You dream of go to the Caribbean to discover the turquoise sea and the magnificent beaches of the Dominican Republic? But does the climate scare you? You wonder when is the rainy season ? Is this a dangerous time for a trip to the Dominican Republic? Will showers spoil your stay? Here’s everything you should know about rainy season in the Dominican Republic to organize your future trip.
What is the climate in the Dominican Republic?
The Dominican Republic is a country located on the island of Hispaniola, in the Caribbean. She shares the west of its territory with Haiti. The Dominican Republic is popular with tourists for its pretty white sand beaches, its diving sites and its numerous seaside resorts. Nevertheless, there are varied landscapes such as tropical forests and mountains like Pico Duarte. This mountain is the highest peak in the Caribbean.
In addition, the Dominican Republic is bordered by both the Caribbean Sea on its southern half and by the Atlantic Oceanto the north, from Punta Cana.
Thus, from Santo Domingo, its capital, to Puerto Plata, the climate differences are significant depending on the time of year. However, we distinguish several seasons in the Dominican Republic.
When is the rainy season in the Dominican Republic?
- A season dried and fresh, December to April
- A season humid and hot from May to November
However in the transition months (November/December and April/May), the climate can vary enormously from one year to the next.
The island benefits from pleasant temperatures all year round, with an air temperature between 24 and 30 °C and a temperature of water between 26 and 28°C. Temperatures can drop to 20°C at night or even slightly lower, during the cool season, depending on the region.
You will have understoodthe ideal period for a stay is generally between mid-December and April. Showers are rare, and the sun is shining. In addition, during this season, temperatures are quite pleasant to allow travelers to forget the winter which is in full swing in Europe. However, is this the only period to choose for a trip to the Dominican Republic?
Most travel agencies advise tourists not to leave at any other time of the year. And this tends to not to reassure travelers who decide otherwise. “ Will the rain ruin our trip? »“Is there a significant risk hurricanes ? » These questions are legitimate. Here is more information on the rainy season in the Dominican Republic to help you see more clearly.
From May to November, it is wet season in the Dominican Republic. It is in fact characterized by several periods of intense showers. The first often takes place between May and June, and the second in October-November.
The rainy season in the Dominican Republic is characterized by intense but brief rains, which generally last less than an hour. In addition, these showers take place particularly at the end of the afternoon, which does not necessarily spoil a day of travel. However, outside of these times, the blue sky and the sun are there. In general, there is only some clouds at times, which doesn’t stop you from enjoying the beach.
Finally, he is rare for it to rain for several hours in a row and even rarer for it to rain several days in a row continuously. But this can happen as a tropical storm or hurricane approaches.
Weather in the Dominican Republic during the rainy season
During the rainy season in the Dominican Republic, on the other hand, it can be hot or even very hot. Air humidity is very high and enhances the feeling of heat. Which makes us sweat easily and the atmosphere is sometimes heavy and stifling. On an island, however, the solution is quickly found: the sea bathing allows you to cool down quickly. From May to October, we find the highest temperatures of the year. The averages are between 24 and 32°C.
Note however, in mountainous regions, the seasons are generally less marked. You are therefore likely to find regular rain throughout the year. Likewise, the showers will be much more intense around the Samana Peninsula than elsewhere during the wet season.
So, to fully enjoy your stay during the rainy season in the Dominican Republic, it is preferable to leave from the side of the Caribbean Sea to Bayahube, Santo Domingo, Montecristi or even Punta Cana and he is less advisable to stay towards the Atlantic (Samana, Cabarete).
Risks during the rainy season in the Dominican Republic: hurricanes…
First of all, we find a risk of hurricanes during the rainy season in the Dominican Republic, from September to November. Every year you may have noticed, it is not uncommon for a hurricane to cross the Caribbean. However, these storms are dangerous particularly near the coast and for residents who live in precarious living conditions. Tourists who are sheltered by recent, concreted homes are very well protected.
If you travel to the Dominican Republic, from September to November, you will only need to keep you informed of the conditions weather during your trip. And if, by bad luck, a hurricane breaks out during your stay, you will have to follow the containment instructions given on site. In this case, the biggest drawback will certainly have to postpone your return flight. Unfortunately, you will also have to deal with very poor weather during the period following and preceding this event. But faced with the kindness and smile of the Dominicansyou will easily put things into perspective and your trip can be pleasant despite everything.
On the other hand, the rainy season in the Dominican Republic brings also other risks : floods, rising waters, mudslides… This type of event, although rare, is responsible for significant damage every year and sometimes causes victims. You will therefore have to inform you during your trip.
Can you travel during the rainy season in the Dominican Republic?
So, can we travel during the rainy season in the Dominican Republic? The answer is undoubtedly yes. From May to August, the climate should not pose any problems apart from a few intense showers at times. From September to November, it will be necessary keep in mind the cyclone riskbut showers won’t spoil your stay either.
It’s decided, are you going to the Dominican Republic during the wet season? To help you have a superb stay, don’t forget to bring a raincoat so as not to be surprised by a downpour. Most hotels will also be able to provide umbrellas on site if necessary.
The rest of your suitcase may consist of light summer clothes. Remember to bring shorts, dresses, t-shirts and of course a swimsuit. However, even during the rainy season in the Dominican Republic, don’t forget to bring your cap, your sunglasses and a sunscreen factor 50+. Furthermore, if you are planning hikes, waterproof walking shoes will also be essential. THE paths are sometimes muddy during this period. Finally, all year round, bring a sweater to cover you during the cooler nights and in air-conditioned places.
Of course, the weather remains quite unpredictable and it is not uncommon for these data to change slightly from one year to the next. But you know now everything you need to know about the rainy season in the Dominican Republic. You can start preparing for your future stay in the Caribbean with complete peace of mind regarding the climate.
