Best Time to Visit Dominican Republic

Cayo Levantado Dominikanische Republik (Alexander Mirschel)  Copyright 
License Information available under 'Proof of Image Sources'
On this page, you will find information about the climate and the best time to visit Dominican Republic. We created climate tables and charts for the locations of Punta Cana und Santo Domingo. These contain details about temperatures, precipitation and more.

Furthermore, we analyzed all climate data and provide a recommendation about which months are best to visit Dominican Republic for your holiday.

Climate Overview

Thermometer Symbol 19 °C to 33 °C
Waves Symbol 26 °C to 29 °C
Rainy Cloud Symbol 2.1310.12 in (6 – 19 Days of Rain)
Average Annual Temperature is between 25.9 °C (Santo Domingo) and 26.3 °C (Punta Cana)
Show temperatures in degree

Geographical location

The Dominican Republic is one of the most popular destinations in the entire Caribbean and is commonly abbreviated as “DomRep”.

Together with the state of Haiti, the Dominican Republic lies on the Antilles island of Hispaniola, they share a border of more than 240 miles in the centre of the island.

The Dominican Republic lies between the largest Caribbean island Cuba and the US outer region Puerto Rico. Strictly speaking, the “DomRep” is not located directly in the Caribbean, but directly between the Caribbean (south coast) and the Atlantic (north coast).

The Dominican Republic in the Greater Antilles has about 10.6 million inhabitants, capital is Santo Domingo. The island state now has six international airports, not least because of its tourist significance.

To make a basic distinction between the places and regions in the Dominican Republic, we would like to give the following, very superficial observation as a rough orientation:

In Puerto Plata you will find very large hotel complexes close together, the sandy beach is mainly golden-yellowish to beige. Around Punta Cana you will also find large resorts with many holidaymakers close together, the beach is bright and rather whitish.

Around Bayahibe further large all-inclusive facilities are located quite close together, the rocky coast was artificially filled up here with light sand. In Samana, on the other hand, there are very few tourists, the hotel resorts are much smaller and widely spread, the beach is lined with palm trees and, like Puerto Plata, has golden-yellowish sand.

Climate in Dominican Republic

Isla Saona in der Dominikanischen Republik (Alexander Mirschel)  Copyright 
License Information available under 'Proof of Image Sources' Weather in the Dominican Republic is largely typical of the tropical climate in the Caribbean, but there are regional differences. The south and east of the country (Santo Domingo, Punta Cana, Bavaro, La Romana) is drier than the north (Puerto Plata) and slightly hotter during the year.

The water temperatures of the Caribbean are also slightly above the Atlantic Ocean. Nevertheless, all regions of the Dominican Republic are very suitable as holiday regions, but the year-round warm climate is influenced by tropical hurricanes and a regular rainy season.

Best Time to Visit Dominican Republic: Overview

JanuaryJan
Best time to traveltime
PerfectPerf. climate in
the Dom. Rep.
FebruaryFeb
Best time to traveltime
PerfectPerf. climate in
the Dom. Rep.
MarchMar
Best time to traveltime
PerfectPerf. climate in
the Dom. Rep.
AprilApr
Best time to traveltime
PerfectPerf. climate in
the Dom. Rep.
MayMay
Beginning of Rainy SeasonRainy Season
up to 7.4 in of rainof rain
JuneJun
Rainy SeasonRainy Season
risk of Hurricanerisk of Hurricane
JulyJul
Rainy SeasonRainy Season
risk of Hurricanerisk of Hurricane
AugustAug
Rainy SeasonRainy Season
risk of Hurricanerisk of Hurricane
SeptemberSep
Rainy SeasonRainy Season
higher risk of Hurricanehigher risk of Hurricane
OctoberOct
Rainy SeasonRainy Season
higher risk of Hurricanehigher risk of Hurricane
NovemberNov
Best time to traveltime
mostly perfect Mostly perf. climate in
the Dom. Rep.
DecemberDec
Best time to traveltime
PerfectPerf. climate in
the Dom. Rep.

When to travel to the Dominican Republic?


The most risky travel season for a Dom Rep holiday is the months of July to October, especially September and October are considered the peak of the rainy season and hurricane season. Of course there are enormous fluctuations here, sometimes the region will be hit harder, next year almost not at all. We ourselves have been to the Caribbean several times during the so-called “rainy season” and had fantastic weather except for a few days.

The low season offers as well as relatively empty beaches and sights are a strong argument to deal with the Dominican Republic also outside the optimal travel time.

Basically, it usually rains in short heavy downpours in the afternoon, shortly afterwards the sun comes out again. However, in view of the possible risks, we recommend December to April as the absolute best time to travel to popular destinations such as Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. Here you play it safe to ensure that your Caribbean holiday does not fall into the water.

Best Time to Visit the Regions

Find the best time to visit the regions (Dominican Republic) in the following overview.

LocationBest Time to Travel
Punta CanaJanuary, February, March, April, November, and December
Santo DomingoJanuary, February, March, April, November, and December
SamanáJanuary, February, March, April, and June

Climate Charts Dominican Republic

In the following, you will find climate charts for the regions.

Furthermore, there are some charts you can use for quick comparison of climate between the regions.

Show Climate Chart for    

Punta Cana

Show temperatures in degree

Santo Domingo

Climate Chart Santo Domingo
Show temperatures in degree

Day Temperatures

Show temperatures in degree

Night Temperatures

Show temperatures in degree

Average Temperatures

Show temperatures in degree

Water Temperatures

Show temperatures in degree

Precipitation

Hours of Sunshine per Day

Source of Data: German Weather Service (Offenbach) and Wikipedia

Climate Tables Dominican Republic

In the following, you will find some climate tables for Dominican Republic, containing information about Temperatures, Precipitation, Water Temperatures, and Hours of Sunshine.
Show climate table for    

Temperatures, Precipitation, Sunshine in Punta Cana (Dominican Republic)

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Day Temperature28°28°28°29°30°30°31°31°31°31°29°28°
Night Temperature22°22°22°23°23°24°25°25°24°24°23°22°
Water Temperature26°26°26°27°28°28°28°28°29°29°28°27°
Precipitation (inch)2.62.132.132.724.884.093.074.064.025.984.613.11
Rainy days977610991010111111
Hours of Sunshine899989998888
Show temperatures in degree
Temperatures
The annual average temperature in Punta Cana is 26.3 °C.

For comparison: London 11 °C, NYC 12 °C, LA 17.9 °C

Warmest month: August (27.8 °C)
Coldest month: February (24.7 °C)

The maximum water temperature in Punta Cana is 29 °C. You can take a bath at these temperatures.

Months with water temperature of at least 21 °C (adequate for beach vacation):
all months

Precipitation
Overall annual precipitation: 43.39 inch on 110 rainy days

For comparison: London 24.06 in, NYC 41.57 in, LA 12.01 in

There is no rainy season (months with more than 6.9 in of precipitation).

You cannot expect snow in any month in Punta Cana.

Sunshine
As our climate table shows, March is the sunniest month with an average of 9 hours of sunshine per day. Over the year, there are 8.4 hours of sunshine per day on average. For comparison: London has 4.1, NYC has 7 and LA has 8.9 hours of sunshine per day on average.

Temperatures, Precipitation, Sunshine in Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic)

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Day Temperature29°29°30°30°30°31°31°32°31°31°31°30°
Night Temperature20°20°20°21°22°23°23°23°23°22°21°20°
Water Temperature27°26°26°27°27°27°28°28°28°28°27°27°
Precipitation (inch)2.482.242.132.837.45.515.716.977.137.363.943.31
Rainy days766711101112111399
Hours of Sunshine788888787777
Show temperatures in degree
Temperatures
The annual average temperature in Santo Domingo is 25.9 °C.

Warmest month: August (27.1 °C)
Coldest month: January (24.4 °C)

The maximum water temperature in Santo Domingo is 28 °C. You can take a bath at these temperatures.

Months with water temperature of at least 21 °C (adequate for beach vacation):
all months

Precipitation
Overall annual precipitation: 57.01 inch on 112 rainy days

Rainy season (months with more than 6.9 in of precipitation): May, August, September, and October
Overall precipitation in the rainy season: 28.86 in

You cannot expect snow in any month in Santo Domingo.

Sunshine
As our climate table shows, April is the sunniest month with an average of 8.4 hours of sunshine per day. Over the year, there are 7.6 hours of sunshine per day on average.

Highlights, excursions, sightseeing


The Dominican Republic is generally a classic beach holiday destination, yet the various regions of the country have numerous attractions to offer. Day trips to Saona Island are particularly popular, usually by catamaran or speedboat including swimming stops on a sandbank. Cayo Levantado, known as Bacardi Island, is also one of the most beautiful corners of the Caribbean.

The artists’ village Altos de Chavón offers a beautiful amphitheatre and a picturesque church above the river bank. Several places offer mega truck tours off the beaten track into the hinterland, often combined with ziplining and waterfalls such as Damajaqua Cascades or the Salto de Limon.

The two natural paradises Hoyo Azul and the 3 Eyes National Park are also exceptionally beautiful. Our beach recommendations in the Dominican Republic: Cabarete Beach, Paradise Island, Playa Bonita, Macao Beach and of course the classic Bavaro Beach.

More information about the best things to do: Dominican Republic

Popular Activities

More attractions

Punta Cana: Private Airport Transfer Service | Punta Cana: Saona Island and Buggy Combo | Punta Cana: Zip-Lining 12 Cables | Flintstones Buggy, Cave and Adventure in Bavaro | Punta Cana: Coco Bongo Nightclub Experience with Transfer | Punta Cana: Dolphin Explorer Swims and Interactions | Punta Cana: Ziplines Adventures & Monkeyland Entry |

Current Weather and Forecast

Current Weather in Santo Domingo (Station Nacional)
scattered clouds     scattered clouds, 28.1 °C
Clouds: 40 %       Wind: 9 mph NO
Air Pressure: 1020 hPa       Humidity: 72 %
Last updated: 7th Feb 2023, 04:56 pm
The next days …
8th Feb 20239th Feb 202310th Feb 202311th Feb 202312th Feb 202313th Feb 2023
moderate rain20 °C to 28 °Csky is clear20 °C to 30 °Clight rain20 °C to 28 °Clight rain20 °C to 29 °Clight rain20 °C to 27 °Clight rain20 °C to 29 °C
20 °C to 28 °C20 °C to 30 °C20 °C to 28 °C20 °C to 29 °C20 °C to 27 °C20 °C to 29 °C
Clouds: 17 %Clouds: 3 %Clouds: 17 %Clouds: 4 %Clouds: 1 %Clouds: 15 %
0.22 in of rainNo Precipitation0.17 in of rain0.02 in of rain0.15 in of rain0.03 in of rain
Weather information provided by OpenWeatherMap. (CC BY-SA)
Show temperatures in degree

Important Regions and Cities

We have extended climate information for the following regions:

Caribbean: Regions

Dominican Republic is part of the holiday destination Caribbean. We analyzed the climate for additional regions, in order to provide you with information about the best time to visit and the expected holiday weather:

Dominican Republic: Experiences of our Visitors

There are 9 reviews for Dominican Republic holiday already. Average rating is 4.7 of 5 stars.
  1. Avatar Preview
    Silvia, 50 years old was there in December

    It hasn’t rained in 10 days. It was really hot.

    Weather Rating: 5 stars – Excellent

  2. Avatar Preview
    Claudia, 49 years old was there in May

    It was sunny to overcast, but very pleasant, a great holiday.

    Weather Rating: 5 stars – Excellent

  3. Avatar Preview
    Simone , 49 years old was there in September

    The weather was absolutely great. On arrival it rained and the next day still briefly. From the second day only super sun and 30 °C no cloud for 15 days. It couldn’t have been better

    Weather Rating: 5 stars – Excellent

  4. Avatar Preview
    Vanessa, 30 years old was there in February

    of 14 days 3 times in the evening and at night showers!

    Weather Rating: 4 stars – Good

  5. Avatar Preview
    Sophie, 26 years old was there in January

    10 days end of January/beginning of February in Puerto Plata: Predominantly sunny with little wind, average 30 degrees, feels more. In the afternoon occasionally short tropical rain and afterwards bright sunshine again.

    Weather Rating: 5 stars – Excellent

  6. Avatar Preview
    Marc Rumscheidt, 25 years old was there in April

    great weather on Samana, nice excursions made and a super vacation had. recommendable!

    Weather Rating: 4 stars – Good

  7. Avatar Preview
    Jens, 32 years old was there in December

    We were over Christmas in the Dom Rep, more precisely in the south corner Punta Cana / Bavaro. It couldn’t have been better, the weather was simply fabulous. No rain, no storms, just sun, beach and sea 🙂

    Weather Rating: 5 stars – Excellent

  8. Avatar Preview
    Linda, 60 years old was there in May

    Minimum rainfall for 3 weeks. Usually super weather. I was on the Samana Peninsula. Was there for the sixth time and I’m looking forward to next time.

    Weather Rating: 5 stars – Excellent

  9. Avatar Preview
    Wolfram Kläs, 57 years old was there in December

    Some storms with hurricane-like storms
    but the weather had already improved the next day and then became better and better

    Weather Rating: 4 stars – Good

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Traumstrand in der Dominikanischen Republik (ValentinValkov / stock.adobe.com)  lizenziertes Stockfoto 
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Strand von Punta Cana (Alexander Mirschel)  Copyright 
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Saltos de Limon Wasserfall Dominikanische Republik (Alexander Mirschel)  Copyright 
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Holiday paradise Dominican Republic

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