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Best time to visit Dominican Republic: month by month
Short answer
December to April is the best time, with dry, sunny weather around 27-28°C and fewer rainy days, but it is the busiest and most expensive period. Mid-January to late March adds humpback whales in Samaná Bay. Hurricane season runs June to November, with the highest risk from August to October.
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 27°C | 23°C | 17 | high |
| Feb | 27°C | 23°C | 19 | very high |
| Mar | 27°C | 23°C | 18 | very high |
| Apr | 28°C | 23°C | 17 | high |
| May | 29°C | 25°C | 20 | medium |
| Jun | 29°C | 25°C | 21 | low |
| Jul | 29°C | 26°C | 25 | medium |
| Aug | 30°C | 26°C | 25 | medium |
| Sep | 30°C | 26°C | 18 | low |
| Oct | 30°C | 25°C | 20 | low |
| Nov | 29°C | 25°C | 21 | medium |
| Dec | 28°C | 24°C | 18 | very high |
Temperatures and rainy days: Copernicus ERA5 averages, 2021–2023. Crowd levels are our estimate.
Season by season
Spring (Mar–May)
Warm, with highs of 27-29°C; March is ideal, and rain increases in May (about 20 rainy days).
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Hot and humid at 29-30°C, with the most rain (about 25 rainy days in July-August, often short showers) and the start of hurricane season.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Still hot (29-30°C), with the highest hurricane risk in September-October; fewer tourists and lower prices.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Peak season: highs of 27-28°C, lows of 23-24°C and comfortable humidity; whales arrive from mid-January.
Events worth planning around
- Carnival every Sunday in February, culminating around Independence Day (27 February)
- Humpback whale season in Samaná Bay, mid-January to late March
- Merengue Festival in Santo Domingo, usually summer (check dates)
- Semana Santa (Holy Week), March-April, when Dominicans fill the beaches
When to avoid
September and October carry the highest hurricane risk. Semana Santa and the Christmas holidays bring full beaches, crowded buses and higher prices.
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Common questions
What is the best time to visit the Dominican Republic?
December to April, the dry season, with highs around 27-28°C.
When can I see whales in Samaná?
From about mid-January to late March, when humpback whales gather in Samaná Bay.
When is hurricane season?
June to November, with the highest risk from August to October.