Punta Cana is a popular resort area at the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic. The temperatures in Punta Cana change very little from day to day and from season to season. The peak season is during the winter when tourists flock to Punta Cana to escape the cold weather back home. From June to November, Punta Cana faces the hurricane season - this area in particular has been known to receive severe tropical storms and some years there are 40 inches of rain at this time of the year. The best time to visit Punta Cana is between the months of March and May after some of the crowds have left. Scroll to see the full list with photos or jump to the table of contents.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic Weather & Temperature by Month
Punta Cana Weather in January: January is the coolest month in Punta Cana despite the average high temperature measuring in a warm 84°F (29°C). The low temperature average brings much more manageable temperatures at 70°F (21°C).
In February, the low temperature average and high temperature average both remain exactly the same at 70°F (21°C) and 84°F (29°C) respectively. However, there is a difference when it comes to precipitation averages as this month receives the least rainfall of the year at just 49 mm.
March sees the average low temperature remaining the same at 70°F (21°C). The average high temperature, on the other hand, gets a 2-degree bump up to 86°F (30°C).
Punta Cana Weather in April: The precipitation levels increase in April with average rainfall at 85 mm. Meanwhile, the average high temperature increases another 2 degrees to 88°F (31°C). Likewise, the average low temperature rises the same amount to 72°F (22°C).
May is one of the most ideal months of the year in Punta Canta with the tourist volume relatively low. The average high temperature remains the same at 88°F (31°C) while the average low temperature increases by a single degree to 73°F (23°C).
In June, the peak season kicks off yet again despite it being the hottest month of the year. The average high temperature peaks at 90°F (32°C) along with the average low temperature which increases to 73°F (23°C).
July sees both the average high and average low temperature remain exactly the same at 90°F (32°C) and 75°F (24°C) respectively.
Punta Cana Weather in August: It’s a gorgeous time to hit Punta Cana’s beaches in August with the average daily sunlight at its highest annually at 10 hours. The sea temperature is pleasantly warm at 84°F (29°C) and both high and low temperature averages hold steady at 90°F (32°C) and 75°F (24°C).
September sees low and high temperature remain exactly the same for the fourth month running. Despite the heat, September is the wettest month of the year with the average precipitation rate at 128 mm.
In October, the average high temperature remains at 90°F (32°C). On the other hand, the average low temperature decreases by a couple of degrees to 73°F (23°C).
Punta Cana Weather in November: Precipitation levels remain relatively high in November with 116 mm of expected rainfall. Although the average low temperature stays at 73°F (23°C), the average high temperature sees a 4-degree decrease to 86°F (30°C).
December brings cooler temperatures as the third coldest month of the year. The high temperature average goes down to 84°F (29°C), while the average low temperature 72°F (22°C)
Sunny and tropical weather plus beautiful beaches make Punta Cana an incredible place to visit most of the year. Perhaps the best time to visit Punta Cana is between March and May. During these months, the influxes of visitors from the peak season start to dissipate while temperatures remain mild. For those who are keen to experience Carnival in Punta Cana, February is the time to visit. Just make sure to book your accommodations well in advance, as this is the busiest time of the year in Punta Cana. Travelers who are willing to take a gamble on weather will get the most affordable prices of the year from June through November.
Getting to Punta Cana
The Punta Cana International Airport is a privately owned airport located next to the Punta Cana Resort and Club. Both scheduled and chartered airplanes use this airport. Although it is a small airport it has five terminals. There are more than 50 different airlines that arrive at the Punta Cana International Airport from over 40 countries. There are several ways to get from the airport to Punta Cana. Many visitors have pre-arranged local transportation to take them to their accommodations. There are car rental agencies at the airport if you want to use a car. Taxis wait just outside the Customs area. There is also a public bus system. Things to Do in Punta Cana
Getting Around Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
There are many all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana so walking is a great way to get around and see other parts of the area. Most of the resorts are right on the beach, so it can be a very pleasant experience to get from one place to another by walking along the beach. Those who rent cars at the airport can use their cars to explore the area: driving within Punta Cana itself is not recommended because of the frequent traffic congestion. If you don’t want to drive and want to see what’s beyond your resort, ask your hotel to call a taxi: fares can be negotiated.
Restaurants & Shopping
Because so many of the resorts in Punta Cana are all-inclusive, visitors often don’t venture out of their resorts to try meals at other locations. Many of the resorts have a la carte dining and buffets: some resorts have Dominican restaurants or a once-a-week Dominican dinner. For those who want to take a break from the resort dining atmosphere, there are many popular and good restaurants on the beach. Some of these are located in Punta Cana while others are located nearby. Shoppers will enjoy exploring the Palma Real Village, Punta Cana Village, and San Juan Shopping Center; Bibijagua is the biggest arts and crafts market.
More ideas: Dominican Republic Beaches
Neighborhood Guide
Because so many of the resorts in Punta Cana are all-inclusive, visitors often don’t venture out of their resorts to try meals at other locations. Many of the resorts have a la carte dining and buffets: some resorts have Dominican restaurants or a once-a-week Dominican dinner. For those who want to take a break from the resort dining atmosphere, there are many popular and good restaurants on the beach. Some of these are located in Punta Cana while others are located nearby. Shoppers will enjoy exploring the Palma Real Village, Punta Cana Village, and San Juan Shopping Center; Bibijagua is the biggest arts and crafts market.
Getting Married in Punta Cana
With its spectacular beaches and ocean, Punta Cana makes a perfect location for a wedding. Foreigners can get married in the Dominican Republic: there is a fair amount of paperwork involved, but it is worth going through the process considering the beauty of Punta Cana. After finishing the paperwork, it’s time to look for that perfect location. The Hotel Majestic Colonial Punta Cana is a highly recommended venue for a wedding. Dreams Palm Beach Punta Cana is also highly rated as a wedding venue. The Iberostar Dominicana Hotel is popular because it offers couples the choice of a beach or a garden wedding.
Where to Stay
Punta Cana is known for its all-inclusive beach resorts and there are so many from which to choose. Some of the most luxurious properties include the Casa de Campo Resort and Villas, Eden Rock at Cap Cana, the Tortuga Bay, the Zoetry Agua Punta Cana, and many others. There are other all-inclusive resorts that are not as expensive, and there are hotels and resorts that are not all-inclusive. Some of the more affordable accommodations include The IFA Villas Bavaro Resort and Spa, the NH Punta Cana, the Playa Turquesa Condos, Whala!Bavaro, the Westin Puntacana Resort and Club, and more.
