What kind of weather should I expect?
The weather changes only slightly from season to season in the DR. Average year round temperatures on the coasts range from 25-30C (77-85F). Chillier temperatures can be found in the Cordillera Central mountain range (Jarabacoa and Constanza), where temperatures below freezing point have been registered. Showers are shorter and more scattered in Punta Cana and La Romana than in Santo Domingo. It also rains more up north (Puerto Plata and Samana) than in the south and east. This is apparent in the lush greenery of these areas. For up to date weather forecasts, see the home page of dr1.com

December-April: These are the "cooler" months, when the temperature may descend to 18C on February mornings. Noon time temperatures on those same days are usually up to 28C. Thus, you may want to bringing a jacket or light sweater if you are traveling to the DR at that time of the year. During these months, expect windy evenings along the East Coast/Punta Cana area.

March-April: Throughout the country are the breezy months, time for flying kites. In fact, kites are sold on major thoroughfares during Easter holiday time.

May-June: Is historically the wettest time of the year. But the El Niño and La Niña phenomenoms have altered these patterns. The most common weather forecast nationwide continues to be "partly cloudy, chance of short showers." Note it is more likely to rain in the afternoons than in the mornings.

August-September: This is the peak of the hurricane season (June 1-30 November) for the Caribbean. For more information on hurricanes in the area, see DR1 Hurricanes Watch Page

August and September: Are also the two hottest months of the year, with temperatures peaking at 32-34C.

October-November: Like May-June, these used to be the wettest months of the year, but weather patterns have shifted. So the forecast of "partly sunny, chance of short showers" is by far more likely than heavy rains.

Are rains in the DR like rains at home?
If you check out the weather forecasts of many services on the web you will note they frequently forecast thunderstorms for Dominican destinations. Thunderstorms in the Caribbean are not like thunderstorms in northern latitudes. In the Caribbean, they usually last less than five minutes and then the sun shines again. While many Dominican pedestrians have their umbrellas, Dominicans do not own raincoats.