When Is The Best Time to Travel to the Dominican Republic?
The Dominican Republic is a nation known for its warm, tropical weather year-round, lush vegetation, and beautiful seascapes. It’s not surprising the country is a popular vacation destination 365 days a year.
But what’s the best time of year to visit the DR? This guide explores the different events, food, and weather you’ll find each month staying in the Dominican Republic. Weigh every season’s offerings against its popularity and price tag, and find the best time to visit for you.
The Seasons of The Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic has a Dry season, from December to April, and a Rainy Season, from June through November. The weather in May is transitional.
Dry Season (Dec. – Apr.)
Dry Season has somewhat cooler average temperatures. It also has far less rain and lower humidity levels. The daily sunshine and less humid air make the Dry Season the most popular half of the year for travelers.
Rainy Season (June. – Nov.)
Rainy Season has more rainfall. Fortunately, the average bout of rain only lasts 15-20 minutes in the Dominican Republic, even during the wet season.
The increased heat and humidity make the rainy season less popular among travelers. But, it’s also the season for sales and deals on popular travel activities and hotels.
Dominican Republic In January-March
The first quarter of the year is a popular season, and Dominican destinations are more expensive. Braving the crowds can be worth it, though, for some truly unique experiences.
Watching Whales & Manatees
This is an ideal time for marine mammal sightings in the Dominican Republic. Migrating whales can be seen from Punta Cana, and thousands of sea manatees migrate just off the shores of Punta Balandra.
Seasonal Fish & Fruit
Swordfish and Mahi Mahi Tuna are abundant.
Chinóla (passion fruit) and Cherimoya (custard apple) are in season.
Holidays, Festivals & Events
January, February, and March are the months to enjoy some of the Dominican Republic’s most exciting holidays.
January
Guloya Festival
- Date: January 1st
- Location: San Pedro de Macoris
- Description: New Year celebration emphasizing Afro-Dominican dance and music. UNESCO recognizes the Guloya festival as a “masterpiece of the oral and intangible patrimony of humanity.”
The Patronal Feast Day of the Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia
- Date: January 21st.
- Location: Salvaleón de Higüey
- Description: Celebration and feast commemorating the patron saint of the Dominican Republic.
Duarte Day
- Date: January 26th
- Location: Santo Domingo’s Independence Park
- Description: Celebration of the Dominican Republic’s Independence
Santo Domingo Global Film Festival
- Date: January 31st through February 6th
- Location: Capitán Eugenio de Marchena, Santo Domingo
- Description: Watch and celebrate international, independent films at this festival
February
Dominican Carnival (Carnaval Dominicano) & Independence Day
- Date: February 27th
- Location: Every city across the Dominican Republic
- Description: A culturally important celebration with flashy costumes, masks, theatre, and dance.
- UNESCO recognizes the cultural impact of Carnival La Vega in particular.
March
Isle of Light Music Festival
- Date: March 15
- Location: Faro Punta Torrecilla in Santo Domingo
- Description: This festival brings together local and international artists for a full, immersive day of music and dance.
Shrove Tuesday / Mardi Gras
- Date: Feb 27th through March 4th
- Locations: La Vega, Santo Domingo, Puerto Plata, Santiago de los Caballeros, Altos de Chavón
- Description: Part of Carnival, Shrove Tuesday is a celebration with parades, dances, and colorful traditional characters.
Dominican Republic In April-June
The second quarter is ideal for travelers on a budget. In May, June, and September, you’ll find some of the best deals on activities and hotels in DR.
Sea Turtle Nesting
Peak sea turtle nesting season runs from April through June. Watching sea turtles hatch can be an awe-inspiring experience.
Seasonal Fish & Fruit
This is the season for white marlin and yellow-fin tuna.
Spring cocoa is harvested.
Tropical table grapes, guava, pineapple, and limoncillo are in season.
Holidays, Events & Festivals
April and June offer some intriguing events for travelers.
April
Semana Santa (Holy Week)
- Date: April 13th – April 19th
- Location: Santo Domingo, Punta Cana, Cabarete
- Description: Holy week is celebrated with church services, processions, kite flying, live music, and parties, culminating on Easter Sunday.
June
Jarabacoa Flower Festival (Festival de las Flores)
- Date: June, TBD
- Location: Jarabacoa (park)
- Description: Celebration of exotic flowers, tropical plants, botanical art, and local food and drink.
Dominican Republic In July – September
Hurricanes are rare in the Dominican Republic. They only happen every 10 years or so. But, the highest risk months are August and September. So, plenty of locales offer deals to encourage visitors who might otherwise be wary.
Snorkeling & Scuba Diving
July, August, and September are ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving in the Dominican Republic. Though it’s the rainy season on land, the Caribbean Sea’s waters are surprisingly calm and clear.
Seasonal Fish & Fruit
This is the best season for blue marlin.
Local seasonal fruit includes Pitahaya, lechósa (papaya), cajuil soliman, and manzana de oro (golden apple)
Holidays, Festivals & Events
As Summer turns to Autumn, it’s time to celebrate the spirituality and culture of the Dominican Republic.
July
Merengue Festival
- Date: TBD. Two weeks in July and August.
- Location: Avenue Malecón in Santo Domingo, Puerto Plata
- Description: The two-week-long festival invites international bands and dancers to celebrate Merengue, the nation’s official dance, in a spirit of friendship.
August
Fiesta Patria de la Restauración (Restoration Day)
- Date: August 16th
- Location: Celebrated in Santo Domingo and Santiago
- Description: Restoration Day is celebrated with parades, events honoring the military, public fairs, concerts, and historical re-enactments.
September
Our Lady of Mercy (Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes) Day
- Date: September 24th
- Location: Throughout the Dominican Republic.
- Special celebration at La Vega, at The National Shrine of La Virgen de las Mercedes (“El Santo Cerro”)
- Description: This national holiday celebrates the Virgin Mary with feasts and processions.
Dominican Republic In October – December
December is peak tourist season, so costs rise. But, as the start of the dry season, it’s a popular time to enjoy the Dominican Republic’s beaches and waterfalls.
Flamingos
Flamingos migrate to the Dominican Republic and nest this time of year.
Seasonal Fish & Fruit
This is the best season for swordfish and mahi mahi.
Pisqueya (passion fruit), star fruit, and zapote are in season.
Autumn cocoa is harvested.
Holidays, Festivals & Events
Autumn festivals, jazz, and Christmas holidays end the year with a bang.
October
Puerto Plata Festival
- Date: TBD (Usually October 27th)
- Location: Fuerte (Fortaleza) San Felipe, Puerto Plata
- Description: This annual celebration of blues, jazz, folk music, and merengue invites you to dance under the stars
Dominican Republic Fashion Week
- Date: October 9th – 12th
- Location: Santo Domingo
- Description: International Fashion Week highlighting artists and designers of the Dominican Republic
November
Cabarete Jazz Festival
Date: November 1st – 3rd
Location: Cabarete Beach
Note: Jazz music festival with performances by world-renowned jazz artists.
December
Christmas festivities abound in the Dominican Republic in December. During the week of Christmas, experience one of the holiday highlights:
- Parrandas Navideñas, Christmas parties and dances in Punta Cana.
- La Misa del Gallo, a midnight mass on Christmas Eve at the cathedrals and Basilica in the Dominican Republic.
- Christmas Fireworks, displayed on beaches across the Dominican Republic.
- Los Guloyas, traditional dancers who perform on Christmas Day
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