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Weather Comparison

San Juan vs Santo Domingo

Side-by-side weather comparison for January

San Juan: 28°CSanto Domingo: 27°C403 km apart

January Weather: San Juan vs Santo Domingo

MetricSan JuanSanto DomingoBetter
Average HighHigher is warmer28°C (82°F)27°C (81°F)San Juan
Average LowHigher is milder22°C (72°F)20°C (68°F)San Juan
Rain DaysFewer is drier11 days12 daysSan Juan
PrecipitationLess is drier43 mm33 mmSanto Domingo
Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier11h/day10h/daySan Juan
HumidityLower is more comfortable78%78%Tie
UV IndexLower is safer33Tie
Wind SpeedCalmer is better20 km/h14 km/hSanto Domingo

Which City is Better in January?

Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, San Juan edges ahead as the better destination in January. San Juan offers 11 hours of daily sunshine with only 11 rain days, while Santo Domingo sees 10 sunshine hours and 12 rain days.

San Juan sits in the comfortable travel range at 28°C. Santo Domingo is also comfortable at 27°C.

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, San Juan is the stronger choice in January. San Juan receives 1 more hour of sunshine per day, which matters for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Temperature Comparison in January

San Juan reaches an average high of 28°C (82°F) and drops to 22°C (72°F) at night during January. The daily temperature range is 6°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.

Santo Domingo averages 27°C (81°F) for the high and 20°C (68°F) for the low, with a daily range of 7°C. The two cities feel quite similar in terms of temperature.

Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in January.

Rainfall Comparison in January

San Juan receives approximately 43 mm of rainfall across 11 rain days during January. You can expect rain roughly every other day.

Santo Domingo sees 33 mm over 12 rain days. That makes San Juan the drier option by 1 rain day and 10 mm of total precipitation.

Both cities share similar humidity levels at 78%.

What to Pack: San Juan vs Santo Domingo

Packing for San Juan in January

Highs of 28°C, lows of 22°C, 11 rain days

  • lightweight breathable clothing
  • sunscreen SPF 50+
  • sunglasses
  • a wide-brimmed hat
  • waterproof jacket
  • compact umbrella
  • waterproof shoes
  • moisture-wicking fabrics

Packing for Santo Domingo in January

Highs of 27°C, lows of 20°C, 12 rain days

  • light layers
  • a light jacket for evenings
  • sunscreen
  • waterproof jacket
  • compact umbrella
  • waterproof shoes
  • moisture-wicking fabrics

Pack for both: waterproof jacket, compact umbrella, waterproof shoes, moisture-wicking fabrics. These items are useful in either destination during January.

Year-Round Comparison: San Juan vs Santo Domingo

The table below shows average high temperatures and rain days for every month of the year, helping you find the best time to visit either city.January is highlighted for quick reference.

MonthSan JuanSanto Domingo
HighRainHighRain
Jan28°C11d27°C12d
Feb29°C9d28°C11d
Mar29°C9d28°C12d
Apr30°C12d29°C16d
May30°C17d29°C21d
Jun31°C14d30°C22d
Jul31°C17d30°C22d
Aug31°C19d30°C22d
Sep31°C21d30°C21d
Oct30°C21d29°C22d
Nov29°C19d28°C16d
Dec28°C13d28°C12d
28°

San Juan Weather in January

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

27°

Santo Domingo Weather in January

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is San Juan warmer than Santo Domingo in January?
Yes. In January, San Juan is warmer with an average high of 28°C (82°F) compared to Santo Domingo at 27°C (81°F), a difference of 1°C.
Which city gets more rain in January, San Juan or Santo Domingo?
Santo Domingo gets more rain in January with 12 rain days and 43 mm of precipitation. San Juan is the drier option with 11 rain days.
Is it better to visit San Juan or Santo Domingo in January?
It depends on your preferences. San Juan averages 28°C and 11 hours of daily sunshine with 11 rain days. Santo Domingo averages 27°C with 10 sunshine hours and 12 rain days. If you prefer warmer weather, choose San Juan. For drier weather, San Juan is the better pick.
How far apart are San Juan and Santo Domingo?
San Juan and Santo Domingo are approximately 403 km (250 miles) apart. San Juan is located in Puerto Rico (North America) while Santo Domingo is in Dominican Republic (North America).
What is the best month to visit San Juan and Santo Domingo?
For San Juan, April tends to be the best month with 12 hours of daily sunshine and a high of 30°C. For Santo Domingo, April is typically ideal with 12 sunshine hours and 29°C highs.

Compare San Juan and Santo Domingo in Other Months

Climate data sourced from the Open-Meteo Historical Weather API, using ERA5 reanalysis data covering 30-year normals from 1991 to 2020. All temperatures shown in Celsius with Fahrenheit equivalents. Rain days count days with 1 mm or more of precipitation. Sunshine hours represent average daily values. This comparison is generated from long-term climate averages and individual trips may vary.

San Juan coordinates: 18.47°N, -66.11°E | Santo Domingo coordinates: 18.49°N, -69.93°E