Last updated: January 18, 2025
Puerto Plata, located on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, exhibits a tropical climate classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as As (tropical savanna) and Af (tropical rainforest). The city experiences a minimum temperature of 16°C (62°F) in January, with an inviting average temperature of 26°C (79°F) year-round. The climate peaks in warmth during August, where temperatures can reach a sweltering 38°C (101°F). This blend of temperatures contributes to Puerto Plata's lush landscapes and vibrant ecosystems, making it a significant destination for both ecological study and tourism.
In Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, temperature patterns showcase a warm tropical climate with distinctive seasonal trends. The year begins with cooler temperatures in January, where minimums dip to 16°C (62°F), gradually increasing as spring approaches with February and March experiencing mild lows around 18°C (64°F). As summer arrives, temperatures escalate significantly; by May and June, the region sees averages rise to 27°C (81°F) and daily maximums reach up to 37°C (99°F). The peak warmth occurs in August, where maximum temperatures soar to 38°C (101°F), gradually cooling off as autumn sets in, with November bringing back more moderate conditions averaging 26°C (79°F). This cyclical trajectory illustrates the consistent warmth characteristic of Puerto Plata’s climate, while also demonstrating slight variations that align with the seasonal shifts throughout the year.
Sosua experiences a temperature range with a minimum of 20°C (68°F) in March and a maximum of 31°C (88°F) in September, which is similar to Cabarete, where temperatures also vary between 20°C (68°F) in March and 31°C (88°F) in September. In contrast, Puerto Plata sees its coldest month in January with a minimum temperature of 18°C (65°F) and the hottest in August, reaching up to 34°C (94°F). For more details, check the monthly temperatures in Sosua here, in Puerto Plata here, and in Cabarete here.
Puerto Plata experiences a varied precipitation pattern throughout the year, with marked differences in monthly rainfall totals. The wettest months tend to be March and September, with significant rainfalls of 108 mm (4.2 in) and 105 mm (4.1 in), respectively. This indicates heightened rain activity coinciding with seasonal transitions. January begins the year with 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain over 8 days, while February is drier, receiving 44 mm (1.7 in) across 12 days. The spring months see a return of rainfall, with April recording 53 mm (2.1 in) and May moderately drier at 49 mm (1.9 in).
As summer arrives, precipitation levels generally decrease, reaching a low of 26 mm (1.0 in) in June, before slightly increasing again in July and August to 40 mm (1.6 in) and 45 mm (1.8 in), respectively. The fall months exhibit a notable uptick in rainfall, with October and November receiving 66 mm (2.6 in) and 72 mm (2.8 in), respectively, reflecting the transition into the wetter season. December concludes the year with 58 mm (2.3 in) over 13 days, rounding out a climatic pattern where total annual precipitation highlights both drier and wetter periods, pivotal for the region's lush landscapes and agricultural practices.
In Puerto Plata, sunshine duration exhibits a notable seasonal trend characterized by a steady increase from winter to summer. The year starts with 248 hours of sunshine in January, gradually rising as the days lengthen. By March, this figure climbs to 335 hours, and it continues to surge through the spring months, peaking at 341 hours in April and reaching 343 hours in May. June further enhances this pattern with 350 hours, signaling the onset of summertime, which thrives on abundant sunlight, essential for both local agriculture and tourism.
The summer months highlight the region's radiant climate, with July marking the pinnacle of sunshine duration at an impressive 363 hours. Although August retains ample sunshine with 348 hours, a gradual decline begins in September as the rainy season approaches, dropping to 315 hours. The trend continues into October with the same 315 hours, suggesting a relatively consistent amount of sunlight as fall sets in. As the year closes, November and December see a slight reduction in sunshine hours, with 290 hours and 314 hours, respectively. This reflects the typical Caribbean transition into shorter days and varying weather patterns, yet the overall prevalence of sunshine throughout the year keeps Puerto Plata a warm and inviting destination.
Puerto Plata experiences a consistently high UV Index throughout the year, reflecting its tropical climate and abundant sunshine. The year begins with a UV Index of 9 in January, categorized as very high, with a burn time of just 15 minutes. As February rolls in, the UV Index escalates to 11, entering the extreme category, and this trend continues with March and April both registering an index of 13. This intense UV exposure highlights the critical need for sun protection during these months, especially as burn time drops to a mere 10 minutes for prolonged outdoor activities.
The pattern of extreme UV Index levels persists throughout the summer, with May to August consistently reporting 13 and a burn time of 10 minutes. Even as September and October bring slight reductions to 12 and 11, respectively, the risks remain elevated. The year wraps up with November and December showing a decrease to 9 and 8, but still classified as very high, indicating that sun safety practices must be a year-round consideration. Residents and visitors alike should remain vigilant about UV exposure, particularly during peak hours, to mitigate skin damage effectively in this sun-soaked paradise.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration in Puerto Plata reflects a relatively consistent pattern throughout the year, with minor variations indicating seasonal changes. January and February both offer 11 hours of daylight, providing a stable start to the year. As the spring months arrive, March and April see an increase, with daylight extending to 12 hours, enhancing opportunities for outdoor activities. This trend continues into May and June, where daylight reaches its peak at 13 hours, inviting longer excursions and enjoying the region's natural beauty during these sun-filled months.
As summer transitions to fall, daylight begins to taper off slightly. July maintains 13 hours, but by August, the duration decreases to 12 hours, continuing into September and October before hitting 11 hours again in November. The year concludes with December offering only 10 hours of daylight, marking the shortest days. This gradual ebb in daylight serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of seasons and the importance of maximizing outdoor time during the brighter months in Puerto Plata.
Cabarete, Dominican Republic enjoys a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures year-round. Average temperatures range from 24°C (76°F) in January to 27°C (81°F) in the warmest months, with max temperatures often reaching 31°C (88°F) in August and September. Precipitation varies, with the wettest month being March at 138 mm (5.4 in), while June typically experiences the least rainfall at just 22 mm (0.9 in). The region boasts abundant sunshine, peaking in July with 365 hours, making it an ideal destination for outdoor activities. For more detailed information, visit Cabarete climate.
Luperon, Dominican Republic, enjoys a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures year-round. Monthly average temperatures range from 24°C (76°F) in March to 28°C (82°F) in August, with minimal variation in highs and lows. The region experiences its highest precipitation in March (109 mm) and September (94 mm), while June sees the least rainfall at only 16 mm. Abundant sunshine accompanies the warm temperatures, peaking in July with 367 hours, making it an ideal destination for sun-seekers. For more details, visit Luperon climate.
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, enjoys a warm tropical climate characterized by consistent temperatures throughout the year, ranging from a minimum of 18°C (65°F) in January to a maximum of 34°C (94°F) in July and August. The region experiences varied rainfall, with the wettest months being March and September, recording 116 mm (4.6 in) and 112 mm (4.4 in) respectively. Abundant sunshine is a hallmark of Puerto Plata, particularly from June to August, where it boasts over 340 hours of sun per month. This combination of warmth, wetness, and sunshine makes it a popular destination year-round. For more details, visit Puerto Plata climate.
Sosua, Dominican Republic, enjoys a warm tropical climate with temperatures ranging from 20°C (68°F) to 31°C (88°F) throughout the year. January and February are cooler months, while July and August often experience the highest temperatures. Rainfall is moderate, peaking in March with 138 mm (5.4 in) and gradually decreasing during the summer months. The area benefits from abundant sunshine, especially in July, boasting up to 365 hours of sunlight. For more detailed climate information, visit Sosua climate.
In conclusion, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, presents a dynamic climate characterized by warm temperatures, abundant sunshine, and a persistently high UV Index throughout the year. Its seasonal variations in precipitation and daylight duration further enrich the region's climatic profile, making it an attractive destination for both residents and visitors. The interplay between sunshine hours and UV exposure emphasizes the necessity for sun protection, especially during the summer months, while the predictable patterns of daylight create opportunities for outdoor enjoyment year-round. Overall, understanding these climatic trends is essential for maximizing the benefits of Puerto Plata's vibrant environment, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience in this tropical paradise.