Nevertheless, the best Dominican attractions – sun, sea and sand – are just as amazing during the off-season months.
And while September falls within the hurricane season in the Dominican Republic, visitors can still enjoy clear blue skies, hot sunshine and warm seas.
If you decide to visit in September, be sure to pack for all types of weather and prepare for the warm, tropical heat.
Budget-conscious travelers visiting the Dominican Republic in September can expect reduced rates for tours and excursions, resort facilities and watersport activities such as boating, snorkeling and scuba diving; as well as summer sales by resort boutiques trying to clear excess stock.
Read on for the ultimate guide to the best time to visit the Dominican Republic for the best weather and prices.
What Are the Best Months to Go to the Dominican Republic?
The best months to visit the Dominican Republic are the months of December through March.
This is the summer season when there is abundant sunshine and little rainfall.
That said, the Dominican Republic enjoys a pleasantly warm climate all year-round, which makes it the perfect sunny destination at any time of the year.
What is Peak Season for the Dominican Republic?
The peak season in the Dominican Republic runs between the winter months of December through February.
At this time of year, the weather is pleasant and warm, which attracts many sun-worshipping visitors.
As such, you can expect large tourist crowds, especially around Christmas and New Year’s Eve, as well as higher prices. It is therefore recommended that you make your bookings well in advance.
Is the Dominican Republic Hot in December?
No, the Dominican Republic is not hot in December, but rather pleasantly warm.
Although December is the first month of the winter season in the Dominican Republic, it is nevertheless warm as the country enjoys warm weather year-round.
December is cooler, less humid with little rainfall but is still warm and mostly sunny. This type of climate makes it great for beach activities such as sunbathing and swimming.
How Hot is the Dominican Republic in April?
The Dominican Republic is moderately hot in April.
During the month of April, the Dominican Republic starts to get hotter as it approaches the month of May, which marks the beginning of summer.
At this time of year, the island records average daily temperatures that rise to highs of 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and fall to lows of 74 degrees Fahrenheit.
What is the Off Season in the Dominican Republic?
The off season in the Dominican Republic runs between the summer months of June through November.
At this time of year, the weather is rather hot and humid, which keeps many visitors away.
As such, you can expect fewer tourist crowds, as well as lower prices for flights, accommodation and excursions, which makes it the cheapest time to visit the Dominican Republic.
Holidaymakers planning a vacation in the Dominican Republic during the off season should expect:
- A more relaxed pace of life that is ideal for appreciating the food and culture.
- Fewer crowds at beaches and swimming pools.
- Reduced rates for package-tours and individual excursions.
- Reduced rates for resort facilities such as boating, snorkeling and scuba-diving.
- Summer sales by resort boutiques out to clear excess stock.
- It is easier to book flights and accommodation.
- It is easier to get a table at an upscale restaurant without a reservation.
- It is easier to book rental cars, tee times or tennis courts without endless waiting.
- The best Dominican attractions – sun, sand and sea – are just as amazing during the off-season.
Is July a Good Time to Go to the Dominican Republic?
Yes, July is a good time to go to the Dominican Republic.
The month of July falls within the summer season, which is the off season in the Dominican Republic.
As such, travelers can expect lower rates for flights, accommodation and tours. Moreover, it is much easier to find airline seats and hotel rooms. This makes July a bonanza for budget-conscious travelers, especially vacationing families.
July is also summer in the US and the UK. As such, most international travelers have good weather in their own countries that is ideal for swimming, sunbathing and other summer activities. Therefore, there is no need for them to travel somewhere hotter, when it’s already hot at home.
As such, travelers visiting the Dominican Republic in July can expect fewer tourist crowds, which makes it perfect to enjoy a relaxing break on the beach.
That said, July is the Dominican school holiday and is therefore a busy time for domestic tourism with Dominican families flocking in for their summer holidays. As such, the hotels tend to be busy with locals in July.
When is the Shoulder Season in the Dominican Republic?
The Dominican Republic has two shoulder seasons that take place during the months of November and April, right before the peak season and low season respectively.
During these shoulder seasons, visitors to the Dominican Republic can expect fewer tourist crowds, as well as lower prices on flights, accommodation and excursions. The weather is also pleasant with sunny skies.
What is the Weather Like in the Dominican Republic Year Round?
The weather in the Dominican Republic is fantastic year-round.
The island enjoys a tropical climate that is generally hot all year round with seasonal rainfall. Temperatures remain constant for most of the year, with an annual average of 77 degrees Fahrenheit.
Generally, Dominican weather gets hotter and more humid from May to October, and relatively cool from December through March.
What is the Hottest Month in the Dominican Republic?
August is the hottest month in the Dominican Republic.
During the month of August, the Dominican Republic is at its hottest as it reaches the peak of the summer season. At this time of year, the island records average daily temperatures that rise to highs of 88 degrees Fahrenheit, and fall to lows of 78 degrees Fahrenheit.
August mornings in the Dominican Republic are mostly pleasant with plenty of sunshine, while the Caribbean Sea waters are warm and perfect for swimming.
However, you will not be able to remain out in the sun for too long, as the sun is very strong in August and will quickly drain your energy. Be sure to rehydrate often by drinking lots of water when you are in the Dominican Republic.
What is the Coldest Month in the Dominican Republic?
February is the coldest month in the Dominican Republic.
During the month of February, the Dominican Republic is at its coldest as it reaches the peak of the winter season. At this time of year, the island records average daily temperatures that rise to highs of 84 degrees Fahrenheit, and fall to lows of 67 degrees Fahrenheit.
What is the Rainy Season in the Dominican Republic?
The rainy season in the Dominican Republic runs from 1 June to 30 November, with August and September being its peak months.
The rainy season in the Dominican Republic is characterized by short bursts of showers followed by clear skies and plenty of sunshine.
However, this doesn’t mean that it will rain every day, nor that you won’t experience a sudden downpour outside of the rainy season.
Does It Rain a Lot in the Dominican Republic?
It depends. In the Dominican Republic, rain is usually very brief at any time of year, unless there is a hurricane or tropical storm in the region, which can result in extended periods of rainfall. That said, any showers will provide a welcome respite from the summer heat!
The amount and frequency of rainfall in the Dominican Republic will depend on your location on the island, as well as the time of year you are visiting.
Rain is possible on most days during the rainy season, mainly in the late afternoon or early evening, with showers lasting 15 minutes to one hour.
Some parts of the island get more rain than others at different times of the year.
The rainy season on the eastern and southern coasts runs between late April and October. The northern coast is rainy year-round, while the north-western coast experiences a decrease in rainfall from June to September.
What Month is the Hurricane Season in the Dominican Republic?
The hurricane season in the Dominican Republic officially runs from 1 June to 30 November, with August and September being the peak months.
That said, the risk of a hurricane occurring in the Dominican Republic has historically been low.
In any case, there’s no need to worry as satellite forecasts give sufficient warning for travelers to take safety precautions.
Is the Sea Warm in the Dominican Republic?
Yes. The sea waters off the coast of the Dominican Republic are always warm year-round.
The Caribbean Sea waters here record average daily temperatures that rise to highs of 84 degrees Fahrenheit.
Even at their coldest, the Caribbean Sea temperatures around the Dominican coast average at a pleasant 79 degrees Fahrenheit, which means that you can swim all year round!
When Should I Visit the Dominican Republic?
April is the best time to visit the Dominican Republic.
During the month of April, the climate is simply idyllic as it precedes the heat of summer which starts in May.
During April, the weather is mostly dry with little rain and the high temperatures are moderated by cooling winds.
This makes it the perfect time of year to enjoy beach activities in the Dominican Republic.