When is the best time for a UTV tour in the Dominican Republic?
The best time for a UTV tour around Las Terrenas is January through late April: it is the driest season, with days around 82 to 86°F (28 to 30°C) and nights near 72°F (22°C). Trails are drier, the heat is easy to handle behind the wheel, and the sea, around 79°F (26°C), is perfect for a swim after the day's ride.
It is also when most of North America is deep in winter, and when nonstop flights to Samaná are most frequent. From mid-January to the end of March, it overlaps with the official humpback whale-watching season in Samaná Bay.
December is a transition month: rain eases off, but the drier season only really settles in by early January.
What is the weather like in Las Terrenas month by month?
Las Terrenas is warm all year: average highs only range from 82°F (28°C) in January to 90°F (32°C) from June to September. What really changes with the seasons is how often it rains and the hurricane risk.
| Period | Average daytime high | Rain | What it means for your tour |
|---|---|---|---|
| January to March | 82 to 84°F (28 to 29°C), nights near 72°F (22°C) | driest period, March driest of all | dry, dusty trails; whales in Samaná Bay |
| April | 86°F (30°C) | end of the dry stretch | still excellent, getting warmer |
| May and June | 88 to 90°F (31 to 32°C) | May is, on average, the wettest month | muddier trails; hurricane season starts June 1 |
| July and August | 90°F (32°C) | regular showers | humid heat; tropical activity picks up from mid-August |
| September and October | 88 to 90°F (31 to 32°C), nights near 77°F (25°C) | frequent rain | peak hurricane season; warmest sea, about 84°F (29°C) |
| November | 86°F (30°C) | still rainy | hurricane season ends November 30 |
| December | 84°F (29°C) | less rain | transition to the dry season |
Rainfall totals vary a lot between data sources, but they all agree on a drier January-to-April window and a wet May. Showers can still happen in the dry season: February averages about 11 days with some rain.
What happens if it rains during the tour?
If it rains, the team adapts the plan based on safety, trail conditions and feasibility; some stages may change. Rain makes trails more technical, especially in the jungle and on the muddy sections of the Grand Raid and the Expedition Raid.
Mud, dust and water crossings are part of the experience in any season. Pack durable clothes, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen and a change of clothes. The official tour jersey, balaclava, helmet and goggles or face shield are part of the driver gear.
Can you travel during hurricane season?
Yes, as long as you plan for it. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, peaking statistically on September 10, with most activity between mid-August and mid-October, according to the US National Hurricane Center. A storm will not necessarily hit during your stay, but the risk is real and you need flexibility.
The Canadian and French governments give the same advice for this period:
- follow forecasts and local authorities' instructions throughout your stay;
- do not travel by road during a tropical storm, since roads flood very quickly;
- be ready to change, shorten or postpone your trip.
If you are looking at a departure between June and November, buy travel insurance that covers cancellation, trip interruption, medical costs and evacuation. We recommend it in any case, because the 50% booking deposit is non-refundable. Ask your weather questions in your request: the route is always adapted to conditions and the group's safety.
When can you see humpback whales in Samaná?
Humpback whales can be seen in Samaná Bay from mid-January to the end of March: the official whale-watching season, regulated by the Dominican Ministry of the Environment, runs from January 15 to March 31. The whales travel from the North Atlantic to breed, give birth and raise their calves in these warm waters.
The waterfront (malecón) in the town of Samaná is the main boarding point for whale-watching trips, about 45 minutes to an hour by road from Las Terrenas. Whale watching is not part of the tour package: to fit it in, add a night or two before or after your stay. Extra nights and transfers are only included if they appear in your quote.
Which season suits you best?
The right choice depends on what you want: comfort, fixed dates or more challenging trails.
- First multi-day tour, or comfort first: January to April, with the 7-day Discovery Raid, including 3 days on the trails.
- Escaping winter in the US or Canada: January to March, when nonstop flights to Samaná from Canada are most frequent. From Canada, read our guide to a side-by-side tour from Canada.
- Mud lovers and experienced drivers: the rainy season makes trails more technical, with extra caution from August to October.
- Groups of 3 or more drivers: a private departure can be organized on your dates, each driver with a private UTV, subject to availability and logistics.
When are the next departures?
Scheduled dates and remaining spots are published and kept up to date on the upcoming departures page, with the package for each date: Discovery Raid (7 days), Grand Raid (10 days) or Expedition Raid (13 days).
Before booking flights, read our guide on how to get to Las Terrenas: there are no nonstop flights from the US to Samaná, and Canadian service is seasonal. Per-driver prices and options are on Pricing and options. To get availability for specific dates, send a request with your preferred period and group size.
Sources
- Weather Spark, Las Terrenas climate and average weather year round, accessed Oct 18, 2026
- Weather and Climate, average temperatures in Las Terrenas (Foreca and Copernicus C3S, 1991-2020), accessed Oct 18, 2026
- Weather and Climate, rainfall and sunshine in Las Terrenas, accessed Oct 18, 2026
- NOAA National Hurricane Center, tropical cyclone climatology, accessed Oct 18, 2026
- Government of Canada, Travel advice: Dominican Republic (hurricane season), updated May 26, 2026
- France Diplomatie, Dominican Republic: safety and natural hazards (French), updated Oct 15, 2026
- El Día, humpback whale-watching season opens in Samaná (January 15 to March 31), Jan 15, 2025 (Spanish)
- Acento, Samaná, a sanctuary for humpback whales, Feb 14, 2026 (Spanish)
- MileHacker, How to get to Las Terrenas (distance to Samaná town), accessed Oct 18, 2026