Puerto Rico is a year-round destination, but the timing matters more than you might expect.
December to April is high season — dry, pleasantly warm, and busy. Daytime temperatures hover around 27–32°C (80–90°F) with cooling breezes in the morning and late afternoon. This is when hotel prices peak and the most visitors arrive, but it's also when the island is at its liveliest, with festivals and the outdoor restaurant season in full swing.
May to November is lower season and hurricane season. Prices drop noticeably, beaches are quieter, and the island is greener after the rain. The risk of a hurricane is real — the Atlantic hurricane season officially runs June through November, with peak activity in August and September. Puerto Rico was badly hit by Hurricane Maria in September 2017, but the island has since rebuilt substantially. Traveling in this period requires flexibility; if a storm threatens, plans can be disrupted quickly.
The shoulder months of May and November offer reasonable weather, lower prices, and fewer crowds — often the best trade-off for visitors who want to avoid both the holiday rush and the storm risk.
Festivals also shape timing. San Sebastián Street Festival in Old San Juan in mid-January is one of the Caribbean's great street parties and draws large crowds to the capital. The Casals Festival of classical music runs in February or March. Carnival Ponceño in mid-February fills Ponce with costumed revelers. If you want to be part of these events, book accommodation well in advance.