Best Times to Visit Puerto Rico: Plan Around Hurricane Season

Puerto Rico is a wonderful island that has sunshine throughout the year and beautiful sandy beaches, and rich culture. However, the decision as to when to go to Puerto Rico can be helpful in a big way to your trip. It’s TRUE that those who want to have more sun, colorful fairs and avoid hurricane season should choose when it’s better to go there.

If you’re planning to explore other destinations, check out our guide on the Best Time to Visit Scotland Your Complete Seasonal Guide. Find the best time to taste Scotland landscape and culture.

Table of Contents

1. Peak Tourist Season: December to April

The best months for travel and tours to Puerto Rico are during its summer which is between December to April. The weather conditions experienced during this period include; good sunny weather with moderate temperature and humidity. It’s a great time for the sun seekers, those preferring hiking, and others planning to visit the historic sites such as Old San Juan.

During these months the popular sights and tourist attractions of the island are crowded and sufficiently to book your hotel and your tours. On the whole prices are slightly higher, yet, own weather and active tempestiveness compensates this factor.

2. Off-Peak Season: May to November

This means that if you will like to cut down on your travelling costs, it’s better to come to Puerto Rico from May up to November. This time is considered to be in the rainy season in the island, but the rains are just brief in the middle of the sunshine.

As to this period it is necessary to mention that it falls into the hurricane season on Puerto Rico that takes place from June until November. Although the probability of a hurricane interfering with your trip is quite small it is recommended to track the storm’s progress and purchase insurance.

Hurricane Season in Puerto Rico

Tropical storm season on Puerto Rico starts from June up to 30th November with the storms being most active from mid Aug up to mid Oct. At this time the island receives more rainfall and occasional tropical storm may occur. What is more, many days are still quite warm and sunny, however, tourists should be ready for rather abrupt changes in weather.

In order to avoid hazards during the hurricane season in Puerto Rico is advisable to travel in June at the beginning of the season or in the end of November after the most stormy days. Also, being in hurricane ready accommodations can assist a traveler in having a worry free vacation.

Best Time for Festivals and Events

The numerous festivals and events of Puerto Rico give an insight to their rich culture of the country. If you love music, food, and traditional celebrations, plan your visit around these times

San Sebastián Festival (January): This is an annual event that takes place in Old San Juan with dancers performing live bands, music, parades, and an avenue for unveiling Puerto’s Recio yummy street foods.
Heineken JazzFest (March): For jazz lovers, San Juan boasts of live performances of some of the world’s best Jazz musicians.
Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián (late January): Growing from a one-day event, this multi-day celebration ushers in the closing of the Christmas season with music, arts, and related festivities.

Going to these events during the best time to visit Puerto Rico takes some traditional flavor to your trip.

Best Time for Outdoor Adventures

Touring freaks will especially love Puerto Rico for such activities as snorkeling, hiking, and especially surfing. They should visit between December and April because it does not rain and is the best time to trek the El Yunque National Forest, take night swim in bioluminescent bays or surf in Rincon.

One advantage of going during the wet season is that the island is very green and this is the perfect time for nature photo shoots and or hikes up waterfalls.

The good times to travel to Puerto Rico are relative to the following factors. For an exposure to the sun and cultural activities the dry season between December and April would be most appropriate. There are also off season that can be advantageous to personal budgets but the disadvantage is the hurricane season in Puerto Rico.

If you plan well, you’ll be able to maximise on your Puerto Rican experience and capture the best of this beautiful island’s nature and people.

Other Resources

Travel Advisories for Puerto Rico
Travel.State.Gov – Puerto Rico Travel Advisories – Stay updated with the latest travel advisories for Puerto Rico to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Hurricane Preparedness Tips
NOAA Hurricane S afety Tips – Learn essential hurricane preparedness tips from NOAA to stay safe during the hurricane season in Puerto Rico.