Weather and Climate of Puerto Rico
PUERTO RICO WEATHERAverage Climate
Puerto Rico enjoys warm, sunny and humid days most of the year. There is no winter, spring or fall, only summertime. The winds move from the east to west across the island year-round. The temperature in the south is usually a few degrees higher than the north and temperatures in the central interior mountains are always cooler than the rest of the island.
The climate is Tropical Marine with an average temperature of 80 °F (26 °C). The hottest month is June with an average temperature of 82 °F (28 °C). The coldest month is January with an average low of 70 °F (21 °C) and an average high of 83 °F (28 °C).
Temperatures
Temperatures range from 70 to 90 °F (21 to 32 °C) in the lower elevations, while higher elevations in the central part of the island experience temperatures between 61 and 80 °F (16 and 27 °C) year-round.
Regional Climate Differences
Expand on how different regions of Puerto Rico experience varying weather conditions:
- North (San Juan, Arecibo): More rainfall and slightly cooler temperatures due to the Atlantic trade winds.
- South (Ponce, Guayama): Warmer and drier, with more desert-like conditions.
- West (Mayagüez, Rincón): Hot and humid with great surfing conditions year-round.
- East (Fajardo, Vieques, Culebra): Windier with more frequent rain showers.
- Central Mountains (Adjuntas, Jayuya, Utuado): Cooler and wetter, with temperatures sometimes dropping to the low 50s°F (10-12°C) in winter.
Precipitation
The island wettest month is August with 7 inches (18cm) of rain. Puerto Rico's rainy season lasts from April to November and the driest season is December to March. Because of the island's topography, rainfall varies greatly across the island, average ranges from 29.32 inches (745 mm) in Magueyes Island to 171.09 inches (4,346 mm) in Pico del Este averages of rainfall a year. There is more rain in the north than in the south.
Humidity
The relative humidity is high, about 80% throughout the year, with an average of 79% in the morning and 65% in the afternoon.
The least humid month is March with 64.6% relative humidity, and the most humid month is October with 71.6%. In addition, relative humidity can be few degrees higher in the North region (San Juan) vs the South region (Ponce).
| Month | Average high | Average low | Warmest ever | Coldest ever | Average dew point | Average precipitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JANUARY | 83 | 70 | 92 | 61 | 67 | 3.0 |
| FEBRUARY | 84 | 70 | 96 | 62 | 67 | 2.2 |
| MARCH | 85 | 71 | 96 | 60 | 67 | 2.3 |
| APRIL | 86 | 73 | 97 | 64 | 69 | 3.7 |
| MAY | 87 | 74 | 96 | 66 | 71 | 6.1 |
| JUNE | 89 | 76 | 97 | 69 | 73 | 4.4 |
| JULY | 88 | 76 | 95 | 69 | 73 | 4.5 |
| AUGUST | 89 | 76 | 97 | 70 | 74 | 5.3 |
| SEPTEMBER | 89 | 76 | 97 | 69 | 73 | 5.3 |
| OCTOBER | 88 | 75 | 98 | 67 | 73 | 5.5 |
| NOVEMBER | 86 | 74 | 96 | 66 | 71 | 5.8 |
| DECEMBER | 84 | 72 | 94 | 63 | 69 | 4.7 |
These figures are averages.
Water Temperatures & Swimming Conditions
- The average ocean temperature in Puerto Rico ranges from 78°F to 84°F (25-29°C) year-round.
- Calmest waters: Found in Bahía de Jobos, Balneario de Boquerón, and Isla Verde Beach.
- Rougher surf: Found on the north and west coasts, with rip currents more common from November to March.
- Vieques and Culebra beaches tend to have warmer, calmer waters year-round.
Trade Winds & Breezes
- The eastern trade winds keep coastal areas feeling cooler, especially in the afternoons.
- Higher elevations get cool mountain breezes, making them ideal for coffee-growing.
- Beachgoers often experience stronger winds along the northeast coast, making it perfect for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Best Time to Visit
The best time of year to go to Puerto Rico depends on what you want to do while you are there. Although holiday seasons tend to be crowded and the summer can be quite hot and receive more rain.
The peak tourist season is between December and April, but this has more to do with the climate in North America than anything else. Rates drop by 25% to 50% from April 15 to December 15 at many of the resorts that depend on international tourists. The best time to avoid the crowds is the low season between May and November.
- Best time for outdoor activities: December–April (dry season, less humidity).
- Best time for hiking in El Yunque: Early mornings (cooler and less crowded).
- Best time for surfing: November–March (stronger swells in Rincón and Isabela).
- Best time for whale watching: January–March (humpback whale migration off the west coast).
- Best time for bioluminescent bay tours: During a new moon when the glow is most visible.
- Best time for honeymoons: April to June
- Best prices: July to November
- Best time to avoid crowds: May to November
- Best time for beach: October to December
- Best time for Festivals and Holidays (high season): December to April
- Best time for site seeing and sports: December to June
Keep in mind that studies have shown that the period between August and September as the riskiest period for hurricanes.
Hurricane Season in Puerto Rico
Because of Puerto Rico's location, the island is expose to frequent hurricane activity. Hurricanes frequently occur between August and October, although the U.S. National Weather Service considers the hurricane season for the North Atlantic Basin to run from June 1 to November 30.
Dozens of hurricanes have been recorded in the island's history, but probably the most destructive was San Ciriaco, which struck on August 8, 1899, and most recently Hurricane Maria on 2017.
Notable Historical Hurricanes
- Hurricane Hugo (1989): Major damage, particularly in eastern Puerto Rico.
- Hurricane Georges (1998): Widespread destruction across the island.
- Hurricane Maria (2017): One of the most catastrophic hurricanes in history, leading to significant infrastructure damage and power outages.
- Hurricane Fiona (2022): Brought heavy rainfall and flooding, highlighting vulnerabilities in the island's electrical grid.
UV Index & Sun Protection
- Puerto Rico experiences high UV levels year-round, with an average UV index of 10-12, which falls in the extreme category.
- Visitors should wear sunscreen (SPF 50+), sunglasses, and hats to protect themselves from intense sun exposure.
- The sun is strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM.
What to Pack
Choose light and airy materials for the day and bring a sun hat. Pack a light sweatshirt, raincoat or jacket for the rainy days or evenings. If you plan to go hiking or walking, you'll need some comfy sneakers.
Best clothing materials for warm climates include wool, bamboo, linen, and cotton. Also consider choosing light colors as they will reflect the sun and divert heat.
Don't forget to pack eye and sun protection, whenever possible opt for mineral sunscreen as is the least harmful to your skin and the environment.
Tips for Travelers & Weather Preparedness
During the rainy season (April–November):
- Pack light rain jackets and quick-dry clothing.
- Expect brief but intense afternoon showers.
During hurricane season (June–November):
- Keep an eye on the National Hurricane Center and local weather alerts.
- Travel insurance is recommended in case of flight cancellations.
For those visiting the mountains:
- Bring a light sweater for cooler nights.
For beachgoers:
- Check local surf forecasts for rip currents and high tide warnings.
Impact of Climate Change
- Rising global temperatures have slightly increased Puerto Rico’s average annual temperature by about 2°F (1°C) over the last century.
- Rainfall patterns have become less predictable, sometimes leading to longer dry spells and more intense storms.
- Rising sea levels threaten coastal areas, with some beaches experiencing erosion.
