Dominican Republic August holidays

Festivals and events in the Dominican Republic in August

The Merengue Festival celebrations continue into the first week of August. The festivities centre around the Malecon in Santo Domingo, and it's a wonderful cultural experience even if you're not a dancer.

The most significant event in August is the Restoration Day (el día de la Restauración Dominicana) on August 16th. This day celebrates the nation's independence from Spain and coincides with the first day of the Dominican Restoration war in 1863. There'll be parties, dancing and parades in typical Dominican Republic style, especially in major cities and tourist areas.

Higuey celebrates the Festival of the Bulls in August, which honours the town's patron saint. As you'd expect at a fiesta patronal, there's a religious element, but the real draw is seeing Dominican cowboys!

Top places to visit in the Dominican Republic in August

August is heading deeper into the low season so some of the smaller areas will be very quiet, and even winding down for the season until tourism picks back up again. Stay in places like Punta Cana, La Romana and Puerto Plata, which will be quieter than usual but will still have some atmosphere and fun activities. August is an excellent time for exploring outside the hotel resorts and going on excursions without the hustle and bustle of other tourists. Samana has wonderful hidden coves, and you can even hunt for amber on Puerto Plata's beaches.

If you prefer a bit more life and vibrance, the all-inclusive resorts always have sporty and active options to keep adults and children entertained. It's not all sun loungers and snoozing in the off-peak season. To avoid the heat and humidity, make the most of the exceptional swimming spots and water sports that the island has to offer. Remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day at this time of year.

What’s the weather like in the Dominican Republic in August?

In August, the Dominican Republic has an average temperature of 28°C, with highs of 32°C and lows of 24°C. The chance of rain is quite low with an average of just 5 days of rain in the month, but it will be heavy when it does rain in August. The heavy downpours are often quickly followed by sunny spells so the rain shouldn't impact your holiday too much. On rainy days, explore the capital city of Santo Domingo, one of the Caribbean's oldest cities and a UNESCO world heritage site.

What to pack for a holiday in the Dominican Republic in August

General packing tips for August:

• Pack light clothing, swimwear and shoes suited to a summer holiday.
• Smart-casual outfits for the evening
• Bring a light raincoat or small umbrella for downpours.
• Don’t forget sun cream, sunglasses and a hat for protection from the sun.
• Strong bug spray and after-bite remedy.
• Travel plug adapter.
• Prescription medicines.
• Hiking shoes for treks and exploring the island.
• Tote bag for shopping.