Boasting 300 days of sunshine, there’s never a bad time to visit the Dominican Republic. Known for its fascinating culture, festivals that fill the streets and toe-sinking beaches, you’re never short of adventures either.
Every month you’ll find festivities, events and exciting activities taking place, so if you fancy checking out the PGA Golf Tour or celebrating with a carnival or two, the Dominican Republic is the place to be. With that in mind, we’ve created the ultimate monthly guide, so you don’t miss out on any of the action. Without further ado, lets find out the best time to go to the Dominican Republic.
January
What other excuse do you need to get rid of those January blues – especially when you could be spending your days sunbathing in 30°C of Caribbean heat. And if that hasn’t lured you in, this month’s activities will!
The beginning of whale season is upon us, catch 3,000 to 5,000 whales migrate into the waters of Samana Bay. Take a boat out into the open waters for some truly captivating shots, and if you’re lucky you might even catch a baby humpback.
If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, you’ll find more than enough beach parties in Punta Cana, where you can dance under the moon-lit sky as famous DJs play until the early hours. We think January is one of the best times to go to the Dominican Republic!
February
February is the month for dancing, singing, fancy dress, and parades are on every corner. This comes as no surprise as Dominican’s Independence Day takes place on the 27th of the month.
With parties galore, you can explore the island’s Spanish heritage at the famous Dominican Carnival. The parades vary in every city, but La Vega is the place to be for big, bold celebrations. Find the locals marching through the streets with masks, dancing their way through the crowds while showcasing the country’s history.
Enjoy jazz nights every Thursday of this month, where Caribbean beats will play at Escalinatas del Conde. Then, watch as 5,000 party-goers line up for the Barcelo Desalia Festival, which showcases the best of the international electronic music scene on the impressive Dominican beaches.
You can do it all while soaking up soaring temperatures of over 30°C – this month is definitely an all-round scorcher.
March
Dominican Republic
It just keeps getting hotter and hotter, in March this Caribbean island will see temperatures of 31°C and glorious sunshine in March. And to top it off, this month’s events are seriously heating up.
Punta Cana Festival is a not-to-be-missed event. You’ll find hours of costumed characters and live performances right on your doorstep including bachata and salsa music. Troupes from Aruba, Haiti and Puerto Rico join in with the fun too.
Foodies will fall head over heels for the Taste Santo Domingo event, where you can enjoy activities such as tastings, dinners, award ceremonies and exclusive events. So get ready to indulge in all the fantastic cuisine the Dominican Republic has on offer.
Stylish and fun, the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week will have you mesmerised. Watch designers of national and international fame flock to the Dominican and showcase their finest work on the catwalk.
Don’t forget about the PGA Tour, hitting the Dominican golf course on the 19th. It’s the world’s foremost golf tour, and is held in Corales Golf Club for 2018.
April
Dominican Republic
The Dominican during Easter makes for the ideal holiday. As part of the Spanish heritage, you’ll find the locals honouring Semana Santa, also known as the holy week. It’s one of the most celebrated holidays throughout the year.
Book lovers will fully appreciate the International Book Fair, where guest speakers, writers, editors and experts from all over the world flock to share their experiences.
Although a quieter month on the events front, there’s still plenty of exciting excursions at your feet. Island hopping, snorkelling through ship wrecks, and hiking the highest peaks are just some of its offerings. And with the weather on your side, topping up your tan won’t be a problem either.
June
Summer has begun and the ultimate holiday awaits, so grab your dancing shoes because at Barbarella Electronic Music Festival, the party won’t stop. Held in Santo Domingo you’ll find famous artists such as David Guetta and Afrojack.
Fitness fanatics will be in their element on June 14th when the 100k del Caribe begins, a seven-day marathon. The race is broken into five stages, beginning in Cabarete and ending in Samana. This means you can soak up some of the Dominican’s finest hotspots as you make your way round.
In the first and second week of June the island’s African heritage is celebrated through the Espiritu Santo festival. Although honoured by an entire island, the festivities are placed in Villa Mella near Santo Domingo. African instruments flood through the town to show appreciation for things like crops, rain and earth.
July
Food and wine, do we need to say more? Based in Punta Cana, It’s the festival we’ve all been waiting for. Spend your day feasting on high-end cuisine and Caribbean treats – it’s a great excuse to get a taste for the culture.
In the last week of July the Festival del Merengue fills the night, with over 30 artists performing on the waterfront. Sing your heart out to dance and pop hits from the Caribbean and the USA, while you catch merengue bands in action.
Spend the rest of your days relaxing by the pool side, and with temperatures on the rise you’ll be itching to take a dip.
August
This month is a real hit when it comes to exclusive events and gorgeous weather. Still seeing highs of 32°C, you can soak up the Caribbean sun while dancing to your favourite artists – it’s the best of both worlds.
Celebrating the summer with exciting parties, live performances, national and international DJs and games, say hello to the Verano Presidente event.
Held in the Olympic Stadium, where the beer is on tap, and the occasional firework decorates the night sky, this event takes place on every weekend in August. This means plenty of opportunity to join in with the fun.
Don’t put those running shoes away just yet – the XTERRA Triathlon is one of the best off-road trail runs in the Dominican Republic, and is held on the 13th August every year.
September
If you didn’t already know, the Dominican is renowned for its watersports, making Palito Seco one of the best sailing competitions around. Hit the waves of Barahona and catch some rays in the midst of all the action.
You may be surrounded by sensational beaches, but for those missing the countryside – you can join the cowboys at the cattle festival. Enjoy country music, horseback riding and games for you and the whole family.
October
It may be the start of the winter season, but you’ll see the weather at its finest in October with temperatures reaching 32°C. And along with the beginning of everyone’s favourite festive season, is the start of Dominican Baseball.
Taking place across the whole of the island, imagine sitting in front row seats to watch the Dominican play the likes of Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba and Venezuela.
Much like New York, Milan and Paris, the Dominican Republic has its very own fashion week. Showcasing seasonal lines from designers and brands across the world, this show-stopper will be held in Santo Domingo.
November
Attracting holidaymakers from all over the world, November is another special month. The Dominican Republic Jazz Festival fills the country with the sweet sound of music, hopping from Santiago to Sousa, then Puerto Plata to Cabarete – it’s a great way to spend your holiday.
When you’re not bopping around to a bit of jazz, the Colonial Fest is ready and waiting. Wonder around stalls filled with arts, crafts and cuisine, then when the sun goes down, enjoy outdoor concerts on the beach. Even at dusk, thanks to the gorgeous Dominican Republic weather, the temperature doesn’t drop below 25 °C.
December
How could you possibly refuse New Year in the Dominican Republic. Along with escaping the cold British weather, you’ll experience one of the best New Year’s Eve celebrations in the Caribbean.
It’s all about nights filled with singing and dancing, as locals take to the streets for some festive fun. The party doesn’t stop either, and when midnight falls the sky fills with multi-coloured fireworks. December has never looked more amazing!
Now you’ve caught up with the latest events, it’s time to book yourself a once-in-a-lifetime holiday. Which do you think is the best month to visit the Dominican Republic?
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