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The weather in the Dominican Republic remains tropical year-round with the temperatures averaging around 25'C (77'F). The summer and winter seasons differ by only a slight variation in temperature. Visitors coming to the Dominican Republic, practically any time of the year can expect to be treated with extended periods of blue sunny skies -- ideal weather for getting a nice tan.

The best time to visit Punta Cana is during the 'cool" season from November to April. During these months, the weather is pleasantly warm with relatively low levels of humidity and low precipitation. Temperatures along the coast are constant around 29'C (84'F) during the day and drop to a comfortable 20'C (68'F) at night.

The "hot" season runs roughly from May to October when the average temperature rises to 31'C (87'F) during the daytime and drops to about 22'C (72'F) at night. But with the high humidity levels during this season, the temperature feels much hotter. Rains do bring some respite from the heat during May through August, but usually this turns out to be no more than a 30-minute tropical shower. It is advised that travelers pack light and include a lot of cool and light fitting cotton clothing.

Despite such minimal difference between the temperatures in summer and winter, the climate tends to vary a lot from year to year due to the influence of the weather phenomena known as "El Ni'o" and "La Ni'a" among others. The greatest threat to the Dominican Republic comes from hurricanes. The Caribbean hurricane season lasts from June 1 to November 30. August and September are the more hurricane-prone months. The major resorts have become adept at getting back on their feet quickly after a hurricane.

As in most tropical areas, in Punta Cana too the menace of mosquitoes looms large. The mosquitoes usually appear after dusk but they are seasonal and more noticeable in the rainy season. Visitors are advised to wear long, comfortable cotton pants after dusk and use insect repellent sprays before venturing outside.