The climate of Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo, the capital of the
Dominican Republic, is situated in the Tropical wet and dry climate zone, identified as Aw in the Köppen climate classification. The city experiences warm temperatures throughout the year, with the average high temperature ranging from 29.2°C (84.6°F) in the beginning of the year, gradually peaking at 31.5°C (88.7°F) in
August, and then declining to 29.6°C (85.3°F) in
December. The low temperatures portray a similar trend, starting from 19.6°C (67.3°F) in
January, escalating to 22.9°C (73.2°F) in
June, and decreasing to 20.3°C (68.5°F) in December.
The climate variables exhibit significant fluctuations over the course of a year. The city sees notably high humidity levels all year round, with the lowest average monthly relative humidity recorded as 78.8% in
April and the highest at 85.7% in
October. Additionally, Santo Domingo registers significant precipitation throughout the year. The least rainfall occurs in
March with 54mm (2.13") spreading over 6.3 days, while the most substantial precipitation is encountered in October with 187mm (7.36") spanning 13 days.
Unique weather patterns include the sea temperature that remains fairly warm throughout the year, with precise calculations averaging between 26.3°C (79.3°F) to 29.3°C (84.7°F). The number of daylight hours fluctuates between 11 hours in December and January to 13.2 hours in June and
July. The average UV Index generally remains high throughout the year, with the lowest value of 7 observed in December and the highest of 12 from March to
September.
The best time to visit Santo Domingo
For those planning a visit to
Santo Domingo and aspiring to experience the city at its warmest with regulated daylight hours, the period from
May to
August would be most suitable. During these months, the ocean temperature is particularly inviting, averaging out at 28.3°C (82.9°F) to 29°C (84.2°F). Furthermore, the average high temperature lingers around 30°C (86°F), with vast daylight hours ranging from 13 to 13.2, providing plenty of time for outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Santo Domingo
Conversely, if weather is a significant consideration,
October might not be the best time to plan a visit to
Santo Domingo. The city experiences the highest rainfall, averaging 187mm (7.36") over 13 days. Also, the average humidity hits its yearly peak at 85.7%, which combined with the high temperature, may result in persistent discomfort and could significantly limit outdoor activities.
Spring weather in Santo Domingo
Spring in
Santo Domingo falls between
March and
May, characterized by a gradual increase in temperature. Average highs shift up from 29.6°C (85.3°F) to 30.4°C (86.7°F) and lows escalate from 20.2°C (68.4°F) to 22.2°C (72°F) over these three months. This period also observes an increase in the average rainfall from 54mm (2.13") in March to 188mm (7.4") in May. Although the relative humidity goes up to 82.5% in May, it remains less torturous due to the fair sea temperatures, which rise from 26.3°C (79.3°F) in March to 27.4°C (81.3°F) in May.
Summer weather in Santo Domingo
Summer in
Santo Domingo, from
June to
August, is the warmest time of the year with temperature highs escalating from 30.8°C (87.4°F) to a yearly peak of 31.5°C (88.7°F). The relative humidity does increase during the season but remains tempered by the warm sea temperatures, averaging between 28.3°C (82.9°F) and 29°C (84.2°F). Rainfall, however, remains slightly elevated, averaging between 140mm (5.51") to 177mm (6.97") throughout the summer months.
Autumn weather in Santo Domingo
Autumn, from
September to
November, presents a strange shift in climate variables. The high temperatures fluctuate between 31.4°C (88.5°F) and 30.6°C (87.1°F) while the low temperatures decrease from 22.7°C (72.9°F) to 21.4°C (70.5°F). Rainfall exhibits the highest fluctuation during this period, with a peak of 187mm (7.36") in
October and a sharp decrease to 100mm (3.94") in November. The humidity, already high, peaks at 85.7% in October before dropping to 84.2% in November.
Winter weather in Santo Domingo
Winter is
Santo Domingo observes a downturn in temperatures, with highs dropping from 29.6°C (85.3°F) in
December to 29.2°C (84.6°F) in
February and lows decreasing to 19.7°C (67.5°F). Winter also presents a drop in rainfall, with December observing 84mm (3.31") over 9 days and February recording only 57mm (2.24") over 6.3 days. The sea, however, remains warm enough for year-round swimming, averaging between 27.8°C (82°F) and 26.7°C (80.1°F).
Weather in January
The beginning of the year brings
Santo Domingo,
Dominican Republic, to a period of relatively moist and milder conditions. Weather patterns continue to reflect the transition from the cooler to the warmer months. A notable drop in temperatures can be expected, varying from lows of 19.6°C (67.3°F) to highs of 29.2°C (84.6°F).
Weather in January »Weather in February
As the calendar moves into
February,
Santo Domingo encounters an intricate balance between increasing temperature trends and manageable humidity levels. Largely consistent temperatures intertwine with enhanced sunshine duration, making it appreciable for outdoor endeavors.
Weather in February »Weather in March
As
Santo Domingo transitions into the month of
March, an insightful watch over the weather patterns reveals increasing temperatures and prolonged daylight. Equinox's influence can be seen from longer daylight hours and a progressive swing towards a warm spectrum.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The month of
April in
Santo Domingo suggests a pronounced escalation in heat levels. April's persona of a transitioning month becomes apparent as it maneuvers between bearable to relatively higher temperatures. Accumulated rainfall in April amounts to 72mm (2.83"), indicating a shift towards more widespread and consistent showers.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May experiences a culmination of humidity and precipitation in
Santo Domingo. It's the onset of the wet season, marked by increased rain and rising temperatures. The city receives the highest rainfall of 188mm (7.4"), with an average relative humidity of 82.5%, making May the wettest month.
Weather in May » Weather in June
Navigating through the year, the weather in
Santo Domingo takes a turn for the hotter in
June. The city continues to endure high humidity levels with frequent and significant rainfall events. A peak in sea temperature is noted at 28.3°C (82.9°F), warming the coastal waters and encouraging marine activity.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Santo Domingo,
Dominican Republic, dives deep into the summer in
July. Broadly consistent with
June's heat, July endures persistence of high humidity and rainfall. Peaks in daytime temperature are observed with highs reaching 31.3°C (88.3°F), marking it as the hottest month of the year.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August's weather in
Santo Domingo paints a picture of the tropical summer in full bloom. Hot temperatures, paired with peak humidity levels and appreciable rainfall, mark the season's zenith. The highest relative humidity of the year is recorded at 84.6%, adding to the heat discomfort.
Weather in August » Weather in September
As the latter part of the year approaches,
Santo Domingo's weather begins to give subtle hints of changing seasons.
September maintains the high humidity and temperature levels of preceding months, but begins gearing towards milder seasonal norms.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October signifies a slow pivot towards cooler conditions in
Santo Domingo. The temperatures start to moderate, even though the residual heat from past months lingers. October's persistent rainfall carries with it a soothing frequency, contributing to the gradual cooling.
Weather in October » Weather in November
Evolving weather conditions in
November reflect
Santo Domingo's gradual descent towards the cooler spectrum. The city starts to unwind from the hot and humid spell dominating the last few months. November sees a substantial drop in rainfall to 100mm (3.94"), indicating a decline in precipitation and a move towards dry conditions.
Weather in November »Weather in December
Rounding off the year,
Santo Domingo embraces the coolness that
December brings forth. The city winds down from its year-long tropical vigor, slipping into a relatively mild, dryer and cooler environment. December's weather signifies a full cycle completion, with low temperatures reaching a cool 20.3°C (68.5°F).
Weather in December » [Resources]