The climate of San Juan
San Juan, nestled in the
Dominican Republic, follows the Köppen climate classification Aw, indicating a tropical wet and dry, or savanna, climate. This distinctive category implies that the region experiences high temperature throughout the year along with substantial seasonal differences in rainfall. The average minimum and maximum temperatures oscillate from 14°C (57.2°F) to 19°C (66.2°F) and from 29°C (84.2°F) to 32°C (89.6°F), respectively, striking a warm atmosphere all year round.
Rainfall plays a noteworthy part in the weather standard of San Juan, with significant fluctuations observed over different months. The lowest precipitation of 20mm (0.79") is spotted in
January, which fiercely escalates to 189mm (7.44") in
May, the peak of the wet season. The rest of the year yields diminished rainfall, yet relatively high in comparison to the dry season. Correspondingly, the frequency of rainfall days varies, with the maximum of 16 days observed in
October.
San Juan also witnesses considerable daylight span alterations, peaking at 13.3 hours in
June and dipping to 11 hours in
December. A steady 7-8 hours of sunshine is a constant irrespective of the time of the year, reiterating the region's warm, tropical disposition. The UV index peaks at 12 from
April to
September, indicating the necessity for sufficient sun protection during these months.
The best time to visit San Juan
The period from
November to
April would be an appropriate choice for exploring
San Juan, considering the pleasant climatic conditions. During these months, the temperature nestles between 29°C (84.2°F) to 31°C (87.8°F) with a cooler average low of 14°C (57.2°F) to 18°C (64.4°F). Rainfall experiences a significantly low dip, settling from 20mm (0.79") to 36mm (1.42"), ensuring lesser interruptions in outdoor activities. Amidst this period, daylight availability ranges from 11.1 hours to 12.6 hours coupled with 7-8 hours of sunshine, portraying ideal conditions for sightseeing and relaxation.
The worst time to visit San Juan
Discretion is advised for visits between
May to
October when
San Juan enters its rainy season. Heavy torrential downpours are common with rainfall peaking at 189mm (7.44") in May, causing potential disruptions to travel plans. The temperatures remain high from 31°C (87.8°F) to 32°C (89.6°F) causing discomfort, and the UV index also reaches its zenith during this period necessitating the need for sunscreens and appropriate sun-safe measures.
Spring weather in San Juan
Spring in
San Juan is characterized by a gradual increase in temperatures and a phenomenal rise in rainfall.
March gets light rain averaging around 36mm (1.42"), which leaps three-fold to 107mm (4.21") in
April and further to a remarkable 189mm (7.44") in
May. However, increased temperatures mediate the rain's impact, fluctuating between 30°C (86°F) to 31°C (87.8°F) high while the low temperatures settle around 16°C (60.8°F) to 19°C (66.2°F).
Summer weather in San Juan
Summer months from
June to
August in
San Juan are the warmest with average high temperatures reaching 32°C (89.6°F). The rain remains a significant presence with June to August registering rainfall from 109mm (4.29") to 135mm (5.31"). Meanwhile, the duration of daylight is the longest and with sunshine spanning 8 hrs per day, it offers ample opportunities for daytime activities.
Autumn weather in San Juan
Autumn in
San Juan experiences a slight abatement in temperatures, with the high averaging between 31°C (87.8°F) to 32°C (89.6°F) and the low between 18°C (64.4°F) to 19°C (66.2°F). Rainfall remains continuous featuring from 155mm (6.1") to 158mm (6.22"). However, there is a small dip in daylight hours as they range between 12.2 to 11.7 hours which is still ample for enjoying various outdoor activities.
Winter weather in San Juan
Winter in
San Juan brings relief from heavy rainfall, with precipitation dropping from 72mm (2.83") in
November to 44mm (1.73") in
December. Temperature extremes are also moderated, averaging between 14°C (57.2°F) to 15°C (59°F) for lows and topping out between 29°C (84.2°F) to 30°C (86°F). With daylight spanning between 11.2 to 11 hours and the UV index trailing down to 8 in December, these months spell a perfect combination of warmth, light, and comfort.
Weather in January
January in
San Juan,
Dominican Republic exhibits a mild climate. The weather begins to gradually warm up, still, it is one of the coldest months of the year. Notably, there is an average rainfall of 20mm (0.79") across 12 days which indicates a dry start for the year.
Weather in January » Weather in February
The climate shifts slightly in
February. Temperatures begin to climb, and instances of rain remain relatively low. Interestingly, the UV index escalates to 10, infering a substantial increase in sun intensity since
January. Despite the increased warmth, the weather remains comfortable, making it a pleasing time to explore the city.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Splendid weather characterizes
March in
San Juan. It brings an increase in temperature compared to the earlier months, signalling the onset of warmer days. With an impressive 12 UV index, one must remember to protect against the powerful sun.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
In
San Juan,
April is when rainfall starts escalating, a change from the drier initial months. During this period, the city faces an average rainfall of 107mm (4.21") across 10 days. Despite the increased rainfall, temperatures keep rising, allowing for a uniformly warm climate during the day and night.
Weather in April »Weather in May
The month of
May brings about a noticeable change in the weather pattern of
San Juan. In terms of rainfall, this transition is vast, as showers become more frequent and intense. The weather remains consistently warm, indicating the impending summer.
Weather in May »Weather in June
San Juan has a rich, warm climate in
June. Compared to
May, June doesn't bring many changes in terms of temperature or daylight hours. However, June locks the trend of high rainfall quantities, establishing the initiation of the wet season.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July witnesses the peak of
San Juan's "wet season". Remarkably, rainfall levels hit 111mm (4.37"), spread evenly across 15 days of the month. The temperature remains consistently high, and daylight hours begin to drop very slightly compared to the previous months.
Weather in July » Weather in August
As
San Juan enters
August, certain subtle changes become evident. Rainfall levels continue to soar, and the UV index sustains a high of 12. Despite being the tail-end of summer, the weather doesn't cool down significantly. The days stay warm and the humidity remains high.
Weather in August »Weather in September
San Juan embraces a warm climate in
September. Rainfall levels remain quite high, making it one of the wettest months of the year. The hours of daylight start to decrease further, signifying the end of the long summer days. As the city transitions towards autumn, the tropical weather persists.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October signals looming changes in
San Juan. There is a slight reduction in temperature compared to the preceding months, indicating the arrival of Fall. Despite the weather cooling down, there is significant rainfall, tallied at 158mm (6.22") across an average of 16 days.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
San Juan marks a clear transition towards the cooler season. Distinct characteristics of November include noticeable reductions in rainfall and temperatures. Despite being one of the cooler months, the UV index remains high, implying strong sunlight during the day.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
San Juan welcomes the cool winter weather. There is a marked reduction from
November, with the lowest rainfall of 44mm (1.73") recorded across 13 days in the year. Despite the lower temperatures and rainfall, the city continues to receive a fair share of sunshine.
Weather in December » [Resources]