Two coasts, two patterns
The Dominican Republic is big enough for weather to differ from one side to the other. The south coast, including Bayahibe, Catalina Island and La Caleta, faces the Caribbean Sea. It is sheltered from the Atlantic swell and is diveable on most days of the year. Punta Cana and Bávaro, on the eastern tip, face the Atlantic instead: their offshore reef keeps the lagoons calm, but the steady trade wind often makes the sea choppy by the afternoon. The main rainy season on both runs from roughly May to November, usually as short, heavy afternoon showers rather than days of rain.
The north coast, around Sosúa and Puerto Plata, faces the open Atlantic. It gets more of its rain in the winter months, and from about November to March it is exposed to swell from distant Atlantic storms, which can close outer dive sites for a day or more. Spring and summer are often its calmest time. If you are choosing between coasts for a winter trip, the Caribbean south coast around Bayahibe is the safer bet; see Bayahibe scuba diving and Sosúa scuba diving.
Water temperature
The sea is warm all year: about 26 °C (79 °F) at its coolest, around February and March, and close to 29 °C (84 °F) in late summer and early autumn. A 3 mm full wetsuit is comfortable for most divers all year; some people dive in a shorty in summer and want a 5 mm in winter if they do several dives a day. Freshwater caves feel cooler; see cave diving in the Dominican Republic.
Month by month
Dominican Republic diving calendar
A general guide: actual conditions change from year to year, so check the forecast and ask your dive center before you go.
| Months | Caribbean south coast (Punta Cana: similar seasons, windier sea) | Atlantic coast (north) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| December to February | Dry, breezy, usually calm seas; high season | Some rain; winter swell possible | Whales arrive from mid-January |
| March and April | Dry and sunny, coolest water of the year | Swell eases through spring | Peak whale weeks in February and March; Easter week is very busy |
| May to July | Rain showers begin; still good diving | Often the calmest months | Fewer visitors, lower prices; hurricane season starts June 1 |
| August to October | Hottest, wettest; highest storm risk | Warm, mostly calm between storms | Warmest water; flexible plans and insurance matter |
| November | Rain easing, storm risk falling | Winter swell season begins | Quiet month before the winter high season |
Humpback whale season
From about mid-January to early April, humpback whales gather on the Silver Bank and in Samaná Bay. If whales are your reason to travel, this decides your dates. Book a liveaboard early for Silver Bank whale trips; whale-watching boats in Samaná Bay can usually be booked a few days ahead.
Hurricane season
The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30, and the Dominican Republic's highest risk is from August to October. Most weeks pass without a storm, and diving goes on as normal, but when a tropical storm passes nearby the sea can be closed for several days and flights disrupted. If you travel in these months, buy travel insurance that covers weather disruption, leave slack in your plans and keep an eye on the forecasts.
Holidays and crowds
Christmas, New Year and Easter week (Semana Santa) are the busiest times of the year, when Dominican families head for the coast as well as foreign visitors. Boats to Catalina and Saona fill up, and prices rise. If you can travel in late April, May or November, you will often find quieter boats and better rates.
Best time for new divers
For a first course, the calm months on the Caribbean coast, December to May, are ideal. The shallow bays at Bayahibe and the lagoons at Punta Cana are protected for most of the year, so you can learn almost any month. Read learn to dive in the Dominican Republic, and when your dates are set, plan the rest with our Dominican Republic dive travel guide.
Questions
Best time to dive: FAQ
What is the best month to dive in the Dominican Republic?
February or March for most people: dry weather, calm Caribbean seas and humpback whales on the Silver Bank. For warmer water and fewer crowds, May or June.
Can you dive in the Dominican Republic during hurricane season?
Yes. Most days are fine for diving. Storms can close the sea for a few days, so plan flexibly and carry insurance.
How cold is the water in winter?
About 26 °C (79 °F) at its coolest. A 3 mm wetsuit is enough for most divers; a 5 mm helps on several dives a day.