Weather
This is an ideal month for weather. April marks the end of dry season and visitors can still count on light humidity, consistent sunshine, and fewer rain showers compared to the summer months. Hurricane season is still a ways off—between June and November—so major storms are a rare occurrence.
Temperatures remain pleasant and refreshing along the extensive coastline, perfect for hitting the beach with highs around 86°F (30°C), and lows around 72°F (22°C). If you’re planning on experiencing inland adventures, temperatures will drop in higher elevations, especially if taking part in any hikes and treks in the five mountain ranges. Luckily the trails should be dry this time of year, but you’ll want to pack proper shoes and a layer or two depending on the activity.
Crowds & Costs
Spring break trickles over from March and remains active during the first half of the month, lasting, potentially through the third week depending on when Easter takes place. This is when all-inclusive beach resorts near the busiest airport in the country, Punta Cana, are in prime form with big family gatherings and rowdy youngsters.
Finding peaceful environs and elbow space can be harder to come by, but there are accommodations for all types of travelers, including upscale hotels aimed at attracting couples. Travelers keen on avoiding crowds will want to stick to the end of the month when it starts to quiet down. This is a great time to snag end-of-season deals on flights, hotels, car rentals, and excursions.
Where to Go
April is a prime month for heading to the beach and visitors will be spoiled for choice with two distinct coasts: the Atlantic and Caribbean. Spring is ideal for finding some hidden gems, when many package tourists are content to stay onsite at their all-inclusive resorts. If cooling trade winds sound up your alley, you’ll want to head north along the Atlantic side, particularly around the town of Cabarete where beaches are known for active watersports that take advantage of the consistent breezes. There are some peaceful, hidden beaches along this coast, as well, either west of Puerto Plata or east closer to the Samaná Peninsula.
The Caribbean coast offers lesser-visited gems as well. In April, Jaragua National Park in the southwest corner of the country (as far from Punta Cana as you can get), is known for turtle watching in April, while the nearby desert landscape provides colorful cactus blooms this time of year. April is also a great time to experience the highest mountain range in the Caribbean, called the Cordillera Central, which runs through the middle of the country boasting some spectacular peaks. Base yourself in Jarabacoa with lodging options and conveniences for travelers.
What to Do
The appeal of lazing on the soft, white sand armed with a rum drink can only last so long, and you’ll likely want to add some activities to your trip. The clear, turquoise sea in places like Punta Cana offers snorkeling opportunities for beginners, while the northern town of Sosúa provides more interesting shipwrecks and coral formations for snorkelers and scuba divers, alike. In Playa Bayahibe, near the resort area of La Romana, you can take a boat ride to snorkel or dive around Catalina Island and Saona Island. Or just sit back and enjoy the calm Caribbean coast—perfect for renting a stand-up paddleboard or sea kayak.
Perhaps you want to take up windsurfing or kitesurfing. For this, head to Cabarete where nearby beaches offer lessons and opportunities to watch the action. The eco-friendly town of Samaná has some beautiful beaches, like Playa Rincon, as well as a rainforest trail to El Limón Waterfall.
The Central Highlands provide numerous options for hiking, mountain biking, and bird watching, and April is a good month to partake before the summer heat and moisture arrive. Adventurists can take a multi-day trek to the highest peak in the Caribbean, Pico Duarte.
Since many travelers fly in or out of Santo Domingo, take time to explore the capital’s historic forts, cobbled streets, and colonial architecture dating back to the 15th century. If visiting the city during Holy Week, keep an eye out for local processions and festivals. Later in the month, an international book fair takes place to promote the power of reading.
April Events
Semana Santa parades, Santo Domingo (March or April). If you're visiting the capital during Holy Week, look for Solemn Easter Week processions that wind through the capital's Zona Colonial, typically ending with a special evening mass at the Cathedral on Saturday. Semana Santa is a celebrated time for Christians around the country, and many locals choose to head to the beach and let loose.
Cimarrón Festival, Cabral (March or April). Also during Easter week is this unique procession in Cabral that merges religion and Afro-Dominican culture. Look for colorful devils donning horned masks and whips, impersonating colonial masters and abused slaves.
International Book Fair, Santo Domingo. At the end of the month, check out the capital's annual International Book Fair held in the Plaza de la Cultura Square.
Traveling to the Dominican Republic in April? Consider these itineraries.
Ultimate Dominican Republic: Samaná, Cabarete, Jarabacoa & Santo Domingo. Get beyond the country's famous beaches to discover an island of diverse landscapes. Hike to waterfalls on the Samaná Peninsula, take your pick of world-class watersports in Cabarete, then head to the mountains to discover the rushing rivers and rugged canyons of Jarabacoa. Finish in the historic capital of Santo Domingo and visit the ancient caverns of Los Tres Ojos.
Dominican Republic Adventure: Santo Domingo & Samaná. Get the best of both worlds with this weeklong itinerary. Visit Santo Domingo on a bike tour and explore Santiago de los Caballeros. Finish your trip in Las Terrenas with its enchanting white sand beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters.
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