The weather in Puerto Plata Dominican Republic in December brings warm daytime highs around 82°F (28°C), overnight lows near 68°F (20°C), Atlantic water temperatures around 79°F (26°C), and roughly 4 inches of rainfall from short afternoon showers. Crowds climb as cruise ships dock at Amber Cove and Taino Bay, so book private catamaran tours 2-3 weeks ahead. Top December activities include snorkeling at Sosua Bay, sunset sailing, and possible early humpback whale arrivals along the Dominican Republic’s North Shore.
Why Visit Puerto Plata in December
The weather in Puerto Plata Dominican Republic in December delivers warm Caribbean days, calm morning Atlantic seas, and possible early humpback whale arrivals along the North Shore. December is a good month for Puerto Plata beach trips, but short showers are still possible, especially on the north coast. Cruise traffic at Amber Cove and Taino Bay peaks during the holiday weeks, which fills public excursions quickly. Private catamarans out of Sosua Bay remain the most flexible option, especially around Christmas and New Year. You can sail, snorkel, and grill on deck while temperatures hold in the low 80s most afternoons.
Boat Trips Club lists private and shared Puerto Plata boat tours, including private catamaran cruises, a sunset catamaran, a fishing charter, and a shared cruise-friendly catamaran. With warm Puerto Plata weather in December, holiday demand spikes during the last 10 days of the month. Private bookings made in early November give the widest choice of departure times and boat sizes along the North Shore coastline from Amber Cove east to Sosua Bay and Cabarete.
Book your Puerto Plata December boat tour early and secure your preferred holiday-week time slot.
December Weather in Puerto Plata
The weather in Puerto Plata Dominican Republic in December is usually warm, with daytime highs around 82–83°F and mild evenings. Sea temperatures stay comfortable for swimming and snorkeling. Short showers are possible during the month, but many days still have good beach and boat conditions. Morning trips are usually a good choice because sea conditions are often calmer earlier in the day. December sunset in Puerto Plata is usually around 6:00 PM to 6:15 PM, so sunset cruises should be planned for the late afternoon.
| Metric | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Average high temperature | 82°F / 28°C | Peak around 2 PM |
| Average low temperature | 68°F / 20°C | Light jacket for sunset sails |
| Rainfall | 4 inches / 100 mm | Mostly short afternoon showers |
| Rainy days per month | 9 days | Showers rarely cancel morning tours |
| Water temperature | 79°F / 26°C | Snorkel without a wetsuit |
| Humidity | 70-75% | Lower than summer |
| Sunshine hours/day | 8 hours | Clearest 10 AM – 4 PM |
| Trade winds | 10-15 knots from east | Strong sailing conditions |
Events and Things to Do in December
The weather in Puerto Plata Dominican Republic in December brings warm beach days, possible short showers, holiday cruise traffic at Amber Cove and Taino Bay, and Dominican Christmas celebrations across Puerto Plata. The first humpbacks may reach Atlantic waters off the North Shore in late December, with migration season usually peaking in January and February. Nochebuena, Christmas Eve on December 24, is an important family holiday in the Dominican Republic. Expect a festive atmosphere, busy restaurants, beach areas, resorts, and local nightlife around Puerto Plata and Sosúa. New Year’s Eve fills resort beaches and drives private sunset catamaran bookings two to three weeks in advance. Cruise traffic at Amber Cove and Taino Bay can climb during the holiday period. Snorkeling conditions at Sosúa Bay are often good on calm mornings.
The Puerto Plata Cable Car operates daily and pairs well with a morning catamaran trip. Sosua town’s nightlife stays active through the holidays for after-cruise dinners. Cabarete, 20 minutes east, draws kiteboarders during the steady December trade-wind window. Many cruise passengers combine a cruise-friendly catamaran with a stop at the Amber Museum near the port.
| Event / Activity | Date Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Humpback whale arrivals | Late December onward | First sightings along the North Shore |
| Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) | December 24 | Family beach gatherings at Playa Sosua; merengue on the malecon |
| Christmas Day cruise calls | December 25-26 | Multiple ships at Amber Cove and Taino Bay |
| New Year’s Eve celebrations | December 31 | Resort beach parties; sunset catamarans booked out |
| Cabarete kiteboarding season | All December | Steady 10-15 knot trade winds |
| Sosua Bay snorkeling | All December | 40-60 ft visibility on calm mornings |
Ready to plan your perfect Puerto Plata boat day?
Best Boat Tours to Book in December
Boat Trips Club lists private and shared Puerto Plata boat tours, including catamaran cruises, a sunset catamaran, a fishing charter, and a shared cruise-friendly catamaran. The private snorkeling catamaran runs 3 hours from $995 for up to 80 guests, ideal for groups arriving at Amber Cove with a half-day window. The 6-hour snorkeling cruise extends the day to 6 hours from $1,795, with longer time over Sosua Bay reef and a full BBQ lunch on deck. The private sunset catamaran runs $1,145 for 3 hours, with December sunsets falling between 5:30 and 5:45 PM. The cruise-friendly catamaran option starts from $99 for a 3-hour trip timed to ship windows at Taino Bay.
The Puerto Plata Fishing Charter on a 56-foot private sportfisher runs $995 for 4 hours with a party size of 8 — December marlin and mahi runs make it a strong holiday-week pick. The Private Catamaran Cruise – Puerto Plata (All-Inclusive BBQ & Drinks) starts from $1,250 for 3 hours with up to 15 guests, suited to small private groups celebrating Christmas or birthdays on the water.
See all Puerto Plata boat tours and choose the right trip before holiday dates get booked.
December Travel Tips for Puerto Plata
Packing for Puerto Plata in December centers on layers for cool evenings and reef-safe sun protection for daytime boat tours. Daytime sun stays strong even at 82°F, so bring SPF 30 or higher and a wide-brim hat. Evenings drop to the high 60s, which calls for a light jacket on the sunset catamaran. Pack reef-safe sunscreen for Sosua Bay snorkeling — Dominican Republic marine zones discourage oxybenzone-based formulas. Bring water shoes if you plan to walk Playa Sosua’s rocky edges. Reserve private catamaran tours from Boat Trips Club at least 2-3 weeks ahead for the December 20-January 2 window. Cruise passengers should match tour duration to the ship’s departure window at Amber Cove or Taino Bay. Carry small cash in Dominican pesos for beach vendors and tips. Bring a dry bag for phones and camera gear on snorkel stops. Book morning departures when possible — afternoon trade winds sometimes build chop along the open Atlantic. Confirm port pickup with your operator if your cruise docks at Taino Bay rather than Amber Cove.
How December Compares to November and January
December sits between drier November and slightly cooler January in Puerto Plata’s calendar. November averages similar 82°F days, but lower cruise traffic and quieter Sosua Bay snorkeling make it the off-peak alternative. January brings the peak of humpback whale season and slightly cooler conditions, with bookings tightening further around resort high season. Choose December for the holiday atmosphere and the first whale arrivals; choose January for the strongest whale watching and quieter post-holiday weeks.
Book Your Puerto Plata Catamaran for December
Holiday dates around Amber Cove and Taino Bay can fill quickly, so plan your Puerto Plata boat day early. View our catamaran tours or message us on WhatsApp to choose the best departure time from Sosua Bay.
Common Questions About Puerto Plata in December
Is December a good time to visit Puerto Plata?
December is one of the better months to visit Puerto Plata, with average highs of 82°F, low rainfall, and 79°F Atlantic water temperatures. The month sits in the dry season, so showers stay brief. The trade-off is higher cruise traffic at Amber Cove and Taino Bay during the holiday weeks.
Does it rain a lot in Puerto Plata in December?
Puerto Plata in December averages around 4 inches of rainfall, mostly in short afternoon showers that pass within an hour. Morning catamaran tours from Sosua Bay rarely cancel due to weather.
How warm is the water for snorkeling in December?
Atlantic water temperature off Puerto Plata stays around 79°F (26°C) through December. Most snorkelers go without a wetsuit, although a rash guard adds comfort for longer stops at Sosua Bay reef.
Can you see whales in Puerto Plata in December?
Humpback whales begin arriving along the Dominican Republic’s North Shore in late December. Peak whale watching is January through March, with early sightings happening off Puerto Plata before year-end.
What should I book first for a December Puerto Plata trip?
Book private catamaran tours 2-3 weeks ahead for the December 20-January 2 holiday window. Sunset catamarans and the 56-foot fishing charter fill earliest. Cruise-friendly catamarans timed to your ship’s window at Amber Cove or Taino Bay are the second priority.