Season for holidays in the Dominican Republic - 2021: when is the best time to go?

Dominican Republic for months: how to get to the calm sea and whales, not a hurricane and algae?

Rest in the Dominican Republic is when advertising a bounty from childhood becomes a reality. Only without the taste of candy, but with the taste of real coconut. An island country in the middle of the Caribbean Sea, a picture of bliss with the obligatory hashtag #moirai on girls' pages in social networks.

Newlyweds come here on their honeymoon trip, and married couples with children, and simply tourists who dream of the exotic and romantic of the Caribbean. Why is the place so attractive? When is the best time to relax in the Dominican Republic? And is it worth going so far? Let's analyze which month of the year is suitable for the Dominican holidays and why is it better to go to Turkey in August?

The beginning and end of the season in the Dominican Republic

Are you also attracted to the Dominican Republic by this turquoise water?

The main reasons why people fly to rest in the Dominican Republic:

✓ you don't need a visa to travel (where else can you do this?)

✓ eternal summer reigns on the island

✓ tired of Thailand-Vietnam or want a more "status" vacation

And if everything is clear with the first and last points, then we will deal with the reason number 2 in more detail. Vacation season in the Dominican Republic has no clear boundaries... The tropical climate implies a lack of seasonality per se. Still, the winter-spring months are preferable for travel.

In summer and early autumn, the weather can please with rains and hurricanes. But the prices at this time are even nothing - for example, a tour for 45,000 rubles per person for 10 nights (in the season all 60-80!). How to find one, we tell here.

High season in the Dominican Republic from November to April. More sunny days and less chance of rainfall. At the beginning of November, the period of hurricanes ends, the water in the sea becomes transparent. By the end of the month, the swimming season is in full swing.

This grace lasts until the end of April. In May, the weather worsens, but only slightly. For another couple of months, you can enjoy the local exoticism without risking being blown away.

Services for finding cheap tours

The Dominican Republic is a kind of Turkey (for Americans it is). Here are the same beach hotels, all inclusive and sandy entrance to the sea. But for the Russians it is very expensive, both in terms of money and resources: a 12-hour flight from Moscow. But who will be intimidated by this?

It is most convenient to search for tours that are more or less profitable on aggregators:

• Travelata
• Level.Travel
• Onlinetours

Services work with leading tour operators and find the most interesting offers for any "wishlist". For example, in December 2021, you can sunbathe before the New Year holidays by buying a tour to the Dominican Republic for two for 10 days. Price - 120,000 rubles. 4 *, the first line, if that!

Beach season in resorts

Excursion to Saona Island

Dominican Republic resorts are conventionally divided into:

✓ North - washed by the Atlantic Ocean. Puerto Plata, Playa Dorada, Cabarete

✓ Southern - on the coast of the Caribbean Sea. Boca Chica, Santo Domingo, Barahona, La Romana, Juan Dolio

The period July-September is not considered the most suitable time for a trip to the Caribbean: rains! Showers are short-lived, but in general it is very heavy due to the heat and high humidity. In addition, the beaches of the Atlantic coast are "attacked" by sargassum algae. Not every year, although in 2018 they were until November! The risk of natural disasters has increased since August. Hurricane winds raging mostly in the north, on the Atlantic coast. The southern resorts at this time calmly accept tourists (who, however, are exhausted from the stuffiness).

For clarity, when is what season in the Dominican Republic by months, here is a small table:

High season

Satisfactory travel time

Hurricane season in the Dominican Republic

Season in Punta Cana

Typical area next to a hotel in Punta Cana

Punta Cana stands apart among the locations of the Dominican Republic - the most popular resort, where there is always where to go and what to see. Located in the east of the country, at the junction of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.

The location plays into the hands of its popularity:

• the beaches of Punta Cana are separated from the "wild" ocean waters by coral reefs. Swimming here is safer and suitable for families with a child, but in summer there is a problem with algae (although decent hotels clean up in a timely manner)
• the coastal part of the resort is protected by a mountain range, hurricane winds are not terrible. The tourist season in Punta Cana continues all year round
• the international airport is located here, which means the transfer is short-lived

In addition, Punta Cana is white and clean sand (which some tourists take home as a souvenir), a 70 km long beach and excellent all-inclusive hotels:

➢ 5 * Iberostar Selection Bavaro - for two from 230,000 rubles for 10 days per season

➢ 5 * Now Larimar Punta Cana - from 250,000 rubles for the same period. A great hotel for families with children, the program for small (under 17 years old) is better than for adults!

➢ 5 * Grand Bavaro Princess Resort, Spa & Casino - from 250,000 rubles for 10 days

More budget options:

➢ 5 * Natura Park Beach Eco Resort & Spa - a middling hotel, a reliable option when you want to go to the Dominican Republic, but your budget is prickly; also suitable for family holidays. Cost - from 210,000 rubles for 10 days in high season

➢ 5 * Grand Sirenis Punta Cana Resort Casino & Aquagames - from 200,000 rubles

Dominican Republic Monthly Weather

The weather in the Dominican Republic is not much different from other tropical countries. The same hot and humid climate. But the wind blows from the sea, which helps to better tolerate humidity even at 90%. Temperature range from + 25 ° С to + 30 ° С throughout the year. So what are the differences? Understanding!

Dominican Republic in winter 2021 (December, January and February)

Dominican Republic in winter: tourists from all countries, unite! The beach season is in full swing, there is more than enough entertainment. The best months for a vacation in the Dominican Republic are winter.

• December the air warms up to + 28 ° С during the day and does not cool below + 20 ° С at night. The water in December is very warm, up to + 28 ° С. Rains are rare and at night, mainly on the northern coast
• In January the air temperature is still the same + 28 ° C degrees. At night: + 21 ° С ... + 22 ° С. This month is considered the "coldest" O_O The sea warms up to + 27 ° С. Sometimes January is cooler, reviews of tourists say that it happened and "only" + 24 ° C during the day. However, everyone who is going to celebrate this New Year in the Dominican Republic does not need to worry. January 2021, according to weather forecasters, will be hot - it was, but it was impossible to go 🙂

At the end of the month, the carnival starts, timed to coincide with the Independence Day of the Republic. The festivities will continue right up to March!

• In February air temperature + 27 ° С ... + 28 ° С. The water in the Caribbean Sea is + 26 ° С, in the ocean it is slightly cooler: + 25 ° С. In general, the weather whispers. The whale mating season kicks off this month and is definitely worth seeing (from $ 189 per person). Another February is the best time for diving

Dominican Republic in spring (in March, April and May)

The Dominican Republic continues to delight in the spring. The period when it is better to go in order to have a rest and to fully experience the country.

In March-April, the Dominicans celebrate Catholic Easter: bright processions and costumed performances on biblical themes are held throughout the country.

• In March the air temperature becomes slightly higher than in February, + 28 ° С… + 29 ° С. Water on average is the same + 26 ° С. It is the driest month of the year and the chance of rainfall is minimized.
• In April the rainy season is already being felt, and the humidity is increasing. The air is warmed up to + 30 ° С during the day, pleasant coolness comes at night, + 22 ° С… + 24 ° С. Water temperature: + 27 ° С. Mango season begins! At this time, they are the most
• In May it gets hotter every day, the air temperature is more than + 30 ° С. Sea water: + 27 ° С ... + 28 ° С. It is wet. The beach season is coming to an end. Tourists come who prefer low prices and are not afraid of the heat

When is the rainy season in the Dominican Republic?

In summer, the rainy season in the Dominican Republic is unfolding to its fullest. Precipitation falls daily, there are thunderstorms. The wind does not save you from the damp, sticky stuffiness. Monsoons blow from the sea in August. Hurricanes come with them. Due to the abundance of water, local rivers become turbulent and are the best suited for rafting and kayaking. But this, of course, is only for the most desperate tourists. Whether or not to drive depends on your personal ability to withstand the tropical heat and rainstorms.

Although the prices for the trips at this time of the year look especially attractive! So, if you do get tempted and decide to go, take 10-14 days to "catch" good weather.

Dominican Republic in summer (June, July, August)

In summer, the Dominican Republic is a gathering place for extreme sportsmen. True, this applies only in the first months.

In August, when the hurricane season begins in the Dominican Republic, the number of tourists in the country drops sharply. Even low prices do not help. Many travel agencies, being reinsured, simply do not sell tours.

• In June and in July the air temperature reaches + 32 ° С during the day and + 25 ° С at night. Water + 28 ° С. The hottest period, plus the season of algae in the Dominican Republic, found on the Atlantic coast
• The weather is like this in August... Also hurricane winds. They are more troublesome in the north of the country than in the south or southeast. And although destructive typhoons in the Dominican Republic are extremely rare, it is still a little unpleasant to be

Dominican Republic in autumn (September, October and November)

The Dominican Republic is going through a transitional period in autumn.

• In September hurricanes are still raging. It is hot during the day: + 31 ° С and above. The night also does not bring any particular coolness due to high humidity: + 23 ° С… + 25 ° С. The sea is warmed up to + 29 ° С. Showers
• In October the rainy season is coming to an end. Precipitation occurs in the late afternoon and is not so abundant. The heat subsides. During the day: + 30 ° С, at night: + 23 ° С. The water is at the September mark at + 29 ° С. Hurricanes are rare and occasional. The first tourists arrive in the country
• In November showers and hurricanes disappear. The water becomes clean and transparent: + 28 ° С. Air temperature + 29 ° С. The holiday season begins!

When is the best time to relax in the Dominican Republic?

The beach season in the Dominican Republic is year-round, but the optimal time for a trip is late autumn, winter and early spring. The peak is from late December to April. The price for vouchers in these months increases - for two, for 8 nights, about 200,000 rubles. Reasons for the rise in price:

• Christmas and New Year in December-January
• Mating games of humpback whales in February
• A vibrant carnival lasting from late January to March 1st

Those looking to visit the Caribbean for less money should plan their trip in October when the season starts, or in May when it ends.

Most of the savings can be made during the relatively low season, from June to September. Sunbathing on the beach all day long, most likely, will not work (rains). But there are many other interesting things to do. For example, extreme sports. Or excursions.

Our friends flew on their honeymoon to the Dominican Republic in September. The hurricanes did not carry them away, they returned whole, unharmed, tanned. With a bunch of positive emotions and beautiful photos.

Things to do in the Dominican Republic - prices

In general, the best months to stay in the Dominican Republic depending on hobbies - This:

➢ February is the must-see season for humpback whales. Animals swim very close to the shore. Plus the whole month the country walks at the carnival

➢ March - the chances of getting caught in the rain tend to 0, beaching in business

➢ April - The holiday season is drawing to a close. But the mango season is coming (it will last until August), of which there are 40 species, for a minute!

➢ May is the beginning of the wet season. The excitement is falling at the resorts, prices are falling. Time for surfing and kayaking (rivers are getting full)

Of course, every tourist is free to decide for himself how he wants to spend his vacation. But it would be a shame for us to spend our best months in the Dominican Republic just on a lazy stay on the beach or in the hotel pool. The point then is to fly so far?

On excursions (inexpensive - this is not about the Dominican Republic):

✓ Sanctuary on Saona Island - people come here to feel like they are in paradise (well, or in an advertisement for a Bounty chocolate) and take a postcard advertising photo against the backdrop of palm trees, sand and waves. The price for an adult is from $ 60-100, for a child 4-12 years old - from $ 40. Here >> for $ 77

✓ Humpback whale excursion - you know, seasonal offer. Takes all day! Reviews of tourists advise everyone to be patient (whales are not particularly eager to meet people) and pills for motion sickness. The cost of an adult ticket - from $ 190, children (4-12 years old) - from $ 80

✓ Samana Peninsula - Hollywood-style beautiful piece of land in the Caribbean. The tour usually includes a visit to El Limon waterfall and Baccardi beach. Price issue: from $ 100 for adults and from $ 80 for children

✓ Excursion to Santo Domingo, the capital of the republic - at your service the architecture of the ancient city where Christopher Columbus lived. Ticket price for adults - from $ 99, for children - from $ 75

In addition to those described above, in the Dominican Republic you can see other waterfalls, caves, go sea fishing for blue marlin, go diving and windsurfing. There is definitely no time to be bored. It should be noted that the best time for excursions is the tourist off-season (April-May or October-November). At this time, the weather is favorable, and there are not so many competing tourists yet.

Our tips and tricks

Who should you go with? In any journey, it is important to start it right. Carefully approach the choice of a tour operator, whom you entrust to organize your vacation in the Dominican Republic. Most Popular:

• Anex Tour
• Tez Tour
• Coral Travel
• Pegas Touristik
• Biblio Globus

These five operators, according to traveler reviews, provide the most convenient charter flights, with reasonable departure and arrival times, and the most reasonable prices.

Where to live? Traditionally, hotels located on the southern and southeastern coasts - Boca Chica, Punta Cana - are in demand among tourists who prefer a beach holiday. Fewer hurricanes, calmer waters (virtually no waves) and lower prices. The 3 * Coral Costa Caribe Resort & Spa enjoys a good reputation. For 10 days on all inclusive for two you need to pay from 140,000 rubles (in January).

The hotel is located in Juan Dolio, which is considered one of the safest resorts in the Dominican Republic. The presidential "dacha" is located here, the police ply without interruption "for a siesta." This location is often chosen for families with children. In addition, it is convenient to get out from here on excursions to the capital: it is half an hour's drive to Santo Domingo (to the airport, respectively).

Otherwise, the reviews of tourists can be reduced to the following points:

✓ The Dominican Republic is a poor country. Get ready for a shabby reality outside the walls of beautiful hotels so that it does not come as a surprise and ruin your trip.

✓ If you are flying with children, consider their leisure time during the long flight

✓ It is better to plan a vacation in the Dominican Republic with children in a hotel of at least 4 stars

✓ In some hotels in the Dominican Republic there is a rule not to accommodate guests with children or to settle them in a separate wing. Inquire at the hotel of your choice

✓ Bavaro is considered the best for families with children - one of the resorts of Punta Cana

✓ Drink only bottled water and dine in approved places!

Is it worth buying a tour out of season?

Definitely worth it. Of course, if by the word "off-season" we mean May, early June or October, and not hurricane August :)

At the junction of high and low seasons, the weather in the Dominican Republic is quite mild and favorable to travelers. As for the rains and winds, to some extent they can happen in winter. How lucky you are!

But what invariably pleases in the off-season is the low prices. In May, a weekly tour in a 5 * hotel, "all inclusive" will cost 150,000 rubles for two. In February-March, such an adventure costs at least 180,000 rubles.

When to fly on vacation with a child?

When to fly to the Dominican Republic with children depends on their age.

➢ The best time is winter. There is no sweltering heat, no showers, the sea is calm, mom too.The very thing for kids and their parents! And at other times of the year there are many other destinations for families with children.

➢ With a teenager, you can take the risk of flying in late autumn or spring

Be sure to take a supply of sunscreen with an SPF filter of at least 50! It will definitely come in handy for both you and your children under the Caribbean sun. The most important thing is to properly adapt to the change of time zones. Often, contrary to popular belief, children adjust better than us adults. And do not forget that if a child flies on vacation without parents, they are required to issue a permit to travel abroad.