The Best Time to Visit Santiago, Dominican Republic for Weather, Safety, & Tourism

The best times to visit Santiago for ideal weather are

December 17th to March 11th

based on average temperature and humidity from NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). Read below for more weather and travel details.

Weather in Santiago

Temperature

Average temperatures in Santiago vary very little. Considering humidity, temperatures feel hot for most of the year with a chance of rain throughout most of the year. The area is far less temperate than some — in the 8th percentile for pleasant weather — compared to tourist destinations worldwide. Weeks with ideal weather are listed above. If you’re looking for the very warmest time to visit Santiago, the hottest months are August, July, and then June. See average monthly temperatures below. The warmest time of year is generally late July where highs are regularly around 92.7°F (33.7°C) with temperatures rarely dropping below 72.6°F (22.6°C) at night.

“Feels-Like” Temperatures

The way we experience weather isn’t all about temperature. Higher temperatures affect us much more at higher humidity, and colder temperatures feel piercing with high winds. Our perceived temperatures factor in humidity and wind chill to better represent how hot or cold the day feels to a person.

Average Santiago Temperatures by Month

Daily highs (averaged for the month) usually give the best indication of the weather. A significantly lower mean and low generally just means it gets colder at night.

Precipitation (Rain or Snow)

If dry weather is what you’re after, the months with the lowest chance of significant precipitation in Santiago are February, March, and then July. Note that we define “significant precipitation” as .1 inches or more in this section. The lowest chance of rain or snow occurs around early March. For example, on the week of March 5th there are no days of precipitation on average. By contrast, it’s most likely to rain or snow in late May with an average of 3 days of significant precipitation the week of May 21st.

When can you find snow in Santiago? Weather stations report no annual snow. Please note that a value of 0 for snow in the graph below may either mean there was no snow, or that snow is unreported.

Average Rain and Snow by Month

Humidity and Wind

Santiago has some extremely humid months, and high humidity throughout the year. The least humid month is March (71.9% relative humidity), and the most humid month is December (81.1%).

Wind in Santiago is usually calm. The windiest month is July, followed by June and August. July’s average wind speed of around 7.9 knots (9.1 MPH or 14.7 KPH) is considered “a gentle breeze.” Maximum sustained winds (the highest speed for the day lasting more than a few moments) are at their highest in early July where average top sustained speeds reach 16.2 knots, which is considered a moderate breeze.

Average Wind Speeds

Is it Safe to Travel to Santiago?

Our best data indicates this area is somewhat safe. As of Dec 04, 2023 there are travel warnings for the Dominican Republic; exercise a high degree of caution. Check this page for any recent changes or regions to avoid: Travel Advice and Advisories. This advisory was last updated on Dec 04, 2023.

The Busiest and Least Crowded Months

The busiest month for tourism in Santiago, Dominican Republic is October, followed by May and March. Prices for hotels and flights will be most expensive during these months, though you can save if you purchase well in advance. Tourists are unlikely to visit Santiago in February. Those willing to visit at these times will likely find it the least expensive month.

Estimated Tourism by Month

Overall Santiago Travel Experience by Season

Spring (March through May)

Humidity and temperatures combine to make this season feel warm. Highs range from 90°F (32.2°C) and 85.1°F (29.5°C) with warmer temperatures in the later months. Rain is somewhat common with 6 to 9 days of significant precipitation per month. Spring is the second busiest for tourism, which makes it a good time for those looking for things to do.

Summer (June through August)

The middle-year months have very comfortable weather with high temperatures that are quite warm. These months see the least precipitation with 6 to 8 days of precipitation per month. June – August is fairly slow season for tourism in Santiago, so lodging and other accommodations may cost slightly less.

Fall (September through November)

Fall daily highs range from 92.2°F (33.4°C) and 86°F (30°C), which will feel very nice given the humidity and wind. It rains or snows a significant amount: 7 to 8 days per month. Tourism is the busiest during these months due to the weather, so hotels may be higher priced.

Winter (December through February)

Weather is perfect this time of year in Santiago to be enjoyable for warm weather travelers. The average high during this season is between 87.1°F (30.6°C) and 84°F (28.9°C). On average, it rains or snows a fair amount: 4 to 8 times per month. These times of year are the slowest with tourists.

Best Times to Travel› Dominican Republic › Santiago, Dominican Republic