Puerto Rico has warm weather and clear water throughout the year. So the best time to dive in Puerto Rico depends on whether you prefer calm seas versus fewer crowds.
The average water temperature from mid-June through mid-September is 26-30°C/80-85°F. From December through March, Puerto Rico’s winter months, water temperatures drop to around 24-26°C/75-79°F.
Air temperatures range from a high of 79-83°F/26-28°C during Puerto Rico’s summer (mid-June through mid-September). The weather cools down slightly in winter months (December through March) to a pleasant 21-26°C/70-80°F.
The Best Time To Dive Puerto Rico Overall
Mid-November through mid-December is generally the best time to scuba dive in Puerto Rico because:
- Hurricane season is over.
- It’s the beginning of the dry season.
- The water remains warm.
- Air temperatures are comfortable.
- Holiday crowds have not arrived yet.
Visiting Puerto Rico During the High Season
Flight and hotel prices from mid-December onward tend to be higher due to holiday travel. From January through March, sunseekers from the Northern Hemisphere come to Puerto Rico for its beautiful beaches, Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián and abundant outdoor activities.
Dive sites will also be more crowded compared to the rainy season (June through mid-November). Experienced divers hoping to enjoy nice weather and fewer crowds should consider out-of-the-way dive spots such as Mona Island.
Diving Puerto Rico During the Low Season: Pros and Cons
Fewer people visit Puerto Rico during the rainy season (June through mid-November), but the amount of rain varies from place to place. Because of the island’s topography, the northern part of the island gets more rain than the southern side.
In many areas, the rain passes quickly. Unfortunately, the humidity lingers.
- October tends to be the most humid month, with an average humidity of 71.6%
(compared to 64.6% relative humidity in March). - August is the wettest month, with an average 18cm/7 inches of rain.
Rainy Season Pros:
- August and September offer the warmest water temps, peaking at 30°C/86°F.
- It’s the off-season, so you can enjoy fewer crowds and lower travel costs.
Rainy Season Cons:
- Hurricane season in Puerto Rico is August through October. If you travel during this time, it’s a good idea to buy travel insurance or choose flight and hotel options that can be cancelled at no charge.
- Island crossings can be choppy compared to the dry season, but there are plenty of dive sites in calm, protected bays.
Planning a Dive Trip to Puerto Rico?
Contact a PADI Dive Shop in Puerto Rico for expert advice. Or, check out some of the articles below.
