Punta Cana is hot all year, and you will spend most of it at a resort. The packing problem is the switch from beach to dinner: many à la carte restaurants want long pants on men, so a swim-only bag falls short.
Punta Cana weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 30°C86°F | 29°C84°F | 30°C86°F | 31°C88°F | 31°C88°F | 32°C90°F | 32°C90°F | 33°C91°F | 32°C90°F | 32°C90°F | 31°C88°F | 30°C86°F |
| Low | 21°C70°F | 21°C70°F | 21°C70°F | 22°C72°F | 23°C73°F | 24°C75°F | 24°C75°F | 24°C75°F | 25°C77°F | 24°C75°F | 23°C73°F | 21°C70°F |
| Rain days | 15 | 14 | 14 | 18 | 16 | 16 | 17 | 19 | 20 | 19 | 20 | 12 |
Season by season
Spring and early summer
April–JulyHotter and a little wetter. Highs run 31°C (88°F) in April and May and 32°C (90°F) in June and July, with lows of 22–24°C (72–75°F) and 16–18 rain days. Bring breathable clothes, a refillable bottle and a fan for the walk between pool and room.
What to bring to Punta Cana
0 of 24 packed- Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Packing CubeBags & Luggage
Hurricane-season showers come fast, and this cube keeps your phone, passport and cash dry on the beach.
- Bearwind S40 Portable Handheld Turbo FanTech & Power
Highs sit at 29–33°C (84–91°F) all year, and a handheld fan makes the walk across the resort bearable.
- RAYMYLO 64 oz Insulated Water BottleWater Bottles & Hydration
A big insulated bottle keeps water cold through a 32°C (90°F) afternoon by the pool.
- Crocs Classic ClogFootwear & Shoe Care
Clogs handle the pool deck, the sand and the shower without a second thought.
- Allbirds Men's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
A light sneaker covers excursions and dinners where men need closed shoes.
- Allbirds Women's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
A breathable sneaker for excursions and the restaurants that want closed shoes.
- Sawyer 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion, 4 ozHealth & Safety
Picaridin lotion keeps mosquitoes off during humid evenings at the resort.
Clothing
- Swimwear · 3
- Beach cover-up · 1Cover up before the lobby or buffet
- Long pants for dinner · 1 pairMany à la carte restaurants require them for men
- Smart dinner outfits · 2
- Light breathable tops · 5Highs of 29–33°C all year
- Light layer · 121°C evenings, Dec–Mar
Footwear
- Flip-flops or sandals · 1 pair
- Closed dress shoes · 1 pairSome restaurants ask for closed shoes at dinner
Gear
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Beach bag · 1
Health and toiletries
- Reef-safe sunscreen · 1
- After-sun lotion
Documents and money
- Passport
- Travel insuranceHurricane season Jun–Nov, peak Aug–Oct
- Small bills for tips
Tech
- Phone charger
Peak season (December–March)
The driest stretch. December averages a 30°C (86°F) high, a 21°C (70°F) low and 12 rain days, and January to March hold at 29–30°C (84–86°F) with 14–15 rain days. Showers are short. Pack swimwear, sun protection, a light layer for 21°C (70°F) evenings and one smart outfit for dinner.
Hurricane season peak (August–November)
The hottest and wettest months. August hits 33°C (91°F), and September and November average 20 rain days each, with October at 19. Hurricane season runs June–November and peaks August–October. Pack a waterproof cube for your phone and documents, and buy travel insurance.
What shoes should you pack for Punta Cana?
Sandals and one pair of closed shoes. Flip-flops or clogs cover the pool and beach. Bring light sneakers for excursions and for restaurants that ask for closed shoes at dinner.
What do people wear in Punta Cana?
Swimwear by day, resort casual at night. Many all-inclusive resorts set dress codes for à la carte restaurants, often long pants and closed shoes for men and no swimwear. Cover up from the beach before walking into the lobby or buffet.
Is Punta Cana's hurricane season a reason to skip it?
No, but plan for it. Hurricane season runs June–November and peaks August–October, and most weeks pass without a storm. Book flexible rates, carry insurance and keep documents in a waterproof bag.
What plugs does Punta Cana use?
The Dominican Republic uses Type A and B sockets at 120V. US and Canadian plugs fit without an adapter. UK, EU and Australian visitors need an adapter; most phone and laptop chargers handle the voltage fine.
Tours and things to do in Punta Cana
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Punta Cana.
What should you leave at home for Punta Cana?
Heavy jackets, jeans for daytime and more than one pair of dress shoes. Evenings rarely drop below 21°C (70°F). Leave the hair dryer too, since resorts provide them.
Packing for Punta Cana: questions people ask
What should I wear in Punta Cana in December?
Beachwear and a light layer. December averages a 30°C (86°F) high, a 21°C (70°F) low and 12 rain days, the fewest of the year.
Do men need long pants in Punta Cana?
Often, yes. Many resort à la carte restaurants require long pants and closed shoes for men at dinner.
When is hurricane season in Punta Cana?
June–November, with the peak August–October.
What is the rainiest month in Punta Cana?
September and November, each with 20 rain days on average. Most rain falls in short showers.
Do I need an adapter in Punta Cana?
Not from the US or Canada. Sockets are Type A and B at 120V. UK and EU visitors need one.
Prices change often — the price on the retailer’s page is the one you pay.