Weather in Punta Cana in September

How September compares

September is the 2nd warmest month of the year in Punta Cana and ranks 34th of 134 destinations we compare for September - see where else is hot in September. Against London's average high of 18.6°C in September, Punta Cana is 10.3°C warmer by day and 14.7°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in September

The typical September day in Punta Cana peaks at 28.9°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 29.8°C or more. About 100% of days top 25°C and 1 in 13 pass 30°C. Nights average 25.9°C; one night in ten drops to 24.8°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest September day here reached 31.3°C (2019-09-14) and the coldest night 23.5°C (2020-09-21).

Rain in September

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 19 days with 1 mm or more, 129 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest September was 2008 with 435 mm, the driest 2003 with 45 mm. Humidity averages 81%, which makes the heat feel heavier than the thermometer suggests.

Sea temperature in September

The sea averages 28.8°C - warm enough to swim (22°c+). Depending on the year it ranges from 28.3°C to 29.2°C. This is the warmest the sea gets here all year.

Sunshine and daylight

Around 4.9 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 12.1 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 06:21 and sets about 18:36 local time in mid-September. Average cloud cover is 60%.

Is September 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.

Expect humid heat with little relief at night

The heat is consistent rather than regularly extreme: every day reaches 25°C, while only 8% reach 30°C. The bigger consideration is humidity at 81%, combined with nights that remain warm. Pack loose, lightweight clothes and check that your accommodation has air conditioning if you struggle to sleep in heat. Evenings are more suited to light clothing than the layers you would usually consider at home. London’s September daytime high averages 18.6°C, so the change will feel substantial. Keep strenuous plans flexible, take breaks from the midday heat and do not count on the evening bringing much of a cool-down.

Rain is the main catch, despite the warm sea

September is a wet month, so leave room to change outdoor plans rather than making every day depend on dry weather. There are about 4.9 hours of sunshine within 12.1 hours of daylight: enough to make sun protection important, but not a basis for expecting clear skies throughout the day. A lightweight waterproof and a bag that keeps essentials dry are practical additions to your packing. The sea is a strong reason to consider going, averaging 28.8°C and comfortably warm for swimming. This combination suits someone happy to fit time in the water around the weather, rather than someone seeking dependable all-day sun.