Best Time to Visit Punta Cana's Beaches

Punta Cana is arguably the most iconic destination in the Dominican Republic. There is no shortage of fun to have in Punta Cana between the spas, resorts, and beaches. So, what is the best time to visit Punta Cana?

The best time to visit Punta Cana is between March and July. August through September is the worst time to visit because there are not so many events and it is typically crowded. The best time to visit Punta Cana to avoid crowds is between March and May before the tourism boom.

Be careful with hurricane season in Punta Cana which runs from June through November. Punta Cana is the most enticing city in the Dominican Republic, and it’s a great vacation spot. Follow along as we explore the best time to visit Punta Cana.

Worst Time To Visit Punta Cana

The worst time to visit Punta Cana is between August and September. Punta Cana is busy during this time because families try to cram in one last family vacation before or at the start of the school year. There are few notable events between August and September in Punta Cana besides Powerfest and the Ferrari Brain Takeover.

August and September also fall directly into the peak of hurricane season in the Dominican Republic. Hurricane season runs from June through October in Punta Cana, and it’s something to consider before you visit.

Cheapest Time To Visit Punta Cana

May and early June are the cheapest times to visit Punta Cana. You can also save money if you go to Punta Cana in October or November. Both of these periods mark a drop in tourism that is reflected in hotel room prices and airline rates.

Peak tourism in Punta Cana occurs from July through September and again in December through February. Flights are expensive and difficult to book during peak tourism periods in Punta Cana. You can find round-trip flights to Punta Cana for $560 or less depending on the airline.

October flights are even cheaper and are often less than $500. However, you can only get a good rate on a flight if you book it early enough in advance. Purchase your tickets 3-4 months before your trip to Punta Cana to get the best deal possible.

What Month Has The Best Weather in Punta Cana?

January: Best Time to Escape Winter Weather

The picturesque weather throughout January in Punta Cana makes it a popular time for tourists. Temperatures fluctuate between 70 and 84 degrees throughout the month in Punta Cana. It rains for up to 15 days out of the month each January in Punta Cana, but it doesn’t often last long.

January is a popular time for tourists to visit Punta Cana and escape the winter weather. Punta Cana accommodates countless tourists with fun events like Sol Comedy Jam in January. Warren Hill’s Punta Cana Jazz Festival is a laid-back event that pairs well with the laid-back beach life.

• Solfest Punta Cana
• Warren Hill’s Punta Cana Jazz Festival
• Sol Comedy Jam

Related Read: Do You Tip at All-Inclusive Resorts?

February: Best Time to Visit a Spa

February is less rainy than January in Punta Cana, and it only rains for 10-12 days of the month. You can expect temperatures between 71 and 84 degrees throughout February. February is a quiet time in Punta Cana with minimal festivities, but it is still a popular time for tourism.

Immerse yourself in the culture at the Dominican Carnival in Punta Cana every Sunday. There aren’t any special events in February besides that, so it’s a great time to hike at the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Preserve. Otherwise, you can simply enjoy a spa day at one of many spas and resorts in Punta Cana

• Dominican Carnival
• Spa Day
• Hiking

March: Best Time to Golf

Temperatures fluctuate between 71 and 86 degrees throughout March in Punta Cana. Luckily, March is the month with the least rain in Punta Cana. There is rarely more than 2 inches of rain during March in Punta Cana with mild showers for roughly 10 days out of the month.

Golfers will enjoy the Corales Punta Cana Championship from March 22nd to the 26th.  March is also a great time to play golf because of how warm and dry it stays. Sip and Sail Saturdays throughout the month are a fun way to enjoy cold drinks by the water.

• Sip and Sail Saturdays
• Corales Punta Cana Championship

April: Best Time to Swim

April is less about special events in Punta Cana and more about beach leisure. Bavaro and Arena Gorda are among the best beaches in Punta Cana, and they are popular throughout April. Dreams Dominicus hosts La Romana in April and it’s worth checking out.

April also marks the time before you will start to see lots of seaweed in the water. That paired with the 72-86 degree temperatures makes April a great time to swim.

• Dreams Dominicus La Romana

May: Best Weather

It continues to warm up throughout May in Punta Cana, especially towards the end of the month. You can expect temperatures between 74 and 88 degrees in May. The warm weather is the perfect chance to go for a walk on the beach or sit by the swimming pool at your resort.

You can even enjoy some exercise in paradise with HIIT during May in Punta Cana. Bachata Origen is one of the most fun May events, especially if you like to dance. The International Pineapple Symposium is a chance to eat the delicious fruit and find out more about it in Punta Cana.

• Bachata Origen
• HIIT
• International Pineapple Symposium

June: Best Time for Leisure

June is a popular month to visit Punta Cana despite the lack of many special events. The World Romance Travel Conference is the only notable special event in Punta Cana during June. With that said, you have access to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and restaurants so there’s never a dull moment.

It stays between 75 and 88 degrees during July in Punta Cana. Rainfall accumulations average 2.2 inches each June, and it generally rains for 14 days out of the month.

• World Romance Travel Conference

July: Best Time to Visit the Beach

July brings the perfect mix of hot days and comfortable nights in Punta Cana. You can expect highs of 90 degrees and lows in the mid-70s throughout July. It rains for up to 10 days throughout July with accumulations up to 3 inches for the month.

Parents will be grateful for the annual It’s the Kid’s Turn Now where you can keep your children busy. Summer Fest is a great event for tourists and locals alike in Punta Cana. Most of all, July is a great time to head to the beach and get some sun with a cold drink by your side.

• Summer Fest
• It’s the Kid’s Turn Now
• Punta Cana Pride Show

August: Best Time for Music

August is full of fun events for tourists in Punta Cana, such as the Bachata Tour and Festival. Enjoy some live music at the mid-August Powerfest in Punta Cana. Powerfest draws massive crowds and is a great chance to enjoy a cocktail and live music among other tourists and locals.

It gets quite hot in august with highs in the low 90s throughout the month. Temperatures rarely drop below 76 degrees during August in Punta Cana, and it’s a great time to visit the beach.

• Powerfest
• ArtiSteve's Punta Cana Take Over
• Bachata Tour and Festival
• Caribbean Plant-Based Paradise Weekend

September: Best Time for Water Activities

There are few events for tourists during September in Punta Cana. The Ferrari Brain Takeover is the most notable, and gear heads will love it. Temperatures fluctuate between 75 and 91 degrees throughout September, and it’s still a great time to hit the beach.

• Ferrari Brain Takeover
• Miss Mission international Evening Gown Preliminary Competition

Related Read: Best Time to Visit St. Thomas

October: Best Time for Special Events

Credit: Punta Cana

Punta Cana is the perfect place for golfers whether they play or spectate. The Devil's Elbow Invitational Mid-Amateur Championship is a display of up-and-coming talent in golf. Punta Cana hosts the Halloween Beach Party which is a great way to get in the spirit of the holiday.

Events like Cap Cana Classic and the Punta Cana Fam Takeover Trip are worth checking out as well. It doesn’t get cooler than 74 degrees throughout October with highs in the upper 80s.

• Devil's Elbow Invitational Mid-Amateur Championship
• Halloween Beach Party
• Cap Cana Classic
• Punta Cana Fam Takeover Trip

November: Best Time to Avoid Seaweed

Seaweed can keep people away from the water in Punta Cana, but that’s not a problem during November. November marks the beginning of the low season for seaweed that lasts until May. The timing is perfect for Latin Beach Fest which is the most exciting event throughout November in Punta Cana.

Temperatures fluctuate between 73 and 86 degrees throughout November in Punta Cana.

• Latin Beach Fest
• EPL
• Marriage Unlimited
• Caribbean Developers Conference

December: Best Time to Celebrate the Holidays

Credit: The Nocturnal Times

Punta Cana is a great place to get into the holiday spirit. Christmas light displays are common throughout Punta Cana. The Kids Christmas Getaway can give you some free time while your children enjoy the holiday event.

You can expect temperatures between 70 and 85 degrees in December.

• Holy Ship Wrecked
• Kids Christmas Getaway
• Casa de Campo Twosome Championship
• New Year’s Eve

Best Time to Visit Punta Cana With Family

The best time to visit Punta Cana with family is from October to December. Punta Cana is slightly less busy during this time and you won’t have to worry about rain. This opens the door for your family to enjoy endless outdoor activities.

It’s also a great opportunity to escape cold weather if you live somewhere with harsh winters. Punta Cana isn’t as crazy in the winter as it is in the summer. You won’t have to worry about the party crowd that flocks to Punta Cana in the summer and spring.

Related Read: Best Time To Visit US Virgin Islands

Best Time to Visit Punta Cana to Avoid Crowds

Anytime between March and May is quite calm in Punta Cana and you can avoid crowds. Summer and winter are the biggest draws for tourists in Punta Cana. Spring is generally much calmer because it isn’t a massive hotspot for spring break travelers.

Spring breakers still visit Punta Cana between March and May, but it’s nothing compared to New Orleans or Miami. Spring is also right before hurricane season hits in the Dominican Republic so it’s a safe time to visit Punta Cana. Summer is the worst time to visit Punta Cana if you want to avoid crowds.