Dominican Republic October holidays

Festivals and events in the Dominican Republic in October

Puerto Plata's annual festival is held in October, bringing together musicians from around the country. Centred around the Malecon near Fuerte San Felipe, spectators can expect all the traditional Dominican features: Merengue, folk, jazz, blues, dance, parades and food fairs. In Samana, there's a Fiesta Patronal for San Rafael in October which features a bambulá dance battle, a unique traditional dance. Santo Domingo is the fashion capital of the entire Caribbean and every year, Fashion Week is held in October at the Occidental El Ambajador hotel.

Outside of the festivals, it's the kick-off of the baseball season. The sport is huge in the country, and you'll find games from the middle of October through to the end of October. The six principal teams in the Dominica Profession Baseball league compete against each other at the major baseball stadiums across the country.

Top places to visit in the Dominican Republic in October

Given the higher possible incidence of rain, planning for a golf trip should wait for a different month. Still, it does mean that the swells in areas like Cabarete on the North Coast near Puerto Plata can be fantastic for watersports. Surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing are widely found on the north coast with many clubs offering rental equipment and high-quality lessons. The best snorkelling and scuba diving can be found off the coast of Puerto Plata and along the southern coast, including Bahía de Neiba, Isla Catalina and Isla Saona.

Humidity levels start to lower in October and the evenings are much cooler. To avoid the heat, head for destinations inland like Constanza which has an average temperature of 20°C, compared to 26-27°C in Puerto Plata and Punta Cana.

What’s the weather like in the Dominican Republic in October?

In October, the Dominican Republic has an average temperature of 26.5°C, with highs of 32°C and lows of 23°C. The chance of rain is moderate with an average of 7 days of rain in the month. October is the end of the wet season so you may experience some rainfall and strong winds. Most days will be hot and sunny, but when it does rain, it will be in a sharp burst. You can use any rain showers as a break from the beach life and explore the city’s old town, go shopping, visit a casino or take a tour of a rum or cigar factory.

What to pack for a holiday in the Dominican Republic in October

General packing tips for October:

• Pack light clothing, swimwear and shoes suited to a summer holiday.
• Smart-casual outfits for the evening
• Bring a light raincoat or small umbrella for downpours.
• Don’t forget sun cream, sunglasses and a hat for protection from the sun.
• Strong bug spray and after-bite remedy.
• Travel plug adapter.
• Prescription medicines.
• Hiking shoes for treks and exploring the island.
• Tote bag for shopping.