The best time to visit the Dominican Republic

Dominican Republic Weather Overview

The Dominican Republic enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, but there are distinct differences depending on the season and location:

Dry Season (December–April): Sunny skies, low rainfall, peak tourist season.

Wet Season (June–November): Hotter temperatures, occasional tropical showers, quieter beaches, and cheaper accommodations.

Hurricane Season: Runs June–November, with peak risk in September and October. Southern resorts like Punta Cana, La Romana, and Casa de Campo are generally less affected.

Weather can also vary by region: mountainous areas are cooler, inland plains are hotter, and coastal regions benefit from cooling sea breezes. Santo Domingo, the capital, experiences average highs from 77°F in January to 82°F in July.

The Best Time to Visit the Dominican Republic by Season

Dry Season (December–April)

Low rainfall and warm temperatures in the mid-to-high 70s and low 80s°F.

Perfect for beach vacations, sightseeing, and outdoor activities.

Expect larger crowds and higher prices around Christmas, New Year, Easter, and Spring Break.

Wet Season (June–November)

Hotter temperatures, highs in the mid-80s to upper 80s°F, with higher humidity.

Ideal for budget travelers seeking quieter beaches and lower prices.

Short, refreshing afternoon showers keep the island lush and green.

Hurricane Season (June–November)

Statistically, hurricanes are rare, especially early in the season.

Peak months: September–October.

Travel insurance is recommended if visiting during this period.

Shoulder Seasons (April–May, November–Early December)

Offer a balance of good weather, lower prices, and fewer crowds.

April–May is particularly sunny, with occasional light showers.

November is cooler, less humid, and still outside the peak tourist period.

Month-by-Month Guide: Dominican Republic Weather & Travel Tips

January

Peak dry season. Sunny days, mid-70s°F, and average sea temperature of 80°F.

Popular for Punta Cana beaches, snorkeling, and sailing.

Crowds are high, especially along the south and east coasts.

February

Warm and sunny with low humidity. Avoid UK half-term and Spring Break for quieter beaches.

Explore Altos de Chavón, a 16th-century replica village with art galleries, museums, and live performances.

March

Mostly dry and breezy; ideal for swimming and sunbathing.

Slightly warmer temperatures; peak season continues.

High UV index, pack sunscreen.

April

Last month of dry season, 10 hours of sunshine daily, average highs ~80°F.

Events: Puerto Plata Open golf tournament.

Fewer crowds before the summer heat sets in.

May

Shoulder season with warm highs in the mid-80s°F.

Great time for water sports, beach relaxation, and villa stays.

Rain showers possible, more on northern coasts.

Events: Santo Domingo De Fiesta, held every Friday and Saturday.

June

Start of wet and hurricane season; still plenty of sunshine.

Low-season rates, quiet beaches.

Average highs in top 80s°F; evenings warm.

July

Hot, sunny, humid; mid-80s to high 80s°F.

Event: Merengue Festival in Santo Domingo featuring music, dancing, and crafts.

Great for summer vacations despite low rainfall.

August

High heat and humidity, peak of low-season travel deals.

Short rain showers mostly in the evenings.

Best suited for relaxing beach days and water sports.

September

Height of hurricane season; rainfall highest.

Fewer tourists; low-season prices.

Indoor attractions: Zona Colonial in Santo Domingo, Alcázar de Colón, and Primada Cathedral.

October

Still part of hurricane season, mid-80s°F highs, ~8 hours of sunshine daily.

Low-season tourism: cheaper rates.

Event: Dominican Republic Jazz Festival in Santo Domingo and Santiago.

November

Cooler, less humid, shorter rain showers.

Low-season prices, last month of hurricane season.

Considered one of the best months to visit before December crowds.

December

Peak dry season resumes, highs in low 80s°F, 7 hours of sunshine.

Early December: quieter and cheaper; late December: Christmas and New Year festivities.

The Best Time for Villa Deals in the Dominican Republic

Low-season (June–November) offers the best deals on vacation rentals including Casa de Campo, Punta Cana, and La Romana resorts.

High-season (December–April) guarantees perfect weather but higher rates.

Shoulder months (April–May, November–early December) offer a great balance of weather, cost, and fewer crowds.

Summary: When to Visit the Dominican Republic

Dry season (Dec–Apr): Best weather, more crowds, higher costs.

Wet season (Jun–Nov): Quieter, cheaper, hotter, occasional showers.

Shoulder seasons: April–May and November–early December—sunny, less crowded, great prices.

Top tip: Check the hurricane forecast if traveling during peak season and consider travel insurance.

Whether you’re relaxing on Punta Cana beaches, exploring Santo Domingo’s colonial streets, or enjoying luxury villa stays at Casa de Campo, the Dominican Republic has something for every traveler year-round.

The best time to visit the Dominican Republic for great villa deals

Low-season offers are easy to find in some of the Dominican Republic’s best resorts, including Casa de Campo on the southeast coast. While prices for tend to go up in high season, you can still get some great last-minute deals in the Dominican Republic.

Check out our vacation rentals in the Dominican Republic or browse through all of our Caribbean deals to find your dream hideaway.