Best Time to Visit the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is a great holiday destination all year long, with warm, sunny weather throughout the year. The rainy season brings showers and hurricane risks, but also fewer tourists and generally lower prices. Whether you’re looking to chill out on the beach, explore local attractions or get up close with marine life, the best time to visit the Dominican Republic all depends on your holiday plans.
Visit in February for whale-watching and winter sun
Wondering when to visit the Dominican Republic for whale watching? Your best bet is between January and April. February is one of the best times of year to visit the Dominican Republic (and one of the most popular). Punta Cana sees average temperatures of around 28°C in January, while in La Romana, daily highs average about 30°C. This is one of the driest months of the year, with roughly 54mm of rainfall total on average, so you can generally expect clear, sunny skies. This makes it a popular getaway for travellers looking to escape the chilly weather further north. For the Dominican Republic, it’s still one of the coldest months of the year, and the cooler waters draw migrating whales close to the country’s shores, specifically Samaná Bay, one of the best humpback whale-watching sites in the world. Punta Cana and La Romana are both great destinations for a whale-watching holiday, but Punta Cana is closer to Samaná Bay. Excellence Punta Cana is a great option for couples, an intimate, adult-only, all-inclusive resort with winding pools, plenty of private spaces and fun activities to try. In La Romana, the Bahia Principe Grand La Romana is a great option for families. Located on a private beach, you can enjoy warm waters averaging about 27°C, a couple of degrees cooler than its peak after summer, but still very pleasant for swimming and water sports You’ll find plenty of tours from both towns to Samaná Bay for whale watching.
July is the best time to go to the Dominican Republic during the low season
Part of the country’s wet season, July is also a quieter travel time, making it one of the best times of year to visit the Dominican Republic for lower prices. Temperatures average roughly 31°C in Punta Cana, and the city sees about 78mm of rain across the month on average (relatively low for the rainy season). There is also the potential for hurricanes between June and November. This helps bring prices down, but there is the risk of delays or disruptions to your travel plans. As hurricanes can form and change rapidly, make sure you stay informed about up-to-date weather information in advance of, and during, your trip (and make sure your travel insurance covers weather delays etc.). If there is a storm during your stay, rest assured – your resort will take care of you. There are plenty of excellent resorts that offer just as much fun indoors as they do outdoors. The chances of a big storm during your trip are relatively unlikely. For the most part, booking a Dominican Republic holiday during the wet season will mean humid weather and summer heat broken up by afternoon showers. Duck inside for some spa treatments or a meal at one of your resort’s restaurants before heading back out and enjoying the ocean views. Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa is a luxury, adult-only resort that offers plenty of indoor and outdoor fun. Outdoors, play beach volleyball or go snorkelling in the clear blue waters. Indoors, enjoy nightly entertainment at the indoor theatre or learn a new skill with dance and Spanish classes. For families, Dreams Royal Beach Punta Cana has kids’ and teens’ clubs to make sure everyone has fun, rain or shine.
April is one of the best times to visit the Dominican Republic
April is a real sweet spot for travel to the Dominican Republic. Expect mostly dry, sunny days, averaging about 29°C in Puna Cana and roughly 31°C in La Romana. Just before the increased heat and rain in summer, this is an ideal time for outdoor activities and water sports at your resort. Impressive Premium Punta Cana offers a wide range of outdoor activities with everything from snorkelling to swimming with dolphins in the ocean, and archery to sandcastle contests on land. Alternatively, the Sunscape Dominicus La Romana makes a great base for day trips to the picturesque, uninhabited Catalina Island or the historic Altos de Chavón, a re-created 16th-century village.
April is a relatively popular time of year, especially in the first half of the month, as Spring Break wraps up. Easter also brings in travellers, both international and local. Holy Week (the week before Easter) is a very important holiday, and some activities outside your resort may be unavailable or close early. After Easter, the crowds thin out, perfect if you prefer your beaches a little less busy.
Conclusion
The best time to visit the Dominican Republic all depends on your budget, travel plans and preferences. From winter sun to spring festivities, this country offers luxury getaways at any time of year. Still not sure? Chat with one of our expert travel agents for personalised guidance based on first-hand experience.
FAQ’s
What is the hottest month in the Dominican Republic?
The hottest months in the Dominican Republic are usually July and August, averaging roughly 31°C in Punta Cana and around 33°C in La Romana, but temperatures climb above 30°C for most of summer and autumn. Average temperatures stay above 25°C year-round, and the coolest months are usually December and January.
When is hurricane season in the Dominican Republic?
Hurricane season in the Dominican Republic is generally between June and November, with the highest chance of storms in September. If you plan to travel during these months, keep an eye on the weather forecast and reach out to your resort, or call one of our travel experts or our in-resort helpline, if you have any questions or concerns.
What are the best and worst months to visit Punta Cana?
There’s never a bad time to visit Punta Cana(bluebaytravel.co.uk/holidays/dominican-republic/punta-cana/), it all depends on your priorities. If sunny, clear skies are a must, then you might want to avoid the rainy season, between May and November. The rainiest month is usually October, with an average total rainfall of roughly 152mm, while the driest months are generally February and March, with about 54mm. If you’re after the warmest swimming conditions, September is usually when ocean temperatures reach their peak in the Dominican Republic.
