The Dominican Republic is located on the Hispaniola peninsula. The south coast borders the Caribbean Sea, the north coast lies on the Atlantic Ocean. The capital is Santo Domingo in the south. The climate in the Dominican Republic is tropical . This means that the temperature fluctuations are small over the course of the year. The average temperatures are around 25 degrees Celsius. However, there are regional differences between the south, the north and the higher altitudes. Since the southern part is on the Caribbean Sea, it is hotter and drier there than in the north. The temperatures in the north are similar to those in the south, although it is slightly cooler in winter. Furthermore, there is higher humidity and more humid weather in the north, as the south is in the rain shadow of the Cordillera Central mountain range. In the higher elevations, such as in the city of Costanza, the average temperatures are around 18 degrees Celsius below those in the south and north. At night it can cool down there to below ten degrees Celsius. Due to the tropical climate, there is a rainy season and a dry season in the Dominican Republic. The respective times differ depending on the region. In addition, the Dominican Republic is located in the catchment area of tropical cyclones, the so-called hurricanes . In the following climate table you can see the weather conditions for the whole year in the capital Santo Domingo on the Caribbean Sea. Similar values also apply to the region on the Atlantic.
Climate table for the Dominican Republic (Santo Domingo)
| Jan | Feb | March | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Max. Temperature in ° C | 28 | 29 | 29 | 30 | 30 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 30 | 30 |
| Min. Temperature in ° C | 19 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 23 | 22 | 22 | 21 | 20 |
| Hours of sunshine per day | 6 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Water temperature in ° C | 27 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 27 |
| Rainy days per month | 7 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 |
The best time to travel to the Dominican Republic
The weather data shows the best travel time for the Dominican Republic for the months of December to April . During this time you can look forward to the best weather conditions for a wonderful beach holiday. In the Austrian winter time, the country is the perfect travel destination to escape the cold temperatures.
Best travel time to Dominican Republic in the monthly overview
- December: 30 ° C, 6 hours of sunshine, 27 ° C water temperature, 8 rainy days, 79% humidity
- January: 28 ° C, 6 hours of sunshine, 27 ° C water temperature, 7 rainy days, 78% humidity
- February: 29 ° C, 6 hours of sunshine, 26 ° C water temperature, 6 rainy days, 73% humidity
- March: 29 ° C, 7 hours of sunshine, 26 ° C water temperature, 6 rainy days, 75% humidity
- April: 30 ° C, 7 hours of sunshine, 27 ° C water temperature, 7 rainy days, 76% humidity
During the whole year there are high summer temperatures in the Dominican Republic. However, the period from December to April is particularly popular as the weather is at its most beautiful during these months. With this optimal travel time you have to note that many tourists decide to go on vacation. That brings increased flight and hotel prices as well as full beaches. But also in the other months there are tropical temperatures in the Dominican Republic and it is worth taking a break. However, more rain showers can then occur. If you travel to the Dominican Republic outside of the prime season, the rainy season may be in some regions to rule. That doesn’t detract from your vacation. Because during the rainy season it does not rain permanently, but briefly and heavily. Then the sun shines again, the air is fresh and the vegetation is blooming. The humidity is higher, but those who can physically cope with these conditions do not make any compromises during this time. Important: June to November is hurricane season in the Caribbean and therefore also in the Dominican Republic. The highest chance of being hit by a hurricane is in September and October. However, tropical cyclones rarely occur on the island. Heavy rains, strong winds and storms are more common.
The most popular travel destinations in the Dominican Republic include Santo Domingo in the south, Punta Cana in the east and Puerto Plata in the north. You can now find out when the best time to visit these places is.
The best time to travel to Santo Domingo in the south
According to Insidewatch, the capital Santo Domingo is located in the southern part of the country on the Caribbean Sea. As mentioned, the south of the country is drier and hotter overall. This is especially true for the months of December to May . For this reason, these months are considered the best time to travel to Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. The average temperatures over the course of the year are 30 degrees Celsius. At night, temperatures rarely drop below 20 degrees Celsius. The conditions are perfect for bathing in the sea, with an average water temperature of 27 degrees Celsius. The humidity is high at an average of 75% in the best travel time, but lower than in the other months. In the rainy season, it is significantly higher. The rainy season in the south takes place in the months from May to November. This time is generally not recommended as a travel time for Santo Domingo. Temperatures are climbing to their maximum, humidity is extreme and there is a risk of tropical cyclones . Anyone who can physically cope well with these weather conditions will also experience a wonderful beach holiday in the rainy season.
The best travel time for Punta Cana in the east
Punta Cana is the island’s absolute tourist destination. The place is on the east coast and the climate is similar to that in the south. The temperatures are tropical all year round and the water is always wonderfully warm. The average temperature is between 28 and 31 degrees Celsius. In the night of the summer months, temperatures are up to 24 degrees Celsius. Since the months December to April are the driest and with the fewest rainy days, they are considered the best time to visit Punta Cana . In the other months of May to October it rains more often, the humidity is extremely high and the temperatures are hot. The rainy season also characterizes the hurricane season in the Caribbean.
The best time to travel to Puerto Plata in the north
Puerto Plata is located on the north coast of the Dominican Republic. The climate and thus also the best travel time for Puerto Plata influences the Cordillera Central mountain range. Due to rising trade winds, which cool down at higher altitudes, it rains more frequently in the north than in the south. The temperatures in the north are generally a little cooler than in the south, but it is tropically warm all year round. The average temperature in Puerto Plata is 30 degrees Celsius. In the months of December to March, the temperatures are just below that. It is not as hot during this time as from April to November, but the number of rainy days is higher. The rainy season in the north is from November to January. On average there are twelve rainy days during these months. The fewest rainy days fall in the months of February , March and April . Due to this fact, these months are considered the best time to travel to Puerto Plata. You are in the generally best travel time for the Dominican Republic.
Anyone who loves a tropical climate all year round is in the right place in the Dominican Republic at any time. All year round, the daytime temperatures are around 30 degrees Celsius. Sometimes they are lower and sometimes they are higher. The same applies to the temperatures of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic. Because the rainy season prevails in most regions during the summer months, December , January , February , March and April are considered the best time to visit the Dominican Republic. In the north, the ideal travel time is shortened by a few months and is in February, March and April. If you have no problem with short and heavy rain showers on your vacation, the months in the rainy season are also suitable for traveling to the Dominican Republic. If you book your vacation in the rainy season, inform yourself beforehand about the risk of tropical cyclones.
