Dominican Republic welcomes cooler temperatures with start of frontal season

The Dominican Republic has officially transitioned into the 2025–2026 frontal season, a five-month period characterized by cooler temperatures and more temperate weather across the nation. Meteorologist Jean Suriel highlighted that this season, spanning from November to mid-April, will witness between 20 and 30 cold fronts approaching the northern Caribbean, with 8 to 15 directly impacting the country. The coldest phase is expected from January 15 to March 15, particularly in high-altitude regions such as Valle Nuevo, Pico Duarte, Valle de Bao, and the Sierra de Bahoruco, where temperatures may plummet below zero. These areas could also experience frost, hoarfrost, and even ice floes—rare yet typical occurrences during the Dominican tropical winter. Already, two cold fronts have passed near the northern Caribbean, with another anticipated this week. Additionally, a polar air mass is forecast to reach the island around November 16, further intensifying the chill. Popular destinations to embrace the mountain cold include Constanza, Jarabacoa, Ocoa, San José de las Matas, Polo in Barahona, and Loma de Cabrera. Suriel emphasized that the cooling effect will be most pronounced in the Cibao and mountain regions, though daytime warmth will persist until late November. “Nighttime and early morning hours, particularly between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m., will feel significantly cooler,” he noted, adding that this shift offers a refreshing respite after months of relentless heat.