When is the best time to go to Punta Cana?

Punta Cana is the dream destination for idling in the sun and water activities like swimming, underwater diving and other water sports. As the climate is suitable for a visiting throughout the year, only the preferences of each traveller and their financial possibilities dictate the choices of the best times to visit Punta Cana. During the dry season, which runs from December to April, the resorts experience strong crowds rather suddenly and because hotel rates are high, one has to prepare a fairly substantial travel budget. On the contrast, before the beginning of the tourist season in November and early December, Punta Cana may be interesting both from a budgetary point of view and in relation to the reception of the hotel staff. As tourists are few, one will now be the center of attention. Furthermore, the end of the tourist season signifies the emptying of hotels and the revision of prices, resulting in a decrease.

So, when is the best time to go to Punta Cana? Here's some more information to help you in your decision:

  • The best months for good weather in Punta Cana are January, February, March, April and December
  • On average, the warmest months are February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December
  • The rainiest months are July, August, September, October and November
  • The sea temperature is suitable for swimming all year round



Annual weather in Punta Cana

Infographic of the best times to visit Punta Cana
Infographic of the best times to visit Punta Cana ©whereandwhen.net

Weather details in Punta Cana month by month

To get all the information about the climate and weather in Punta Cana for a specific month, click on the corresponding link below:

January February March April May June July August September October November December



Weather and climate in Punta Cana

As the capital of the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana is located between the equator and the Tropic of Cancer, which provides its tropical climate similar to that of its neighbor, Haiti. The latter is however slightly tempered by the presence of the trade winds. Thus, there are three main seasons in Punta Cana: the summer, the winter and the rainy period.

Punta Cana in the Summer

During the summer in Punta Cana, the temperature can climb fairly high throughout the day, even if the night is a little cooler. In addition, the weather is generally dry, unlike areas found further north of the country towards the Samana Peninsula. The water temperature is also very pleasant for swimming throughout the greater part of the year, particularly in Santo Domingo. 

Punta Cana in the Winter

The climate in Punta Cana in winter is similar to that of countries in South America, such as Peru and Chile. Temperatures are relatively mild and the evenings are quite cool, especially in the mountain areas. The winter season is rather dry and rainfall occurrences are very rare.

The Rainy Season in Punta Cana

Punta Cana or more specifically the Dominican Republic as a whole, has two rainy seasons. The first is in May and June and the second ranges from October to November. However the city, like its neighbour Montecristi, remains relatively dry in comparison to the northern areas.

Punta Cana :



Charts: temperature and rainfall in Punta Cana

In the charts below, you can see the following seasonal norms for the city of Punta Cana: the minimum and maximum outdoor temperature, the risk and amount of monthly rainfall, daily average sunshine, sea temperature, and relative humidity for each month of the year.

Outside temperature

Precipitation (rainfall)

Daily sunshine hours

Sea temperature

Humidity


Peak visitor numbers and tourist seasons in Punta Cana

Find out when Punta Cana has its high tourist season (the period when the influx of tourists is highest) and off-peak tourist season using our data and figures.

Tourist seasons in Punta Cana

  • Very low season in Punta Cana
    The months with the lowest number of tourists are: March, April, May, June and September.
  • Low season in Punta Cana
    The months with low numbers of tourists are: February, July, August, October and November.
  • High season in Punta Cana
    The number of visitors to Punta Cana is high in: January.
  • Peak season in Punta Cana
    The largest number of tourists visiting Punta Cana is during: December.

Figure: Visitor index for Punta Cana month by month



Best time for low prices in Punta Cana

Average prices of hotels in Punta Cana month by month

Generally, October is the month with the lowest hotel prices in Punta Cana. So this is a great time to save on your holiday! In contrast, January is statistically the most expensive month of the year for hotels.

Find the best price for your hotel room

Average price for flights to Punta Cana

A return flight between London and Punta Cana is generally cheaper if you go in november ($ 698 on average): this is the best time for travellers on a tight budget. In contrast, you may end up paying $ 407 more for your airline ticket to Punta Cana if you go in august.

Find the best price for your flight Flight prices to Punta Cana

Average price of hiring a car in Punta Cana

On average, it costs $ 65 per day to hire a car in Punta Cana. This price varies by $ 15 depending on the month. In november, hiring a car costs an average of $ 57 per 24 hours, so this is the best time to save money! In contrast, the average price in march is $ 72.

Find the best price for your car rental


Other cities and places near Punta Cana

Best time to go to the Dominican Republic

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