The climate of Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo, a city enveloped by the lush flora of
Ecuador, bathes under the tropical sun in a climatic category predominantly defined as Tropical Monsoon (Am) by the Köppen Climate Classification. This classification predicts a weather ecosystem characterized by warm weather, high humidity and frequent, intense rainfall throughout the year. A closer look at the climate data reveals that temperatures remain consistent across the year, with minimal fluctuations. Monthly averages for high temperatures oscillate from 26.1°C (79°F) in
November to 28.5°C (83.3°F) in
April. Likewise, the low temperatures show similar minimal differences, varying from 17.8°C (64°F) in
August to 19.5°C (67.1°F) in
March and April.
Rainfall, however, presents a more distinct pattern. The first half of the year witnesses significant rainfall, with the highest average precipitation reported from
February to April, measuring from 455mm (17.91") in February to a peak of 479mm (18.86") in March and 470mm (18.5") in April. As the year progresses, there's a sharp decline in rainfall, with minimal precipitation seen from
July to November, registering lows of 51mm (2.01") in August and 55mm (2.17") in July. A pattern of increased daylight is maintained throughout the year, averaging 12.1 hours per day, an attribute synonymous with tropical regions enclosing the equatorial belt.
The notable highlight of this climate behaviour is the paradoxical convergence of the highest temperatures matched with the highest rainfall during the first half of the year. This distinct combination of heat and rain fosters a vibrant ecosystem, rendering Santo Domingo a green oasis throughout the climatic cycle.
The best time to visit Santo Domingo
The best time to travel to
Santo Domingo heavily depends on visitor preferences. For travelers seeking to immerse themselves in warm tropical weather without the discomfort of excessive rainfall, the period from
July to
November is most suitable. These months record the lowest precipitation levels, averaging between 51mm (2.01") to 84mm (3.31"), and mild temperatures hovering from 26°C (78.8°F) to 26.8°C (80.2°F) for high and 17.8°C (64°F) to 18.3°C (64.9°F) for low temperatures. The relatively cool and dry environment during this season makes it optimal for outdoor activities and excursions.
The worst time to visit Santo Domingo
Visitors who prefer not to encounter heavy showers would do well to reconsider travel plans from
February to
April. This period marks the peak of the monsoon season in
Santo Domingo, with an average rainfall recorded from 455mm (17.91") to 479mm (18.86"). Despite these months being the warmest in terms of temperature, the elevated humidity brought about by the monsoons can result in a rather uncomfortable scenario for those unaccustomed to such conditions.
Spring weather in Santo Domingo
In tropical
Santo Domingo, the concept of spring, as known in temperate climates, is replaced by a transition from high to more moderate rainfall.
March to
May records high temperatures from 28.4°C (83.1°F) to 27.7°C (81.9°F), coupled with low temperatures oscillating from 19.5°C (67.1°F) to 19.2°C (66.6°F). Rainfall gradually decreases from 479mm (18.86") in March to 247mm (9.72") in May marking the onset of the drier half of the year.
Summer weather in Santo Domingo
Given its equatorial location and prevalent monsoon influences, the typical summer months of
June through
August see a significant reduction in rainfall. High temperatures in this period range from 26.7°C (80.1°F) in June to 26.8°C (80.2°F) in August while the low temperatures moderate from 18.6°C (65.5°F) to 17.8°C (64°F). Rainfall is relatively low, averaging 152mm (5.98"), 55mm (2.17"), and 51mm (2.01") in June,
July, and August respectively, paving the way for an attractively cooler and drier summer.
Autumn weather in Santo Domingo
Autumn in
Santo Domingo, spanning
September to
November, beholds the driest period of the year. Average high temperatures persist from 26.8°C (80.2°F) in September and
October to a slightly cooler 26.1°C (79°F) in November, while low temperatures range from 18.1°C (64.6°F) to 18.3°C (64.9°F). Rainfall during this period is at its lowest, averaging between 57mm (2.24") in November and 84mm (3.31") in September.
Winter weather in Santo Domingo
Far from the chilled winters of higher latitudes,
December ushers in a mild and pleasant winter in
Santo Domingo. High temperatures average 26.4°C (79.5°F) while lows marginally increase to 18.5°C (65.3°F). A shift in the precipitation trend is observed as the rainfall increases to 152mm (5.98") in December, signaling the commencement of the wetter half of the climate cycle.
Weather in January
Kicking off the year,
January's consistent weather in
Santo Domingo,
Ecuador provides a mixture of high temperatures and frequent rainfall. The temperature hovers around hot tropical readings, while the frequency of rainfall indicates the city's typical rainy season pattern.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Santo Domingo,
Ecuador, continues its rainy season pattern well into
February. The weather remains humid and hot in this tropical city, showing only marginal variances when compared to both
January and
March. An increase in rainfall culminates at 455mm (17.91"), marking February as the second rainiest month of the year.
Weather in February » Weather in March
In
Santo Domingo,
Ecuador,
March heralds the peak of the rainy season. The weather conditions align closely with those of
February, with minor variations in temperature and rainfall. Compared to the subsequent month of
April, there's a slight increase in temperature and rainfall.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Santo Domingo,
Ecuador, signals a continuing rainy season, though with a reduction in rainfall from the peak month of
March. The similarities in weather condition between March and the subsequent month of
May are discernible, with only incremental fluctuations in temperature and rainfall.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
Santo Domingo,
Ecuador, welcomes a significant break from the previous month's heavy rainfall. The weather conditions show notable changes compared with
April, as well as the incoming month of
June. The temperatures remain balmy despite the significant decrease in precipitation, consistent with a tropical climate.
Weather in May » Weather in June
Weather in
Santo Domingo,
Ecuador, experiences notable differences in
June, shifting from the intense rainfall in
May to much drier conditions. Despite changes in rainfall, temperatures remain consistently high and align closely with the upcoming month of
July.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Santo Domingo,
Ecuador, sustains the dry season trend, with reduced rainfall compared to the previous month and the succeeding
August. Consistent with its tropical climate, temperatures remain uniformly high. July claims the title for the driest month of the year with a minimal 55mm (2.17") of rainfall.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Santo Domingo,
Ecuador, holds a steady course in
August, closely mirroring
July's weather patterns. There is little change in terms of temperatures, as the city cements its place deeply within the dry season. The recorded rainfall, aggregating to a mere 51mm (2.01"), marks August as another dry month in the calendar.
Weather in August » Weather in September
Weather in October
Weather in November
November in
Santo Domingo,
Ecuador, ushers in subtle changes in the weather, setting the stage for the return of the rainy season. Temperatures sustain their tropical soaring while incrementally larger quantities of rainfall make their appearance when compared with the preceding
October.
Weather in November » Weather in December
The month of
December in
Santo Domingo,
Ecuador, continues the weather transition started in
November. It signals the advent of the rainy season, bringing in higher rainfall quantities compared to the outgoing November. Yet, temperatures remain in tropical comfort zone, validating Santo Domingo as a year-round tropical destination.
Weather in December » [Resources]