So you’re ready for a tropical adventure and you’re already packing up your things. Good for you! But do you know about the weather in Punta Cana? Hearing about this, you might think twice about getting that turtleneck you wanted to show off! You’ll be a lot better off in a swimsuit. No really, you’ll want to consider the weather before you travel so you can have an amazing trip without any worries.
The weather in Punta Cana: How hot is it, really?
Unsurprisingly, it’s very hot. It’s part of a tropical island with very stable, sunny weather. So the heat is expected. The good news is that while it is rather hot all year round, it’s also very consistent in temperature. Since there is no proper summer season as most people know, there aren’t any heat spikes! The hottest month is August averaging 88°F at its hottest and 77°F at its coldest, while the mildest temperatures are found in January with 83°F at its highest and 72°F at its lowest. So as I said it’s very hot, but you won’t expect any drastic temperature increases!
So how is the weather in Punta Cana all year long?
While the temperature doesn’t change much during the year, it’s the humidity that you should worry about. The coldest months, so to speak, are the ones where humidity in the air is the lowest. From December to mid-April you’ll be met by the lowest humidity possible, and from there it only goes up. The rest of the year is very heavy, usually peaking around mid-August. So while the temperature might say 88°F, it’s likely to feel very sticky and a lot hotter than that.
Does it rain?
Not very often, but the more humidity there is in the air, the more likely it is! However, this is a tropical island, so rain comes and goes on a whim. A day can start very hot, humid, and heavy but as it progresses you’ll find it more comfortable. Immediately after the rain falls the air is going to be thick, but it’ll quickly pass! You shouldn’t be inconvenienced for long.
Is there a hurricane season?
Because the Dominican Republic is located in the Atlantic, we are prone to suffering from hurricane season. It lasts from June 1st to November 30th. And these are going to be the rainiest, most humid, and hottest months you’ll find. Tropical storms are not unheard of, and our quiet island can be shaken up quite a bit during this period. It’s absolutely possible to come around during those months, but you’ll have to stand the heat and rain a little bit! The threat of hurricanes is at its highest in October, but for the most part, this shouldn’t be a concern for you.
The weather in Punta Cana: What can I compare it to?
I get it, it’s easier to imagine when you’re comparing the weather in Punta Cana to something you know! If you’re looking for the closest thing, Punta Cana’s coldest months are comparable to May-June in Houston. The highest it goes around those months is 84°F, while the lowest is 74°F! Houston is just as likely to get rain, and the only detail you’d be missing is the humidity. Add a little more, and you’ve got Punta Cana’s coldest season figured out!
On the other hand, the hottest months are very similar to June in New Orleans. It can reach around 88°F there very easily, with its lowest close to 75°F. Humidity is high, and rain can be seen quite often. Of course, you won’t find many hurricanes or tropical storms in New Orleans, but it should paint a good picture!
When should I visit, then?
You’ll find Punta Cana is perfect to visit all year-round, but if weather is something you’re worried about, you should try to come between December and April. May is good too, just a little hotter and it’s the rainiest month! Do bear in mind that this is when hotels are at their most expensive, so if you want to save more money, you can come around the hottest months for a little discount.
I would not recommend coming during October just because of how extreme the weather can be, but it’s not a bad idea at all!
So you see, Punta Cana is the best place to be when you want to escape the cold and monotonous city to refresh yourself with a little sun. It’ll make you feel so much better! Just don’t pack something heavy and hot because you’ll regret it. Need more packing tips? Check out this post next: Packing Tips: How to Pack For Your Trip to Punta Cana