Punta Cana Weather in December

December brings Punta Cana back toward its drier, more stable dry-season pattern: highs of 80.2°F, rain easing to 14.8 days, humidity down to 77%, and just 1 recorded storm-affected day historically, essentially outside the practical hurricane risk window.

Lows hold at a comfortable 75.6°F, keeping December's nights pleasant without the meaningful cooling that Cancún or Cabo see at the same time of year, Punta Cana's narrower, warmer year-round range holds even in its coolest month.

The sea stays warm at 82.8°F, easily swimmable and comfortable for the full range of water activities.

December is peak season and priced accordingly, especially around Christmas and New Year's, the two weeks bracketing the holidays are the most expensive and crowded stretch of the year on the Bavaro and Uvero Alto resort strips.

Booking all-inclusive resort rooms, Saona Island trips and popular restaurants well ahead is essential for the holiday weeks specifically; the first half of December, before the rush, is noticeably calmer for very similar weather.

Samaná Bay's humpback whale season typically begins around this time, giving travelers willing to add a separate day or overnight trip a genuine wildlife draw alongside the beach-resort stay.

Golf conditions are excellent through December, among the best of the year, as humidity continues its decline into the true dry season.

Early December, before roughly the 20th, is the sweet spot: dry-season-adjacent weather without the holiday-week surcharge or crowds that arrive with Christmas week.

Pack for warm days and mild evenings, plan for holiday-week crowds if traveling Dec 20–Jan 2, and book everything early if that's your window.