Month guide · Punta Cana · Dominican Republic
Punta Cana in January
What January is really like in Punta Cana: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
January is one of the best months to visit Punta Cana. Expect average highs of 28°C (82°F), lows of 21°C (70°F), about 8 rainy days and roughly 11.1 hours of daylight. Peak season with sunny, breezy days and comfortable evenings; resorts are busy.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 28°C (82°F) / 21°C (70°F)
- Rainy days
- About 8
- Daylight
- About 11.1 hours
- Sea temperature
- 26°C (79°F)
- Crowds
- Very busy
- Hotel prices
- Highest
Weather in January
January is the 11th-warmest month in Punta Cana: days average 28°C (82°F) against a yearly average high of 30°C (86°F), and nights fall to about 21°C (70°F). Rain falls on roughly 8 of its 31 days. Compared with December (29°C (84°F)), January is about as warm; by February highs stay near 28°C (82°F).
- Sunrise (15 January)
- About 07:08
- Sunset (15 January)
- About 18:17
- Daylight
- About 11.1 hours
- Sea
- 26°C (79°F)
Late autumn (November). Rain gradually eases and crowds remain light before the December rush.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, January rates 5 for crowds (the peak is January at 5) and 5 for hotel prices (highest in January). Book accommodation early: January is one of the pricier months.
Events in January
- Día de la Altagracia pilgrimage to the Higüey basilica (21 January)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in January
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Beach · Bávaro
Bávaro Beach
Walk north to El Cortecito in the morning to see the fishing boats and find beach bars outside the resorts.
- Time needed
- Half a day or more
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Free
- Kids
- Couples
- Outdoors
Beach · Macao
Macao Beach
A wide, golden beach backed by low cliffs and palms with no high-rise development, about 30 minutes north of Bávaro.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Outdoors
- Food
- Active
- Photo spot
Beach · Cap Cana
Juanillo Beach
Ask your taxi to drop you at the public beach access and arrange your return pick-up in advance.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Couples
- Photo spot
- Outdoors
Nature · Punta Cana Resort area
Indigenous Eyes Ecological Reserve
A protected patch of tropical forest near the Punta Cana resort area with a trail past a dozen freshwater lagoons fed by underground springs, some of which you can swim in.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Nature
- Kids
- Outdoors
- Off the beaten path
The sea averages 26°C (79°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Punta Cana.
What to pack
For highs near 28°C, lows near 21°C and 8 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; a packable rain jacket for showers; comfortable walking shoes.
Is January 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 February–April and December. Compare every month.
Punta Cana in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is January a good time to visit Punta Cana?
It is one of the best months to visit Punta Cana. Peak season with sunny, breezy days and comfortable evenings; resorts are busy.
+How warm is Punta Cana in January?
Average highs are around 28°C (82°F) and lows around 21°C (70°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Punta Cana in January?
Expect rain on about 8 days of the month.