Dominican Republic, Central America & Caribbean

Punta Cana in December

The first half is a sweet spot. Christmas through New Year is the most expensive stretch of the year.

GoodDry season returns, highs near 84F (29C)

Palm-lined Bavaro Beach, Punta Cana — Punta CanaPhoto: Максим Улитин, CC BY 3.0

The straight answer

December is a good month to visit Punta Cana. The first half is a sweet spot. Christmas through New Year is the most expensive stretch of the year.

Weather: Dry season returns, highs near 84F (29C)
Crowds: 4 of 5
Prices: 5 of 5

What December is like in Punta Cana

December brings back the dry season, with highs near 84F (29C), lower humidity and a steady breeze. The first half of the month is a sweet spot, with good weather, little seaweed and fair prices. Christmas through New Year is the most expensive and crowded stretch of the whole year.

Early December suits couples and families who can travel before school breaks. The holiday weeks suit those who book early and accept top prices. If you want peak-season weather for less, choose mid January to mid February, which also brings whale season.

Make the most of December

What is especially good about Punta Cana this month.

Early-December sweet spot

The first two weeks bring dry-season weather and clear water before holiday rates kick in.

Christmas at the resorts

Resorts go all out with holiday dinners, decorations and kids' events over Christmas and New Year.

Saona Island in calm seas

Settled weather makes the catamaran trip to Saona smooth and the natural pool clear.

What to pack for December

Reef-safe sunscreen
A smart-casual outfit for holiday dinners
A light layer for breezy evenings
Motion sickness tablets for boat days

Our timing tip

Travel in the first half of December, or book Christmas and New Year stays many months ahead.

Book Punta Cana for December.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Punta Cana
Opens a hotel search for Punta Cana in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for December
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Punta Cana
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 Punta Cana
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Punta Cana for December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

Things to do in Punta Cana

Full guide

Saona Island

Catamaran or speedboat trips from Bayahibe to palm beaches and the shallow natural pool with starfish. Choose a small-group operator to avoid the crowds.

Tickets and tours →

Hoyo Azul at Scape Park

A blue freshwater sinkhole at the base of a cliff, part of the Scape Park adventure park in Cap Cana. Go early for the clearest light and fewer people.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Macao Beach

A wide, less-developed beach north of Bavaro with surf schools and local seafood shacks.

Tickets and tours →

Whale watching in Samana Bay

From mid January to around the end of March, boats see humpbacks in the bay. It is a long day trip from Punta Cana by road or a short flight.

Tickets and tours →

Altos de Chavon

A replica Mediterranean village above the Chavon River near La Romana, with views, an amphitheater, and art shops.

Tickets and tours →

Santo Domingo's Colonial Zone

The oldest continuously inhabited European city in the Americas, with the first cathedral and cobbled streets. About two and a half to three hours by road.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Aim for mid January to mid February, or late November to mid December, for dry-season weather without holiday pricing.
Book Saona Island trips with smaller operators or early departures; the big tour boats arrive mid morning and fill the natural pool.
If sargassum is heavy, check south-coast Bayahibe or book Saona Island days; the south coast often, though not always, fares better.
Avoid Semana Santa if you want calm public beaches; locals fill the coast that week.

Know before you go

Most resorts stay open year-round, but some close for renovations in September and October. Check before booking.
Saona Island and Samana boat trips can be canceled in rough seas or storms, especially in the fall.
During Semana Santa, and on election days, alcohol sales can be restricted outside resorts.
Sargassum conditions change weekly. Resorts can rake the beach but cannot control the water, so check recent guest photos before booking in summer.