If you can choose one month for Santo Domingo, choose February. The weather is the best of the year and the country is in costume.
Weather#
| Typical | |
|---|---|
| Days | Around 29°C |
| Nights | Around 20°C |
| Rain | Almost none |
| Wind | Steady, pleasant |
January is nearly identical; March warms up and brings Semana Santa in some years. Best time to visit.
Carnival#
Every Sunday in February, towns across the country parade: the diablos cojuelos in mirrored costumes, the lechones of Santiago, the vejigas (inflated bladders) that whack passers-by on the backside. La Vega's is the most famous and the most intense, two hours north on a bus. Santiago's is the oldest. The capital's Malecón hosts troupes on Sundays and the national finale on the 27th. Dominican carnival explains the characters and how to go.
Independence Day, 27 February#
Flags everywhere for the whole month. On the day: a military parade and ceremonies at the Altar de la Patria in the morning, the national carnival parade on the Malecón in the afternoon, music until late. Independence Day has the history and the practicalities.
What to do#
The Zona Colonial in perfect weather. Whale season at its peak in Samaná. The Malecón at sunset. Street food, nightlife, a day trip.
Crowds and prices#
Normal high season. Valentine's and the week of the 27th are busier; book the Zona Colonial early for those. Where to stay.
What to pack#
Summer clothes, a light layer for the breeze, cobble shoes, and something you don't mind getting whacked in at carnival. What to pack.
Plan it#
The 3-day itinerary with a carnival Sunday added. Post your dates on Roavi Community; Santo Domingo has the most Local Friends of any Roavi city, and carnival is a thing to see with one of them.
Santo Domingo in February? Carnival with a Dominican.
Meet a Local FriendFrequently Asked Questions
When is carnival in Santo Domingo?
Every Sunday afternoon in February in the Dominican towns, with the capital's main parade on the Malecón on or around 27 February, Independence Day. La Vega, two hours north, has the most famous Sunday carnival and is an easy day trip.What is the weather like in Santo Domingo in February?
The driest and breeziest month: highs around 29°C, nights around 20°C, almost no rain. The best walking weather of the year.What happens on 27 February in Santo Domingo?
Independence Day. A military parade and official ceremonies in the morning, then the national carnival parade down the Malecón in the afternoon, with troupes from every province. Government offices close; the city is on the street.Is February a good time to visit Santo Domingo?
For weather and for culture, the best. The only downside is competing with the whole country for the Malecón on the 27th; book a room in the Zona Colonial or Gazcue early for that week.
