When to Go to Puerto Rico | puertorico-guide.info

Understanding a little more about the advantages and disadvantages of each season can help travelers make sure they pick the perfect time for their own Bahamas vacation.

The weather in Puerto Rico doesn't vary much from season to season. The average annual temperature is 82 degrees Fahrenheit (28 degrees Celsius), so the high season for tourism is not dictated by the weather as it is in other Caribbean destinations. Winter in Puerto Rico is like May in most of the American southeast, with an average temperature hovering around 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius). Most people visit in winter, getting away from the freezing temperatures of their home towns in North America.

Summer brings hotter weather and humidity, and the chance of rain is greater in summer and fall. The hurricane season officially lasts from June 1 to Nov. 30 but is no cause to worry. More hurricanes hit the U.S. mainland than Puerto Rico, and with today's meteorological technology, there is almost always more than enough warning to take proper precautions. Although crowds can be avoided if you stay off the beaten path, the most obvious difference between visiting in the tourist season or the off-season is the crowds. In some ways, visiting during peak season is beneficial, but if getting away from civilization is your vacation goal, the off season might be best.

The"Season"

Visiting Puerto Rico in the high season of tourism is quite an experience. The most popular tourist areas are filled with hustling, bustling vacationers from all over the world, reveling in the beautiful weather and the Caribbean experience. Hotels, shops, and restaurants offer their most extensive service with a smile. The crowds can be exciting, exhilarating, and even a little daunting. This is definitely a time for small groups; singles, couples, or groups of friends who can navigate the islands with ease. The dating scene is also more lively in the high season, and it will be harder to meet people in the off-season, if that's your objective.

Everything is more competitive in the high season. Accommodations and flights should be booked at least two or three months in advance, and sometimes even farther ahead than that. Reservations are necessary, transportation is stretched thinner, and tours are generally more crowded. This is when the islands make most of their money, so they roll out the red carpet for every guest who arrives.

The"Off-Season"

While the high season is exciting, the off-season can be more indicative of the true spirit of Puerto Rico. With diminished crowds, a less-hurried, more"Caribbean" way of life prevails. The midday temperatures can rise to uncomfortable highs, but the Atlantic trade winds keep the mornings, afternoons, and evenings extremely pleasant. Hotels and resorts may reduce their services and diminish their staff in the off season, and some tours or activities may be closed altogether. Hotels also reserve their major repairs or renovations for the off season, so it's a good idea to call ahead and make sure you won't be staying in the midst of a construction site.

Traveling in the off-season can be much more affordable. Hotels cut rates from 20 percent to 60 percent, and tours and shops often cut prices to remain competitive. Visitors will find easier access to public transportation, tee times and golf courses, tennis courts, water sports, and other enjoyable activities. Flights and accommodations often are easier to book during the low season. You may even be able to walk into a nice restaurant off the street and eat without a reservation. This is a good time for families to travel, because it's easier to keep track of children, and there are fewer crowds to fight. The atmosphere is more cosmopolitan in the off season as well because a higher percentage of tourists are European.

Seasonal Events

Many vacationers come to Puerto Rico for a special event or festival, drawing heavier crowds and higher prices but more action and activities. The annual Casals Festival in late February or early March is the Caribbean's most celebrated cultural and musical event. It draws a long list of international guest conductors, orchestras, and soloists to San Juan's Performing Arts Center to honor the memory of Pablo Casals, a renowned Puerto Rican cellist. The week leading up to Ash Wednesday is when the island's Carnival takes place. It features float parades, dancing, and street parties all week, and in Ponce, the event is accented with masqueraders wearing brightly colored masks. For 4 days in June, Puerto Rico is host to what has become the premier jazz event in the Caribbean when the Heineken Jazz Fest swings into town. Hotel rates rise at these times of year, sometimes considerably.

Other carnivals, festivals, events, and holidays also take place in Puerto Rico throughout the year, making any time a good time to visit.

Wonderful Weather

Take advantage of the excellent weather conditions experienced by Puerto Rico.