The temperature and weather in Punta Cana can vary depending on the time of year and the location. On average, highs are around 83degF and lows are around 73degF. However, they rarely go below 69degF or go over 76degF. In January, the temperatures in Punta Cana can range from 72degF to 83degF. The chart below shows the average daily temperatures for Punta Cana.
What should you know before going on vacation to Punta Cana?
Rainy season lasts from May to November
The Dominican Republic is a sunny place all year round, but you can expect some rainy days every so often. The rainy season usually lasts from May to November, but in Punta Cana, the rainfall is relatively light and is often short. In addition, the sea temperature is relatively warm year-round, ranging from 26.5 degrees Celsius (79.4 degrees Fahrenheit) in January and March to 29 degrees (84 degrees Fahrenheit) in September and October.
While the DR has a rainy season from May to November, there is a dry season from December to February. While rainy weather is more common in the DR’s western regions, San Fernando de Monte Cristi and the Amber Coast enjoy drier conditions. Rainy months occur from June to September, but they are shorter than in the southern parts of the island.
Rainy season in the Dominican Republic is mild and short, usually in the mornings. The rains are usually thundershowers, and do not reduce the amount of sunshine significantly. Even in the rainy season, rains will usually be concentrated at certain times, and will not last for an entire week.
Punta Cana Dominican Republic is in the dry season
January is the dry season in the Dominican Republic, which means that the weather in Punta Cana will be perfect for travelers. The probability of a tropical storm or hurricane occurring during your stay is less than 1%, but you still need to consider the weather conditions if you plan on visiting this region in the upcoming month. Tropical storms and hurricanes are usually predicted three to four days in advance, so you can plan your trip accordingly.
The dry season in the Dominican Republic has low rainfall and warm temperatures in the low 80s. The dry season is also a popular time to travel as the temperatures are warm and the weather is not too humid. The wet season, on the other hand, is hotter and can be uncomfortable as the humidity is very high. The dry season may be better for travelers who want to avoid the crowds and high costs of a holiday to the Dominican Republic.
While January is the peak tourist season, the weather in Punta Cana is still pleasant year-round. The dry season lasts from December to April, when temperatures tend to stay high but are not too hot. There are a few showers throughout the month, but they’re usually short-lived. The dry season in January is also the best time to visit the country for hiking, canyoning, and whale watching.
Prime whale-watching season
The Punta Cana area is a prime location to enjoy whale-watching. This time of year brings thousands of humpback whales to the warm waters off the coast of the Dominican Republic. These majestic mammals are among the world’s largest mammals, and can weigh up to 30 tons! You can witness their spectacular splashing and soaring fins when they come to the surface for air.
The Dominican Republic has protected its waters for decades. In fact, the sanctuary for marine mammals, or SMM, is nearly 200 square miles and surrounds the Peninsula of Samana. The sanctuary is home to 3,000 to 5,000 whales that migrate to the bay every year. The whale-watching season starts in mid-January and lasts through March. In addition to whale watching, you can also participate in other activities, like whitewater rafting, rope bridges, and a Cistercian monastery.
There are many whale-watching tours in the Dominican Republic. Different companies offer different kinds of excursions. Check with the companies for availability, pricing, and the sanitary protocols.
El Nino and La Nina effects on weather
El Nino and La Nina are climatic patterns that are triggered by oceanic and atmospheric conditions. Both conditions affect the temperatures in the tropics. During El Nino and La Nina events, temperatures in the tropical Pacific rise significantly above normal and fall below normal. When El Nino and La Nina events are not present, temperatures in the tropics are generally neutral.
The typical weather in Punta Cana is based on statistical analyses of hourly weather reports and MERRA-2 satellite-era reanalysis. These methods are used to determine average temperatures and rainfall over a 31-day period. The data from each station is adjusted to account for differences in elevation and for the relative change in MERRA-2 satellite era reanalysis.
Weather in Punta Cana is usually stable. In addition, the sea and air temperatures are relatively stable. However, climatic variations attributed to El Nino and La Nina can affect the weather in Punta Cana. El Nino affects air temperatures, while La Nina affects sea temperatures. Variations in sea and wind temperatures can also affect the amount of rainfall.
