gowhereandwhen.comGo 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 booking links earn us a commission, at no extra cost to you.
The steadiest weather, peaking around Feb.
Other months to compare; prices and crowds depend on your destination and dates.
Hurricane season.
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.
the Dominican Republic month by month
Highs, lows, rainfall and the rating, for Santo Domingo.
JanuaryHot with a little rainIdeal 93
- Daytime high
- 29°C / 84°F
- Overnight low
- 20°C / 68°F
- Rainfall
- 60 mm
Hot with a little rain.
FebruaryHot and dryIdeal 97
- Daytime high
- 29°C / 84°F
- Overnight low
- 20°C / 68°F
- Rainfall
- 40 mm
Hot and dry.
MarchHot and dryIdeal 93
- Daytime high
- 30°C / 86°F
- Overnight low
- 21°C / 70°F
- Rainfall
- 50 mm
Hot and dry.
AprilHot with a little rain.Ideal 86
- Daytime high
- 30°C / 86°F
- Overnight low
- 22°C / 72°F
- Rainfall
- 75 mm
Hot with a little rain.
MayHot and wet.Good 52
- Daytime high
- 31°C / 88°F
- Overnight low
- 22°C / 72°F
- Rainfall
- 180 mm
Hot and wet.
JuneHot and wet.Good 56
- Daytime high
- 31°C / 88°F
- Overnight low
- 23°C / 73°F
- Rainfall
- 150 mm
Hot and wet.
JulyHot and wet.Great 60
- Daytime high
- 31°C / 88°F
- Overnight low
- 23°C / 73°F
- Rainfall
- 140 mm
Hot and wet.
AugustHot and wet, storm season.Fair 32
- Daytime high
- 32°C / 90°F
- Overnight low
- 23°C / 73°F
- Rainfall
- 160 mm
Hot and wet, storm season.
SeptemberHot and wet, storm season.Fair 30
- Daytime high
- 31°C / 88°F
- Overnight low
- 23°C / 73°F
- Rainfall
- 180 mm
Hot and wet, storm season.
OctoberHot and wet, storm season.Fair 33
- Daytime high
- 31°C / 88°F
- Overnight low
- 23°C / 73°F
- Rainfall
- 160 mm
Hot and wet, storm season.
NovemberHot with a little rain, storm season.Good 51
- Daytime high
- 30°C / 86°F
- Overnight low
- 22°C / 72°F
- Rainfall
- 110 mm
Hot with a little rain, storm season.
DecemberHot with a little rain.Ideal 89
- Daytime high
- 29°C / 84°F
- Overnight low
- 21°C / 70°F
- Rainfall
- 70 mm
Hot with a little rain.
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.
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.
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.
Watch out
Hurricane season
Aug to Nov.
Rainy season
May to Oct.
Where to stay in the Dominican Republic
Compare places to stay around Santo Domingo. Choose your dates on the booking site.
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Before you choose a stay
- Check the exact location and transport connections.
- Compare the full price, including taxes and fees.
- Read cancellation terms before you book.
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Good to know
What is the best time to visit the Dominican Republic?
When is hurricane season in the Dominican Republic?
When is the best time for whale watching?
Plan another month or destination
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