Climate and monthly weather forecast
Dominican Republic

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Flag of Dominican Republic
Flag of Dominican Republic

The climate of Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic has a tropical climate with hot, wet summers and warm, dry winters. The northern coastal and lowland regions have a tropical rainforest climate (Köppen climate classification Af). The south-central region has a tropical monsoon (Köppen Am) climate, while the south is a tropical savanna (Köppen Aw). A few areas in the west have an oceanic climate (Köppen Cfb). The Dominican Republic occupies two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola in the Greater Antilles of the West Indies. Haiti shares the remaining one-third in the west, the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands lie to the north and northwest, and Puerto Rico is in the west. The tropical latitudes, trade winds, and the vast waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea chiefly influence the climate.

The Dominican Republic has a diverse topography with four important mountain ranges. The Cordillera Central is the highest mountain range in the West Indies. The fertile Cibao Valley lies between the northern and central mountain ranges. The semi-arid San Juan Valley lies south of the Cordillera range. Much of the area near the Enriquillo Basin has a hot and arid climate (Köppen BSh). The Caribbean Coastal Plain is the most extensive plain in the country and stretches in the north and east of Santo Domingo. The Yaque del Norte, Yuna, San Juan, and Artibonito are the four major rivers in the country. Lakes, lagoons, mangroves, and cays are essential parts of the island's ecosystem. Pico Duarte is the highest peak in the Caribbean at 3098 meters. Lake Enriquillo, a saltwater lake at 45 meters below sea level, is the lowest elevation in the Caribbean.

The best time to visit Dominican Republic

The best time to visit the Dominican Republic is in the dry season from December to April. The inland areas, as well as the southern coasts, including Santo Domingo, begin to experience comfortable weather from December. The northern coasts are at their best during February and March, the driest months of the year. The temperatures are moderate, and the conditions are sunny, even in the winter. Wind speeds remain below 32.2km/h (20mph) after the end of the hurricane season in November. The probability of clear, blue skies is high during the dry season, and the sea waters are calm. Tropical storms are rare during the winter months.

The worst time to visit Dominican Republic

The worst time to visit the Dominican Republic is during the hot and humid summer from June to August. The sun's peak ultraviolet index of 12 makes the heat unbearable for people unfamiliar with tropical weather. The wet season is prone to heavy rainfall, stifling heat, tropical storms, and hurricanes. The average temperatures cross 32.2°C (90°F) at the peak of summer in most parts of the country. Scuba diving enthusiasts find the wet season unfavorable for exploring the magical underwater realm. The northwestern and southwestern coasts receive relatively less rainfall, with bearable weather during June and July when the likelihood of hurricanes is low.

Spring Weather in the Dominican Republic

In the Dominican Republic, the spring months from March to May are warm and gradually become more humid as the season progresses. Average temperatures during this time range from 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (86°F). The northeastern trade winds still provide some relief from the heat during the early part of spring. However, rainfall begins to increase towards the end of spring, marking the onset of the wet season.

Summer Weather in the Dominican Republic

Dominican Republic summers, from June to August, are hot and humid. The temperatures can easily exceed 32.2°C (90°F), and extreme temperatures can occur occasionally. These months fall within the wet season, resulting in frequent heavy rainfall, tropical storms, and even hurricanes. Despite these conditions, the island receives ample sunshine, and the sea temperatures remain warm, staying between 28°C (82.4°F) to 30°C (86°F).

Autumn Weather in the Dominican Republic

The autumn months in the Dominican Republic, from September to November, are still within the wet season, characterized by high temperatures and humidity. The rainfall begins to decrease gradually from late October. However, hurricanes are most frequent in September and October, causing heavy rainfall and intense wind speeds. Temperatures during this period range from 28°C (82.4°F) to 31°C (87.8°F), with the sea temperatures maintaining a warm 28°C (82.4°F) to 29°C (84.2°F).

Winter Weather in the Dominican Republic

Winter in the Dominican Republic, from December to February, is sunny and dry, with average low temperatures dropping below 17.8°C (64°F) during the coldest month of January. However, in the mountains, the temperatures may drop to 0°C (32°F) on rare occasions. The northeast trade winds provide pleasant conditions, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities. Winter in the Dominican Republic also marks the end of the hurricane season, leading to calm sea waters and clear blue skies.

Weather in January

January brings winter to the Dominican Republic, characterized by relatively dry and sunny conditions. The month sees average low temperatures drop to 17.8°C (64°F), making it the coldest month of the year. However, these are typical temperatures for regions at sea level, while in the higher altitudes of the Cordillera Central range, the temperatures can descend to 0°C (32°F), a rare occurrence for this tropical island. Compared to December, January sees a slight decrease in temperatures. Weather in January »

Weather in February

As February arrives, the Dominican Republic continues to bask in the dry season, with warm, sunny days offering a distinct contrast to the heavy rainfall and humid conditions prevalent during the wet season. The temperatures in February are somewhat similar to January, maintaining a winter appeal with slightly warmer average temperatures from 18°C (64.4°F) to 28°C (82.4°F). In the higher altitudes, temperatures remain relatively cool, especially in regions like the Cordillera Central range. Weather in February »

Weather in March

The month of March in the Dominican Republic marks the tail end of the dry season, showcasing a blend of mild winter weather and the gradual warming heralding the arrival of spring. The average temperatures during this month range from 19°C (66.2°F) to 30°C (86°F), indicating a subtle rise from the previous winter months of January and February. High-altitude regions like the Cordillera Central range continue to exhibit relatively cooler temperatures. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April signifies the end of the dry season in the Dominican Republic, giving way to the warmer months of the year. Average temperatures in April range from 20°C (68°F) to 31°C (87.8°F), marking a noticeable increase from the cooler temperatures of the winter and early spring months. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May in the Dominican Republic marks the commencement of the wet season and the definitive arrival of warmer temperatures. Average temperatures during this month generally fluctuate between 21°C (69.8°F) and 32°C (89.6°F), showcasing a substantial rise compared to the preceding months. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June in the Dominican Republic is characterized by the full arrival of the summer season, bringing hot temperatures, frequent rainfall, and increasing humidity. The average temperatures typically lie between 22°C (71.6°F) and 33°C (91.4°F), indicating a steady rise from the preceding months. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July in the Dominican Republic represents the heart of the summer season, characterized by persistently high temperatures, considerable humidity, and frequent rainfall. Average temperatures range from 22°C (71.6°F) to 34°C (93.2°F), and the high humidity can often make conditions feel hotter than they are. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August in the Dominican Republic is characterized by the apex of summer with consistent high temperatures and abundant rainfall. The average temperatures typically fluctuate between 22°C (71.6°F) and 34°C (93.2°F), with no significant decline from the previous month. Weather in August »

Weather in September

In the Dominican Republic, September signifies the end of summer and the transition into autumn. Yet, the tropical climate maintains high temperatures and significant rainfall. The average temperatures usually hover between 22°C (71.6°F) and 33°C (91.4°F), indicating a slight decrease from the peak summer month of August. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October in the Dominican Republic signals the middle of autumn, with tropical climate features remaining prevalent. Average temperatures continue to decline subtly, typically ranging between 22°C (71.6°F) and 31°C (87.8°F), suggesting a progressive cooling from the scorching summer months. The higher regions, including the Cordillera Central range, continue to offer cooler relief from the still-warm lowlands. Weather in October »

Weather in November

In November, the Dominican Republic experiences further transition into autumn, with notable changes in weather patterns. Average temperatures continue the downward trend, usually falling between 20°C (68°F) and 30°C (86°F), marking a substantial departure from the peak summer heat. The elevated regions, such as the Cordillera Central range, maintain a cooler climate compared to the lower-lying areas, offering a comfortable retreat from the warmth of the coasts and valleys. Rainfall, although still present, decreases significantly in November. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December marks the onset of winter in the Dominican Republic, with the weather starting to reflect the seasonal shift. The average temperatures vary between 18°C (64.4°F) and 28°C (82.4°F), indicating a significant reduction from the preceding months and providing relief from the tropical heat that dominates most of the year. Higher regions such as the Cordillera Central range maintain their cooler conditions, with temperatures often falling below the national average. Weather in December »
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Dominican Republic

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