The weather in Puerto Plata is generally fantastic throughout the year with warm air temperatures and warm sea surface temperatures. There are a few rainy periods, but much of the rainfall is short-lived allowing visitors to still spend plenty of time outdoors.
Winter
Early winter is one of the wettest times for the region, especially in November and December. The rest of winter isn't much drier in January and February. November will average 241mm of rain over the span of 12 days with December receiving an average of 246mm over 11 days. Once the New Year begins, rainfall averages will dip to 148mm and 122mm in January and February, respectively.
Thanks to the tropical nature of the region, temperatures remain very warm throughout the day even in winter. In November, the average afternoon high will reach 31°C (88°F) and this only falls to 28°C (82°F) by the time February arrives. These temperatures allow visitors to still spend plenty of time enjoying all that the region has to offer. Overnight lows, however, will be cool enough to require layers or a light jacket. January and February are the two coolest months for overnight lows with temperatures dipping to 17°C (63°F).
Nonetheless, temperatures in the ocean are still warm enough for an extended swim. Throughout the winter, water temperatures will hover between 26-28°C (79-82°F).
Spring
Spring in the region consists of March, April and May and can still be wet, but it is not nearly as damp as the winter months. Rainfall amounts range from 122mm in March to 167mm in both April and May. The typical rainfall days are anywhere from 9 to 13 with most showers and thunderstorms being very brief.
The average amount of sunshine is still very good with each month seeing approximately 7 hours of sunlight each day. Average afternoon high temperatures are on the march upwards starting at 29°C (84°F) in March and warming to 31°C (88°F) by May. Average temperatures are slightly cooler between 24°C (74°F) and 26°C (78°). Visitors will need to be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen as well as lightweight outfits to combat against the heat and sunny conditions. However, visitors may still need some layers or a light jacket for first thing in the morning when overnight lows are 18°C (64°F) in both March and April. Overnight lows will warm though as the months begin to tick by
Sea temperatures will also continue to warm to 27°C (81°F) by May allowing for visitors to take advantage of the numerous local water sports.
Summer
June, July, and August bring with them the summer months as well as hurricane season these are the warmest temperatures of the year as well as the driest months of the year. For these reasons combined, summer is the prime travel time to Puerto Plata. After seeing several very wet months, the summer is considerable drier with the average rainfall amounts for the three months being anywhere from 62-88mm per month, with July being the driest of the three. However, the overall number of days that might see rain remains high at 13-15 days per month. This rain is usually short-lived and each month sees an average of 8 hours of sunshine per day so there are plenty of chances to get out and about.
Afternoon high temperatures throughout summer remain consistent. Temperatures will vary only a few degrees from 32°C (90°F) in June and July to 33°C (91°F) in August. Visitors will be able to leave the long sleeves at home even for the overnight hours as low temperatures warm dramatically through the summer months from 20°C (68°F) in June to 21°C (70°F) by August. Seawater temperatures become similar to bath water during the summer months with temperatures warming all the way to 29°C (84°F) by August.
Autumn
Autumn is short and consists of September and October and it is still a wonderful time to visit the region without some of the summer crowds. Temperatures will remain very warm despite the fact that the days are starting to get a little shorter. Average afternoon highs will reach 33°C (91°F) in September and only cool a degree or so to 32°C (90°F) in October. As a result, it is easy to see why vacationers continue to enjoy visiting the region during this time of the year. Average overnight lows also remain on the warm side only dipping to 20°C (68°F) by October.
After seeing several months of very dry conditions, the rains begin to return just in time for fall. September is the driest of the two months and receives an average of 107mm of precipitation. Rainfall jumps up again in October with an average of 152mm. Rainfall days are plentiful with both months seeing an average of 16-17 days with at least some rainfall. Sea temperatures will remain steady throughout the fall months. Average temperatures of the ocean in both September and October are 29°C (84°F), perfectly warm for swimming.
Weather Hazards
Visitors to the region do need to be aware that hurricane season begins on June 1 and runs through November 30. While the area is not affected by tropical systems every year, they can develop and bring high winds, waves and heavy rainfall that can create flash floods. The most likely time for seeing tropical development is in August and September with the climatological peak of hurricane season coming on September 10. Tropical storms and hurricanes are likely to develop in the Caribbean Ocean around August and September. The region must also be on the lookout for storms that develop in late summer and early fall off the African coast and travel westward across the Atlantic Ocean.
Before leaving on a vacation to the region, visitors will need to examine an extended forecast to see if any tropical development is likely. Tropical storms will develop as an area of low pressure and then strengthen if conditions are favorable such as warm sea surface temperatures, calm upper level winds and moisture. Tropical development will result in a tropical storm when sustained winds reach 39-73mph (63-118 km/h). Once wind speeds get stronger that this, the storm will officially become a hurricane.
Being weather aware before heading on vacation can help you to enjoy a vacation without the risk of dangerous conditions.
