Weather in Punta Cana in August

How August compares

August is the 1st warmest month of the year in Punta Cana and ranks 65th of 134 destinations we compare for August - see where else is hot in August. Against London's average high of 21.4°C in August, Punta Cana is 7.5°C warmer by day and 12.5°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in August

The typical August day in Punta Cana peaks at 28.9°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 29.7°C or more. About 100% of days top 25°C and 1 in 16 pass 30°C. Nights average 26.0°C; one night in ten drops to 25.1°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest August day here reached 30.9°C (2020-08-17) and the coldest night 23.6°C (1993-08-16).

Rain in August

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 20 days with 1 mm or more, 110 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest August was 2008 with 221 mm, the driest 1994 with 36 mm. Humidity averages 80%, which makes the heat feel heavier than the thermometer suggests.

Sea temperature in August

The sea averages 28.5°C - warm enough to swim (22°c+). Depending on the year it ranges from 28.0°C to 28.9°C. For the warmest sea here, come in September (28.8°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 5.6 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 12.6 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 06:15 and sets about 19:01 local time in mid-August. Average cloud cover is 56%.

Is August a good time to visit Punta Cana?

It is a reasonable choice: hot days but expect showers. The best months for Punta Cana on our scoring are March, February, April; months averaging 25°C or more: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec.

Hot days, with little cooling after dark

August is Punta Cana's warmest month, and the humidity is as important to your comfort as the temperature. At 80%, it can make outdoor activity feel sticky, so loose, breathable clothing and breaks somewhere cool are sensible. The average daytime high is 7.5°C above London's August figure: a noticeable change from a typical British summer. Plan anything energetic for the cooler parts of the day rather than midday, and keep evenings relaxed too. With nights remaining warm, do not expect sunset to bring much relief. Comfortable sleeping conditions are a good reason to prioritise air conditioning when choosing your room.

Expect sunshine, but leave room for rain

The catch is the frequency of rain, not a lack of warmth. August is a wet month, so a rigid schedule of outdoor activities is less sensible than deciding around the day's conditions. Average sunshine is about 5.6 hours within 12.6 hours of daylight, which leaves scope for time outside without promising clear skies throughout. Pack a light waterproof and something to protect your belongings, but avoid heavy rainwear that would feel uncomfortable in the heat. A covered place to sit can be useful when choosing accommodation. If frequent rain would spoil the holiday for you, August is a harder month to recommend.