Good Time to Visit

Weather

The Dominican Republic has a tropical maritime climate, with a rainy season that runs from May to November. The average temperature at Santo Domingo ranges between 24°C (January) and 27°C (July); coastal areas are somewhat warmer than central regions. Hurricanes may sometimes occur during the rainy season. The average annual rainfall is 140 cm.

Visitors are advised to bring lightweight fabrics all year, along with waterproofs during the rainy season.

For more details on Dominican weather, see Climate in the Dominican Republic.

Festivals

Santo Domingo plays host to two Carnivals, the first begins a few days before Independence Day on 27 February and ends a few days after, and involves fantastic costumes, great floats, and all the rum you can manage. The second coincides with Restoration Day in August.

Music and dance takes control of the capital once again as part of the merengue festival in late July/early August. A three day Latin music festival comes to Santo Domingo in March. Puerto Plata hosts a Cultural Festival in June, with jazz, blues, merengue, and folk concerts. Cabarte Alegria is the dedication of February to fun, with weekend events bringing communities together.

Public Holidays

The following table shows the public holidays celebrated in the Dominican Republic: