When Is the Best Time to Visit Puerto Rico?

Jessica Chapel
·7 min read

Haizhan Zheng/Getty

No matter when you decide to visit La Isla del Encanto, that’s the best time to visit Puerto Rico. As its nickname says, there's a certain kind of luxurious magic to the island. Any time is a good time to revel in all that the Caribbean island offers, like tasting fresh and local cuisine alongside the crystal-blue sea and dancing with friends in the historic-yet-buzzy streets of Old San Juan, whether you check in to a colorful Airbnb or a swanky beachside resort. And there's no shortage of things to do for all kinds of travelers: For the shoppers, explore PR’s stylish boutiques or vintage shops, some recommended by the iconic and local music artist Bad Bunny. For those seeking adventure, hike the limestone cliff caves of Arecibo. Around every corner in Puerto Rico, there are lush rainforests and beaches, history and art, music and cocktails—you name it.

Perfect for staying put or road-tripping (you can drive across the entire island, from San Juan to Rincòn, in less than three hours), Puerto Rico rightfully earned its place as one of our Best Places to Go in the US for 2025. So whether you’re planning a first trip to the island or strategizing an itinerary for the best value, we spoke to two travel experts for their best tips and tricks: Addie Bell, the Founder and CEO of luxury travel consultancy Jetset & Travel, and Gerardo Tanaka, the Director of Travel & Hospitality at Discover Puerto Rico.

Read on below before planning your trip, and consider this your guide to the best time to go to Puerto Rico.

What is the best time to visit Puerto Rico?

According to Bell of Jetset & Travel, the ideal visiting season for Puerto Rico is between December and April—convenient for a winter escape. These months on the island offer sunny skies and temperatures, hovering somewhere between 70°F and 80°F. Puerto Rico’s festivals are also in full swing during this time period. Bell recommends heading there in January for the San Sebastián Street Festival for live music, art, and local food. While you’re at it, head to El Yunque National Forest, the only rainforest in the US National Park System, or sail to nearby islands like Vieques and Culebra.

To ditch the crowds, Tanaka of Discover Puerto Rico says the island’s shoulder season falls from May to June. And while the average temperature for these months is a bit higher—in the high 80s—it’s ideal for refreshing dips in the ocean or pool.

What is the cheapest time to visit Puerto Rico?

For the value-seeking traveler, Bell recommends a visit during the off-season, from May to November. “September will be the absolute cheapest, but keep in mind that time of year is the heart of hurricane season,” Bell says; the shoulder months of May and early November are great alternatives, and offer lower prices and more stable weather. “Those who decide to plan a trip in September should explore purchasing a travel insurance policy with a ‘cancel for any reason’ clause,” Bell says. “The silver lining? Fewer crowds, off-season rates, and a slower, more relaxed pace.”

Tanaka adds that during this time—though more specifically, August to November—is when hotel and flight prices drop significantly; travelers may be able to book a room with ocean views for almost half the high season's rate.

When is peak season in Puerto Rico?

Winter doubles as Puerto Rico’s peak travel season, as it's the most popular time of year thanks to its ideal weather. This is when hotels and restaurants are most busy with tourists. If you want to visit during this time, Bell advises booking far in advance to snag the best resort rooms and dining reservations. From December to mid-April is also the island’s dry season. “It's arguably the most excellent weather of the year,” Tanaka adds. “The perfect time to escape the winter chill up north, seek the vibrant festivals, like the Carnaval Ponceño in February.”

How many days do I need in Puerto Rico if I’m visiting for the first time?

Bell recommends first-timers spend four to five days in Puerto Rico to fully immerse themselves in the island’s vibes, from its delicious food to fascinating culture and history; Tanaka suggests five to seven, if your schedule can follow suit. It’s just enough time to explore the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan, savor the incredible local cuisine, and spend some down time at the resorts and beaches.

When planning your first trip, make sure to create space for day trips, a must-do to really experience all the island has to offer. For a unique beach day, Bell suggests a visit Playa Negra in Vieques, which is famous for its black sand, or a sunset sail in Fajardo for amazing views. Travelers can also head to the bioluminescent bay in Vieques—and for the brightest glow, Bell advises to look out for a moonless night.

What is the tipping culture in Puerto Rico?

Puerto Rico’s tipping culture mirrors that of the US, so expect to tip 15 to 20% at restaurants and bars, as well as for beauty, spa, and rideshare services. For taxi drivers and hotel staff, Bell says a tip of 10 to 15% or a few dollars per bag is customary. Leaving gratuities for standout service is always appreciated, especially when staff go above and beyond to personalize your stay.

What else should I know before visiting Puerto Rico?

While most locals speak English, Bell advises to try to sprinkle in a few Spanish phrases to make the experience more memorable—and you might even score you some insider recommendations. And while enjoying a fair share of fabulous beach days is an obvious thing to do, Bell suggests to not discount the island's cultural, architectural, and historical sights, like El Morro, Castillo de San Cristobal, and Cuartel de Ballajá. Puerto Rico’s coffee culture is an underrated gem, Bell notes; coffee-lovers can take tours of coffee haciendas in the mountains for a behind-the-scenes look at how some of the island’s best coffee is made.

It's easiest to travel by car when getting around Puerto Rico, so book a rental car, ride share, or private transportation from a tour operator. “Uber is the most popular form of ride share in the Metro,” Tanaka says. “But rental cars offer more of a freedom to explore the island's hidden gems at your own pace.”

Traveling to Puerto Rico is seamless for US citizens: no passport is required and the US dollar is the official currency. Tanaka advises travelers to carry cash, as not every business accepts credit cards as payment. In terms of booking your airfare, there's are two airports in Puerto Rico that receive international flights: Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in San Juan, and Rafael Hernández Airport (BQN) in Aguadilla, in the west. Both get direct flights from major cities across the US. The Mercedita International Airport (PSE) in Ponce has a few commercial flights from the US, primarily from cities like Orlando and New York City. Smaller than SJU and BQN, Tanaka suggests flying into PSE, if your time on the island is mostly spent in the island’s south.

Soon, JetBlue will launch new direct routes from Providence, Rhode Island, and Westchester County, New York. “These growing flight patterns make it even easier for travelers to get to Puerto Rico and begin their vacation,” Tanaka says.

Originally Appeared on Condé Nast Traveler

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