Dominican Republic, Central America & Caribbean

Punta Cana in March

Excellent weather and spring break. Resorts are full; book early and expect busy pools.

BestDry and sunny, highs near 84F (29C)

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

The straight answer

March is one of the best months of the year to visit Punta Cana. Excellent weather and spring break. Resorts are full; book early and expect busy pools.

Weather: Dry and sunny, highs near 84F (29C)
Crowds: 5 of 5
Prices: 5 of 5

What March is like in Punta Cana

March is dry and sunny, with highs near 84F (29C) and excellent beach weather. It is also spring break, so resorts are full, pools are busy and prices hit a peak. Whale season in Samana Bay usually runs until around the end of the month. When Semana Santa falls in March, Dominican families pack the beaches too.

March suits families locked into spring break dates and anyone who wants reliable sunshine and is happy to book early. If you want a calmer resort, choose early March before school breaks or late January to mid February instead.

Make the most of March

What is especially good about Punta Cana this month.

Last weeks of whale season

Humpbacks are still in Samana Bay until around the end of March. Early in the month gives the best odds.

Semana Santa in some years

When Holy Week lands in March, Dominicans head to the beaches and rivers. Public beaches are packed and alcohol sales can be restricted outside resorts.

Hoyo Azul at Scape Park

The blue sinkhole in Cap Cana is at its clearest in dry-season sun. Go early for fewer people.

What to pack for March

Reef-safe sunscreen and a rash guard for kids
Water shoes for Scape Park
A sun hat
A waterproof phone pouch

Our timing tip

Book spring-break resorts months ahead, and reserve popular restaurants and excursions when you check in.

Book Punta Cana for March.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Punta Cana
Opens a hotel search for Punta Cana in March, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for March
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 March. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in March

Humpback whale season in Samana Bay

Mid January to around the end of March

Thousands of humpbacks come to the waters around the Dominican Republic to mate and calve. Samana Bay is the easiest place to see them.

Semana Santa

Holy Week, March or April

Dominicans head to the beaches and rivers. Resorts and public beaches are packed, and alcohol sales are restricted on some days.

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.

Punta Cana in March, quick answers

Is March a good time to visit Punta Cana?

March is one of the best months of the year to visit Punta Cana. Excellent weather and spring break. Resorts are full; book early and expect busy pools.

What is the weather like in Punta Cana in March?

Dry and sunny, highs near 84F (29C).

Is Punta Cana crowded in March?

March is peak crowd season in Punta Cana; expect lines at the headline sights.

What is happening in Punta Cana in March?

Humpback whale season in Samana Bay (mid january to around the end of march); Semana Santa (holy week, march or april).