The best time to visit Cabarete, month by month
When the wind blows, when it rains, when the whales arrive and when the town is packed, from someone who is on the road here every week of the year.
December to February: full town, big waves
High season. The town is busy, prices are at their highest and every villa is booked. The wind is inconsistent for kiting but the surf at Playa Encuentro is at its best, and this is when the north swell brings the serious waves. Evenings can be cool enough for a light jacket, which surprises people.
Mid January to late March: the whales
Humpbacks fill Samaná Bay to breed. It is a three-hour drive each way and a long day, and it is the single trip guests talk about years later. Book the boat in advance in February, which is the peak.
March to July: the best wind of the year
This is the season Cabarete built its name on. The trade winds settle in and blow reliably most afternoons, the water is warm and Kite Beach fills up from noon. June and July are the strongest and most consistent. If you came for kitesurfing, come now.
April to June: the quiet sweet spot
After the winter crowds leave and before the summer holidays start, the town empties out a little, prices soften, and the weather is at its most pleasant. If you want Cabarete without queues, this is the window.
August: hot, and the start of the watch
Hot and humid, with the wind still good. Hurricane season officially runs from June to November but the part worth watching is August to October. In practice most seasons pass with nothing more than a few heavy days; the sensible move is travel insurance and a flexible booking, not avoiding the country.
September and October: the rainy months
The quietest and wettest time of year. Some businesses close for a few weeks. Rain here usually means a violent downpour for an hour and then sunshine, not grey drizzle all day, but the roads flood in spots and the sea gets churned up. Prices are at their lowest.
November: the turn
The rain eases, the town starts filling again, and the surf begins to build for winter. A good compromise month: reasonable prices, decent weather and enough people for the restaurants to be open.
So when should you come?
For kitesurfing, June and July. For surfing, December to February. For whales, February. For good weather without crowds, April and May. For the lowest prices, September and October, with the weather as the trade-off. Whichever month you pick, the airport transfer costs the same: our prices do not change with the season.
