Is it Good to Travel to Dominican Republic in December? The Truth About Weather, Christmas & High Prices

Visiting Punta Cana in December: A Local's Perspective

If you type "Dominican Republic in December" into Google, you usually see two questions: "Is it safe?"and "Is it warm?"

As someone who lives here, let me give you the short answer: December is the absolute best month of the year.Period.

If you are escaping the snow in Canada, the US, or the UK, you are landing in paradise. But December in the DR isn't just about the beach; it’s a cultural phenomenon. The vibe changes. The air changes. Even the beer tastes better.

Here is everything you need to know before you book your Christmas flight.

1. The Weather: The Magic of "La Brisita"

We locals have a word for the weather in December: "La Brisita"(The Little Breeze). From May to October, the DR is hot and humid. But in December, the humidity drops, and a cool trade wind blows from the North.

Days:Perfectly sunny and warm (82°F / 28°C). Great for tanning.
Nights:Surprisingly cool (68°F - 72°F / 20°C).
The "Sweater" Rule:You might laugh, but bring a light hoodie or a denim jacket. At night, with the ocean breeze, you might actually feel "chilly" (by Caribbean standards). We locals will be wearing scarves and boots as if it were snowing!

2. The Vibe: Why is Everyone So Happy?

December is party month. Why? Because of the "Doble Sueldo"(Double Salary). By law, every Dominican employee receives an extra full month of salary in December. This means everyone has cash in their pockets, the streets are loud, the music changes to old-school Merengue, and the energy is infectious.

What to look for:

Charamicos:Instead of pine trees, you will see handcrafted wooden Christmas trees painted in bright colors sold on the streets.
Cerdito en Puya:You will see whole pigs being roasted on open fires on the side of the highway. It is delicious. Stop and buy a pound!

3. The "High Season" Tax (The Bad News)

Because the weather is perfect and it's the holidays, December is the most expensive month to visit. Hotels in Punta Cana and Casa de Campo often double their rates for the weeks of Christmas and New Year's Eve (NYE).

My Advice:If you are on a budget, try to visit the first two weeks of December(Dec 1st - 15th). The prices are significantly lower than the week of the 24th or 31st.

4. Is it Safe?

A common question online is:"Is it safe to travel to Dominican Republic in December?" Yes. In fact, the government deploys extra police and road assistance units (COE) everywhere during December to protect the influx of tourists and locals moving around for the holidays. Just follow the standard rules: don't flash jewelry, and don't drink and drive (traffic is heavier in December).

5. New Year's Eve (31st)

If you are here for NYE, you are in for a treat.

In the Resort:Most hotels throw a massive gala with fireworks on the beach.
Outside the Resort:If you are adventurous, go to a local "Colmado" or disco. We traditionally eat 12 grapes at midnight for good luck and then dance until sunrise.

Verdict

Stop overthinking it. Book the ticket. The water is warm, the humidity is gone, and the country is in a month-long fiesta. Just don't forget that light jacket for the evening breeze!