Average high temperature and rainfall for Punta Cana in October. © 2022 Scott S. Bateman

Dominican Republic weather in October is the worst of the entire year for Punta Cana and only OK for Puerto Plata.

Dominican Republic is on the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with Haiti. It is hugely popular because of its all-inclusive resorts and beautiful beaches in two places in particular—Punta Cana and Puerto Plata. It also has several cruise ports including Punta Cana, La Romana and Amber Cove near Puerto Plata.

The heavy October rains are the result of the Caribbean hurricane season. It runs from June through November and reaches peak activity in September and October.

The following averages are based on 30-year statistics and will vary from year to year.

Punta Cana Rainfall and Temperatures

Punta Cana on the eastern tip of the island has unpleasant weather in October thanks to an average of about six inches during October, the highest of the year, according to Dominican Republic’s National Office of Meteorology.

Although that total is moderately heavy by Caribbean standards, it also rains only 11.4 days a month.

That means the average rainfall is heavy, but the odds of days without rain are nearly one in three, which is a good average for the Caribbean.

Anyone who plans to go in October despite the possibility of rain will find that temperatures are still comfortable with an average high of 87 degrees Fahrenheit.

The average low is 74 degrees. Sea water will be comfortable for swimming.

The average highs in Punta Cana range between the low 80s and the high 80s the entire year.

Puerto Plata Rainfall and Temperatures

Puerto Plata on the northern coast of the island has much better weather in October because of more moderate rainfall.

It averages about 4.5 inches during the month, which makes it a better choice in October than Punta Cana.

The number of days it rains also is slightly less at 10.7 days on average.

It is worth noting that Puerto Plata rainfall more than doubles in November, so it would be wise to choose early October rather than later in the month for a vacation there.

Temperatures are slightly warmer during the day with an average high of 90 degrees Fahrenheit and slightly cooler at night with an average low of 68, according to Dominican Republic’s National Office of Meteorology.

• Dominican Republic weather in: January - February - March - April - May - June - July - August - September - October - November - December

Whether to Go

This is an easy choice to make. Anyone who is determined to go to Dominican Republic in October will find that the odds of good weather are more favorable for Puerto Plata than Punta Cana.

That said, weather is unpredictable and Puerto Plata could get hit harder during a particular year.

The fact that the two destinations average about 11 rain days will mean that anyone vacationing there will have plenty of days without it.

But given a choice of when to go, the weather for both Punta Cana and Puerto Plata is much better from February through August and possibly even September.