Travel to Punta Cana. The best and worst times to visit the resort

If you like to travel and have decided to fly to the Dominican Republic, then give preference to the resort of Punta Cana. In this article we will tell you about the best and worst times to visit the resort. Which season to choose for your vacation is up to you.

Neighborhoods. Where it’s best to live

There are several main areas in the resort:

How to get to Punta Cana

• Santo Domingo.
• Punta Cana.
• La Romana.
• Puerto Plata.
• Santiago.

Tourists should be aware that flights from Canada, the United States, Mexico and other Latin American countries land both in Santo Domingo and Puerto Plata.

Only flights from Europe, as well as from post-Soviet republics arrive at Punta Cana airport.

When you arrive at the airport, you will need to get to your hotel for check-in. Sometimes resorts provide free shuttle service, but if not, you can take public transportation, rent a car, or take a cab.

Climate in Punta Cana

It is important to note that Punta Cana does not have such a pronounced rainy season, as, for example, in other popular resorts (India, Thailand, etc.). The only time when you can catch hurricanes (as locals call strong gusts of wind) and torrential rains is from June to October.

• The best period for a beach holiday is from November to April. During this time in Punta Cana, the average air temperature does not fall below +88 °F, and the water temperature is +82 °F.
• The most popular, and therefore the most expensive, months for vacation are December and January, that is, the holiday period. However, during this time the sea can be rough.
• The most budget-friendly period for travelers is the summer. At this time there is an opportunity not only to enjoy a beach holiday, but also to see whales live.

Winter is literally the peak tourist season. Vacations during this period are very expensive, but if you have the money, you can safely fly to Punta Cana.

December:

• This month is favorable for rest. This is due to the fact that during the day people do not feel the heat and stuffiness. The air temperature does not exceed 82,4 °F, and the sun is shining brightly, so you can bask in its rays, getting a nice tan. The length of the day is not more than 6,5 hours.

January:

• Temperatures are cooler this month than in the previous month. It is not uncommon during this period for the sea to be rough, for waves to appear, and swimming may be prohibited. But the low humidity and weather conditions are not an obstacle to outdoor activities and sports.

February:

• February is more than suitable for vacations. In this month there is low humidity, so the weather is mild without stuffiness. The average rainfall for the period is 54,2 mm. The only thing that can spoil your vacation is the wind.

Spring will appeal to tourists who are not embarrassed by tropical downpours lasting up to three hours. It is from April that the rainy season begins.

March:

• During the first month of spring, the weather in Punta Cana is dry. The day gradually increases, so there are more opportunities for beach vacations, visits to excursions and various tours.

April:

• During this month, there is a change in the direction of the trade winds. Because of this, you can see more and more clouds in the sky, heralding tropical downpours. It should be noted that they come about twice a day for 2-3 hours. Many travelers are not afraid of this and in clear weather they bathe and devote time to active recreation.

May:

• The rainy season continues in May in Punta Cana. The average rainfall is 124,4 mm. The air temperature is slightly higher than in April. During this period, people still arrive on vacation, so the hotels at the resort are not empty.

Summer is a great time of year for those who save their budget, as prices during this period are much lower.

June:

• June is the best month for beach holidays in Punta Cana. The weather is hot and humid, with occasional rains (mostly at night and early in the morning). The disadvantage of the first month of summer is that it is difficult to visit excursions (due to the weather).

July:

• The weather this month can be considered comfortable for recreation, as the average air temperature is 87,8 °F and the water temperature is up to 82,4 °F. Of course, there are occasional storms. They do not cause damage, but because of the wind and rain there are restrictions on swimming in the ocean.

August:

• It must be said that August is the hottest month in Punta Cana, when the heat is combined with frequent tropical downpours. However, tourists also swim in the sea (even during the rain), because it remains warm (83,3 °F).

Autumn is the best time to travel to the Dominican Republic. Prices are slightly higher than in summer, but much lower than in winter. In the fall, tourists have a unique opportunity to recharge for the next year’s vitamin D in the sun, and other groups of vitamins from tropical fruits, also get a great tan and enjoy plenty of beach vacation.

September:

• There are fewer heavy rains this month (mostly at night) and the weather is getting better every day. In September, tourists not only relax on the popular beaches, but also explore the surrounding areas of Punta Cana.

October:

• October is the last month of the rainy season. The daytime temperature is up to 87,8 °F, the nighttime temperature is 74,3 °F and the average water temperature is 84,2 °F. The disadvantage of this month is the frequent thunderstorms, mainly at lunchtime. They are not daily, but one day they can disrupt all your plans.

November:

• This month marks the beginning of the dry season. The tropical rains are over, the heat is finally coming down, but with it the daylight hours are shortening. The sun becomes less intense and harmful to the skin. In November, a trip to Punta Cana won’t cost a lot of money.

The best hotels in Punta Cana. The cost of living per day

Speaking of when it is best to visit the resort, it is impossible not to mention the popular hotels that you can choose to check in.

The best five-star all-inclusive hotels:

Almost all five-star hotels in Punta Cana have a vast territory, or are part of a certain complex. Often the resorts are like isolated luxury villages, because the infrastructure is well developed. The territory has literally everything: a restaurant, SPA-salon, store, gift shop, pharmacy, night club, bar, casino, golf course, and much more. The «all inclusive» system allows guests to enjoy a variety of dishes and drinks at the bar at almost any time. In addition, many services for tourists are freely available, because they are included in the accommodation price (massage, wraps, equipment for diving, snorkeling, etc.).

1. The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club – from $401 (1 night, 2 adults).
2. Be Live Collection Punta Cana – All Inclusive – from $199.
3. Barcelo Bavaro Palace Deluxe – All Inclusive – from $991.
4. Iberostar Grand Bavaro Hotel – from $848.
5. Tropical Deluxe Princess – All Inclusive – from $208.
6. Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana – Adults Only – from $609.
7. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana – All Inclusive – from $602.
8. Bahia Principe Luxury Esmeralda – All Inclusive – from $377.
9. Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort & Spa – All Inclusive – from $729.
10. Punta Cana Princess All Suites Resort and Spa – All Inclusive – from $272.

Best hotels for vacations with children:

If you are going on vacation with children, then choose your hotel more carefully. Think about what services will be essential for you. Many resorts offer the following for children: a separate pool, adapted menus, high chairs in restaurants, cribs, playgrounds outdoors and indoor playrooms, children’s clubs, animation staff during the evening and morning hours, babysitting services and much more.

1. Dreams Royal Beach Punta Cana – from $931 (1 night, 2 adults).
2. Majestic Colonial Punta Cana – from $ 579.
3. Dreams Onyx Resort & Spa – from $676.
4. Royalton Bavaro, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort & Casino – from $422.
5. Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort & Spa – from $545.
6. Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana – from $644.
7. Tortuga Bay Puntacana Resort & Club – from $1,089.
8. Occidental Punta Cana – from $1,087.
9. Four Points by Sheraton Puntacana Village – from $164.
10. Eden Roc Cap Cana – from $1,492.

Best time to visit festivals and holidays in Punta Cana

What time do they take place? This will be discussed below.

February’s Independence Day Carnival:

• Time: winter (February 27).
• Location: the city’s main streets.
• Traditions: Dominicans who want to participate in the carnival wear fancy costumes and masks (made by hand) and perform dances and songs. In addition, the locals always organize fairs.

The Feast of Easter:

• Time: Spring.
• Location: city streets.
• Traditions: Dominicans decorate the streets of the city, hold a masquerade in which they combine both Christian and pagan rites, bake pies and cook chicken and vegetables. The feast itself begins with a solemn worship service.

A festival of creole dance called merengue:

• Time: Summer (June).
• Venue: the waterfront.
• Traditions: Everyone can participate in the festival. Popular dance can be performed solo or in pairs to the accompaniment of accordion and wind instruments. Its main purpose is to show the elements of flirtation, plasticity, the ability to move to the beat. Improvisation is also an important part of the dance process.

All Saints’ Day:

• Time: Autumn (November).
• Location: the city streets, clubs and restaurants of Punta Cana.
• Traditions: on this day it is customary to decorate not only the streets of the city, but also bars, clubs and restaurants in «scary style». All local residents dress up in scary costumes and enjoy taking part in all sorts of fun.

Holidays in Punta Cana: tips for tourists

1. Plan your vacation ahead of time. Choose a hotel in Punta Cana (on your budget) and explore the best tourist areas, services and resort amenities.
2. If you fly to rest for a few days or a couple of weeks, it is advisable to take a package from the tour operator, the cost of which will include not only the flight and resort, but also the insurance. Buying tickets separately is worth it only if you are going to the Dominican Republic for a longer period.
3. As already mentioned, the most favorable and most affordable time to vacation in Punta Cana is from November to April.
4. Note that the resort of Punta Cana is on the Atlantic coast. If the Caribbean Sea appeals to you, consider Boca Chica or La Romana.
5. Most hotels in Punta Cana are all-inclusive. Before booking a room, study tourist reviews, watch videos on various websites, carefully read the information about the resort (availability of beaches within walking distance, restaurants, attractions, etc.).
6. Many tourists can visit the Dominican Republic without a visa. Check this information when you start preparing for your vacation.
7. Be sure to check the validity of bank cards.
8. Take care of medical insurance if it is not included in the package. Medical care in Punta Cana is quite expensive. A single visit to the doctor (without insurance) will cost over $200.
9. Do not get any vaccinations on the advice of acquaintances, as every country is strictly individual. There is no mandatory vaccination when visiting the Dominican Republic.
10. In Punta Cana, almost everyone speaks Spanish. This has to be taken into account.