The Best Time to Visit Puerto Rico

You stroll down the airplane stairs onto the hot tarmac. The smell of spent jet fuel and burnt rubber fills your nostrils as you take your first steps on your Puerto Rico adventure. The plane was a little stuffy and your legs are stiff but the tropical warmth envelopes your skin and breathes ease into your bones. This sweet warmth is uniform all year round so you were correct in leaving your jacket hanging safely at home. Of course, this consistent perfection makes it hard to know what the best time to visit Puerto Rico is. Luckily, you are prepared enough to know that there are no best months to go to Puerto Rico or best times to travel to Puerto Rico. Instead, you have built the adventure you wanted, bringing it into existence by choosing the best time to visit Puerto Rico for you, and it all starts here. The information captured below begins the journey that ultimately leads to where you are now- leaving the airport, heading towards the rich and varied experiences of Puerto Rico that you will carry forever. 

What’s it like

Puerto Rico is an island rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. The island’s landscape is a stunning mix of sandy beaches, lush rainforests, and rugged mountains. The locals, known as Boricuas, are known for their warm hospitality and vibrant culture, which is a blend of Spanish, African, and Taino influences. Whether you’re strolling through the colourful streets of Old San Juan, exploring the serene coastal towns or on the hunt for the perfect Puerto Rican waves, you’ll find that Puerto Rico has a unique charm that captivates its visitors.

Places to Go / Things to See

Puerto Rico offers a diverse array of attractions that cater to all interests. Whether travelling by yourself, with family or with a partner, the following are some crucial sites you should book into your itinerary:

• Old San Juan: This historic district is a must-visit, with its cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and vibrant nightlife. Music floods the streets and dancing is inevitable as you float through the bright colours and cheerful vibes of Old San Juan. Best experienced on feet covered in sturdy walking shoes, your visit here will entice all your senses and leave you with magnificent memories.

• El Yunque National Forest: The only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System, El Yunque is a paradise for nature lovers. You will hike through lush trails, discover hidden waterfalls, and enjoy panoramic views from mountain peaks. Keep your eyes peeled for the native coqui frog, a wide-eyed amphibian named after its unique night time calling sound. The trails in El Yunque are suitable for all ages, and kids will love exploring the rainforest and splashing in the natural pools beneath waterfalls.

• Bioluminescent Bays: Puerto Rico is home to three of the world’s five bioluminescent bays. The most famous, Mosquito Bay in Vieques, offers a surreal experience as the water erupts with a blue-green light due to bioluminescent microorganisms. It’s like a firework display on water and is something so brilliant that video can not possibly do it justice.

For the Adventurous

Want to feel a cold sweat? Do you hunger for the sharp edge of fear? Ache for the sensation of your heart thumping with adrenaline? These are the spots for you:

• Ziplining: Toro Verde adventure park is home to ‘The Monster’, a 1.57mi  (2.5 km) zip line that will have you reaching speeds of up to over 95 mph (150 kmh). This is the second longest zipline in the world and careens high above pristine views. Overcome your fear and fly.

• Snorkeling and Diving: The clear, warm waters around Puerto Rico are perfect for exploring underwater worlds of stunning coral reefs and abundant marine life. Bring your own team or ride a catamaran out with a company. The depth and difficulty of this adventure is completely up to you.

• Caving: Adventure through ancient caves and underground rivers in a unique tour of Puerto Rico. The Camuy River Cave Park is one of the largest cave systems in the Western Hemisphere and offers guided tours of its impressive caverns. Be prepared to experience pitch black caves, thundering waterfalls and plenty of bats.

Best Places to Eat

There are almost too many brilliant places to dine in Puerto Rico. La Casita Blanca is your authentic go to in San Juan. The largest food chain in Puerto Rico, El Meson Sandwiches, is another excellent choice. I suggest following the locals, keeping your eyes and ears constantly on the prowl for where is best, and always being brave. Concentrate on devouring as much traditional, local cuisine as possible. Below is a non-exhaustive list of must-try eating experiences:

• Mofongo: A staple dish made from mashed plantains, often stuffed with meat, seafood, or vegetables. 
• Tostones: Fried green plantains that explode into crispy, salty goodness on your tongue.
• Pasteles: Pork stuffed in a green plantain with adobo seasoning before being wrapped in banana leaves. Complex and labour intensive, take your time to enjoy these savoury dreams.
• Pan Sobao: A slightly sweet, soft crusted, chewy bread that is traditionally made with lard. Essential to follow homegrown lines to small, local bakeries for best results.
• Alcapurrias: Traditional Puerto Rican Fritters, filled with seafood, meat or fruit. They can be thought of as the Summertime Pasteles.

Family Friendly

Puerto Rico is an excellent destination for families and all ages can find enjoyment in activities from any of those mentioned above. However, there are some more suited to family activities. The following are two of my highest recommendations.

• Beaches: Many beaches, like Luquillo Beach, have calm waters and amenities such as picnic areas and restrooms, making them ideal for families with young children.
• Museums and Cultural Sites: The Museo del Nino de Carolina has over 100 hands-on interactive exhibitions as well as a go kart track and a mini zoo. The Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico in San Juan also offers engaging exhibits and activities for kids.

Best Beaches in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, which makes the argument of best beach a little like picking the brightest star in the sky at night. However, it is talked about and- if only for the fun of a bar argument- I have gathered the top three best beaches in Puerto Rico: 

• Flamenco Beach, Culebra: Often ranked among the world’s best beaches, Flamenco Beach is known for its pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters.
• Luquillo Beach: A family-friendly beach with calm waters, picnic facilities, and stunning views of the nearby mountains.
• Crash Boat Beach, Aguadilla: Popular for snorkeling, diving, and its vibrant beach scene.
• Sandy Beach, Rincón: A favorite among surfers and beach goers alike, offering great waves and a lively atmosphere.

Where to Surf / Best Surf Spots

Puerto Rico surfing opportunities are dense, with over 300 miles of coastline and as many beaches. There are waves for all levels and the chance of being skunked is low (though not zero). Be respectful in the lineup and gauge the feel of the locals. If they ask you to paddle in, take the ‘L’ and do it. Sea Urchins are normal and while people may suggest reef booties, they are probably not going to save you from the spiky devils. Your respect for the locals while surfing Puerto Rico will pay off  in information about important keyholes and how to best avoid the above-mentioned urchins. 

The best beaches in Puerto Rico is a fraught topic and  adding the question of which has the best surf spots only muddies the waters. Some praise regions such as Rincon in Puerto Rico while others have their favourite spots such as Surfers Beach in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.

Here is a list of some of my favourite spots for Puerto Rico surfing. For a full list including forecasts, costs and accommodation of each visit yeeew.com.

Rincón: Often referred to as the surfing capital of Puerto Rico, Rincón is famous for its consistent waves and welcoming surf community. The town hosts several major surf competitions annually, attracting surfers from around the world. Notable surf spots include:

• Domes: Known for its powerful right-hand waves.

• Maria’s Beach: Offers long, rideable waves perfect for surfers of all skill levels.

• Sandy Beach: A great spot for both beginners and seasoned surfers.

Aguadilla: Located on the island’s northwest coast, Aguadilla offers a variety of surf spots suitable for different skill levels. Key locations include:

• Surfer’s Beach: Popular for its beautiful scenery and reliable waves.

• Wilderness Beach: Known for its challenging and powerful waves, suitable for more experienced surfers.

Isabela: Home to some of the most famous surf spots on the island, Isabela is a must-visit for serious surfers. Key spots include:

• Jobos Beach: Offers consistent waves and is a favourite among both locals and tourists.

• Middles: Known for hosting international surf competitions, this spot is ideal for experienced surfers looking for a challenge.

Best Time to go to Puerto Rico

Wondering if October is a good time to visit Puerto Rico, or when is the rainy season in Puerto Rico? What times are cheapest, slowest, and allow you to get the most out of surfing in Puerto Rico? The Puerto Rico surf is constant but there are ups and downs and this information can be particularly important if you are looking to visit a surf camp in Puerto Rico. The local attractions are available year-round for the most part, but they can be affected by weather. Here is a chance to properly narrow down your itinerary by understanding how the timing of your trip may be affected by weather. 

Travel Insight

• Getting Around: If you intend on surfing in Puerto Rico, renting a car is highly recommended to explore the island and its various surf spots conveniently. Public transportation is limited, and having a car allows for greater flexibility. Uber is available and works well to go short distances, though not with a surfboard.
• Local Surf Shops and Schools: Numerous surf shops and schools in towns like Rincón and Aguadilla offer rentals, lessons, and guided tours, making it easy for beginners to get started and for seasoned surfers to find the best spots.
• Accommodations: Puerto Rico offers a wide range of accommodations from budget-friendly hostels to luxury resorts, many of which cater specifically to surfers. Consider staying at a surf lodge or beachfront hotel for easy access to the waves.

• Drinking: The Piña Colada was invented in Puerto Rico and the most extensive rum factory in the world, Casa Bacardí, has it’s home here. The legal age to consume alcoholic beverages in Puerto Rico is 18 years.
• Shopping: Puerto Rico has the largest shopping centre in the Caribbean, Plaza Las Américas.
• History: The remains of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León are in a tomb inside the San Juan Cathedral. 
• Dancing: The Bomba is a traditional Puerto Rican dance and style of music with African roots.

Conclusion

So there you go, the ultimate guide to organising a Puerto Rico adventure. Whether you shredded some pumping waves, danced along cobblestone streets or let the salt water dry on your skin as you sipped at a truly traditional Pina Colada, you have no doubt had a sensational time. Once you’re home and start to settle back into the daily grind of life you will savour the memories created here. Then inevitably, the taste for travel will start to invade your thoughts. You’ll begin to ponder where the next great adventure lay. Eventually, it will grow so strong you will stop mid unnecessary email reply and open a new tab, inquisitive about where is next for you. You will no doubt remember who helped you build the most amazing Puerto Rico trip, and then, as if possessed, your fingers will begin to type the one place you need to build the next great adventure, yeeew.com.  We’re already excited for you. Yeeew!