How to Choose the Best Time to Visit Puerto Rico?

How to Choose the Best Time to Visit Puerto Rico?

If you are looking for a destination where you can spend a holiday vacation with your family and friends then Puerto Rico could be the best option. If you look one way, you will see magnificent mountains and waterfalls then look the other way, you will witness slouching rainforests and enriched historic cities. 

No matter where you move, or where you head this beautiful U.S. territory will never leave a chance to amaze you. 

This place offers many activities and sights to its natives and visitors. Here, you will get a lot of stuff to explore. But the question is what is the best time to visit Puerto Rico? Well, it solely depends on what kind of activities you are planning to do and what type of climatic weather you prefer. 

Puerto Rico is a Caribbean island. This place has a tropical climate, which directly signifies its warm and humid year-round with an average temperature of about 80°F. 

Mid-December to mid-April is known as the peak season to visit this island. Because the weather is much cooler and drier which makes it a very popular time. If you are someone who likes colder climates then this time would be the best for you. 

However, there is a disadvantage to this pretty climate as this is the busiest and most expensive time to visit Puerto Rico. During this time you will get larger crowds and higher prices for transportation, accommodations, and activities.

But no worries, I have researched the best season for you that will be cheaper. To know further details let's dive into the article. 

Best Time to Visit Puerto Rico:

Well, if you are looking for an affordable and less crowded time to visit Puerto Rico then you must travel from late April to early June or from September to mid-December. During these seasons, you may get to experience some soothing rain time. However, the island is typically very lush and green, so even if it's rainy still you will enjoy a quite warm temperature and plenty of sunshine.

If you have an athletic spirit and are interested in outdoor activities for instance hiking or exploring the rainforest then I would advise you to avoid the peak time of the rainy season, which is from May to November. Especially the time of September and October, because during this time you will experience the heaviest rainfall. 

So, to enjoy a great time for outdoor activities try to plan your visit in December to April. But one thing you must keep in mind, this particular season time can be hotter and more crowded.

Plan Your Visit to Puerto Rico by Season-

Puerto Rico's tourist visiting season is typically divided into two major parts.  

  • Peak Season (December to May) 

  • Off-Peak Season (June to November)


However, to help you decide the better season for your travel, I have mentioned the climatic weather, activities, sights, and entertainment factors that you can explore in Puerto Rico in different seasons below. 

Summer (June to August)

If you are planning a trip to visit Puerto Rico then the Summer season could be the best season due to various factors. 

For example, in the summer season, this place will be less expensive than the peak winter season. Accommodations will be more affordable, making it easier to plan a budget-friendly vacation. 

While the summer season is still a popular time to visit Puerto Rico, it is generally less crowded than the winter season. This means you can enjoy the island's attractions without having to deal with large crowds.

Note: To get cheap flights, you can book your flight with United Airlines.

Weather Climate:

Puerto Rico enjoys warm temperatures and sunny skies throughout the year. However, during this season, the place becomes more warm and sunny. The weather temperature stays around 80°F in this season. 

Outdoor Activities:

There are many outdoor activities that you can enjoy. Some are listed below:

Snorkeling-

Puerto Rico is a very popular island because of its beautiful beaches. One of the most fun outdoor activities that you can enjoy in the summer season is Snorkeling. 

In this activity, you can do underwater swimming to explore the water life. To do this activity you must wear a diving mask, a shaped breathing tube, and a swimfin. 

Scuba Diving-

The next fun activity that you can do is Scuba Diving. If you are a professional swimmer then this adventurous activity would be perfect for you. While scuba diving, you must wear a wetsuit to protect yourself from hazardous things and underwater animals. 

Hiking-

As I mentioned earlier, this island is surrounded by dense forests. So, during summertime, you can enjoy hiking with your friends. To explore the experience of hiking you can Hike through the El Yunque Rainforest. 

Festivals and Events-

Some of the famous and fun festivals and events that you can encounter in Puerto Rico during the summer season are; 

1. Noche de San Juan

If you are in Puerto Rico in the month of June then try to be there till June. Every year on June 23, the natives celebrate the birth of Saint John the Baptist on beaches. The name of this fest is Noche de San Juan. You can enjoy this fest with your friends and family. 

2. Festival de las Flores de Aibonito (Aibonito Flower Festival)

If you are a nature lover then Festival de las Flores de Aibonito would be the best festival for you. This festival takes place in the month of June or July. At this festival, you can get to explore and witness different kinds of flowers and trees. You can even purchase them if you want. 

3. Casals Festival

This is an event to give tribute to the famous cellist, conductor, and composer Pablo Casals. Here you can watch around 11 concerts of high-caliber musicians. 

Hence, this is the perfect time to enjoy the beautiful beaches and other outdoor activities with low crowds. 

Fall (September to November)

If you want to enjoy the ending phase of summer then plan your trip for the late August. And to enjoy the fall time in Puerto Rico, you can visit between September to November. This season is an off-peak season which means you will get fewer crowds. 

Weather Climate:

The weather during the fall season in Puerto Rico is perfect for outdoor activities, with temperatures averaging around 81°F. 

Outdoor Activities:

Outdoor activities that you can do in the fall season are; 

Horseback Riding-

Whether you are an adult or child, single or couple in Puerto Rico you will get to the facility to do horse riding without any problem. Just book a horse riding tour guide and enjoy the rides. 

This activity can be done in every season but in the fall season, the cost will be a bit cheaper than in other seasons.

Surfing-

Explore the waves of Puerto Rico. The blend of mild warm windy climate and cool ocean water will create a perfect mood and scenario for your surfing activity. 

Note: During the high wave tides, do not forget to take safety measures. 

Festivals and Events 

While on this beautiful island, you can witness some of the best festivals that occur in the month of October and November. 

1. Festival Nacional Indígena de Jayuya
Witness the cultural folk festival of Puerto Rico Festival Nacional Indígena de Jayuya. This festival takes place in the second half of November. This festive is typically focused on Taíno culture and heritage. 

2. La Campechada
La Campechada is a festival that takes place every year to promote the local arts and culture to the public. You can purchase many tokens of memory while enjoying the fest. 

3. Festival de Halloween 
This Halloween fest is a worldwide famous festival that occurs in October. But this occasion is something special in Puerto Rico. If you want to enjoy this horror festival then you must visit La Concha Resort in San Juan's Condado. In this hotel, you will get the spookiest vibe ever. 

4. Others
The San Sebastian Street Festival, held in Old San Juan, is one of the biggest street festivals in the Caribbean, with live music, food, and dancing. The Saborea Puerto Rico Food Festival is another must-visit event, celebrating the island's diverse culinary traditions.

Winter (December to Mid-March)

Winter is a fantastic time to visit Puerto Rico for many reasons. While other parts of the world may be experiencing cold temperatures and snow, Puerto Rico boasts a mild and sunny winter season that is perfect for outdoor adventures and relaxation.
Additionally, the winter season is an ideal time to go whale watching in Puerto Rico. Humpback whales migrate to the waters around the island from December to April, and many tour operators offer guided whale-watching excursions.

Weather Climate-

This island has an average temperature of 85°F during the day and around 70°F at night. This makes it an ideal destination for sun-seekers who want to bask in warm weather and soak up the sun.

Outdoor Activities-

Sailing

Enjoy the winter's vibrant, pink-tinted sunset and bounce off the historic streets of Old San Juan in Puerto Rico by sailing through the beautiful and clear waters. 

Golf

Visit Río Bayamón Golf Course and get around an 18-hole golf course and golfing classes. If you are a golf lover then enjoy challenging golf games at El Conquistador course.

And, if you are a pro in golf then try your luck at the championship course at the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Hotel. 

Festivals and Events-

1. Festival de las Máscaras de Hatillo

The Festival of Masks of Hatillo popularly known as El Día de Los Santos Inocentes is a parade held every year on December 28 where all the natives including women, elders, and children wear colorful masks and costumes to roam on the streets. 

This festival is in remembrance of the children killed by King Herod's men in search of 3 year old baby Jesus. 

Note: If you want to see this parade with your kid then do not leave their hand at any cost and beware of the vejigantes as they might try to snatch your kid. 

2. Festival de la Novilla

The San Sebastian Heifer Festival, also known as the Festival de la Novilla, is a well-known event in Puerto Rico that takes place every year on the third weekend of January during the town's patronal celebrations honoring Saint Sebastian.

3. Fiesta de los Reyes Magos

El Día de Reyes, also known as Epiphany, is a holiday observed in Puerto Rico on January 6th. It honors the Three Wise Men's visit to Jesus shortly after his birth. Although the entire island observes this festival, Juana Daz in the south hosts the most well-known celebrations.

Spring (Late March to May)

Spring is a beautiful time to visit Puerto Rico, as the island comes alive with vibrant colors and warm weather. This time is best to enjoy Puerto Rico's stunning beaches. 

The water is warm and calm, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. Some of the best beaches to visit during spring include Luquillo Beach and Flamenco Beach.

This season is an excellent time to explore the island's culinary scene. Many restaurants offer fresh, locally sourced ingredients and traditional Puerto Rican dishes like mofongo and arroz con gandules.

Weather Climate-

The average climatic temperature in the spring season is approx 85°F. This season in Puerto Rico is quite warmer and wetter than the winter season. In the month of March, you can experience less humidity. 

Outdoor Activities-

Kayaking

Explore the beauty of Puerto Rico beaches by surfing the boat from one end to another. 

Note: The best place to try these activities is Flamenco Beach.

Fishing

In the evening time, you can do a family fun activity “Fishing”. Some of the great fishing spots on this island are off the coast of San Juan, Rincon, and Fajardo. 

Festivals and Events-

1. Dia Nacional de la Salsa

If you love to dance especially salsa dance then this event is for you. Dia Nacional de la Salsa an event organized by a private radio station is a very popular event in Puerto Rico. You can participate there without any fees. 

2. Saborea Puerto Rico

If you are a foodie and love to eat different types of food items then take part in the Saborea Puerto Rico festival. 

More than 20 local chefs prepare some best dishes on this island. At this event, you will get music, wine tasting, cooking demonstrations, mixology classes, and drink counters. 

3. Puerto Rican Danza Week

Similar to Dia Nacional de la Salsa, Puerto Rican Danza Week is another festival where numerous musicians and composers create music and dance by combining European influences with the local culture. Local and Visitors both are allowed to take part.  

Pros and Cons of Travel to Each Season 

Season
Pros
Cons
Summer
Less expensive accommodation and travel expenses
Do not have many festivals and events as compared to other seasons
Fall
Less crowd and beautiful sight views
Visitors can experience more humid in this season than in summer
Winter
This season has many mythologically inspired festivals
Most expensive accommodation and travel expenses with maximum crowd
Spring
In this season, visitors can explore various cultural festivals
Unpredictable weather conditions such as rains

Worst Weather to Visit Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico has mostly warm weather throughout the year. All the seasons of this island are good and offer a lot of entertaining and adventurous stuff. But it can be a bit risky to visit this place in the months of August and September. These two months are known as hurricane season. During these months, you can experience heavy storms which can affect your trip and enjoyment. 

Final Thought 

If you want to visit an adventurous and entertaining place then Puerto Rico will be a good option. I hope this comprehensive guide was helpful for you to decide the best time to visit Puerto Rico. If it was then do share this article with your loved ones. Happy Journey. 

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