As the calendar turns to August, the weather remains warm and dry and the threat of hurricanes begins to increase. August and September are usually the two most active months for tropical weather as water temperatures continue to rise and atmospheric conditions become better aligned. It is during this month that more tropical storms develop in the Caribbean so care needs to be taken to keep a close eye on the forecast during this time of the year.
Sea surface temperatures remain primed for any tropical development with readings at a very warm 29°C (84°F). This water is more like bathwater and also makes for excellent conditions to spend hours on the beach soaking in all Puerto Plata has to offer.
Visitors should be sure to dress appropriately for the warm temperatures on land both at night and also during the day. The average overnight lows at this time of the year will bottom out around 21°C (70°F) making for very warm evenings and early morning hours. Once the sun comes up, temperatures will quickly climb to an average afternoon high of 33°C (91°F). With temperatures this warm, visitors need to be sure to drink plenty of water and seek out shady spots in the peak heating of the afternoon, as daily averages are consistently around 27°C.
There is plenty of sun to go around during this time of the year with the region receiving an average of 8 hours of sunlight per day. Visitors can also expect dry conditions as long as there are no tropical systems lurking nearby. On average, the month only sees 80mm of rain. However, that rain is spread over almost half the month on an average of 15 days. Much of this precipitation will be over shortly after it starts and visitors can go back to their activities throughout the region.
The Royal Suites at Lifestyle Holiday Vacation Resort is just steps from Cofresi Beach and offers a first-class, five-star vacation experience. The hotel is comprised of deluxe and standard one and two bedroom suites in six low-rise Mediterranean-style buildings. The resort offers a numerous swimming pools, pool bars and several restaurants. The resort is also family friendly with a kid's club and multiple activities to choose from.
Within the same company are the Crown Villas at Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Resort. The resort is made up of 90 luxurious five-star villas that offer a different vacation experience. Each villa has its own décor, yet they all meet the very high standard with amenities such as a private pool, multiple suites with private baths, and dedicated personal maid service. Guests can choose from villas with three, four five and up to seven bedrooms making a perfect August getaway.
Confrei Palm Beach and Spa Resort is another jewel on the island and is just off the Cofresi beach and overlooking a crystal clear sea. Both families and couples will enjoy the 468 rooms offered by the resort. For those who want to get away from children, there are also adult only spa suites, but all rooms are impeccable with a goal of giving guests the vacation of their lives. With more than 12 pools on the property, there is one for everyone plus a wide array of other activities to choose from.
One of the best beaches to visit near Puerto Plata is Cofresi Beach. With white sand and impressive waves, this is the ideal spot for a tourist to enjoy the waves and the sun and relaxing all at the same time. Numerous restaurants and bars are also nearby to provide a break from sun and surf for a while. Sea surface temperatures are also pleasant and averaging bath-like temperatures of 29°C (84°F).
One spot not to be missed is Big Lee's Beach Bar. The specialty of the house is beer battered fish and chips as well as hamburgers and hot dogs served American style. Also on the menu are fresh French fries, BBQ chicken sandwiches, grilled cheese and breakfast is available all day. Guests can sit outside and enjoy music from the '70s, '80s and '90s while enjoying a fantastic meal in this family friendly atmosphere.
Sole Mio Pizzera offers an authentic touch of Italy with pizza prepared in a real pizza oven. The service is friendly and guests frequently get to chat with the owners, themselves. Many guests also stay for more than just a meal and wind up staying for several drinks while soaking in the atmosphere.
Visitors who dream of a good cigar should look into Vivonte Cigars as a way to wrap up a great day on the island. Cigars come from around the world and a knowledgeable staff will help guests find the one right for them. Vivonte is not only the place to be for world-renowned tobacco and cigars, but also to unwind with a drink at the end of the day. Open seven days a week, guests can listen to a wide variety of music and enjoy a meal that features local and international favorites.
For the more adventurous vacationer, an ATV tour is something not to be forgotten. Isaira Tours offers a tour through a jungle landscape with sites and sounds not seen many other places on earth. The entire tour will take a half a day and is fun for the whole family. This is a perfect way to spend a hot August afternoon with temperatures near 33°C (91°F).
Step back in time and visit historic Fort San Felipe. For just a few American dollars, visitors will be given a headset in which to follow a short tour. The fort played a role in the Quasi War against the United States in May 1800. In addition to being a fort, it was also a prison before being turned into a museum in 1965. Visitors should take some water and sunscreen as the weather will be sunny and hot.
