When to Visit Dominica
Climate guide & best times to travel
Best Time to Visit
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Year-Round Essentials
Dry Season (Feb-May)
Transition Period (May-Jun)
Wet Season (Jul-Oct)
Early Dry Season (Nov-Jan)
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Month-by-Month Guide
January
January sits comfortably in the dry season with pleasant temperatures and relatively less rainfall, making it one of the most popular months for visitors. You'll still get occasional showers—this is Dominica, after all—but they tend to be brief and often overnight. The trade winds keep things comfortable, and the waterfalls, while not at their most dramatic, are still flowing beautifully from earlier rains.
February
February is typically the driest month you'll find in Dominica, which still means you'll see some rain but probably not the all-day downpours. This is prime time for outdoor activities, and the island gets busy with both tourists and locals celebrating Carnival, usually in the first week of March. The heat is pleasant rather than oppressive, and visibility for diving tends to be excellent.
March
March continues the favorable dry season conditions with warm days and cooler evenings, particularly in the highlands. The Carnival celebrations typically spill into early March, bringing vibrant energy to Roseau and other towns. Hiking trails are in good condition, though you'll want to start early in the day before the afternoon heat builds up.
April
April marks the tail end of the dry season with temperatures starting to climb slightly and humidity becoming more noticeable. You might catch some brief afternoon showers, which actually provide welcome relief from the midday heat. The island is still quite busy with visitors, particularly around Easter holidays, but the crowds start thinning toward the end of the month.
May
May represents a transition period where rainfall begins to increase, though you'll still have plenty of sunny spells between showers. The heat and humidity are definitely picking up now, and you'll notice the vegetation looking particularly lush. This is actually a decent time to visit if you want fewer crowds and don't mind the occasional downpour—just avoid booking anything that can't be rescheduled.
June
June officially kicks off both the wet season and hurricane season, though early-season storms are relatively uncommon. You'll see more frequent rain showers, often in the afternoon or evening, but they tend to be short-lived rather than all-day affairs. The waterfalls are starting to really flow now, and prices drop as tourist numbers decline—it's a trade-off between weather certainty and value.
July
July brings consistent warmth and humidity with regular rainfall, though interestingly, it sometimes experiences a brief dry spell called the "mid-summer drought." The rain keeps everything incredibly green, and the rivers and waterfalls are at their most impressive. Tourist numbers are low despite summer vacation season, mainly due to hurricane concerns, though actual storm activity tends to be moderate this early.
August
August sits in the heart of hurricane season with warm temperatures, high humidity, and frequent rain showers. That said, many days start beautifully sunny before afternoon storms roll in. The island is quiet with tourists, which means you'll have attractions largely to yourself if you're willing to accept the weather uncertainty and keep an eye on tropical weather forecasts.
September
September is statistically the peak of hurricane season, and it's the wettest month in Dominica with heavy rainfall and the highest risk of tropical storms. Humidity is at its peak, and outdoor activities can be challenging with muddy trails and swollen rivers. However, hotel rates hit rock bottom, and if you're flexible with travel dates and can handle weather disruptions, you'll find incredible deals.
October
October continues the wet pattern with frequent showers and still-elevated hurricane risk, though storm activity typically begins to decrease toward the end of the month. The persistent rain means waterfalls are absolutely spectacular, and the rainforest is at its most vibrant. It's genuinely quiet with tourists, so you'll have a more authentic local experience if you don't mind getting wet.
November
November marks the transition out of hurricane season (officially ending November 30th) with rainfall gradually decreasing, though you'll still see plenty of showers. The World Creole Music Festival typically happens at the end of the month, drawing music lovers despite the weather uncertainty. Temperatures remain warm, and the landscape is incredibly lush from months of rain.
December
December sees conditions improving as the dry season approaches, with rainfall decreasing and more consistent sunshine returning. The holiday period brings an uptick in visitors, particularly during the last two weeks, and you'll notice a festive atmosphere in towns. Temperatures are comfortable, and the combination of recent rains and improving weather means waterfalls are still impressive while hiking conditions are getting better.