, intimate, and strong.
Private classes? Even better. Wear the apron, skip the shirt.
If you pick up my guide, I outline all my favorite tours to go on, many of them can be enjoyed rain or shine… Get the guide here.
6. Book a Spa Day at Casa Cupula or Another Gay-Friendly Hotel
Casa Cupula’s spa is a vibe on a rainy day — steamy, intimate, and filled with gays escaping the storm.
If you’re not staying there, many hotels offer day passes or will let you book spa services without being a guest.
7. Explore Art Galleries (It’s Giving Culture)
Rainy afternoons are perfect for gallery hopping.
Some great options:
Galleria Dante – huge, eclectic, gorgeous.
Art District – Just located in centro, you can litearlly just walk around that area and discover soooo much!
It’s gay. It’s cultured. It’s an easy way to kill two hours until the sky stops screaming.
8. Stay In, Order Food… and Maybe Invite Company
Look, let’s be honest. Fire up the apps and get food and fed. Sometimes the best rainy day plan is:
Grab tacos
Turn on a movie
Open Grindr
Let the storm (and someone else) come to you
Listen you’re on vacation… don’t let a little rain stop you from having fun!
9. Hit the Gym — Rainy Days Bring Out the Beauties
When it storms, the gyms get packed.
Top picks:
Big Apple Gym - This is where I work out at in the Romantic Zone.
The Fit Club PV – everyone is sweaty and flirty.
Anytime Fitness PV – lots of locals and expats.
It’s basically a social event with dumbbells.
10. Book a Sexy Hotel With a Tub or Jacuzzi and Make It a Moment
Some of my favorite hotels and why are:
Almar Resort (LGBTQ+ Beachfront Resort): Luxury gay resort with a rooftop hot tub and full spa—perfect for riding out a storm in style.
Casa Cupula (Boutique Gay Resort): A chic, adults-only hillside oasis with a hot tub and spa that feels intimate and indulgent on rainy days.
Blue Chairs (Gay Beachfront Classic): An iconic gay hotel with a spa and rooftop hot tub, ideal for relaxing indoors when the beach is soaked.
The Tryst (Design-Forward Gay Hotel): Trendy, modern, and right in Zona Romántica with a rooftop hot tub and spa for cozy, rainy-day pampering.
11. Check Out Indoor Bar Events and Rainy Day Specials
A lot of bars in Zona Romántica host:
Bingo
Trivia
Movie nights
Board game nights
Industry pre-parties
Drag bingo (chaos, but incredible)
These nights are often MORE fun when it’s raining because everyone’s trapped together. One of my favorite bars to goto when its raining is Playroom, check out my review here.
Final Thought
Rain doesn’t cancel plans in Puerto Vallarta — it just changes the vibe. The city is built for joy, for connection, for community, and for a little indoor mischief when the weather turns dramatic.
If you’re gay and visiting PV during rainy season, trust me: you will not be bored. You might actually have more fun. Its what you decide to make of it!
Book your trip today through the map below:
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