How often does it rain in puerto rico: A Guide to the Puerto Rico Climate

A Guide to the Puerto Rico Climate

May 23, 2022November 5, 2020 by Southern Self Storage

You might be wondering about the Puerto Rico climate if you’re planning a visit. To help, we’ve put together everything you need to know about the Puerto Rico climate! That way, no matter when you decide to come on down, you’ll know what to expect! 

What’s The Average Climate in Puerto Rico?

The best place to start looking at Puerto Rico’s climate is during its “coldest” month, January. The average low temperature is 70 Fahrenheit. The average high temperature is 83 Fahrenheit. We think you’ll agree; that’s not what most people in the northern part of the United States would call “cold.” It’s downright balmy. The great news is that Puerto Rico enjoys warm, sunny days, almost the entire year. 

Yes, it’s humid, but you won’t see any winter. You won’t see much of a spring or fall, either. Most of the year here is pretty much like summertime in the rest of the United States. You will find, though, that in the north of the island, temperatures are a bit higher. Down to the south and central interior mountains, the temperature stays cooler.

What About Storms in Puerto Rico?

One of the biggest challenges that Puerto Rico faces is cyclones and hurricanes. Unfortunately, the island is rather exposed. However, it usually takes less of a hit than other islands. The worst time of year for storms is between August and October. Ask the US National Weather Service, however, and they’ll tell you it runs from June 1 through November 30. That’s the typical “hurricane season” for the North Atlantic Basin. When the winds aren’t blowing up a storm, they usually move east to west across the island.

Storms or not, however, you’ll be glad to know that island life in Puerto Rico goes on. Yes, residents prepare for the Puerto Rico climate, but you won’t find many in a constant state of stress over it. Hotels will still be open, and all the activities you could ask for will be available. Some smaller hotels might close, but most of the larger hotels don’t. One last bit of good news is that, historically, Puerto Rico gets hit by far fewer major storms than Florida. Some of the best ways to protect your things during a storm include:

• Put hurricane shutters on all of your windows and doors.
• Strap down your home’s roof with hurricane straps or clips
• Put extra caulking around doors and windows (It helps keep out driving rain.)
• Attach head and foot bolts to entry doors to keep them from blowing in.
• Test any sump pumps or drains you have to make sure they’re working correctly
• Rent a storage unit for your valuables 

How Often Does it Rain?

While Puerto Rico doesn’t get a massive amount of rain, it certainly gets enough. Interestingly, due to the topography of the island, rainfall can vary significantly. For example, some cities In the north of Puerto Rico average 29 inches of rain per year. In the south, though, you’ll find others that average 171 inches. Generally speaking, the wettest month is August, with about 7 inches or 18 cm of rain. Also, the “rainy season” in Puerto Rico starts in April and goes through November. They also have a “dry season,” which begins in December and goes through till March.

You can expect the weather in Puerto Rico to have rain. For example, you can look at a 10-day forecast, and it shows rain every day. The truth is, it rains pretty much every day in Puerto Rico, but the rainstorms come and go extremely quickly. In between, the sun comes back out, and the sky turns a gorgeous blue. (It’s very similar to what happens in Florida.) However, if you’re planning a visit and worried about rain, don’t. The weather in Puerto Rico averages a balmy 80 to 85 Fahrenheit throughout the year.

What Is the Water Temperature in Puerto Rico?

It’s no surprise that the water temperature is excellent in Puerto Rico. The water is a beautiful shade of turquoise and emerald green and stays warm even during the winter. That’s when the average ocean temperature is about 75 Fahrenheit. During the summer, it jumps up to about 85 Fahrenheit. However, it still feels incredibly refreshing due to the breezes on the island. By the way, the best time to snorkel in Puerto Rico is from June through August. That’s when the water is its most clear, warm, and calm. Indeed, you’ll find virtually no waves during normal summer weather. It’s definitely part of why Puerto Rico’s climate is so inviting.

Protecting Your Things From Storms

We mentioned earlier that Puerto Rico experiences storms and hurricanes every year. Many residents rent storage units to protect their things when a storm heads their way. Storage units offer an extra level of protection to household goods and equipment. As we mentioned, they’re also a great place to store your sports equipment.

In closing, we know you’ll love Puerto Rico and the exciting climate. We wish you a wonderful time and, if you’re moving here, welcome home!

More Articles About How To Move to Puerto Rico

When to Go to Puerto Rico

Climate

Puerto Rico has one of the most unvarying climates in the world. Temperatures year-round range from 75°F to 85°F (24°C–29°C). The island is wettest and hottest in August, averaging 81°F (27°C) and 7 inches (18cm) of rain. San Juan and the northern coast seem to be cooler and wetter than Ponce and the southern coast. The coldest weather is in the high altitudes of the Cordillera, the site of Puerto Rico’s lowest recorded temperature, 39°F (4°C).

Hurricane Season: Hurricane season, the curse of Puerto Rican weather, lasts—officially, at least—from June 1 to November 30. But there’s no cause for panic. In general, satellite forecasts give adequate warnings so that precautions can be taken. Historically, the peaks of the season, when the most damaging storms are formed and hit the island, occur in August and December.

If you’re heading to Puerto Rico during hurricane season, monitor forecasts made by the National Weather Service and the Weather Channel.

Peak Season

In Puerto Rico, hotels charge their highest prices during the peak winter period from mid-December to mid-April, when visitors fleeing from cold northern climates flock to the Caribbean. Winter is the driest season along the coasts but can be wet in mountainous areas.

If you plan to travel in the winter, make reservations 2 to 3 months in advance. At certain hotels it’s almost impossible to book accommodations for Christmas and the month of February.

A second tourism high season, especially for hotels and destinations outside San Juan, takes place in July, when most islanders take vacation.

Saving Money in the Off-Season: While winter rates tend to be higher than summer rates at most properties, Puerto Rico’s climate makes it inviting year-round. 

However, there still is an off-season, running roughly from May through November, when temperatures in the mid-80s (around 29°C) prevail throughout most of the region. Trade winds ensure comfortable days and nights, even without air-conditioning. Although the noonday sun may raise the temperature to around 90°F (32°C), cool breezes usually make the morning, late afternoon, and evening more comfortable here than in many parts of the U. S. mainland.

Dollar for dollar, you’ll spend less money by renting a summer house or fully equipped unit in Puerto Rico than you would on Cape Cod, Fire Island, Laguna Beach, or the coast of Maine.

Many hotels, particularly outside of San Juan, will charge full price during the month of July and on summer holiday weekends. Some properties, particularly guesthouses and small hotels in vacation towns such as Vieques and Rincón, have dispensed with off-season pricing altogether.

In San Juan, a trend among smaller properties is to charge higher rates on weekends and holidays than during the week, rather than following seasonal fluctuations in price.

Other Off-Season Advantages: Although Puerto Rico may appear inviting in the winter to those who live in northern climates, there are many reasons your trip may be more enjoyable in the off-season:

• After the winter hordes have left, a less hurried way of life prevails. You’ll have a better chance to appreciate the food, culture, and local customs.

• Swimming pools and beaches are less crowded—perhaps not crowded at all. Again, some areas will be extremely crowded in July and on summer holiday weekends.

• Year-round resort facilities are offered, often at reduced rates, which may include snorkeling, boating, and scuba diving.

• To survive, resort boutiques often feature summer sales to clear the merchandise they didn’t sell in February to accommodate stock they’ve ordered for the coming winter.

• You can often appear without a reservation at a top restaurant and get a table for dinner. Also, when waiters are less hurried, you get better service.

• The endless waiting game is over: no waiting for a rental car (only to be told none is available), no long wait for a golf course tee time, and quicker access to tennis courts and watersports.
• Accommodations and flights are easier to book.

• Summer is an excellent time for family travel because kids are out of school.

Off-Season Disadvantages: 

• You might be staying at a construction site. Hoteliers save their serious repairs and major renovations for the off-season, when they have fewer clients. That means you might wake up early in the morning to the sound of a hammer.
• Services are often reduced. In the peak of winter, everything is fully operational. But in summer, many of the programs, such as watersports rentals, might be curtailed. Also, not all restaurants and bars are fully operational at all resorts. For example, for lack of business, certain gourmet or specialty dining rooms might be shut down until house count merits reopening them. 

Holidays

Puerto Rico has many public holidays when stores, offices, and schools are closed: New Year’s Day, January 6 (Three Kings Day), Presidents Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Veterans Day, and Christmas, plus local holidays such as Constitution Day (July 25) and Discovery Day (Nov 19). Remember, U.S. federal holidays are holidays in Puerto Rico, too.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

Climate Puerto Rico, weather in Puerto Rico

CLIMATE

Puerto Rico Puerto Rico is the smallest and easternmost island of the Greater Antilles. The total area is 9104 km2. In addition to the main island, Puerto Rico includes several tiny islands. The northern and eastern shores of the country are washed by the Atlantic Ocean, the southern by the Caribbean Sea, and the western by the Mona Strait.

Puerto Rico has three main geographic regions: mountains, coastal lowlands, and karst regions. Thanks to the karst region, the country has one of the most significant cave systems and the third largest underground river, the Rio Camui. More than 60% of the island is covered by mountains. The highest point of the country is located on the Central Cordeliers – Cerro de Punta (1338 m). In the eastern part of Puerto Rico is the only tropical rainforest in the United States, which is known as El Yunque. Due to the diversity of flora and fauna, it received the status of a biosphere reserve under the auspices of the UN.

Puerto Rico has a tropical climate characterized by sunny, hot and humid weather. There is no winter, spring or autumn, only summer time. The air temperature fluctuates around +27°C…+30°C all year round. The rainy season in Puerto Rico lasts from April to November. More precipitation falls in the north than in the south. You can find out about the weather conditions in Puerto Rico in our weather calendar by months.

Weather in Puerto Rico in January

In January, the air temperature will reach +28°C during the hottest part of the day, dropping to +22°C after sunset. Sea water temperature +26°C. Precipitation level in January is 45-90 mm, which fall during 2-6 rainy days.

Weather in Puerto Rico in February

The temperature of the air masses during the daytime reaches +28°C, cooling down to +22°C at night. For 3-6 rainy February days, up to 80 mm of precipitation falls. The water temperature on the coasts of Puerto Rico is +26°C.

Weather in Puerto Rico in March

Daytime temperatures in March reach +27°C, at night the thermometer drops to +21°C. Precipitation becomes a little more abundant. For 3-5 rainy days, the level of precipitation reaches 105 mm. The water near the coast is stably warmed up to +26°C.

Weather in Puerto Rico in April

In Puerto Rico, the air warms up to +28°С during the day and cools down to +22°С at night. The level of precipitation reaches 90 mm in April. The water temperature near the coast becomes 1 degree higher and is +27°С.

Weather in Puerto Rico in May

In May, the thermometers show a temperature of +29°C during the day, dropping to +23°C at night. For a month in Puerto Rico, up to 130 mm of precipitation is expected, which will fall in 11 rainy days. It will be less rainy in the capital of San Juan, where only 60 mm of precipitation will fall in 3 days. The sun during the day warms up the water on the coast to + 28 ° С.

Weather in Puerto Rico in June

In the first summer month, the daytime temperature in the country reaches +30°С…+31°С. At night, the relative coolness brings freshness and the thermometer drops to +23°C. Up to 35 mm of precipitation falls in the capital, and up to 110 mm in the rest of Puerto Rico. The number of solar hours increases to 9 and during this time the sun warms the sea water up to +28°С.

Weather in Puerto Rico in July

In July, the air in the country warms up to +31°C during the day and +24°C at night, the water in the sea warms up to 28°C. The rainiest west this month is Mayaguez with 125 mm of precipitation. Up to 40 mm of precipitation is expected in the capital, and up to 70 mm in the rest of the country.

Weather in Puerto Rico in August

In August, the air temperature in the country fluctuates from +31°C during the day to +24°C at night, the water in the sea is warmed up to +29°C. The west is still the rainiest, with 175-205 mm of precipitation per month. Up to 90 mm of precipitation is expected in the capital, and up to 125 mm in the rest of the country.

Weather in Puerto Rico in September

°C. For a month in Puerto Rico, up to 140 mm of precipitation is expected, which will fall in 10 rainy days. It will be less rainy in the capital San Juan, where only 50 mm of rain will fall in 3 days.

Weather in Puerto Rico in October

The air temperature in the country reaches +31°C during the day and +24°C at night, the water in the sea is warmed up to +29°C. The end of the rainy season is approaching, so the level of precipitation drops in the capital to 40 mm, in the west to 100 mm, and in the rest of the country to 85 mm.

Weather in Puerto Rico in November

From this month the temperature is gradually decreasing. During the day the air warms up to +29°С, and at night up to +23°С. The water temperature on the coasts of Puerto Rico is +28°C. The level of precipitation varies in the region of 70-100 mm.

Weather in Puerto Rico in December

Winter comes in December and temperatures drop slightly. During the day the air warms up to +28°С, at night up to +22°С. During the day, the water off the coast manages to heat up to + 27 ° С. For 3-6 rainy days in the west falls 90 mm of precipitation, and in the capital and the rest of the country – 50 mm.

Puerto Rico. (USA). Part 2. El Yunque rainforest and surroundings.

I really like the rainforests. And although I had already managed to see them in different countries before this trip, it was El Yunque that made the most pleasant impression on me))).

Start here.

http://o-l-g-a-r-i.livejournal.com/4562.html

El Yunque is the only rain forest in the USA.
Since 1876 – a reserve. The highest part is 3500 meters. According to legend – the habitat of the Indian god Yukiyi. Divided into 4 zones. Above 2500m – the cloud forest begins. Many trees that are already 1000 years old! (more than 240 varieties in total), about 1000 different types of plants, 50 orchids, etc. Yes, El Yunque was one of the 28 finalists in the New 7 Wonders of the World.

http://www.new7wonders.com/n7w/nature/finalists

I would not compare it with the rain or cloud forests of the same Costa Rica. In the latter, of course, it is more interesting – there are much more animals and birds.
But!
There you can’t take a step off the path – because it’s full of snakes and all sorts of other joys…
In cloudy forests, things are usually a little better with snakes than down in the rain, but it’s still dangerous to climb through the bushes. Especially in the evenings.
And Puerto Rico is so beautiful – go where you want and when you want. No danger!
And in the evenings the forest just sings!!! These are their local frogs singing) … These frogs are called coqui. This is their, Puerto Ricans, national animal – they are very small and are found only on this island. They live all over the island, not only in the rain forest or on the coast, but also in parks and gardens, where they were transplanted by the locals, so in love with the singing of their frog. The inhabitants of the island claim that the frog stops singing when he leaves the island! By the way, when there are a lot of them, they make decent noise.
Some of the tourists do not like it, but I really, really liked it))). I also filmed it on video, but I don’t know how to upload it to the Internet. But I found someone else’s, on youtube))). Listen to how it sounds…
It’s not even the sounds of the forest, but somewhere near the hotel. And it’s even better in the forest!
http://www. youtube.com/watch?v=mWaOx65TPWk&feature=related

The frog itself.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54-FzuE-w0U&feature=related

They also write songs about this frog))).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnIKeh7V3DQ&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pp2DCGGNFGU&feature=related

I wasn’t lucky enough to take a photo of the frog either.
I just took this one crushed on the road))))…

Therefore, borrowed again from the Internet)…

Further photos are mine).
Not very good(((because we always tried to arrive there in the evening, when there were no people there at all and therefore it was a bit dark.
It’s generally dark for filming, even during the day, because very often it rains or clouds.

And now a little about the hotel in which we lived there.
In view of the fact that we were going on a cruise later, where there would be many, many people, we also wanted to choose a more private hotel.
The second point was the proximity to the rain forest (again, because I wanted to wander there in silence).
And the third price, because It seemed to me that the prices for hotels in Puerto Rico are quite high.
That’s why this hotel was chosen. But I was a little tormented by doubts, because. Reviews about this hotel were quite mixed.
I offer you my version of the assessment of the hotel, maybe it will help someone in choosing))).
It is located about an hour’s drive from San Juan, in the town of Rio Grande. I really liked this hotel, there on the spot, so I think that it is quite possible to recommend it.
True under certain conditions.
1) The first and most important condition is that you must be with a car. It is located away from the road, in the middle of nowhere and no public transport goes there. And the prices for a taxi will not make you happy…
There is also absolutely no beach there (but if you are by car, then there are a lot of good beaches very close)))
2) The hotel is open, this should be borne in mind if you go out of season. It seems to me that there is no need to go there at all out of season. There and in the season it rains every now and then, because there is a rain forest very close (10 min.). But if you like to sleep to the sound of rain and a chorus of frogs, then this hotel will suit you very much)))…
3)Hotel restaurants are not only expensive, but the dress code there is quite formal, you will most likely feel uncomfortable in shorts and a T-shirt… $ from the account per day in case you get caught drinking your liquor. So, this is complete nonsense. Money is indeed withdrawn, but this is not for fines, but for a simplified calculation in restaurants, spas, etc. Like on a cruise.
We brought wine with us and openly drank in the evenings on the balcony). .. As we usually do)… Nobody hunted us there).
People also complained about the slow cleaning in the rooms, but I can’t say anything here, because. we were gone for days on end, and when we returned in the evenings, it was always cleaned. The hotel is located on a very large area and some have complained that the main building is too far to walk. So we never walked on our own feet. Always in a couple of seconds there was a golf machine nearby. As I understand it, it’s not customary to go there at all))) and these cars are constantly plying back and forth there. Although it is quite possible that at the height of the day, many cars are busy transporting players to the fields (golf) …
Another plus. You can swim in the pool late at night.
So cool! We always swam there alone in the evenings))).
And now a photo.
Number.

Territory.

This is here with the beach . ..
but I repeat – there are very good ones there)))) …

Yes, there are no people in the hotel at all. Here I photographed in the morning, but in the afternoon it is almost as empty. The hotel is mainly focused on golfers and they are very busy during the day – everyone is on the fields …
Therefore, if you want privacy and silence, then this is your hotel))).
The restaurants in the hotel are very good.
But it’s expensive, so I won’t advertise… Nevertheless, there was the only edible steak for the entire trip (eaten by my husband, he rejected the rest, including the ship’s). We were aware of the prices and did not intend to eat at the hotel at all, but after some experiments with samples of local cuisine, we had to (((…
More will be said about local food separately, but looking ahead I will say that Spanish traditions are strong there… Hmm…
In short – you need to know the places. Or the vacation might be ruined.
(By the way, we found a good restaurant there, but somewhere in an hour (or a little more) drive from the hotel).

Yes, here’s the hotel’s website just in case)…
www.gran-melia-puerto-rico.com/en/

And now for the local restaurant we liked.
The place is called Naguabo.
View from the restaurant.

View of the restaurant itself.

There was good seafood and very convenient – parking is nearby and guarded.
This is Mofondo – this is a mass of plantain mixed with bacon, crabs, etc. and fried (((

And this is empanadilla, again with meat, plantains and yucca dough. .
First of all, we went to one of the neighboring beaches, and then just in the neighboring towns and walked in the rain forest in the evening.
There are very few photographs of these places, for the reason that we usually did not take a camera with us. This is due to the fact that I have read on many sites that it is dangerous to leave anything in the car.
Well, it’s understandable that it’s dangerous in the rain forest – there are unguarded parking lots. Someone can just get out of the forest and cry your things … I was not so sorry for the camera itself, then the insurance will return it, but the flash drive with the photo (and therefore I even put the camera in the trunk a couple of times, and carried the flash drive with me Then they simply didn’t take anything at all, except for themselves, towels and a change of clothes) …
Therefore, there are few photos of beaches, but they are not so good there, so that later you can specially watch the camera)…
That’s what we have…

Our car).

How do you like the license plates?

These photos are from the vicinity of Luquillo, but there is a beach with guarded parking and it is still a little better, but there are an order of magnitude more people there (no photo). Especially on weekends . .. But before and after there are a lot of wild beaches where you can just park by the road and go swimming).
By the way, anticipating possible problems), I bought myself such a small waterproof wallet, we put the car key there, and went swimming together.
An irreplaceable thing, by the way…
I really liked one local church from the vicinity of Luquillo.
Look how funny inside!

There are also their local ones nearby, the so-called kiosks, these are rows of shops – restaurants with local food.

They were highly praised on the Internet, which is cheap and cheerful, etc.).
And I was generally very determined to try local dishes!
But, unfortunately, they did not fit my taste at all (and after two days of unsuccessful testing, we found an ordinary sea restaurant in a completely different place, which I wrote about above).
There are probably other good restaurants nearby, but we just couldn’t find them.