Dominican Republic May holidays

Festivals and events in the Dominican Republic in May

Did you know there are 26 golf courses in the Dominican Republic? The PGA Latin American Tour is held at the Playa Dorada Course in Puerto Plata. The tournament is usually in May (but check the dates as June has been used too) so if you're a golf fan, what better way to combine a trip?

If golfs not your cup of tea, then Santo Domingo de Fiesta will be worth catching. These outdoor folk dances, supported by the tourism board, are held on Fridays and Saturdays in Santo Domingo to showcase the country's famous dance and musical traditions. For more culture, visit the local celebrations in Puerto Plata (San Felipe) on the Malecon pier, or the nine-night celebration of Santa Cruz in El Seibo.

Top places to visit in the Dominican Republic in May

Golf fans will want to stay in Puerto Plata if you plan to catch the PGA Tour, but there are also excellent courses in Punta Cana. Stay at the Hard Rock Hotel where the delightful 18-hole course was designed by ‘The Golden Bear’ Jack Nicklaus. The tropical surroundings provide golfers with a truly unique setting.

Try out one of the island's many watersports on your Dominican Republic holiday in May. The perfect wind conditions on the north coast of the island are great for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Fantastic snorkelling spots can be found all around the island, but first-timers will appreciate the calmer waters off the southern coasts. Have you ever been sinkhole swimming? There is a 14m deep ‘blue hole’ surrounded by forest at Scape Park’s Hoyo Azul, near Punta Cana. It’s a beautiful and unique experience in the Dominican Republic.

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

In May, the Dominican Republic has an average temperature of 27°C, with highs of 31°C and lows of 23°C. Despite May being the start of the wet season, the chances of rain are very low with an average of just 4 days in the month. For the best chance of dry weather stay in the southern and south-eastern areas of the island like La Romana, Punta Cana and Puerto Plata, where all the golf courses are found.

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

General packing tips for May:

• Pack light clothing, swimwear and shoes suited to a summer holiday.
• Smart-casual outfits for the evening
• Bring a jumper or cardigan for the cooler evenings.
• 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.