WHEN IS HURRICANE SEASON IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC?

Because of our mountain ranges, especially Pico Duarte (the highest peak in the Caribbean at just over 3000m) hurricanes get 'bounced' away from our shores. Remember that hurricanes hate any interference to their circulation and that's why they avoid large, high land masses. Most storms track either to the South or to the North of the island. Bear in mind that we are a huge island (it will take you 7 to 8 hours to drive east to west).The Dominican Republic has not had a direct hit from a hurricane since 2004 (H. Jeanne, which lost her power and turned into tropical storm as soon as she made landfall). Hurricanes tend to pass our shores from mid-September to early October and that's when we always close Swell for a month. Just to be clear, we don't close because we are worried about being hit, it's just that the waves and the wind can be unreliable to give lessons if there are storms passing the island either North or South. A hurricane passing North will get all expert surfers quickly waxing their surfboards because that ALWAYS results in great waves!

I'M A BEGINNER SURFER, WHEN IS BEST FOR ME TO GO TO THE DR?

If you are a complete beginner surfer, you have the best range to choose from, since there are very few days of the year where you wouldn't be able to find perfect beginner waves. This means that the whole year is open for you to take lessons as our surfing lessons are undertaken on the 'inside' of the reef (so you are protected from larger waves whenever there is a swell running).Remember that unlike Costa Rica, we don't have a washed out rainy season in June, July and August. In fact, for making progress into unbroken waves, these months are often best as the waves are smaller than in Winter (Dec to April).

I'M AN INTERMEDIATE SURFER, WHEN SHOULD I COME TO SWELL?

As an intermediate surfer (intermediate means you are already able to catch green waves by yourself, turn, ride down the line and make carving turns) you are generally looking for shoulder to head-high waves. These types of waves are most common in the Dominican Republic from May to November.

WHEN IS RAINY SEASON IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC?

Well, in short, unlike Costa Rica where it rains solidly for 3 months in the summer (June, July and August), we don’t have a rainy season: It can rain at any stage (often during the night) and is normally a sharp downpour before the sun comes out again, strongly. Rain is less likely between June and August than at any other time of the year. The Dominican Republic is a stunning, mountainous island and undoubtedly, it is always raining somewhere in the hills, so if you see rain on the forecast, don't panic!

I'M AN EXPERT SURFER; WHEN SHOULD I COME TO THE DR?

The best waves for you arrive regularly between December and April where we will often have waves of 2 meters +We also do stay-only packages at Swell so you can come stay with us and enjoy the social aspect Swell offers, plus the surf transportation to Encuentro without taking surf lessons.

WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFO ON THE SURF?

We have written a large surf & Travel guide for Surfing Dominican Republic , which has a lot more information. (opens in a new window).In this surf guide, you will find info on:When is the best time to come to the Dominican Republic?Which airports to fly into into the Dominican Republic?Top things to do in the Dominican RepublicBest places to eat in CabareteFor Surfing Cabarete and Playa Encuentro surf spot information, have a look at the " surf spot " page which will give you more details on the surf spots at Playa Encuentro, Cabarete.

The Seasons in Cabarete

When to visit the Dominican Republic

Based on our experience

We've lived here for 10+ years.

We've put together a guide below to find best time to visit the Dominican Republic, based on your surfing ability.

Seasons	Average Air Temperature	Average Water Temperature	Beginner / Novice Waves	Kite surfing wind	Expert Waves	Description
January to March	23°C (73°F)	26°C (79°F)	5/5	4/5	4/5	High season in Cabarete: Great for learning to surf and also for expert surfers looking to score overhead waves.
April to June	24°C (75°F)	27°C (81°F)	5/5	5/5	2/5	Good time to be on the North Coast. Great for learning to surf; April can have some big days, intermediate surfers aim for May and June to improve your surfing.
July to September	27°C (81°F)	29°C (84°F)	5/5	5/5	2/5	Great time for beginner and intermediate surfers on the North coast of the D.R., generally mellow, fun waves no bigger than chest high.
October to December	25°C (77°F)	28°C (82°F)	5/5	4/5	4/5	Great beginner conditions, good for intermediates but can be a bit hit or miss for expert surfers.

SOME QUICK QUESTIONS

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WHEN IS HURRICANE SEASON IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC?

Because of our mountain ranges, especially Pico Duarte (the highest peak in the Caribbean at just over 3000m) hurricanes get 'bounced' away from our shores. Remember that hurricanes hate any interference to their circulation and that's why they avoid large, high land masses. Most storms track either to the South or to the North of the island. Bear in mind that we are a huge island (it will take you 7 to 8 hours to drive east to west).
The Dominican Republic has not had a direct hit from a hurricane since 2004 (H. Jeanne, which lost her power and turned into tropical storm as soon as she made landfall). Hurricanes tend to pass our shores from mid-September to early October and that's when we always close Swell for a month. Just to be clear, we don't close because we are worried about being hit, it's just that the waves and the wind can be unreliable to give lessons if there are storms passing the island either North or South. A hurricane passing North will get all expert surfers quickly waxing their surfboards because that ALWAYS results in great waves!
I'M A BEGINNER SURFER, WHEN IS BEST FOR ME TO GO TO THE DR?

If you are a complete beginner surfer, you have the best range to choose from, since there are very few days of the year where you wouldn't be able to find perfect beginner waves. This means that the whole year is open for you to take lessons as our surfing lessons are undertaken on the 'inside' of the reef (so you are protected from larger waves whenever there is a swell running).
Remember that unlike Costa Rica, we don't have a washed out rainy season in June, July and August. In fact, for making progress into unbroken waves, these months are often best as the waves are smaller than in Winter (Dec to April).
I'M AN INTERMEDIATE SURFER, WHEN SHOULD I COME TO SWELL?

As an intermediate surfer (intermediate means you are already able to catch green waves by yourself, turn, ride down the line and make carving turns) you are generally looking for shoulder to head-high waves. These types of waves are most common in the Dominican Republic from May to November.
WHEN IS RAINY SEASON IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC?

Well, in short, unlike Costa Rica where it rains solidly for 3 months in the summer (June, July and August), we don’t have a rainy season: It can rain at any stage (often during the night) and is normally a sharp downpour before the sun comes out again, strongly. Rain is less likely between June and August than at any other time of the year. The Dominican Republic is a stunning, mountainous island and undoubtedly, it is always raining somewhere in the hills, so if you see rain on the forecast, don't panic!
I'M AN EXPERT SURFER; WHEN SHOULD I COME TO THE DR?

The best waves for you arrive regularly between December and April where we will often have waves of 2 meters +
We also do stay-only packages at Swell so you can come stay with us and enjoy the social aspect Swell offers, plus the surf transportation to Encuentro without taking surf lessons.
WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFO ON THE SURF?

We have written a large surf & Travel guide for Surfing Dominican Republic, which has a lot more information. (opens in a new window).
In this surf guide, you will find info on:
When is the best time to come to the Dominican Republic?
Which airports to fly into into the Dominican Republic?
Top things to do in the Dominican Republic
Best places to eat in Cabarete
For Surfing Cabarete and Playa Encuentro surf spot information, have a look at the "surf spot" page which will give you more details on the surf spots at Playa Encuentro, Cabarete.

“Think of Swell as the anti-surf camp. There’s plenty of surfing, of course, but the similarities to other surf camps end there. For starters, the rooms are stylish — more boutique surf retreat than reggae-loving surfer digs. Then there are the legendary breakfasts (omelets, pancakes and crepes, fresh-squeezed orange juice, and fruit bowls). Structured surf lessons take place each morning. An instructor alongside you and the head surf coach watching from shallow water, ready to offer learn to surf tips between riding waves. If you are serious about learning to surf, then Swell should be on top of your destination list. Highly recommended! ”
Reference Source:
[Frommer’s Travel Guides]

Designed with the discerning surfer in mind, Swell is far from a crash pad. The spare clean lines, plush bedding, modern photographs and funky furniture say ‘boutique surf retreat’. The pool, ping-pong and foosball tables and social vibe suggest otherwise. A huge wood communal table is the center of the hanging-out action, after all the surfing is done. Highly recommended!
Reference Source:
[Lonely Planet]