General Overview
Considering the fact that the temperatures in Dominica see very few variations throughout the year (around 27oC or 80oF on average annually), the best time to travel to the island is probably the period from October through January. It is the time of the year when the humidity is much more tolerable and the hotel rates are lower. At the same time, though, it also covers the hurricane season, which is also the wet/rainy season for Dominica, peaking between late August and early September. Although the island is less likely to be hit by a hurricane, it is susceptible to tropical storms and downpours during this time of year, which are intense but rather short-lasting.
For that reason, some travellers prefer to visit Dominica between February and April, for greater chances of not getting their days ruined by rains or thunderstorms. Nevertheless, these very storms are the reason behind Dominica’s lush rainforests and sprouting waterfalls that draw thousands of visitors, especially those appreciating eco-tourism, from around the world. No wonder the island is also referred to as Nature Island!
What to Expect From Your Dominica Trip by Tourist Season
The high season (February through May)
Tourism-wise, this period is Dominica’s peak season as it is preferred by the majority of travellers looking for a winter and spring getaway and vacations featuring warm and dry weather. In this respect, Dominica is ideal, as long as you don’t mind paying for higher room rates (compared to the other months). Of course, you can always get a much better price if you make your reservations ahead of time. This can include anything from your accommodation and flight ticket to dining and tours.
As for the main events taking place during the high season, these would be the Carnival, which occurs in early February, and Hike Fest which will bring more fun to your May.
Tip: Kindly consider planning your sightseeing adventures at times when cruise ships have not docked at Dominica to avoid the large crowds that flood all the popular tourist attractions and landmarks.
The low season (June through September)
The hurricane and rainy seasons are in full swing, which drives the few tourists still left on the island back home. The flights are the most packed between late August and early September, though, when the hurricane season peaks. However, devastating hurricanes are not frequent, which means that you could take advantage of the cheap room rates and the overall cost-effectiveness that characterises every aspect of life on the island. And, if you decide to take the risk and visit Dominica during this time of the year, expect lively events taking place in late June through early July (the Dive Fest), while the preparations of the widely popular World Creole Music Festival that is set in late October begin in September.
The shoulder season (October through January)
Although we are still in the rainy season (technically), it is much better weather-wise in Dominica, with just a few cloudy days, great temperatures in the 29oC (85oF) range, and much less precipitation than the previous period. At the same time, you will still be able to find some great accommodation deals, while everything will be setting the perfect conditions for activities like beach-going and hiking. As for key events during the shoulder season in Dominica, besides the World Creole Music Festival, the Independence Celebrations (early November), and the Carnival (January), and must-watch for sure.
Dominica Month by Month
Dominica is home to stunning, colourful birds, such as the beautiful, endemic parrot, year-round. However, you will be able to watch them from up close outside the rainy season and everything is less noisy and more relaxed. The paths are also more accessible, too. However, sunny and dry weather is associated with higher prices and more visitors.
The period between March through September is ideal for turtle watching and gives you the best chance to see green turtles, hawksbill, and giant leatherbacks laying their eggs. A few months later, you will be able to see the baby turtles breaking from their eggs and heading down to the water!
As for May, it is a good month for a last-minute vacation or budget-conscious travellers. However, the humidity is a bit high and the temperatures go above the neighbourhood of 30oC (86oF), which can be slightly uncomfortable for activities like hiking. It is dreamy, though, for swimming and other outdoor endeavours, especially water sports.
The period between June and mid-October is beautifully serene as it is right in the heart of the rainy season, which scares many tourists away. But, while it may not be the perfect time for sunbathing and enjoying the beach, it can be a superb period to have a relaxed island experience.
Now, September and October are both months that are high risk for hurricanes, although there are noticeably fewer tropical storms hitting Dominica over the last few years. The local businesses are usually shot down almost in their entirety during these months until the end of the rainy season, in November.
January finds water temperatures between 27oC-28oC (80.6oF – 82.4oF), lots of opportunities for whale-spotting, and shores celebrating a steelpan event called Pan in the Sand, every single Sunday.
Travel Experience by Season
You can travel to Dominica in:
- Spring – This season feels warm due to the combination of temperature and humidity. It is a fairly slow season for tourism, but a great period to catch some great deals. The temperature gets warmer in the last months of spring and flirts with around 31oC (88oF), while there are around 8 days of precipitation monthly.
- Summer – The weather is comfortable and quite warm. The precipitation is moderate with an average of 11-12 days of rain monthly. This is also the second busiest period in Dominica for tourism, so hotel prices can be quite high.
- Autumn – Expect slightly more rainy days than in the summer (around 12-13 days per month) and affordably-priced hotels due to the weather. The temperature can reach 32oC or 89.7oF but the wind can be high.
- Winter – The number of days that receive rain decrease significantly (7-8 days per month on average) and the island welcomes a large tourist influx. As for the temperatures, they don’t have dramatic differences from the last season as they range around 29.5oC (85.1oF).
General Overview
Considering the fact that the temperatures in Dominica see very few variations throughout the year (around 27oC or 80oF on average annually), the best time to travel to the island is probably the period from October through January. It is the time of the year when the humidity is much more tolerable and the hotel rates are lower. At the same time, though, it also covers the hurricane season, which is also the wet/rainy season for Dominica, peaking between late August and early September. Although the island is less likely to be hit by a hurricane, it is susceptible to tropical storms and downpours during this time of year, which are intense but rather short-lasting.
For that reason, some travellers prefer to visit Dominica between February and April, for greater chances of not getting their days ruined by rains or thunderstorms. Nevertheless, these very storms are the reason behind Dominica’s lush rainforests and sprouting waterfalls that draw thousands of visitors, especially those appreciating eco-tourism, from around the world. No wonder the island is also referred to as Nature Island!
What to Expect From Your Dominica Trip by Tourist Season
The high season (February through May)
Tourism-wise, this period is Dominica’s peak season as it is preferred by the majority of travellers looking for a winter and spring getaway and vacations featuring warm and dry weather. In this respect, Dominica is ideal, as long as you don’t mind paying for higher room rates (compared to the other months). Of course, you can always get a much better price if you make your reservations ahead of time. This can include anything from your accommodation and flight ticket to dining and tours.
As for the main events taking place during the high season, these would be the Carnival, which occurs in early February, and Hike Fest which will bring more fun to your May.
Tip: Kindly consider planning your sightseeing adventures at times when cruise ships have not docked at Dominica to avoid the large crowds that flood all the popular tourist attractions and landmarks.
The low season (June through September)
The hurricane and rainy seasons are in full swing, which drives the few tourists still left on the island back home. The flights are the most packed between late August and early September, though, when the hurricane season peaks. However, devastating hurricanes are not frequent, which means that you could take advantage of the cheap room rates and the overall cost-effectiveness that characterises every aspect of life on the island. And, if you decide to take the risk and visit Dominica during this time of the year, expect lively events taking place in late June through early July (the Dive Fest), while the preparations of the widely popular World Creole Music Festival that is set in late October begin in September.
The shoulder season (October through January)
Although we are still in the rainy season (technically), it is much better weather-wise in Dominica, with just a few cloudy days, great temperatures in the 29oC (85oF) range, and much less precipitation than the previous period. At the same time, you will still be able to find some great accommodation deals, while everything will be setting the perfect conditions for activities like beach-going and hiking. As for key events during the shoulder season in Dominica, besides the World Creole Music Festival, the Independence Celebrations (early November), and the Carnival (January), and must-watch for sure.
Dominica Month by Month
Dominica is home to stunning, colourful birds, such as the beautiful, endemic parrot, year-round. However, you will be able to watch them from up close outside the rainy season and everything is less noisy and more relaxed. The paths are also more accessible, too. However, sunny and dry weather is associated with higher prices and more visitors.
The period between March through September is ideal for turtle watching and gives you the best chance to see green turtles, hawksbill, and giant leatherbacks laying their eggs. A few months later, you will be able to see the baby turtles breaking from their eggs and heading down to the water!
As for May, it is a good month for a last-minute vacation or budget-conscious travellers. However, the humidity is a bit high and the temperatures go above the neighbourhood of 30oC (86oF), which can be slightly uncomfortable for activities like hiking. It is dreamy, though, for swimming and other outdoor endeavours, especially water sports.
The period between June and mid-October is beautifully serene as it is right in the heart of the rainy season, which scares many tourists away. But, while it may not be the perfect time for sunbathing and enjoying the beach, it can be a superb period to have a relaxed island experience.
Now, September and October are both months that are high risk for hurricanes, although there are noticeably fewer tropical storms hitting Dominica over the last few years. The local businesses are usually shot down almost in their entirety during these months until the end of the rainy season, in November.
January finds water temperatures between 27oC-28oC (80.6oF – 82.4oF), lots of opportunities for whale-spotting, and shores celebrating a steelpan event called Pan in the Sand, every single Sunday.
Travel Experience by Season
You can travel to Dominica in:
- Spring – This season feels warm due to the combination of temperature and humidity. It is a fairly slow season for tourism, but a great period to catch some great deals. The temperature gets warmer in the last months of spring and flirts with around 31oC (88oF), while there are around 8 days of precipitation monthly.
- Summer – The weather is comfortable and quite warm. The precipitation is moderate with an average of 11-12 days of rain monthly. This is also the second busiest period in Dominica for tourism, so hotel prices can be quite high.
- Autumn – Expect slightly more rainy days than in the summer (around 12-13 days per month) and affordably-priced hotels due to the weather. The temperature can reach 32oC or 89.7oF but the wind can be high.
- Winter – The number of days that receive rain decrease significantly (7-8 days per month on average) and the island welcomes a large tourist influx. As for the temperatures, they don’t have dramatic differences from the last season as they range around 29.5oC (85.1oF).