The best time to visit Puerto Plata is between December and March. During this time, the weather is cooler and there is less rain than during other seasons. You will also enjoy the best weather during the high season, which starts at Christmas and ends in April. Other popular times to visit Puerto Plata include July and August.
Dia de Duarte
The Dia de Duarte festival takes place on January 26, the birthday of Juan Pablo Duarte, one of the main fighters for the independence of the Dominican Republic. People lay wreaths on his tomb and march with the military during parades throughout the country. However, the most vibrant celebrations are held in front of his statue in Duarte Park.
The Duarte family originally came to the Dominican Republic in 1801, and settled in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. It was here that Duarte and his family escaped the unrest caused by the Haitian Revolution. In 1801, Toussaint Louverture, the former governor of the French colony Saint-Domingue, proclaimed the end of slavery. This event helped propel the Dominican Republic from a slave-dominated society to independence.
El Dia de la Altagracia
The celebration of the day of Our Lady de Altagracia is a major event in Puerto Plata. Altagracia is the Dominican people’s patron saint and the Queen Protector of their hearts. The legend behind the celebration goes back to the days of Spanish colonization of Hispaniola. In 1502, Alonso y Antonio de Trejo brought a painting of the Virgin Mary to Hispaniola, but the painting mysteriously disappeared from the brothers’ house. However, it was later found in an orange tree, and a church was built in her honor.
The holiday is celebrated in many ways. Many people take time off work to celebrate the holiday. In fact, it is one of the largest gift giving days of the year. Businesses may close for the holiday. The Virgen de Altagracia is the most important religious day in the Dominican calendar. Another big day in the Dominican calendar is Duarte Day, a holiday in honor of the Father of the Country.
Rainy season
The rainy season in Puerto Plata is between November and May. It does not rain every day, but most days have at least 2 mm of precipitation. The humidity level is higher than average, with an average of 80%. The average number of sunny hours is six hours per day. The temperature is around 28 degrees Celsius.
May is one of the wettest months of the year in the Dominican Republic. On average, the island receives 167mm of rain during this month. That’s a lot of rain for just 13 days! Pack your rain jacket and umbrella for your trip.
Windy season
Puerto Plata experiences a moderate amount of wind all year round. Because Puerto Plata is located near a body of water, the average water temperature can vary considerably throughout the year. You can use the wind rose to view the average wind speed at different times of day.
Temperatures in Puerto Plata remain comfortable throughout the year, with an average night temperature of 21.6 degC (70 degF). There are seven hours of sunlight per day. In the months of October and November, the average wind speed is 2.6 miles per hour.
The windiest months of the year are August, July and April. Winds can reach upwards of 10.5 miles per hour. The calmest month of the year is October. Plan your trip during these months to avoid the wind. However, remember that it is important to dress appropriately and bring adequate clothing, as the weather can change without notice.
Low season
In February, the weather is typically dry and comfortable with 10 hours of daylight and moderate humidity. This temperature makes for comfortable sightseeing excursions and hikes. In addition, the heat index remains below 80 degrees Fahrenheit, so crowds aren’t as high. However, the beaches and beach resorts are still crowded.
July is the windiest month, with an average hourly wind speed of over 9.3 miles per hour. From August through November, the average hourly wind speed is 8.1 miles per hour. The wind direction is usually from the east throughout the year. While it is a good time to visit Puerto Plata, it is not an ideal time for those who don’t like windy weather.
High season in the Dominican Republic can mean peak prices and overcrowded beaches. However, it is possible to get great deals on vacations if you plan your visit during low seasons. In the winter, you’ll have the opportunity to watch humpback whales in Samana Bay, where they migrate every year. The town of Samana is a popular viewing point.
