Month guide · Punta Cana · Dominican Republic
Punta Cana in December
What December is really like in Punta Cana: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
December is one of the best months to visit Punta Cana. Expect average highs of 29°C (84°F), lows of 22°C (72°F), about 10 rainy days and roughly 11 hours of daylight. Pleasant, breezy weather; the Christmas and New Year weeks are the most expensive of the year.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 29°C (84°F) / 22°C (72°F)
- Rainy days
- About 10
- Daylight
- About 11 hours
- Sea temperature
- 27°C (81°F)
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- Highest
Weather in December
December is the 10th-warmest month in Punta Cana: days average 29°C (84°F) against a yearly average high of 30°C (86°F), and nights fall to about 22°C (72°F). Rain falls on roughly 10 of its 31 days. Compared with November (30°C (86°F)), December is about as warm; by January highs stay near 28°C (82°F).
- Sunrise (15 December)
- About 06:58
- Sunset (15 December)
- About 18:00
- Daylight
- About 11 hours
- Sea
- 27°C (81°F)
Late autumn (November). Rain gradually eases and crowds remain light before the December rush.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, December rates 4 for crowds (the peak is January at 5) and 5 for hotel prices (highest in January). Book accommodation early: December is one of the pricier months.
Events in December
- Christmas and New Year celebrations at resorts and in local towns
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in December
With frequent rain, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Beach · Cabeza de Toro
Cabeza de Toro beach
A sheltered beach where the reef comes close to shore, leaving shallow, calm water ideal for young swimmers and snorkelling at the reef edge.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Kids
- Outdoors
Beach · Uvero Alto
Uvero Alto beach
Check flags before swimming and walk early in the morning for an empty beach.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Outdoors
- Photo spot
Experience · Bávaro
Coco Bongo Punta Cana
The Punta Cana branch of the Cancún-born show club combines a nightclub with acrobatic stage shows, live music and tribute acts.
- Time needed
- 4–5 hours
- Cost
- Expensive
- After dark
- Couples
Beach · Punta Cana Resort area
Playa Blanca
Kitesurf schools operate here; afternoons are usually windiest.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Active
- Outdoors
The sea averages 27°C (81°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Punta Cana.
What to pack
For highs near 29°C, lows near 22°C and 10 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; a packable rain jacket for showers; comfortable walking shoes.
Is December a good time to visit Punta Cana?
One of the best months to visit Punta Cana, with a notable event on the calendar. The other best months are January–April. Compare every month.
Punta Cana in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is December a good time to visit Punta Cana?
It is one of the best months to visit Punta Cana. Pleasant, breezy weather; the Christmas and New Year weeks are the most expensive of the year.
+How warm is Punta Cana in December?
Average highs are around 29°C (84°F) and lows around 22°C (72°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Punta Cana in December?
Expect rain on about 10 days of the month.