United States (Puerto Rico), Central America & Caribbean

Puerto Rico in August

The run-up to peak hurricane season. Real deals, real risk: book refundable rates and watch the tropics.

TradeoffsSteamy, highs near 89F (32C), storm odds climbing

Aerial view of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico — Puerto RicoPhoto: Coolcaesar, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

August is a month of real tradeoffs in Puerto Rico. The run-up to peak hurricane season. Real deals, real risk: book refundable rates and watch the tropics.

Weather: Steamy, highs near 89F (32C), storm odds climbing
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 2 of 5

What August is like in Puerto Rico

August is steamy, with highs near 89F (32C), and storm odds climb as peak hurricane season approaches. Crowds drop and there are real deals, but also real risk. Afternoon storms are common, so plan beaches and hikes for the morning. Calm seas still make snorkeling good on quiet days, and the forts in Old San Juan are rarely busy.

It suits flexible budget travelers who book refundable rates and watch the tropics. Families should keep plans loose. Choose a hotel with a flexible cancellation policy. If you want lower risk, come between December and April instead.

Make the most of August

What is especially good about Puerto Rico this month.

Real deals

Hotel rates drop well below winter, especially for beachfront rooms.

Quiet Old San Juan

With fewer visitors, the forts and streets feel calm.

Castillo San Felipe del Morro

Go at opening, then fly a kite on the lawn like local families do.

What to pack for August

Light, breathable clothing
A rain jacket
Reef-safe sunscreen
A copy of your travel insurance

Our timing tip

Book refundable rates and check the tropical forecast a week before you travel.

Book Puerto Rico for August.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Puerto Rico
Opens a hotel search for Puerto Rico in August, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for August
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Puerto Rico
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Puerto Rico
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Puerto Rico for August. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

Things to do in Puerto Rico

Full guide

Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristobal

The two great forts of San Juan National Historic Site. Go at opening before the cruise-ship wave, then fly a kite on El Morro's lawn like the locals do.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

El Yunque National Forest

Waterfalls, cloud forest, and the tower views from Yokahu and Mt. Britton. Check the forest's site for current access rules and reservations before you go, and start early to beat both crowds and afternoon rain.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Mosquito Bay, Vieques

Paddle a kayak through glowing water on a moonless night. Swimming is prohibited to protect the organisms; schedule around the new moon for the best show.

Tickets and tours →

Flamenco Beach, Culebra

A horseshoe of white sand regularly ranked among the best beaches in the Caribbean. Ferries from Ceiba fill fast on weekends and holidays; small planes are the backup.

Tickets and tours →

Old San Juan on foot

Calle del Cristo, the Paseo de la Princesa, and the city walls at sunset. Weekday evenings after the cruise ships leave are the calmest.

Tickets and tours →

Rincon and the west coast

The island's surf capital, busy with swells roughly November through March and glassy for snorkeling in summer. Sunsets here face the open sea.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Check the cruise schedule for San Juan: Old San Juan is noticeably busier on multi-ship days, so do the forts and Calle del Cristo on light days or after 4pm.
Aim for the post-Easter window in late April and early May, when winter weather mostly holds and hotel rates fall.
Do El Yunque at opening on a weekday. By late morning the main trail parking fills, and afternoon showers are common.
Book Vieques and Culebra ferries or flights well ahead for weekends and holidays, when locals fill the boats too; midweek is far easier.

Know before you go

September and October: some smaller hotels, restaurants, and tour operators close for a few weeks of maintenance or vacation, especially on Vieques and Culebra. Verify before building a trip around one.
The bioluminescent bays are best on moonless nights and can dim temporarily after heavy rain or storms. Tour operators will tell you honestly how the bay is glowing that week.
El Yunque's roads and trails can close after heavy rain or storm damage; check current conditions and any reservation requirement on the official forest site before driving out.
Major holidays (Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Day, Three Kings Day, Good Friday) shut government offices and many shops; restaurants in tourist areas mostly stay open.

Puerto Rico in August, quick answers

Is August a good time to visit Puerto Rico?

August is a month of real tradeoffs in Puerto Rico. The run-up to peak hurricane season. Real deals, real risk: book refundable rates and watch the tropics.

What is the weather like in Puerto Rico in August?

Steamy, highs near 89F (32C), storm odds climbing.

Is Puerto Rico crowded in August?

Crowds in Puerto Rico are moderate in August; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.