Quick answer
- Best overall: mid-December to April. It's the driest stretch in San Juan (March is the driest month: 2.18 in of rain on about 5 days), it's outside hurricane season, and highs sit in the low-to-mid 80s °F.
- Best value: late April to early June (editorial). The weather is still good, it's before peak hurricane months, and it's after the winter high season.
- Riskiest: mid-August to mid-October. This is the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs June 1–November 30 and peaks around September 10 (NHC).
- Wettest month in San Juan: November (7.37 in on about 12 days). Warmest: August and September (highs ~89 °F, lows ~78 °F), not June.
- Rain usually comes in short showers, not all-day rain. Even the wettest months average only 11–12 days with ≥0.10 in.
Live tools: Live weather & sea · Hurricane season in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico weather by month (San Juan)
| Month | Avg high °F | Avg low °F | Rain (in) | Rainy days* | Hurricane season? | Crowds & prices (editorial) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 83.2 | 71.9 | 4.07 | 9.9 | No | High; Three Kings Day (Jan 6) |
| February | 83.8 | 71.8 | 2.58 | 6.6 | No | High |
| March | 84.7 | 72.4 | 2.18 | 5.3 | No | High; spring break |
| April | 86.2 | 74.0 | 4.60 | 7.5 | No | Medium–high (Easter) |
| May | 87.4 | 75.7 | 5.54 | 8.8 | No | Medium; good value |
| June | 89.0 | 77.2 | 4.66 | 8.0 | Yes (starts June 1) | Medium |
| July | 88.7 | 77.6 | 6.02 | 10.7 | Yes | Medium–high (summer holidays) |
| August | 89.1 | 77.8 | 6.29 | 11.0 | Yes, peak months | Medium |
| September | 89.2 | 77.5 | 6.50 | 10.8 | Yes, peak (~Sept 10) | Low; lowest prices |
| October | 88.6 | 76.7 | 5.21 | 10.6 | Yes, peak through mid-Oct | Low |
| November | 86.1 | 74.9 | 7.37 | 12.4 | Yes (ends Nov 30) | Low → rising at Thanksgiving |
| December | 84.2 | 73.3 | 4.85 | 10.6 | No | High from mid-month |
\*Days with at least 0.10 in of rain. Source: NOAA NCEI 1991–2020 monthly normals, San Juan L M Marin airport (RQW00011641). Crowd and price column: editorial, based on typical high/low season patterns, not measured data.
December to April: the best time to visit
- Weather: the driest part of the year in San Juan. February and March see rain on only 5–7 days a month on average.
- Hurricanes: December through May falls outside the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs June 1 to November 30.
- Events: the island's long holiday season runs through Christmas, Three Kings Day (January 6) and the Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián street festival in Old San Juan in January (the dates are announced each year).
- Downside (editorial): this is high season, with the highest hotel rates and busier beaches, El Yunque and Old San Juan, especially over Christmas, New Year and spring break. Book early.
- → Things to do in San Juan · Things to do in Old San Juan
Late April to early June: the best value
- Highs climb to the high 80s and rain picks up a little (May averages 5.5 in).
- It's before the hurricane season's busy months. The season technically starts June 1, but NHC's climatology shows most activity comes later, from mid-August to mid-October.
- Editorial: shoulder-season rates after Easter, and fewer crowds outside holiday weekends.
June to November: hurricane season
- The facts: the Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30. Activity peaks around September 10, and most of it falls between mid-August and mid-October. An average season (1991–2020) brings 14 named storms, 7 hurricanes and 3 major hurricanes across the whole Atlantic (NHC).
- The weather: it's the hottest time of year (Aug–Sep highs ~89 °F), with more frequent showers. November is San Juan's wettest month.
- If you go:
- consider travel insurance that covers named storms;
- book refundable rates;
- watch the NHC forecasts and our hurricane season guide in the week before you fly.
- The upside (editorial): the lowest prices and fewest visitors of the year, especially September–October.
Best time for…
| Goal | Best months | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Driest weather | Feb–Mar | Fewest rainy days in San Juan (NOAA) |
| Lowest prices | Sep–early Nov (editorial) | Low season. Accept the hurricane risk and buy insurance. |
| Avoid hurricanes | Dec–May | Outside the June 1–Nov 30 season (NHC) |
| Festivals | Dec–Jan | Holiday season, Three Kings Day (Jan 6), Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián (January) |
| Bioluminescent bays | Any month, near the new moon | Darkness matters far more than season. See our new-moon dates. |
| Hiking El Yunque | Dec–Apr | Drier trails. Check current forest status first. |
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Puerto Rico?
March: it's San Juan's driest month (about 5 rainy days on average), it's outside hurricane season and highs are around 85 °F. Expect high-season prices.
What is the cheapest time to go to Puerto Rico?
Usually September through early November, the low season (editorial). It overlaps with the peak of hurricane season, so book refundable rates and get insurance.
When is hurricane season in Puerto Rico?
June 1 to November 30. It peaks around September 10, with most activity from mid-August to mid-October (National Hurricane Center).
What is the rainiest month in Puerto Rico?
In San Juan, November (7.37 in, ~12 rainy days on average, NOAA 1991–2020). Showers are usually short.
What is the hottest month in Puerto Rico?
August and September in San Juan (average highs ~89 °F, lows ~78 °F).
Is it worth visiting Puerto Rico in hurricane season?
Many people do, especially for the lower prices. Keep plans flexible, consider insurance and watch the NHC forecast.
Sources we checked
Checked in October 2026. Where a fact could not be confirmed against a primary source, we removed it or said so.
Originally published on PuertoRico.com (2022-11-04). Reviewed and updated October 2026: facts were checked against the sources above.