Weather
The summer months are sultry in the DR with an increase in heat, humidity, and rainfall. It’s usually not an all-day rainfall, rather short tropical showers often time nicely with relaxing siestas. Visitors can hope for long bouts of sunshine—especially in the morning hours—so you may want to start your day early with a beach walk followed by some fun in the sun. Who knows, you might not see much rain at all. It's because of this that many regular visitors choose to make July their preferred month of travel to the DR.
Expect daily highs to hover around 87°F (31°C) and lows around 75°F (24°C). Evenings are soft and pleasant and you won't need a layer to hear live merengue music in the capital, but you might want to pack a light rain jacket, bug spray, and walking shoes in case of potentially wet conditions. If you're headed into the mountains for an active excursion, you should pack waterproof trail shoes.
July falls within hurricane season but the peak months are from mid-August through October. Even then, the DR is only struck by a hurricane on average of once every four to five years. It's still a good idea to purchase travel insurance in case of cancellations or rescheduled plans due to a tropical storm.
Crowds & Costs
July is low season in the DR, which means that the beaches and popular sights will be quieter with fewer tourist crowds compared to peak season (December through April). What you might find when visiting this month is the arrival of Dominicans abroad who come back to their home country to reunite with their families, as well as large groups who gather from various places that tend to take their annual vacations this time of year while the kids are on break. For this reason, it might feel busier than May or June but the ambiance is still slow and relaxed.
Rates in July will reflect the low season, making it an appealing time of year to visit. It's easy to find deals on flights, resorts, and car rentals, but because of the larger gatherings and locals on holiday, it's best to book early. As for booking day-trip excursions, make sure to read the cancellation policy in case of inclement weather.
Where to Go
The sticky, warm weather this time of year practically requires visitors to stay as close to the shore as possible for coastal breezes and quick access to the sea and pool. A popular base is Punta Cana with access to the nation’s busiest airport. Within an hour from here are mega all-inclusive resorts for every taste and budget, especially lining a 30-mile (48 km) stretch of postcard-worthy sand called Playa Bavaro with options for excursions and boat trips.
You can also find many resorts for all budgets on the Caribbean coast that are easier to get to from the capital city of Santo Domingo, which has the country's 2nd busiest airport. An area to consider is beautiful, family-friendly beach called Playa Bayahibe. This is a popular stopping-off point for excursions on nearby islands of Saona and Catalina, as well as Cotubanamá National Park. There's also a small village with bars and restaurants.
Laid-back expat communities can be found on the northern Atlantic coast for those who prefer to steer clear of the all-inclusive crowds. A few to consider are the former fishing village of Las Terrenas in the Samana Peninsula, as well as the town of Cabarete. Both offer walkable streets, close proximity to the water, and access to a multitude of land activities in the lush green mountains beyond.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
What to Do
July is a nice month for kicking back at the beach with little on the to-do list. Or, take the opposite approach and get the most from your trip by adding some unique experiences. Active types will have plenty to choose from on the north Atlantic coast. For instance, Sosua Beach is known for scuba diving with several colorful reefs and shipwrecks, while nearby Kite Beach (a 20-minute drive away) is a mecca for wind and kite surfing with several instructors available for hire. There are also caves and lagoons to explore in the surrounding mountains as well as zip-lining tours.
If it’s a cloudy day, head into Puerto Plata for a rum tasting or take photos of this UNESCO-listed downtown from a 10-minute cable car ride above the beautiful landscape. You can get off and explore a nature reserve and botanical gardens before returning to the town center.
Couples might want to consider a few days in Samaná Peninsula with several various beaches to choose from. Inland, you can hike or horseback ride through the jungle landscape towards El Limón Waterfall for a refreshing swim. You can also take a water taxi to romantic Cayo Levantado and spend the morning kayaking or paddle boarding followed by a seafood lunch.
The interior mountain town of Jarabacoa is a good base for hiking, mountain biking, and white water rafting in the Cordillera Central mountain range. Check the weather conditions in advance.
As for the south coast near Santo Domingo, it's Caribbean beach time all the way—keep your ears open for the regular sounds of live music, especially during the summer months when many locals take their vacations.
July Events
Festival de Merengue, Santo Domingo. This exciting waterfront festival along the El Malecón boulevard in Santo Domingo kicks off in late July. Come for live merengue music from some of the best musicians in the country, as well as dancing, artisan fairs, and delicious food and beverage vendors.
Traveling to the Dominican Republic in July? Consider these itineraries.
Dominican Republic Adventure: Santo Domingo to Punta Cana. This unforgettable 15-day journey starts in the oldest colonial city in the Americas at Santo Domingo. From here, explore underwater worlds in Sosúa, and head to the pristine Samana Peninsula to discover towering waterfalls, hidden beaches, and the spectacular Los Haitises National Park. End your trip in Punta Cana for some beach time mixed with excursions (if you so choose).
Ultimate Dominican Republic: Samaná, Cabarete, Jarabacoa & Santo Domingo. Go beyond the DR's famous beaches with this itinerary. Hike to waterfalls on the Samaná Peninsula, choose between world-class watersports in Cabarete, and experience the mountains, rivers, and rugged canyons of Jarabacoa. Your journey ends in Santo Domingo, where you'll tour the Americas' oldest European settlement and visit the ancient caverns of Los Tres Ojos.
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