July is one of the best times to visit Puerto Plata due to plenty of sunshine, mainly dry conditions and warm temperatures on land and water. Again, July is in hurricane season, but many tropical systems that develop this time of the year tend to be weaker and do not develop above tropical storm status with wind and briefly heavy downbursts of rain.
If no tropical system affects the island over the month, then the overall rain chances are actually very low with only 62mm falling over the course of 15 days. While this does amount to half of the month, the rain is generally light in nature and will fall within a short amount of time. The overall rainfall chance is still very low and most visitors will be greeted with sunshine. Over the month, the region sees an average of 8 hours of sunlight per day and there is an impressive 48 percent chance of seeing sunny skies. Therefore, visitors should be sure to pack with them plenty of sunscreen for hitting the beach and the water.
Water temperatures during the month continue to hover around a very warm 28°C (82°F). This is plenty warm to sustain tropical storm development as well as being warm enough to enjoy plenty of time on the water while on vacation.
On land, it is just as warm throughout the month with average afternoon highs reaching 32°C (90°F). It is these warm temperatures that draw so many people to the island this time of the year. Not to be outdone, the average overnight low temperatures also climb during the month to an average of 21°C (70°F). With temperatures like these, visitors can leave the long sleeves and jackets at home.
Perfect for couples and families who are looking for fun and excitement while on vacation, Iberostar Costa Dorada is a great choice. This five-star all-inclusive resort received a full renovation in 2011 and is ready to welcome guests eager to try out the numerous water sports, scuba center, kid's club, pool, disco, fitness center, restaurants and daily entertainment. The resort features 498 double rooms and 18 Junior Suites to choose from and is perfect for a July vacation.
Hotel Be Live Grand Marien is another five-star hotel located in Puerto Plata that is sure to meet guest's every expectation. Guests can enjoy food from around the world in the resort's numerous restaurants, enjoy a drink at the wine bar and try their luck in the casino. Located along Costa Dorada beach, visitors can do nothing but listen to the ocean waves or choose to partake in everything at this resort. Either way, an unforgettable vacation awaits.
Hotel Casa Cayena Club is a boutique hotel for those who are looking to save a little money while on vacation. The three-story building has rooms overlooking the central garden and swimming pool and guests can choose from a variety of room sizes. Breakfast is included and guests are just a short walk away from Playa Alicia.
Playa Grande is one of the best beaches in the region and is located 15km from Rio San Juan. This long beach has crystal clear water on one side and a lovely rain forest bordering the other. It is the perfect spot for being lazy or enjoying the waves and enjoying temperatures of 28°C (82°F) in the water.
Visitors looking for Mexican food should look no further than Los Charros y Los Pinches Chaparros. The food is high quality and always delicious with a very attentive staff in a fun and friendly atmosphere. This is a great spot for both lunch and dinner.
For a great meal any time of the day, locals recommend Tio Pan Panaderia. This family friendly restaurant features good-sized portions at reasonable prices. Locals recommend the pizza as well as the pastries and it's also a good place to grab a snack to enjoy later.
For those looking to try their luck and go home with a little money in their pockets, there is no shortage of casino action in Puerto Plata. The largest is at Ocean World and covers an impressive 7,000 square feet with 60 gaming machines and 14 tables.
Cool off from July temperatures of 32°C (90°) and enjoy a day on the water in your own catamaran with a Bay of Sosua Catamaran Tour and Snorkeling. Companies such as Nexus Tours will pick up guests for a seven-hour tour aboard a 54-foot luxury catamaran along the northern coast of the island. Guests also get a chance to snorkel and take advantage of lunch and the open bar that are all part of the overall price.
Enjoy the beach a different way by taking a horseback tour with Lifestyle Excursions. Experience the sand, surf and winds on this tour that begins in the local sugarcane fields before winding to the beach. There is even an opportunity to swim with the horses before ending the day with a drink and meal at a local restaurant.
