Skip to Content

When is the Best Time to Travel to Puerto Rico? (Ranked)

Is November the best time to visit Puerto Rico, or should I plan for the warmer May or August months? Well, depending on your preferred type of weather or activities, Puerto Rico offers a unique and appealing travel season for all. Read on to get incredible tips on the best time to travel to Puerto Rico.

The Island is an unincorporated U.S. territory that boasts mountainous landscapes, numerous waterfalls, and the El Yunque tropical rainforest. Puerto Rico’s geography is an archipelago (cluster of islands) between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of the Dominican Republic, and west of the Virgin Islands.

The mountainous landscape offers an extensive plethora of sceneries and unique tourist attractions. Also, the Puerto Rican capital and the largest city, San Juan is famous for its hotel strip, beach bars, and casinos.

The blend of heritage, vibrant cultures, friendly climate, sceneries, parks, and warm people, makes this Caribbean jewel a world-class destination. Whether you’re looking for classical music, food, drinks, relaxation, beach time, or wildlife Puerto Rico is the place to be all year round.

That’s why I say; any time can be your best time to go to Puerto Rico. It all depends on what you’re searching for.

What are you looking for in Puerto Rico?Best Month to Travel in Puerto Rico
Great WeatherDecember to March
Site Seeing and SportsDecember to June
HoneymoonApril to June
Cheap PricesJuly to November
PartyingLate November
Festivals and HolidaysDecember to April
Visit San Juan Puerto RicoDecember to March
Beach TimeOctober to December
Water SurfingDecember to April
Wind SurfingNovember to April

Best Times to Travel to Puerto Rico

Whichever time of the year you want to travel, Purto Rico always has something special for the season.

The various tourist seasons according to the Island’s calendar include:

The Best Months to Visit Puerto Rico for Great Weather: December to March

View from Naranjito Puerto Rico 1

Puerto Rico’s weather is known as tropical marine, which means that it’s usually sunny, warm, and humid almost all year round. From June through October, the average temperatures are roughly 32° C, dropping to around 28° C between November and May.

During the busy winter season in Puerto Rico, the average daytime temperature is between 21°C and 25 °C and falls between 4° C and 5° C at higher altitudes. This means that the weather around here is never that acute.

Also, although the rainy season here falls from May through October, the place is still the best place for a vacation. The showers are usually less than 30 minutes long, and the warm temperatures make swimming during the rain, even more fun.

And although some people will describe the months of December through March as having the best weather in Puerto Rico, I would say there is never “too bad weather” in the Puerto Rican Islands.

It’s important to note that in March Puerto Rico’s tourism reaches its highest point of the year in March. This is because of spring break from school. But it also means more crowds on beaches and higher prices at hotels

If you’re browsing for the best months to visit Puerto Rico, anytime between December to March is your best bet. This period consists of the coolest period Puerto Rico ever experiences with the cool trade winds offering the best environment for relaxing.

If you’re browsing for the most favorable weather conditions for your travel, December to March is your best bet. This period consists of the coolest period Puerto Rico ever experiences with the cool trade winds offering the best environment for relaxing.

The Hurrican Season in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is not exempt from these natural forces – although that shouldn’t worry you much. The chances of you encountering one are relatively low.

Except for the 2017 Hurricane Maria, the other time the Island experienced such a strong storm was way back in 1931. But, to be on the safe side, studies put the period between August and September as the riskiest period for hurricanes.

See Related: Best Things to do in Nassau, Bahamas

Best Time to Visit Puerto Rico for Sightseeing and Sports: December to June:

Isla de Cabras Juan Bay in Puerto Rico 1
Image by Arturo Donate

If you want to experience the amazing sights in Puerto Rico, then you must be there at specific times of the year. Some of Puerto Rico’s tourist attractions are highly seasonal. Puerto Ricans say that some things are only best done or seen during certain months or seasons.

For instance, if you love kayaking or boat riding, on calm waters, December through April would be an ideal season for you. You can also enjoy a boat ride to one of the stunning bioluminescent Puerto Rican bays, whose water glows whenever there’s contact.

This beautiful scene is due to the presence of millions of dinoflagellates (glowing microorganisms). Tour operators advise visits to the site during the new moon when the sky is darkest. This gives you a chance to enjoy the full-blast glow.

Also, since the rain experiences less rainfall, the waters are less murky, which improves the view. For hiking and mountain climbing, December to March is the perfect period, when the weather isn’t too hot. 

In addition, the period from April through June offers the best environment for numerous sports and activities. You have a variety to choose from – whether it’s snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, surfing, or deep diving. Puerto Rico has much to offer, guaranteeing you the most memorable trip.

See Related: Best Time to go to Mackinac Island

Best Time to Go to Puerto Rico for Honeymooners: April to June

beaches in puerto rico

The season is ideal for lovers who wish to enjoy some warm weather while avoiding overcrowded streets and beaches during winter.

During this season, winter crowds are long gone, and the weather is still moderately warm and breezy. Hotel prices have also started going down, as compared to the just-ended winter season.

Although rains are gradually approaching, it hardly showers for long periods or even throughout the Island. If you’re looking for a real dose of sunshine, June is the real deal. It’s the hottest month of the year around here.

You can enjoy the less crowded beaches and streets, considerably low hotel prices, and numerous stunning sights. Also, this being the turtles’ breeding season, you can enjoy the magnificent view of the over 60,000 newly hatched turtles on Puerto Rico beaches. The beaches at this time are a sanctuary for breeding green sea turtles, leatherback, and hawksbill turtles.

Tour operators cautiously arrange for beach tours during this season to ensure that breeding grounds are not affected by tourists.

See Related: Best Overwater Bungalows in the Caribbean

Cheap Time to Visit Puerto Rico: July to November

Shoreline of Aguadilla Puerto Rico
Image by Arturo Donate

The hot summers, lasting through the months of July to August, combined with the hurricane-prone season extending to November, makes this the cheapest time to go to Puerto Rico. The low prices will reflect in your entire travel package, including airfare, accommodation, and rental cars.

Although this might not seem like the ideal time for many people, it is still an incredible season, especially if you’re in a surfing mood. The sparkling blue waters and the calming Caribbean breezes offer the best environment for your spirit rejuvenation.

This period guarantees inexpensive accommodation in some of the best hotels and resorts on the Island. The hotels contain air-conditioned rooms and swimming pools, offering you just the right environment to relax and unwind.

During the hurricane season, hotels will lower their prices by up to 40%, in comparison to the peak season and holiday weekends. Even four-star hotels will be giving you incredible deals falling to the lows of $80 a night, which would, on a normal occasion, cost you around $350.

So, if you are not bothered by the potential hot weather or the harsh storms, a visit to Puerto Rico in July through November will definitely favor your pocket.

See Related: Best Honeymoon Destinations

Best Time to go to Puerto Rico for Partying: Late November

Are you a party enthusiast? Although Puerto Rico enjoys numerous festivals and parties throughout the year, this season is almost the climax for them all. Have the best of Puerto Rico’s foods, drinks, music, and culture as locals celebrate Christmas and usher in the New Year.

Then this season should serve you best. It marks the festive season that runs through the end of the year and into the first month of the next. Christmas festivals will last from November to January, making the season a perfect time for partying.

See Related: TravelInsurance.com Review

Best Time of the year to visit Puerto Rico with Family and Kids: December Through April

Lucia Beach in Yabucoa Puerto Rico
Image by Pete

The best time of year to visit Puerto Rico with family and kids is during the winter months. December through April is the best time to go because the weather is mild and there are plenty of things to do.

During this time, you can enjoy the beaches, go hiking, explore the rainforest, and much more. Another great thing about traveling to Puerto Rico during the winter is that you can avoid crowds and save money on your trip.

One of the best things to do with family and kids in Puerto Rico is to take a hike in El Yunque National Forest. El Yunque is the only rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System and is full of beautiful scenery and wildlife. Hiking through the rainforest is a great way to get active and see the scenery.

See Related: Most Beautiful Places in the World: Natural & Scenic Spots

Best Time to Visit for Festivals and Holidays: December to April

Puerto Rico Festival de las Mascaras
Image by Oscar Rohena

The best time to visit Puerto Rico for festivals is definitely in the summer months. This is when the island hosts a number of different events, including the San Sebastian Street Festival, the Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastian, the Maricao Coffee Festival, Puerto Rico Discovery Day, the Caribbean International Film Festival, and the Festival Nacional Indígena which celebrates Puerto Rico’s indigenous roots at the end of November. 

There’s also the Carnaval de Ponce, which is one of the biggest carnivals in all of Latin America. If you’re looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, then the off-season might be a better choice for you. The weather is still warm and sunny, but there are fewer crowds and lower prices.

The Le Lo Lai Festival is a celebration of Puerto Rican culture that takes place each year in the town of Ponce. The festival celebrates the island’s African heritage and features music, dance, food, and art from Africa and the Caribbean. The festival is held each year in November and attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world.

The best holiday season in Puerto Rico is during the December to April period when the weather is at its best. The beaches are beautiful and there is plenty to do, including sightseeing, shopping, and enjoying the nightlife.

Best Time to Visit San Juan Puerto Rico

San Juan Antiguo Puerto Rico
Image by Breezy Baldwin

San Juan is a beautiful city that offers something for everyone. The best time to visit San Juan Puerto Rico is during the winter months when the weather is mild and there are plenty of things to do. The beaches are beautiful and there are plenty of cultures to enjoy, including sightseeing, shopping, and enjoying the nightlife.

You can also visit during the summer months when there are a number of festivals and holidays taking place. Just be prepared for the hot weather and crowds.

The best things to do in San Juan depending on what you’re looking for. If you’re interested in history, then checking out the old city is a must. There you’ll find attractions like the old San Juan Cathedral and the Castillo de San Cristobal. If you’re looking for something more active, then head to the beach. There’s great surfing and swimming to be had there.

Best Time to Visit Puerto Rico for Beach Time

Beach in Fajardo Puerto Rico
Image by Jeffrey Bary

For those who want to enjoy the lush beaches of Puerto Rico, consider a trip during the colder months. During the cold season, Puerto Ricans don’t usually visit the beach – it’s too cold for them.

This is unlike the months of May through August when the weather is warm, schools are closed, and the locals are enjoying their holidays. They will spend lots of time on the beaches, especially during the weekends having fun with family and friends.

But from October to December, you can enjoy numerous beautiful beaches, almost by yourself. Visit beaches like Playa Caracas and Flamenco beach, or take a tour of a beautiful island like Culebra Island, and enjoy some quiet relaxing moments on the almost deserted beaches.

After December, beaches gradually start becoming quite crowded, with the busiest time being around March. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy Purto Rican beaches during the warmer busy periods. There are hundreds of beaches along the over 272 miles of coastline you can enjoy.

See Related: 10 Best Things to do in Ravello – Fun and Easy Activities

Best time to visit Puerto Rico for Surfing

Surfing in Puerto Rico
Image by Cody Ryan Reigle

The best time to go surfing in Puerto Rico depends on the type of surfer you are and what you are looking for. If you are a beginner, the waves might be too big and dangerous during the winter months.

December through April is the best time to go if you are looking for good waves and plenty of them. There are a number of surf competitions that take place during this time.

If you are looking to avoid the crowds, then May through August might be a better time for you to go. There will still be waves but they will not be as big. This is also the time when the weather is most likely to be hot and humid so make sure you bring plenty of sunscreen and water.

If you are a windsurfer, the best time to go is during the winter when the winds are strongest.

When you’re visiting Puerto Rico, there are different activities you must indulge in to enjoy what the island has to offer, Here are some of the things you must experience:

Food in Puerto Rico

festivals in puerto rico

Puerto Rico’s food is truly amazing. There are even food and drink tours that give you a chance to taste almost all their best cuisines. The Island’s constant evolution in its cooking results in a combination of traditional and trendy flavors, which promises perfection in every bite.

One ingredient you can’t miss in almost every plate is sofrito. This is a blend of garlic, peppers, herbs, and onions that gives any dish that extra Boricua taste.

Local dishes such as Mofongo, fried or mashed plantain, and slow-roasted tasty pork, express the perfect blend of Spanish, American, and Tahino cuisines.

Music and Culture

The rich and colorful history of Puerto Rico is a mix of the indigenous Taínos, the Spaniards, and the Africans. This integration is visible through colonial architecture, spirited painting, strong literature, and vibrant music throughout the Island.

Dance and music are important indicators of the islanders’ vibrancy. From the most conventional sounds such as bomba and plena to reggaetón’s urban sounds, the fusion of races occurs in every rhythm.

You can hear the vibrant music of salsa, merengue, bomba, and plena all the time and everywhere.

See Related: Best Portable Drones for Travel

Worst Time to Travel to Puerto Rico

Although Puerto Rico is accommodative all year round, some people will prefer certain periods over others. Some seasons might also be riskier to travel to the Island than others.

For instance, the hurricane season is deemed the riskiest time to travel to Puerto Rico. And although it’s not all that bad, some big occurrences like the 2017 Hurricane Maria can cause devastating experiences.

If you wish to avoid the risk of encountering hurricanes, don’t visit this Island between August and September. This is the official hurricane season in Puerto Rico.

Increased precipitation during this time will also not go well with some people. This period is characterized by heavy rainfall, although it never goes beyond 6.89 inches.

The season between May and August can also get uncomfortably hot.  Although the season is quite popular with surfers due to the high waves, some people would be stressed by the hot weather. If you like cool temperatures with a bit of breeze, then this might not be your ideal time to plan your travel.

Key Takeaway

Puerto Rico experiences different weather patterns, and have different season ideal for different activities. The weather is, however, never too extreme to spoil your vacation.

As I said earlier, the best time to go to Puerto Rico depends on what you’re looking for. The different seasons we have listed give you a chance to visit the Island, during the time that best suits your travel needs.

What’s the worst month to go to Puerto Rico?

The worst month to go to Puerto Rico is May. The weather is hot and humid, and there are not as many things to do as in other months. If you’re looking for good weather, then the best time to go to Puerto Rico is from December to April.

What Month is hurricane season in Puerto Rico?

Hurricane season usually runs from June to November in Puerto Rico.

What is the hottest month in Puerto Rico?

In the summer months from May to October, when the cool breezes of the trade winds die down and temperatures regularly reach into the 90s, Puerto Rico can be quite hot and humid.

What is the cheapest time to go to Puerto Rico?

The cheapest time to go to Puerto Rico is during the offseason, which is May through November. However, keep in mind that it may be more difficult to find flights and hotels during this time and that some attractions may be closed.

when is the best time to go to Puerto Rico?

When is the best time to go to Puerto Rico? This depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for good weather and plenty of things to do, then December through April is the best time to go.

What Month is Hurrican season in Puerto Rico

Purto Rico doesn’t experience frequent hurricanes, but it’s always best to be safe. Keep in mind August and September as the riskiest period for hurricanes.

Lock In Your Travel Now

Find Cheap Flights
Use Skyscanner to find flight deals. As my personal favorite flight search engine, Skyscanner scours websites and airlines across the globe, leaving no stone unturned to help you find the best deal possible. And if you really want to take your savings to new heights, pair Skyscanner with Going (Formerly Scott's Cheap Flights). With access to exclusive mistake fares delivered straight to your inbox, you'll be packing your bags and jetting off on your next adventure before you know it.

Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is a low cost way to ensure your travel plans go smooth no matter what's thrown at it. Cover yourself against illness, injury and theft, and protect the arrangements you've made with our flexible travel cancellation insurance. My favorite options for travel insurance are:

Book Your Accommodation
In order to capture the widest selection of properties and the best price, use Booking.com as they have the cheapest rates for guesthouses, hotels, luxury condos, B&Bs and so much more.

Want More Destination Ideas Direct to Your Inbox?
Be sure to join the ViaTravelers Newsletter for expert tips, tricks and inspiration for your next travel journey!

Discover the Best Travel Tools
Be sure to visit our page on our favorite travel resources to learn how you too can visit over 10 countries in year.