Is the Caribbean calling? The Dominican Republic is the perfect place to quench your need for Vitamin D and get your fill of much-needed sunny days, with year-round warm weather and plenty of sunbathing spots. It’s the second largest and most diverse Caribbean Island in the clan, boasting nearly 1,000 miles of coastline with 250 miles of the world’s top beaches.
Whether you’re exploring the old town of Puerto Plata on the north coast, admiring the scenery of Playa Dorada or Costa Dorada, or getting involved in the golf and watersports scene in Punta Cana, finding the right time to enjoy that Caribbean life is vital.
Tempted? Check out our best Dominican Republic deals.
Best time for sun lovers
The Dominican Republic’s tropical climates are pretty consistent, with average temperatures of around 26°C, 365 days a year. But if you want to bask under uninterrupted rays, grab your sunnies (and suncream) and aim for some winter sun from December to February. If you don’t fancy packing a brolly, steer clear of holidaying on this Caribbean gem between May and October to avoid the rainy season. These months see an average of 59 inches of rainfall, kickstarting humid wellie-wearing weather.
Best time for peace and quiet
If the rainy season doesn’t faze you, make the most of a cheaper – and much quieter – getaway some time from May to October. Hurricane season is conveniently within tourist off-season, which is typically between June and November, so you’ll likely find a bargain getaway at this time. With such a wide choice of hotels and resorts, you can spend your days sipping cocktails in the bar or pampering yourself in the spa. Our fave is the Breathless Spa by Pevonia at the Breathless Punta Cana Resort & Spa, where bougie treatments like caviar and pearl facials are on the menu.
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Best time for festival fans
The Dom Rep has a rep for being the festival capital of the Caribbean, so expect to be shown a thing or two when it comes to celebrations. The entire month of February is reserved for Carnival, a huge festival that celebrates the Dominican Republic’s independence from Haiti in 1844. Street parties flood the island every Sunday, ending in a massive all-night celebration along the seafront with floats, processions and plenty of partying.
July and August host the Festival de Merengue, which celebrates the history of this Dominican dance. Party all night to the merengue beats that flow from the ‘colmados’ – corner shops by day, and bars by night. If you need a boost of energy to keep up with the round-the-clock vibes, take a pit stop and refuel at one of the food stalls dotted along the streets, serving traditional food and snacks.
Best time for nature lovers
The Dom Rep has an impressive pick and mix of flora and fauna ready for the best Insta shots. Climb cloud-covered mountain ranges, wade waist-high through tangled mangrove forests, or bob about in bathtub-warm lagoons. Plus, there’s the chance to chill under the El Limon waterfall torrents or soar Superman-style down ziplines for some jungle thrills. November and March are the prime months to keep your eyes peeled for hawksbill green and leatherback turtles shuffling up the beaches to lay their eggs.
Decided on the Dom Rep? Get the dates in your diary and check out our travel picks.
Or, for more calendar-planning, check out when’s the best time to visit St Lucia.
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Authors: Kirsty Schneider and Becky Wells
Last updated: September 2023
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