Puerto Rico Dominican Republic: Which is Better for You?

Derek Dellinger portrait.
Derek Dellinger
Review author
27.08.2022 16:19
last update

Puerto Rico vs Dominican Republic are two popular holiday destinations. If you want to get away to a warm Caribbean climate then one of these two places would be a good choice. Both places are popular tourist destinations that are quite similar in many ways, so it may be difficult for you to choose between them for your vacation. This is why we have written this comparison for you so you can learn about the differences between Puerto Rico versus the Dominican Republic vacations. Read on to learn more about what both these places have to offer for a holiday visitor.

Most popular hotel booking services

Best booking
#1
Agoda
4.9
Book your
perfect holiday and enjoy our great discounts on hotels, homes, flights and activities.
Less Hassle, More Travel
#2
Tripadvisor
4.7
Over a billion
Reviews & Contributions for Hotels, Attractions, Restaurants, and More
World’s most trusted travel advice
#3
Booking.com
4.6
The Best
Hotels, Flights, Car Rentals & Accommodations
Save time, save money!

Best Time to Visit Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic

The kind of beach that illustrates the difference of Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic.

Best Time to Visit Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is an Island with a warm, tropical climate, and humidity of 80%. January to April is the best time to visit and is when tourism peaks. In terms of climate, this is your best option.

  • The coldest months are January to March, with average temperatures in the 70s.
  • The hottest temperatures are May to October, with an average of 83 oF on the coast at places like San Juan.
  • The island has rainy weather and an increased hurricane risk between May and October when between 4 to 6 inches of rain may fall per month.

Best Time to Visit Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is on the island of Hispaniola and also has a tropical, hot climate. The best time to visit the Dominican Republic is outside of hurricane season, in April or May. Conditions vary depending on where you are on the island.

  • The coldest months, in general, are January to March with an average temperature of 77 oF.
  • The hottest months are from May to October with temperatures varying from about 88oF to 90 oF in Santa Domingo.
  • Rainfall varies depending on where you are on the island.
  • Northern parts receive more rain, while southern and eastern regions have a rainy season of April to October.
  • Rainfall can be up to 57 inches a year on the southern beaches.
  • The peak time for hurricanes is in August into September.

Puerto Rico vs Dominican Republic: Average Hotel Price

You may wonder what's the difference between Puerto Rico vs Dominican Republic vacation when it comes to hotel prices. The average cost of a hotel in Puerto Rico is $111 per day. The cost will be higher during the tourist season and lower during the rainy season. A hotel in the Dominican Republic costs about $151 on average per night. Prices will be highest during the busy season of December and January and will be lower during the rainy season.

Things to Do in Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic

Rest on the sea of people who chose between puerto rico and dominican republic.

Things to Do in Puerto Rico

There is always something fun to do in Puerto Rico no matter what your interests are. You can visit interesting landmarks like Old San Juan with its rich history and beautiful buildings or check out the impressive San Juan Cathedral and El Morro Fort. You can take a guided tour on land or water. If you are keen on the ocean then you can go jet skiing or snorkeling with turtles, or lie on the beach. The best beaches in Puerto Rico include the following: Luquillo Beach is located about 30 miles east of San Juan; it is good for families and has white sands and crystal-clear waters to swim or snorkel in. There are also ablutions, tents, and picnic sites available at this beach. Ocean Park is a good beach preferred more by single adults than by families. There are palm trees and many restaurants and bars on the beachfront.

Things to Do in Dominican Republic

There are some great places to visit in the Dominican Republic. Nature lovers must visit Lake Enriquillo; this nature reserve is home to several different animal species. Santa Domingo, the capital city, showcases interesting architecture and history. It has the must-see UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Colonial City. Santa Domino also has a Museum of Modern Art and the oldest Cathedral in the Americas. The best beaches for visitors include Punta Cana, with its beautiful palm-covered shores with white sands. Playa Dorado is another great beach that has an impressive golf course. It is a more natural environment with stunning scenery and clear blue waters.

The beach that distinguishes Puerto Rico from Costa Rica.

Conclusion: Which is Better Puerto Rico or Dominican Republic?

Both places have a hot, tropical climate and hotel prices are similar. Puerto Rico is an American territory, so it is easier for US citizens to travel to. Regardless of whether you travel to Puerto Rico vs Dominican Republic vacation, you can go in the off-season but best to avoid peak hurricane season. To decide which is better when comparing Puerto Rico vs Dominican Republic depends on what it is you prefer. The Dominican Republic may give you more of an exotic experience and be more of an adventure than Puerto Rico, if you are from the US. Either destination is great for discovering historical buildings and relaxing on gorgeous, sandy beaches.

FAQ

Is the Dominican Republic safer than Puerto Rico?

The Dominican Republic is a popular tourist destination, and Puerto Rico is a US territory. Both have their share of crime, but the Dominican Republic has a higher murder rate than Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico also has a higher per capita income and a lower poverty rate. In terms of safety, the Dominican Republic is not necessarily safer than Puerto Rico.

Which is better: Puerto Rico or Dominican Republic?

Puerto Rico is a great choice if you are interested in exploring colonial history, as the island has many well-preserved Spanish fortifications and architecture. Puerto Rico is also home to some of the best beaches in the Caribbean, including Isla Verde Beach which has been rated one of the top 10 beaches in the world. The Dominican Republic is a popular destination for those looking for an all-inclusive resort experience, as there are many high-quality resorts located throughout the country. The Dominican Republic is also a great choice if you are interested in outdoor activities such as hiking, as the country has many scenic mountains and trails.

Which is more beautiful, Puerto Rico or Dominican Republic?

If you're interested in soaking up the sun on the beach, Puerto Rico's beaches are definitely worth checking out. On the other hand, if you're looking to explore some of the Caribbean's lush inland rainforests, the Dominican Republic is definitely the place to be.

Is Puerto Rico more expensive than the Dominican Republic?

The short answer is yes, Puerto Rico is generally more expensive than the Dominican Republic. This is due to a number of factors, including the higher cost of living in Puerto Rico, as well as the fact that Puerto Rico is a US territory and thus subject to US import tariffs.

Is the weather better in Puerto Rico or the Dominican Republic?

When it comes to weather, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic are both great choices. If you want to experience more rainfall, Puerto Rico is the better choice. However, if you want to experience warmer weather, the Dominican Republic is the better choice.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Derek Dellinger
Review author
your name
your mail
please rate
evaluation of the article on a five-point scale
message text
messages are sent after being
checked by a moderator