What's the weather like in Punta Cana in August
Punta Cana is situated on the eastern coast of the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean. Known for its beaches and water sports, this resort boasts a tropical climate with high temperatures and loads of sunshine all-year-round. August falls within the wet and hurricane seasons in Punta Cana, which means you're likely to experience intense rainfall and powerful winds during your holiday.
Temperature
During this month, the average temperature for Punta Cana slowly falls as the month progresses, dropping from 28°C on August 1st down to 27°C by August 31st. Daily highs fall slightly from 32°C down to 31°C, whilst daily lows also drop slightly from 26°C down to 25°C as the month progresses.
In recent times, the highest temperature which has ever been recorded in the resort in August is 38°C, whilst the lowest temperature ever registered in Punta Cana during this month is 20°C.
Rain
Since it falls during the wet season in Punta Cana, August sees quite a lot of rainfall when compared to April and May. During this month, the average rainfall for the resort is 89mm that's four inches. This precipitation is spread out across five rainy days, which means there is only a small chance you'll experience rainfall during your holiday, but if you do, it will be heavy.
The most likely type of precipitation you'll experience in Punta Cana in August is thunderstorms, followed by moderate rain. Rainfall is most likely to occur around August 31st, when it falls on 58% of days. On the other hand, rainfall is least likely to happen around August 4th, when it only makes an appearance on 48% of days.
Average Sunshine Hours
Despite the rainfall, Punta Cana enjoys an average of ten hours of sunshine each day during August that's the same as in July. With so many hours of sunshine every day, you'll have plenty of opportunities to explore the resort and work on your tan at the beach.
Daylight Hours
Across the month, the length of the day in Punta Cana is slowly shortening, with a difference of 28 minutes between the start and the end of the month. The shortest day in this month is August 31st with 12 hours and 29 minutes of daylight, whilst the longest day of the month is August 1st with 12 hours and 57 minutes of daylight.
Cloud Coverage
In August, the sky in Punta Cana is most accurately described as being partly cloudy, with a median cloud coverage of 52%. The cloud coverage increases as the month progresses, starting off at 51% on August 6th and rising up to 53% by August 29th.
Wind
Over the course of an average August in Punta Cana, wind speeds tend to fluctuate between 1 m/s and 7 m/s (light air to moderate breeze), almost never exceeding 27 m/s (storm). The highest average wind speed of 5 m/s (gentle breeze) usually occurs around August 1st, when the average daily maximum is 6 m/s (moderate breeze). On the other hand, the lowest average wind speed of 4 m/s (gentle breeze) tends to happen around August 31st, when the average daily maximum is 6 m/s.
Weather Hazards
August falls within hurricane season in Punta Cana and although the last major hurricane hit the Dominican Republic 16 years ago, the resort is located in what is known as "hurricane alley", where hurricanes are a constant risk every day between June and November. Fortunately, hurricanes are fairly predictable, and you'll normally be given three or four days' notice if there is going to be one, so you can change holiday plans or take necessary precautions.
Humidity
The relative humidity for Punta Cana in August ranges between a mildly humid 66% and a very humid 93%, almost never dropping below 59% or rising above 98%. The air is most often at its driest around August 22nd, when the relative humidity levels drop below 69% three days out of every four. On the other hand, August 31st is usually when the air is at its most humid, when relative humidity levels rise above 90% three days out of every four.
Average Sea Temperature
The average sea temperature for Punta Cana in August is 29°C that's 1°C warmer than in July. Whilst everyone feels water temperature differently, most visitors to the island agree that this is the perfect temperature for all sorts of aquatic activities, such as swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving.
Punta Cana Hotels in August
Four Points by Sheraton Punta Cana Village
Families and couples searching for a low cost holiday in Punta Cana should consider the Four Points by Sheraton Punta Cana Village. This affordable hotel provides accommodation in the form of double rooms and king rooms, guaranteeing something for all budgets and tastes. Onsite services and facilities include bars, restaurants, free WiFi access, free coffee, water sports and fitness centre.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana
If you want to splash out on your accommodation, take a look at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana. Here guests can choose between a huge selection of suites and villas, all of which are well-equipped and luxurious. Onsite amenities and services are numerous and include spa, casino, bars, restaurants, swimming pool, kids club, shops and beauty salon.
The Royal Suites Turquesa by Palladium
The Royal Suites Turquesa by Palladium is a top choice for couples looking for somewhere to stay in Punta Cana. This adults-only hotel is made up of a huge variety of suites, guaranteeing something for all price brackets and group sizes. Onsite facilities and services include bars, restaurants, nightclub, entertainment programme and water sports.
Punta Cana Beaches for August
Cabeza de Toro
Cabeza de Toro beach is the most easterly part of the Dominican Republic and is very popular for holiday makers looking for total relaxation with soft sand and gorgeous sunshine. Essential amenities can be found here allowing you to spend all day on this beautiful beach, either swimming in the clear, warm waters or sunbathing.
Things to do in Punta Cana in August
Almost everyone goes to Punta Cana for the spectacular golden sandy beaches. More than ideal places to relax and sunbathe, the beaches in Punta Cana are also a paradise for water sport enthusiasts, with everything from snorkelling and scuba diving to surfing and jet skiing on offer.
Dates for the diary
Restoration Day
On August 16th, the whole of Punta Cana celebrates Restoration Day. This public holiday is held in honour of the day that Duarte helped the Dominican Republic become independent from Haiti in 1861, the consequent handing over of the island to Spain by President Pedro Santana and the war which followed. On this important day, the president makes a speech about the current state of the island and how far the nation has come over the years.
