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Best Time To Visit the Dominican Republic
The best time of year to visit the Dominican Republic is from March to April. The weather is still marvellous and travelling during these months means you will be avoiding the hurricane season which falls in June through to November. Do bear in mind though that the Dominican Republic has tropical year-round weather meaning there can be the occasional light rain storm no matter which month you travel. Travelling during peak season, December through to February, will be busier but you will be there for the greatest weather months with average high temperatures of around 30°C. Travelling outside of the peak season you will see lower prices and grab the best deals.
Average weather in Dominican Republic
- Temperature (°C)*
- Rainfall (Inches)*
Weather in the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic has an average of 300 days a year of sunshine seeing a generally hot and humid climate all year-round. The weather does vary from coast to coast with the South coast seeing the rainy season between late April and October and the North coast seeing less rainfall from June to September but encounters rains during the winter months. The mountainous parts of the Dominican Republic see the most rain, you can avoid this by staying on the coast but do always be prepared for short but strong tropical downpours.
Seasonality in the Dominican Republic
Seasonality in the Dominican Republic is split into peak season and low season these are mostly determined by the different weather spells each month brings. Luckily, some of the mid-season and low season dates fall on UK school holidays which can mean some bargains to be had!
Peak season in the Dominican Republic
Peak season in the Dominican Republic falls over the winter months, between December and April, and this is when the weather is at its finest and it is the best time for diving, snorkelling, and whale watching in Samana. With it being peak season, this will see crowds flocking to the island to make the most of the tropical climate, but this will also give a real sense of excitement and buzz. Christmas is a wonderful time to spend in the Dominican Republic with a real focus on spending time with family, dancing, great food, fireworks, carols, and giving thanks.
Low season in the Dominican Republic
Low season in the Dominican Republic starts in May and runs through to November, this is mainly because this whole period is also classed as hurricane season. Not all hurricanes are disastrous, but they are obviously not ideal holiday weather conditions, however, if you are looking at saving money this could be a good time to travel.
February is CarnivalPhoto credit: Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism
Beautiful beachesPhoto credit: Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism
Golfing paradisePhoto credit: Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism
Tropical flavoursPhoto credit: Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism
Cruise off the coast to see humpback whales
Holidays in the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is a fantastic Caribbean destination, the months of December to May generally have the best weather. The Dominican Republic is a popular holiday destination for beaches, water sports, island-hopping, and snorkelling.
The peak months from December through to April offer the best time for beaches, swimming and suntanning. December through to February offers average daily high temperatures of around 30°C, April and May start to get a bit cooler with highs closer to 25°C.
The weather in the Dominican Republic is at its optimum from December through to February offering the best sea conditions for snorkelling and diving. December through to March is the whale season in Samana, where thousands of humpback whales arrive to breed and give birth.
The best two months for surfing & kitesurfing are July and November, these months sit either side of August and September which mark the height of prime hurricane season. The storms can disrupt the sand making the waves perfect for beginner or intermediate surfers.
The best time of year for sightseeing and outdoor activities is March through to May as the weather becomes more comfortable, with highs above 25°C and the lowest average number of rainy days per month.
Month by month guide to visiting the Dominican Republic
Dominican Republic in January
You can expect lots of sun if you are visiting in January. January falls during the peak season but it is also one of the best months for snorkelling, diving, and whale watching. New Year’s Day is a national holiday, and most businesses will be closed, Virgen de Altagracia which falls in late January is a very important religious day for Dominicans and is a day of prayers and a tribute to the country’s patron saint except festivals and street parties. Juan Pablo Duarte Day also falls in late January to celebrate one of the biggest fighters for the country’s independence and public fiestas are held in all the major towns!
Dominican Republic in February
February is another warm and dry month with high temperatures reaching close to 30°C. February falls during the peak season but it is also one of the best months for snorkelling, diving, and whale watching.
February has some important dates with Dominican Republic’s National Day, celebrating independence from Haiti in 1844 and Carnaval -Dominican Republic’s biggest annual celebration, there are street parties every Sunday of the month, culminating in a massive all-day all-night party with processions, costumed performers, water floats and plenty of dancing, drinking, and street food.
Dominican Republic in March
March is still in the dry season so you will continue to see lovely warm weather with highs reaching close to 30°C. March falls during the peak season but it is also one of the best months for snorkelling, diving, and whale watching. The 19th of March is a celebrated date by Dominicans with a major fiesta in Azua, commemorating the battle in which the Haitians were defeated to ensure Dominican independence.
Dominican Republic in April
April is the last month of the dry season boasting high temperatures and blue skies. Easter usually falls in April and for Dominicans Easter is one of the biggest religious celebrations, even bigger than Christmas, with the week preceding Easter Sunday full of celebrations, it is referred to as ‘Santa Samana’, The Christian Holy Week.
Dominican Republic in May
May is one of the Dominican Republic’s wettest months with an average of 11 rainy days per month, with the tropical climate however the temperatures are still warm with highs reaching close to 30°C. In May Dominicans celebrate San Felipe exactly seven weeks after Santa Semana (Easter) with a huge cultural celebration in Puerto Plata with lots of live music.
Dominican Republic in June
June marks the start of the official hurricane season, there will still be plenty of clear and sunny weather with rain usually coming in the evenings in short but fierce downpours. Religious dates in June include Espiritu Santo Festival where thanks are given for things like crops, rain, and earth and the religious festival of San Juan Bautista Festival is usually celebrated during the third week.
Dominican Republic in July
July in the Dominican Republic is wet but sunny, so although there will be some showers there will also be plenty of chances for catching some rays on the beaches. Celebrations in July include Santiago Apóstol, remembering the warrior patron saint of the Christian armies that conquered Moorish Spain, and the big Festival del Merengue covering the last week of July with festivities and celebrations throughout the country’s capital Santo Domingo.
Dominican Republic in August
We would recommend against visiting the Dominican Republic during August and September as they mark the height of prime hurricane season and are not a good time to visit for great weather. Dominicans celebrate Fiesta Patria de la Restauración in August to celebrate their independence from Spain there will be large parties across the nation.
Dominican Republic in September
We would recommend against visiting the Dominican Republic during August and September as they mark the height of prime hurricane season and are not a good time to visit for great weather. There are a few religious holidays in September celebrated by Dominicans including Our Lady of Mercedes commemorated on the 24th and Belíe Belcán on the 29th.
Dominican Republic in October
October is included in the hurricane season and can be a wet and humid month with temperatures averaging close to 30°C. October sees the start of the popular Dominican baseball season which runs through until January. Descubrimiento de América is celebrated on the 12th marking Christopher Columbus’s arrival and the Puerto Plata Festival sees the town start a weeklong festival with costume parades, fantastic food stalls, and the best merengue, jazz, folk, and blues bands.
Dominican Republic in November
November sees much less rain compared to earlier months and when it does rain, they are usually short and intense downpours that are most often in the evenings. It is very hot and humid still with average temperatures around 28°C. November is a great month for surfing with the hurricane season coming to an end. Todo los Santos is celebrated in the southern border region where locals pray for their departed loved ones to be released for the day to come home and celebrate.
Dominican Republic in December
December marks the start of the high season in the Dominican Republic when the hurricane season has ended, and the weather is dry and warm. December falls during the peak season but it is also one of the best months for snorkelling, diving, and whale watching. Dominicans completely love Christmas, it is seen as a time for family, dancing, great food, fireworks, carols, and giving thanks. If you head to the Dominican Republic over the Christmas season you are guaranteed to be treated like family.
Best time to visit Dominican Republic frequently asked questions
The peak months from December through to April is when the Dominican climate is at its optimum. December through to February offers average daily temperatures of around 30°C, April and May start to get a bit cooler with highs closer to 25°C.
The warm, dry season lasts from December to April with an average high of around 30°C. Although these months are classed as the dry season with the tropical climate there can be brief rain showers throughout the year.
The hot, wet season lasts from May to November with an average high of around 32°C. Most of the rain falls as brief tropical deluges and usually in the evenings which still means plenty hours of sunny weather during the day.
The quietest months in the Dominican Republic are May through to November as these months see the rainy season, as well as hurricane season which falls in June through to November.
Peak season in the Dominican Republic falls over the winter months, between December and April, and this is when the weather is at its finest and it is the best time for diving, snorkelling, and whale watching in Samana.
Low season in the Dominican Republic starts in May and runs through to November, this is mainly because this whole period is also classed as hurricane season.
