What's the best time to visit the Dominican Republic?
The Dominican Republic’s prime beaches, resorts, and recreation options make it a must-visit Caribbean destination throughout much of the year, but figuring out the best time to visit the Dominican Republic means considering its high/low seasons, hotel costs, crowds, and periods of less-than-ideal weather.
This is an island country rich not just in coastlines, but in culture, from saucy merengue and the lively bachata dance to its traditional foods centered around rice, beans, grilled meats and seafood, and tropical fruits and veggies.
Venturing beyond the glitzy all-inclusive resorts the island is known for will lead you to rugged mountain hiking and biking trails and serene paths that wind past waterfalls in tropical forests, scenic coastlines, and historic colonial cities like Santo Domingo and Santiago with landmarks and architecture to explore.
Sounds pretty amazing, right? Let’s take a look at the best time to visit the Dominican Republic below, along the with the cheapest, least busy, and worst times to go so you can make the right choice for your upcoming travel dates!
The Best Time to Visit the Dominican Republic
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The best time to visit the Dominican Republic is December through March for incredible beach weather and ideal conditions for water sports.
You won’t have to worry about rainy season mosquitoes, unexpected downpours, or the dangers of hurricane season between December and March. Warm, sunny weather with average temperatures around 75°F and highs around 84°F is a pleasant reality in this island oasis during the winter months!
While it’s the busiest time of year for tourism in the DR, you can still escape the crowds by planning your visit in early to mid-December before visitors start arriving in droves. You’ll be able to find slightly cheaper than average rates during the first half of the month, too.
Google Hotels data shows that it’s the most expensive time of year to visit, but for the weather, activities, and bustling beaches and festivals, you may find it’s worth it. Here’s a look at the average nightly hotel rate for 2-5 star hotels by month:
- December: $251/night
- January: $170/night
- February: $159/night
- March: $152/night
As far as events and festivals, the Dominican Republic is hopping this time of year. From holidays and cultural celebrations, here’s what you can look forward to from December to March.
- Christmas celebrations (Dec.) take place around the island, from holiday-themed markets and decorations — like the Charamicos Christmas trees — around cities and towns leading up to the opening of presents on Christmas Eve.
- New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31) is celebrated with fireworks in Santo Domingo’s George Washington Ave., parties and gatherings at bars and restaurants, and dancing with appetizers and champagne toasts offered at some clubs.
- Guloya Festival (Jan. 1) in San Pedro de Macorís features a big parade honoring Cuban migrants who founded the city, Junkanoo costumes, music, dancing, and more in the neighborhood of Miramar.
- Día de Juan Pablo Duarte (Jan. 26) is also called Duarte Day, celebrating Juan Pablo Duarte (a founding father of the DR) with big parades, feasts, music, and dancing in the streets all over the island.
- Carnaval (Feb.) in Santo Domingo is the major event, featuring participants in colorful costumes and masks riding on extravagant floats to the sounds of traditional merengue or bachata music.
- Independence Day (Feb. 27) is celebrated nationwide, but mainly in the capital of Santo Domingo as locals memorialize the independence from Haiti with parades, music, and games.
- Semana Santa (Mar. or Feb.) is Holy Week in the DR, usually celebrated with solemn parades in the most populous cities, special masses, and time off work and school.
Yes, it’s more expensive and yes, it’s going to be crowded when you visit between December and March — but even so, it’s genuinely the best time of year to go and well worth the extra $40-$100 per night and seeing more people on the beach.
Read Next: The Best Island Vacations in the World and The Safest Caribbean Islands
Cheapest Time to Visit the Dominican Republic
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The cheapest time to visit the Dominican Republic is from September to November, the tail-end of the rainy hurricane season with higher chances of bad weather.
The heavy rains compared to the dry season make this time of year less appealing to tourists, leading hotels and resorts to drop their rates in an attempt to draw in some deal-seeking travelers. If deals are what you seek, this is precisely when you’ll find them!
Prices at hotels, resorts, and attractions drop come September and stay low until November, when the rainy season and hurricane season come to a close.
With average temperatures around 78°F to 80°F and highs from 86°F to 89°F between September and November, the weather is warm enough for outdoor activities when skies are clear. Rain is common, but only around 1.9″ to 2.1″ of rain falls each month on average.
Here’s a look at the average nightly rates during the cheapest months of the year, courtesy of Google Hotels data across the Dominican Republic for 2-5 star hotels:
- September: $97/night
- October: $101/night
- November: $104/night
September is the cheapest month of the year to visit overall, tied with October in terms of total rainfall but with more cloudy days. And since it’s hurricane season, it’s important to stay on top of weather info and heed any warnings.
It’s not a bad time of year to set out for morning hikes, boat tours, or city sightseeing if the forecast looks somewhat clear. That’s because rain in the Dominican Republic tends to occur in the afternoons in short bursts that won’t ruin your entire days’ itinerary.
While the higher chances of rain keep many tourists away this time of year, you won’t find the island “dead” or completely void of fellow travelers. You just won’t experience the same liveliness that you’d find during the winter and spring months.
You can always check out some of the events and festivals happening this time of year in the Dominican Republic to immerse yourself in the local culture and get to know the island:
- Feria Ganadera El Cupey (Sept.) in Puerto Plata features locals donning cowboy getups and riding horses along the northern coast for a festival featuring music, dancing, horseback competitions, and food.
- Festival Presidente (Oct.) is celebrated every second October in the capital with a 3-night festival filled with Latin music, fireworks, food, and dancing that lasts well into the night.
- Puerto Plata Festival (late Oct.) is a waterfront festival in Puerto Plata with food stalls serving traditional foods, dance and music performances, parades, and festive costumes.
- Dominican Republic Jazz Fest (late Oct. to Nov.) happens annually on the North Shore around Sosua and Cabarete with jazz musicians and bands performing on multiple stages at free concerts.
- Constitution Day (Nov. 6) celebrates the Dominican constitution signing with nationwide ceremonies and military parades on and around November 6.
It’s worth noting that the less-crowded beaches, increased availability of rooms at the most popular hotels and resorts, and better access to city landmarks and sightseeing also make this time of year worth a visit.
Least Busy Time to Visit the Dominican Republic
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The least busy time to visit the Dominican Republic is during April to June, the transition months between the dry and rainy season with fewer tourists.
April, May, and June are when the weather is a bit up in the air for the Dominican Republic. Some days are clear and sunny, while others see dense cloud cover and intense downpours that make outdoor activities and beaches less inviting.
The average temperatures between April and June are warm, between 78°F and 81°F with highs reaching 86°F to 88°F. Rain is always possible with 1.2″ to 2.4″ of rain falling each month this time of year. April sees the least rain (about 4 rainy days), while May sees the most (about 6 rainy days).
This makes it easier to understand why tourists generally steer clear of the island during this chancy period that often experiences bad weather. By June, the hurricane season has begun in the DR with increased chances of high winds and tropical storms.
On the bright side, you’ll arrive to beaches that are far from crowded, open rooms at the best all-inclusive resorts and hotels on the island, and no lines at popular attractions, hiking trails, and restaurants.
There’s also the matter of pricing, which is a nice break from the higher prices of the peak season when you come during the least busy time of year. Google Hotels data shows that nightly rates on 2-5 star hotels is much lower this time of year:
- April: $118/night
- May: $103/night
- June: $100/night
If you’re here this time of year, you’ll be able to check out festivals and events happening near your destination to get to know the local culture a little better:
- Cimarrón Festival (Mar. or Apr.) happens in Cabral around Palm Sunday with opera singers, Afro-Dominican spirituals, and people donning colorful “devil” masks and rope whips on processions through town to symbolize slaves and masters.
- International Book Fair (Apr.) takes place in Santo Domingo with books for sale, author signings, and live readings from popular literature around the Plaza de la Cultura Square.
- Espíritu Santo Festival (May) celebrates African roots with drum circles, traditional music, and conga lines around Santo Domingo and Villa Mella.
- Puerto Plaza Cultural Festival (Jun.) happens in Puerta Plata with artwork, crafts, and traditional Afro-Dominican dances and folklore storytelling along with food stalls, music, and extravagant costumes.
- Food & Wine Festival (Jun.) in tourist hotspot Punta Cana features a huge variety of food and drinks prepared by the area’s best chefs and popular restaurants available in sample form and mini full-course meals.
- Feria Expo Mango (Jun.) happens in Bani as locals celebrate the mango harvest with a big festival showcasing the tropical fruit in tasty dishes, smoothies, and savory dishes.
It’s not the cheapest time of year (that’s September to November), but it’s less costly than the peak season from December to March. If you can deal with higher chances of rain and make some indoor plans for backup on stormy days, you can easily enjoy a visit between April and June!
Worst Time to Visit the Dominican Republic
PUNTA CANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – DECEMBER 8, 2018: People at Bavaro beach, Dominican Republic/Matyas Rehak/Shutterstock
The worst time to visit the Dominican Republic is during the peak hurricane season, from mid-August to October.
These months of the year have historically seen the most hurricanes and tropical storms in the Dominican Republic, with September seeing the most hurricanes in recent years. While it overlaps the cheapest time to visit the DR, enhanced chances of hurricanes and bad weather makes it the worst time to go.
You’ll run into more rainy days, cloud cover, and the potential for major storms if you visit during these stormy months of the year. Mid-August to October has seen hurricanes make landfall like Philippe (Sept.-Oct. 2023), Franklin (Aug.-Sept. 2023), and Ian (Sept.-Oct. 2022) in recent years.
Most hurricanes don’t make landfall in the Dominican Republic, but most of the damage comes from straight-line winds, intense rains, and flooding that can occur even if a hurricane doesn’t make landfall.
As a result of the poor weather, you’ll see lower prices on hotels between August and October as fewer tourists come to the DR during this peak part of the hurricane season. Here’s a look at the Google Hotels pricing data for this time of year:
- August: $108/night
- September: $97/night
- October: $101/night
It’s as though the nightly rates directly reflect the hurricane risk, with the stormiest months having the lowest rates per night in the Dominican Republic.
We’ve detailed some festivals and events happening during September and October above under the Cheapest Time to Visit section, but here’s a look at the August events you can check out:
- Festival de Merengue (late Jul. to Aug.) is celebrated in Santo Domingo as pairs come together to demonstrate the flirtatious dance with traditional merengue music, food booths, craft fairs, and more taking place late into the night on Malecón boulevard.
- Restoration Day (Aug. 16) celebrates the DR’s second independence (from Spain) across the island with military parades, processions, performances, and reenactments that are biggest in Santo Domingo and Santiago.
It’s not a great time to visit the Dominican Republic to enjoy its beaches, hiking, and lush, scenic views, but if you must come this time of year, you can at least save some money and deal with smaller crowds.
Dominican Republic by Month: Climate & Acitivites
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The Dominican Republic’s best cities, natural destinations, and beaches offer different experiences, crowd levels, and prices when you visit at different times of the year. Here’s a look at what you can expect in the DR by month with temperatures, average hotel prices, and ideas for events and attractions to visit.
January
Winter temperatures in the Dominican Republic range from 68-84°F (20 to 29°C) and hotels cost around $170/night. It’s an ideal time for beach vacations, exploring historic sites like the Colonial City in Santo Domingo, and participating in local cultural events.
February
Similar to January, February maintains warm temperatures between 68-84°F (20 to 29°C) and you’ll pay around $159/night for hotels and resorts. Visitors can enjoy water sports like snorkeling and diving, hike in national parks, and attend the Dominican Carnival celebrations.
March
As spring begins, temperatures range from 70-84°F (21 to 29°C) and prices on hotels hover around $152/night. March is perfect for exploring the beaches of Punta Cana, participating in outdoor adventures like ziplining, and enjoying the vibrant nightlife.
April
Spring temperatures in the Dominican Republic range from 72-86°F (22 to 30°C) and hotel prices begin dropping to around $118/night. It’s an ideal time for golfing on lush courses, visiting waterfalls in the Samaná Peninsula, and attending the Easter celebrations.
May
May sees temperatures ranging from 73-88°F (23 to 31°C) and further-decreasing hotel rates around $103/night. It’s a great month for whale watching in Samaná Bay, exploring the historic Fort San Felipe in Puerto Plata, and enjoying outdoor activities.
June
In June, summer arrives in the Dominican, with temperatures between 75-90°F (24 to 32°C). You’ll pay around $100/night for a hotel this month as visitor numbers dwindle with the start of the rainy season. June offers opportunities for relaxing on the beaches of Bavaro, exploring the 27 Charcos in Puerto Plata, and experiencing local festivals.
July
July maintains hot temperatures from 75-90°F (24 to 32°C) with hotels costing around $108/night this month. It’s a popular month for water activities like kiteboarding and windsurfing, exploring the Los Haitises National Park, and enjoying music and dance festivals.
August
Temperatures in August range from 77-90°F (25 to 32°C) and you’ll find hotels prices around $108/night. It’s an excellent time for exploring the historic Zona Colonial in Santo Domingo, relaxing on the Playa Rincon beach, and participating in local events.
September
As fall begins in September, temperatures in the Dominican range from 75-88°F (24 to 31°C) and hotel rates reach their lowest point at around $97/night on average. September offers a pleasant transition, with opportunities for exploring the Jarabacoa mountains, attending the Dominican Republic Jazz Festival, and enjoying the beaches.
October
October sees temperatures ranging from 73-86°F (23 to 30°C). Hotels charge around $101/night this month on average. It’s a great month for birdwatching on Enriquillo Lake, exploring the Damajagua Waterfalls, and participating in cultural events.
November
Fall temperatures range from 72-84°F (22 to 29°C) in the Dominican Republic as hotel prices enjoy their final low-rate month at about $104/night. November is perfect for exploring the roaring El Limón waterfall, enjoying the beaches of Las Terrenas, and attending the Puerto Plata Festival.
December
In December, winter returns to the Dominican Republic with temperatures ranging from 68-84°F (20 to 29°C). December brings higher prices on hotels and resorts, around $251/night, and opportunities for holiday celebrations, exploring the Pico Duarte mountain, and enjoying the festive atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Getting ready to head down during the best time to visit the Dominican Republic? Bone up on your facts by looking over the most frequently asked questions to learn more below!
What is the best month to go to the Dominican Republic?
Early December is one of the best months to go to the Dominican Republic since you’ll arrive before the droves of tourists who descend on the island near the middle and end of the month, scoring lower prices on resorts and hotels. Expect mild, dry weather around 75-84°F this time of year.
January, February, and March are other ideal months to go to the Dominican Republic with slightly lower nightly rates on hotels than the peak late-December period and the same balmy, dry weather.
What is the rainy season in the Dominican Republic?
The Dominican Republic’s rainy season lasts from May to November, with May seeing the most rainfall of any month (September and October are in 2nd and 3rd place). This is also the hurricane season, with peak activity between mid-August and October for hurricanes that make landfall in the DR.
The rainy season in the Dominican Republic still sees warm weather and there are plenty of sunny days in between the rainstorms and showers. Visiting during this time of year leads to lower hotel and resort prices and less-crowded conditions.
What is the cheapest month to go to the Dominican Republic?
The cheapest month to go to the Dominican Republic is during September, according to nightly rate averages from Google Hotels. You’ll pay somewhere around $97/night during September when you average 2-5 star hotel and resort rates across the island.
September is generally the cheapest month to visit because it’s part of the rainy hurricane season and has higher chances of inclement weather that can get in the way of beach days and outdoor activities in the Dominican Republic.
What month is hurricane season in the Dominican Republic?
Hurricane season runs from June to November with peak activity occurring between mid-August and October. Many hurricanes in the area don’t actually make landfall on the Dominican Republic, but high winds, floods, and heavy rains are common with nearby hurricanes and tropical storms.
So, What’s the Best Time to Visit the Dominican Republic?
December to March represents the overall best time to visit the Dominican Republic, offering the most ideal and dry weather, great conditions for beach days and water sports, hiking, and outdoor recreation, along with a lovely lack of mosquitoes and excess rain.
All things considered, you’re never going to arrive in the Dominican Republic and have a bad time as long as you have a plan filled with activities you’re excited to try, places you want to visit, and cultural events and festivals you can attend.
Aim for the months with the best weather while keeping your budget in mind to make the most of your trip to this Caribbean paradise!