When to go · Dominican Republic
Dominican Republic in December
Good month. Dry south, Christmas crowds and higher prices.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Good
- Crowds
- High
- Dominican Republic
- Prices
- High
- Dominican Republic
Verdict
Dry south, Christmas crowds and higher prices.
Weather in December
- South and east coasts · Santo Domingo, Punta Cana, Bayahibe, La Romanabest weather
Hot all year (29–32 °C); rainy spells May–June and September–November; hurricane risk peaks August–October. Sargassum seaweed can foul east-coast beaches in summer (check).
- North coast and Samaná · Puerto Plata, Cabarete, Las Terrenas, Samanárainy
Trade-wind showers make November–January the wettest months here, unlike the south. Whales in Samaná Bay mid-January to March.
- Cordillera Central · Jarabacoa, Constanza, Pico Duartecool
Mountain air, 15–25 °C by day; Constanza can reach near freezing on winter nights.
Festivals and holidays
Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.
Christmas big impact
25 Dec
Family time; Nochebuena on the 24th.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · Dominican Republic
- High
- Prices · Dominican Republic
- High
High-price month: see what to book ahead.
What to pack
- Layers: a fleece or light jacket
- A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast
Where to go in December
Rated best or good this month
South and east coasts
Best weather of the year (Santo Domingo, Punta Cana, Bayahibe, La Romana)
Dry and cooler; Christmas closures.