Punta Cana in December

In December, Punta Cana averages 28°C (82°F) during the day and 21°C (70°F) at night, with around 9 days of rain (75 mm total).

High season

Conditions are warm and beach-friendly. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate.

December is a great month to visit Punta Cana: pleasant temperatures and relatively few wet days.

28°C
Avg high
21°C
Avg low
9
Rain days
75 mm
Rainfall

How December compares to the rest of the year in Punta Cana

12th
warmest month of the 12
8th
wettest month of the 12
6%
of yearly rainfall falls in December
11 h 1 min
daylight on the 15th

December is one of the coolest months in Punta Cana (12th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (8th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 2°C below the annual average (30°C). December runs 1°C cooler than November (29°C) and stays flat into January.

December sunrise & sunset in Punta Cana

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:58 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
5:59 PM
Day length
11 h 1 min

Times shown for Punta Cana local time (America/Santo_Domingo), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Punta Cana — December

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Punta Cana's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
5:58 AM – 6:38 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
6:38 AM – 7:38 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
5:19 PM – 6:19 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
6:19 PM – 6:59 PM

📅 When to book — Punta Cana in December

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (High season) and Punta Cana's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
2-3 months
Prices are above off-season but not the absolute peak. Tuesday/Wednesday departures are usually cheaper than weekend ones.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
2-3 months
Wide selection still available at this lead time. Premium properties book first; consider 'last-minute deal' availability at 2-week mark if your dates are flexible.
⚠ Christmas / New Year travel is a global premium-pricing event — many destinations 30-50% above normal. Book 4+ months ahead if your dates are Dec 20 - Jan 2.

Crowds & pricing — December in Punta Cana

High season

This is a busy month in Punta Cana — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.

Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather Christmas / New Year travel surge

Sun & mosquito risk — December in Punta Cana

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
8.9
Very high
Limit sun exposure between 11 AM and 3 PM; SPF 30-50, reapply every 90 minutes outdoors.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●●○
High
Peak mosquito activity. DEET 30%+, long sleeves at dawn/dusk, sleep under nets if rural.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

Punta Cana in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 28°C / 82°F 20°C / 68°F 55 mm 7
February 28°C / 82°F 20°C / 68°F 40 mm 6
March 29°C / 84°F 21°C / 70°F 45 mm 5
April 30°C / 86°F 22°C / 72°F 65 mm 7
May 30°C / 86°F 23°C / 73°F 155 mm 12
June 31°C / 88°F 24°C / 75°F 110 mm 11
July 31°C / 88°F 24°C / 75°F 125 mm 12
August 31°C / 88°F 24°C / 75°F 145 mm 12
September 31°C / 88°F 24°C / 75°F 175 mm 12
October 30°C / 86°F 23°C / 73°F 175 mm 12
November 29°C / 84°F 22°C / 72°F 130 mm 11
December 28°C / 82°F 21°C / 70°F 75 mm 9

Other cities with similar December weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Punta Cana in December →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Punta Cana in December?

In December, Punta Cana averages a high of 28°C (82°F) and a low of 21°C (70°F) — generally warm.

Does it rain a lot in Punta Cana in December?

December sees occasional rain in Punta Cana, with about 9 rainy days on average.

Is December a good time to visit Punta Cana?

December is warm. It suits travelers who are comfortable with warm weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Punta Cana in December?

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen. See the full December packing list for Punta Cana for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Punta Cana on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.