the Dominican Republic
The best time to visit
When to go to the Dominican Republic
Go from December to April, the drier, cooler season, for the best beach and resort weather in Punta Cana and beyond. The wetter months, May to November, are hotter and overlap the Caribbean hurricane season, which peaks from August to October.
A 0 to 100 comfort rating from daytime heat, overnight chill, rainfall and storm risk, for Santo Domingo. Higher is better. Some links on this page are affiliate links, at no cost to you.
The steadiest weather, peaking around Feb.
Either side of peak, with thinner crowds and better rates.
Hurricane season.
In short
The year at a glance
The Dominican Republic is warm and tropical year round, and these ratings follow Santo Domingo. The drier, slightly cooler season from December to April is the prime time for the beaches and the famous resorts of Punta Cana, with sunshine and lower humidity.
From May to November it is hotter and wetter, with the Caribbean hurricane risk highest from August to October, though the rain often comes as short afternoon showers. The north coast around Puerto Plata runs a little wetter than the south and east.
Month by month
the Dominican Republic month by month
Highs, lows, rainfall and the rating, for Santo Domingo.
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Rating | What it is like |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 29°C / 84°F | 20°C / 68°F | 60 mm | Ideal 93 | Hot with a little rain. Santo Domingo hotels in January |
| February | 29°C / 84°F | 20°C / 68°F | 40 mm | Ideal 97 | Hot and dry. Santo Domingo hotels in February |
| March | 30°C / 86°F | 21°C / 70°F | 50 mm | Ideal 93 | Hot and dry. Santo Domingo hotels in March |
| April | 30°C / 86°F | 22°C / 72°F | 75 mm | Ideal 86 | Hot with a little rain. |
| May | 31°C / 88°F | 22°C / 72°F | 180 mm | Good 52 | Hot and wet. |
| June | 31°C / 88°F | 23°C / 73°F | 150 mm | Good 56 | Hot and wet. |
| July | 31°C / 88°F | 23°C / 73°F | 140 mm | Great 60 | Hot and wet. |
| August | 32°C / 90°F | 23°C / 73°F | 160 mm | Fair 32 | Hot and wet, storm season. |
| September | 31°C / 88°F | 23°C / 73°F | 180 mm | Fair 30 | Hot and wet, storm season. |
| October | 31°C / 88°F | 23°C / 73°F | 160 mm | Fair 33 | Hot and wet, storm season. |
| November | 30°C / 86°F | 22°C / 72°F | 110 mm | Good 51 | Hot with a little rain, storm season. |
| December | 29°C / 84°F | 21°C / 70°F | 70 mm | Ideal 89 | Hot with a little rain. |
By region
Where you go changes when you go
Punta Cana and the east
The resort heartland, sunniest and driest from December to April, the peak beach season.
Santo Domingo and the south
The historic capital, comfortable in the drier months and hot and humid in summer.
Puerto Plata and the north coast
A little wetter year round, with whale watching offshore in winter and good surfing.
Go for
Best time to visit the Dominican Republic for
Beaches and resorts
December to April for Punta Cana and the east at their sunniest, driest and calmest.
Whale watching
January to March in Samana Bay, when humpback whales come to breed offshore.
Surfing and kitesurfing
The windier winter months around Cabarete on the north coast.
Quiet season
Late spring and early summer, before the worst of the storm season, when prices drop.
On the calendar
What is on, and when
Whale watching, Jan to Mar
Humpback whales gather in Samana Bay to breed and calve.
Dry-season beaches, Dec to Apr
The east coast resorts enjoy their sunniest, calmest weather.
Hurricane season
Aug to Nov.
Rainy season
May to Oct.
Where to stay
Where to stay in the Dominican Republic
Compare hotels and rentals around Santo Domingo, then book the month you want.
Ready to book?
Rates climb in peak season, so the best-weather months pay to book early. Shoulder and low months are the value windows.
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Questions