Puerto rico seasons: Best and Worst Times to Visit Puerto Rico

Posted by alexxlab
April 18, 2023
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Best time to visit Puerto Rico | Best Time of Year for Travelling to Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico has a hot and sunny tropical climate with an average yearly temperature of 26–27°C (80°F), but this can drop well into the teens at higher elevations in January and February.

The driest period of the year runs roughly between January and April, but the island doesn’t really have distinct dry and wet seasons – showers are possible year-round, though the southwest corner is extremely dry and the north coast gets twice as much rain as the south.

Rainfall usually picks up between May and October, and hurricanes are possible anytime between June and November, worth bearing in mind when deciding the best time to visit. Major hurricanes are mercifully rare, but can be devastating if they score a direct hit.

Seasons in Puerto Rico

The peak tourist seasons run roughly from December to April and all of July and August. The winter sees North Americans flock to the island to escape cold weather, with San Juan inundated by cruise-ship visitors, while high summer is the holiday season for Puerto Ricans. Prices are highest and crowds thickest at these times, especially on the coast, and if you intend to visit at Christmas, New Year or Easter, book well in advance.

The island has also been a popular Spring Break destination in recent years, with thousands of US college students invading the main resorts between February and March – bear this in mind when booking accommodation, especially if you want a tranquil experience.

Festivals and holidays in Puerto Rico by month

One of Puerto Rico’s greatest attractions is its range and depth of festivals. Traditional festivals are thoroughly grounded in the island’s Spanish heritage, with African and Taíno elements added over the years to create a truly criollo mix.

These include the fiestas patronales or fiestas del pueblo observed by each of the 78 municipalities to honour patron saints – the main ones are listed below and in relevant chapters. Public holidays are marked with a (P) and include all US federal holidays, when government-run offices and attractions, as well as banks, will be closed. Shops and other businesses tend to close only on New Year’s Day, Three Kings’ Day, Good Friday and Easter Sunday, Mothers’ and Fathers’ Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. However, even if it’s not an official holiday, any of the festivals listed here can mean closures and time changes, so plan ahead.

January

Día de Año Nuevo/New Year’s Day January 1 (P). Usually celebrated with fireworks displays.
Día de los Tres Reyes (Three Kings’ Day) January 6 (P). This is the day children receive gifts (in addition to Christmas Day).
Natalicio de Eugenio María de Hostos Second Monday in January (P). Commemorates the famous independence advocate, born in Mayagüez on January 11, 1839.
Martin Luther King’s Birthday Third Monday in January (P). US federal holiday to honour the African-American civil rights leader gunned down in 1968.

February

Carnaval de Ponce Week before Ash Wednesday. This traditional pre-Lenten carnival is one of the most important festivals in Puerto Rico.
Día de los Presidentes (Presidents’ Day) Third Monday in February (P). Another US holiday, originally commemorating George Washington’s birthday on February 22, and associated locally with the birth of Luis Muñoz Marín on February 18, 1898.

March & April

Día de la Abolición de la Esclavitud (Emancipation Day) March 22 (P). Commemorates the abolition of slavery in 1873.
Viernes Santo (Good Friday) and Domingo de la Resurrección (Easter), the first Sunday after the first full moon between March 22 and April 25. Both (P). Holy Week (santa semana) is the most important Catholic festival and consequently the busiest holiday in Puerto Rico.
Natalicio de José de Diego Third Monday in April (P). Celebrates the birth of José de Diego on April 16, 1867, the beloved poet and political leader.

May

Día de las Madres (Mothers’ Day) Second Sunday in May (P). Major celebration in Puerto Rico, with restaurants and beaches swamped.
Memorial Day Last Monday in May (P). Federal holiday to commemorate the men and women who have died serving in the US military.

June

Día de los Padres (Fathers’ Day) Third Sunday in June (P). Almost as big as Mothers’ Day.
Día de San Juan Bautista June 24. John the Baptist is the patron saint of Puerto Rico and the capital, and the biggest festivities take place in San Juan.

July

US Independence Day July 4 (P). Major federal holiday.
Natalicio de Luis Muñoz Rivera Third Monday in July (P). Celebrates the birthday of Luis Muñoz Rivera on July 15, 1859, in Barranquitas.
Día de la Constitución del Estado Libre Asociado (Constitution Day) July 25 (P). Commemorates the signing of the 1952 constitution of Puerto Rico.
Natalicio de José Celso Barbosa July 27 (P). Commemorates the birth of the celebrated doctor and Republican Party founder in 1857.
Fiestas Tradicionales de Santiago Apóstol Last week in July. The most vigorous celebration of St James’ Day (July 25) takes place in Loíza.

September

Día del Trabajo (Labor Day) first Monday in September (P). US tradition that started in the 1880s as a holiday for workers.

October

Día del Descubrimiento de América (Columbus Day) second Monday in October (P). Commemorates the arrival of Columbus in the New World on October 12, 1492. Celebrated with pride in Puerto Rico, but not in other parts of Latin America, where it’s known as Día de la Raza (Day of the People).

November

Día del Veterano (Veteran’s Day) November 11 (P). Federal holiday that honours military veterans, held on the anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I.
Día del Descubrimiento de Puerto Rico (Discovery of Puerto Rico Day) November 19 (P). Remembers the “discovery” of the island by Columbus in 1493.
Thanksgiving Fourth Thursday in November (P). US federal holiday to commemorate the Pilgrim Fathers’ survival in 1623.

December

Encendido Navideño December 1. Marks the beginning of the Christmas season, with celebrations to light Christmas trees.
Las Mañanitas Ponce, December 12. Major religious procession to honour the patron saint of the city, Nuestra Señora de la Guadalupe.
Navidad Christmas Day, December 25 (P). Puerto Rican Christmas dinner (usually featuring lechón, roast pork) is typically served on Christmas Eve, followed by Midnight Mass – presents are exchanged on Christmas Day.
Festival de las Máscaras (Mask Festival) Hatillo, December 26–28. Originally commemorating King Herod’s attempt to kill baby Jesus by ordering the murder of all firstborn sons. The men of the town wear florid masks and costumes to collect money (with as many pranks as possible) for local churches or charities.

Travel advice for Puerto Rico

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Puerto Rico

written by
Rough Guides Editors

updated 5/17/2021

Best Time to Visit Puerto Rico

Written by Lavanya Sunkara
Sep 23, 2020

The Caribbean archipelago of Puerto Rico has year-round balmy weather and makes a great vacation almost anytime of the year. Combined with the popular isles of Vieques and Culebra, this unincorporated US territory has much to offer year-round, from pristine beaches, thrilling caves, and bioluminescent bays to historic forts and a mountainous tropical rain forest. The best time to visit this enchanted island is in the spring and late fall to take in its many natural and historical attractions.

Although temperatures are in the mid to high 80s Fahrenheit, the most popular time (and high season) is in the winter and early spring, when the island experiences all around perfect weather. Puerto Rico doesn’t have distinctive dry and wet seasons, but the winter months see less rain than the summer. Winter is also when folks from the colder climates flock to the island for its gorgeous blue waters, nature reserves, and vibrant Spanish culture.

The shoulder season, between the busy winter and the rainy summer seasons, is the most ideal time to be in Puerto Rico for good weather and deals. The holidays are over; snowbirds have left; and the weather is perfect, with highs in the mid-80s Fahrenheit and low humidity levels.

After sustaining severe damage from Hurricanes Maria and Irma in 2017, the island’s tourism industry has mostly returned to normal, with hotels reopening and businesses welcoming travelers, especially in the charming capital city of San Juan and popular towns like Ponce and Rincon. Hurricane season runs from June to November.

To help you plan the best Puerto Rican vacation, we’ve gathered information on the best times to visit the island along with tips on when to go for festivals, outdoor adventure, and water activities.

Best Season to Visit Puerto Rico

El Morro Fort in San Juan, Puerto Rico

If you don’t mind the crowds, the best season to visit Puerto Rico is the winter, during the driest part of the year. Although hotel prices and airfares are on the higher side during this peak season, you will enjoy lovely weather and sunny beaches if you come earlier in the season or after the holidays. Puerto Ricans don’t typically go to the beach post Labor Day, so you will have your pick of sandy beaches along miles of coastline.

Great weather also means you can spend more time outdoors. Go ziplining and splash under waterfalls in El Yunque National Forest, get your heart pumping on a mountain bike ride along the Guanica State Forest Trail, and have a magical night in Vieques at Mosquito Bay’s bioluminescent beach. Additionally, you can see migrating humpback whales off the west coast from January to March.

If you are visiting Puerto Rico during the winter peak season, plan your visit at least two months in advance and book a hotel away from Old San Juan and the Calle Marina cruise port for a more relaxing stay.

When visiting in January, you can join the locals in celebrating the Three Kings Festival and the San Sebastian Festival (Puerto Rico’s version of Mardi Gras), with street parades featuring dance performances, live music, regional food, artworks, and a festive atmosphere.

Best Month to Visit Puerto Rico

Aerial view of Culebra, Puerto Rico

May is a perfect month to go to Puerto Rico, as the busy high season just ended in April, and the rainy and hurricane seasons haven’t set in yet. Temperatures are in the 70s and 80s Fahrenheit, and travel costs are much lower around this time.

Spring is also the time when hotels offer discounted rates to attract visitors, and airfares are generally lower. You’ll also find the biggest entertainment event in the Caribbean happening this month: the Puerto Rico Comic Con, a three-day show with exhibitors, games, and vendors held at the Puerto Rico Convention Center in San Juan.

Worst Time to Travel to Puerto Rico

La Coca Falls, El Yunque National Forest

Summertime is when it rains the heaviest in Puerto Rico, with August being the rainiest month of the year. But it may just rain for 10 to 15 minutes in the afternoon and return to bright skies.

Summer also means heavy humidity and stiflingly hot weather, with temperatures in the high 80s (and in the 90s in the southern region). The beaches around this time are crowded, given that children are out of school and families hit the coast to cool down.

The unpredictable hurricane season also starts in June and runs until the end of November. Although you may get some good hotel and flight deals in the summer, you will have to contend with searing hot weather, rains, and the possibility of storms.

However, if you are visiting this time of the year, head to the waterfalls and caves for slightly cooler temperatures. Two popular waterfalls on the island are located in El Yunque National Forest: La Coca Falls and La Mina Falls. Cueva del Viento (the Wind Cavern) in the Guajataca State Forest and Cueva Ventana (Window Cave), both in the northwestern part of the island, are among some of the popular caves on the island.

Cheapest Time to Go to Puerto Rico

Colorful houses in San Juan

While the summer may not be the ideal time to visit, it certainly is the cheapest time to go to this popular island. Be sure to book a hotel with air-conditioning and be prepared for some rain (as this is also the rainiest time of the year).

If you find yourself visiting Puerto Rico in the summer, cool down at its many gorgeous beaches, hit the mountain trails, and go exploring the caves and waterfalls. You may also choose to visit Ponce on the western side of the island, which tends to get less rainfall.

Fall is another good time to consider for an affordable vacation in Puerto Rico. It coincides with the hurricane season, but if you are willing to take your chances, you will find tremendous deals on airfare and accommodations (even at the four-star hotels).

Whether you choose to visit in the summer or fall, you will be there during the off-peak season, which means restaurants, activities, and resorts will have more openings, especially in smaller islands like Culebra and Vieques, where things get booked up rather fast.

Best Time to Cruise to Puerto Rico

Cruise ships in San Juan

San Juan’s cruise port is considered among the busiest in the world, with two cruise terminals and a parade of cruise ships arriving during peak season, when you will have longer days and inviting weather. Keep in mind, though, that if you are traveling in the winter from U.S. ports along the Atlantic coast, you may encounter rough waters on your way to the Caribbean.

The ideal time to cruise to Puerto Rico is in the spring, when you have sunny days and calmer waters. Avoid cruising around the busy times of spring break and Christmas time if you don’t want to be stuck on a ship with rowdy crowds.

If you are cruising in July or August, you are likely to encounter tropical storms, but this is also the time you may get some good deals. Add travel insurance for protection from weather-related delays and cancellations, but rest assured that the likelihood of a storm happening at the exact location of your ship is fairly slim. Besides, you will probably be sharing the ship with fewer passengers.

Best Time to Visit Puerto Rico for the Rain Forest

Rainforest in the El Yunque National Forest

Located a 40-minute drive from San Juan, the emerald gem of El Yunque National Forest is one of the island’s top attractions. This 28,000-acre preserved land on the northeastern coast is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Park System. The mountainous area is teeming with plant and animal biodiversity, stunning waterfalls, gorgeous vistas, and even a dwarf forest along the mountain tops.

As the name suggests, El Yunque rainforest is also the rainiest part of the island. Due to the elevation of 3,500 feet, the temperature lies around 70 degrees all year-round.

You can enjoy exploring the forest at any time of the year, but keep in mind that during peak season, you will have to share popular trails like La Mina Waterfalls and Mount Britton Tower trails with other tourists. To beat the crowds, start your exploring days early.

Best Time to Visit Puerto Rico for Snorkeling

Green sea turtle in Puerto Rico

The waters surrounding the main island and the offshore isles of Puerto Rico are teeming with healthy coral reefs with plenty of tropical fish worth exploring on a snorkeling adventure. The islands of Vieques and Culebra are especially known to have some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean.

Culebra is known for Flamenco Beach, which is often listed among the top beaches in the world, but Carlos Rosario is a good place for snorkeling – it’s a 20-minute hike from the famed Flamenco Beach and doesn’t see as many visitors. In Vieques, head to the Blue Beach for a variety of rays, turtles, and colorful fish.

If you are staying in San Juan, you will see lots of tropical fish in the protected waters off the public beach of Balneario El Escambron. Experience the underwater world in the summer months, when there are less crowds and calmer waters. The summer months also have gentle waves on the western coast of the island, where you can swim and snorkel at the Steps Beach in the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve in Rincon.

Best Time to Visit Puerto Rico for Surfing

Surfing in Puerto Rico

Surfers looking to hit the waves are better off heading to the northwest corner of the island, which is often referred to as the Caribbean version of Hawaii’s North Shore.

Of the most popular surf destinations, Rincon stands out for its world class waves. It even features a sculpture of a Puerto Rican surfer in the middle of the town. You will experience excellent swells between October and February at many of its beaches, including Playa Domes, Rincon Point, Tres Palmas, and Sandy Beach.

Many of the towns on the northwestern coast offer surf shops with board rentals, lessons, and guided experiences. Visit Rincon in November for its annual Rincon Surfing Festival, a multi-day celebration held near the Punta Higüero Lighthouse, with contests, exhibitions of gear, and more.

Best Time to Visit Puerto Rico for Music & Festivals

Dancers wearing traditional outfits at a festival in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico begins the new year with its largest festival: San Sebastian Street Festival, also known as “San Se,” in honor of Saint Sebastian. Taking place in mid-January, this four-day event in Old San Juan features music; dancing; delicious food; and parades of vejigantes, characters wearing bright colors, vivid horned masks, and capes. The festival attracts hundreds of thousands of people, all enjoying the vibrant display of cultural dance performances, artworks by local artisans, delicious food, and more.

The week-long Ponce Festival, also known as the Carnaval Ponceño, happens in February or March during Ash Wednesday in the historic downtown Ponce. The festival features vejigantes, thumping Bomba and plena music, spirited dancing, beauty pageants, and local food.

In April, the Saborea Food Festival, held at Balneario de Carolina in Carolina on the northeast coast, gives visitors a chance to taste some of the best cooking from local chefs at top restaurants and renowned chefs from other parts of the world.

Also in April, the International Film Festival in Rincon features surf, comedy, feature, and short films over five days. Later in the year, the annual Rincon Surfing Festival is a good time to watch world-class surfers and take up some surfing lessons.

Keep in mind that resorts and other accommodations are hard to get during festival times and tend to cost more. But, you don’t have to visit during these festive months to enjoy live music. On the last Sunday of every month, the Plaza Darsenas in San Juan has free sunset concerts featuring energizing traditional and contemporary music that will get you moving.

El Greco, Puerto Rico – Updated 2023 Prices

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Apartment and Rate Information
Amenities and Services
Accommodation Conditions
Guest Reviews (72)

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Swimming pool

Washing machine

Free Wi-Fi

Terrace

Balcony

Free parking

Air conditioning

El Greco Apartments located in Puerto Rico with direct beach access The pool and hot tub offer scenic views of the sea and the marina.

El Greco’s spacious and modern apartments have a private balcony or terrace and free Wi-Fi. The kitchen has a microwave and refrigerator, while the living room has a flat-screen TV.

Gran Canaria Airport is just 30 minutes’ drive from the apartments. Free parking is available on site. A car rental service is also offered.

Guests can dine at the grill restaurant. There is also a snack bar on the terrace by the pool. El Molino del Greco, an authentic Italian restaurant, serves fresh homemade pasta and pizza.

El Greco apartments are cleaned daily and bed linen is changed twice a week. Towels are changed every 2 days.

This is our guests’ favorite part of Puerto Rico, according to independent reviews.

Couples especially like the location – they rated accommodation in the area for a trip as a couple on 10 .

El Greco has been welcoming Booking.com guests since 24 Feb. 2011.

More details

Benefits of this option

Located in the top-rated area in Puerto Rico City. Excellent Location Score: 10.0

Do you want to sleep well? This property scores highly for very comfortable beds.

Buffet

Free private parking on site

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Guests return here more often than in other accommodation options.

Select dates to see availability and rates.

Type of accommodation

accommodates

Apartments with 1 bedroom (for 1-2 adults)

1 large double bed

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Apartments with 2 bedrooms (for 3 adults)

bedroom 1:

1 double bed

bedroom 2:

2 single beds

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Bungalo with 2 bedrooms (only adults)

bedroom 1:

1 double bed

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Apartment

Bedroom 1:

1 double bed

Bedroom 2:

2 single beds

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Standard double room with 1 bed

2 large double beds

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Superlux with a King-Size size 9000

bedroom 1 bedroom 1

1 king bed

Bedroom 2:

1 king bed

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Nearest beaches

Playa de Puerto Rico
8.4 Very good beach
20 m from the property
Amadores beach
8.8 Stunning beach
950 m from the option of accommodation
La Plaiya-de-Tauro beach
8.3 Very good beach
1.6 km from the option of accommodation
Anfi
beach
8.7 Stunning beach
2.2 km from property
Los Frailes beach
8.2 Very good beach
2.6 km from property

Playalavade Beach

9Q&A about the property

See what other guests are asking to learn more about this property.

Do you have rooms available on February 23rd for 7 days? Thank you. Thank you.
Hello, thank you for contacting us. In the winter season 2022/23 we do not have availability. Our hotel is booked by a tour operator and uses all of you..
This is a translation –
Reply July 22, 2022
The pool bar offers snacks and drinks throughout the day.
Hello! Hello! Yes, we have a pool bar open from 08:00 to 18:00 with snacks, food and drinks.
This is a translation –
Reply July 4, 2022
Hello, is your bar and restaurant open as they were closed last July.
Hello, yes El Molino and La Cantina restaurants are open now.
This is a translation –
Reply July 3, 2022
Hello again, which tour operator will book your hotel in February?
I have used your hotel many times and enjoyed this experience.
Thank you. Jill
– Hello. – Hello. During the winter season, guests can book a room at Ving, Spies or Tjareborg.
This is a translation –
Reply July 23, 2022
Hello! Which tour operator is booking a hotel in February?
– Hello. – Hello. In winter, you can book a room in Vinge, Spies or Tjareburg.
This is a translation –
Reply July 23, 2022
Restaurant

Accommodation conditions

El Greco takes special requests – add them in the next step!

check in

14:00 – 23:00

Departure

Until 12:00

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prepayment

Cancellation and prepayment policies vary by apartment.
Please enter your dates of stay and review the booking conditions for the requested room.

Refundable security deposit

A security deposit of EUR 150 is required upon arrival. Payment is by credit card. You will receive the deposited amount at the time of check-out. After checking the condition of the accommodation, the deposit will be fully returned to your bank card.

Beds for children

Child Policy

Children of all ages are welcome.

Children aged 13 and over are considered adults at this property.

To see exact prices and availability, please enter the number of children in your group and their age when searching.

Crib and Extra Bed Policy

0-2 Years

Cot on request

Free of charge

The number of cots allowed depends on the option selected. Check conditions.

No extra beds available.

Baby cots are subject to availability.

No age limit

There are no age restrictions for check-in.

Cards accepted by the property

El Greco accepts these cards and reserves the right to temporarily hold an amount prior to arrival.

Smoking

No smoking.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Legal information

This facility is managed by an individual. European Union consumer protection laws may not apply when booking with professional landlords.

1677240,1664770,1677940,1663890,1664760|5,1672160,1675700,1653450,1673540|4,1659950|5,1677960,1663890|5,1664770|5,1673540,1659950,1664760,1663900|5,1653460,1674130, 1675700|3.1674130|5.1664870.1659950|1.1674130|1.1663900

Carlos Arroyo to end season in Puerto Rico – Basketball

Defender Carlos Arroyo has decided to end the 2014/15 season in his native Puerto Rico, according to insider David Pick.

Arroyo previously terminated the agreement with Turkish Galatasaray. The player explained this move by the “unstable financial situation” in the club.

Arroyo has been Galatasaray’s captain and scoring leader since January 2013. Before coming to Turkey, the Puerto Rican spent 8 seasons in the NBA.

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