Life in the Dominican Republic
Three things you can guarantee in the Dominican Republic: warm weather, vibrant people, and blackouts (power outages).
Warm Weather Year-round
In my opinion, July and August are without a doubt the hottest months here in the DR. No question. AC and fans get more use than any other time of the year, and my electricity bills prove it.
The rest of the year is still warm, but less humid, with a steady breeze most days.
But here’s the thing: not all warm climates are the same, and the Dominican Republic is no exception. Believe it or not, there’s actually a part of the country where snow has fallen. My first thought was, how is that even possible in the Caribbean? Yet it’s true. The town is called Constanza, sitting about 4,000 feet above sea level. It’s the coldest place in the entire Caribbean, and yes, it snows there.
Sure is interesting, but not for me.
For most of the country, the weather stays warm year-round, with the occasional seasonal rain shower. Still, each region has its own feel. For example, the capital, Santo Domingo, is noticeably more humid than anywhere else I’ve been. Maybe it’s the city heat combined with the busyness, but it feels hotter there.
Punta Cana, on the other hand, can get really hot too depending on the season. The upside is that it’s home to some of the best beaches in the DR, which helps balance things out.
Then there’s the north. Thanks to being surrounded by water, the weather is especially comfortable. And have you ever noticed that tourist areas usually have the least of mosquitoes?
Power Outages Are Common
Another thing you won’t escape in the Dominican Republic is power outages (blackouts). They’re not extreme, but they happen more often than you’d expect.
Just the other night, workers were fixing something on the street and the power kept going in and out all night. That’s rare, but here blackouts unfortunately are not. Luckily, blackouts are not a big problem. With a simple purchase of an inverter, you can avoid outages altogether. Of course, some areas are face with more power outages than others.
Now, let’s say you don’t have solar panels or an inverter. That’s still fine. Usually, the power comes back quickly, either right away or shortly after. There's also helpful websites that let you know when to expect the electricity to return, so you’re not completely left in the dark lol.
Take it from me: always unplug your TV when the power is flickering. After a few too many blackouts, mine had to be repaired. It’s also a good idea to keep a light source that doesn’t need to be plugged in.
The good news? Most households in the DR use gas stoves, so even during an outage, you can still cook. Or choose the time to go out for a bite, restaurants and shops stay open and don’t skip a beat.
Vibrant People Everywhere
Through rain or shine, power outages or not, you will always find the people of the Dominican Republic to be vibrant people.
Probably the most positive people you'll ever meet. Social, happy, and always looking on the bright side. Dominicans have their own way of handling challenges, simply by going outside. Good energy is contagious.
Let an old classic merengue song come on, and you'll see the liveliness of the Dominicans lol. No matter if it's music from a colmado (store) or a passing car playing music, they're always ready to sing along and dance.
In the Dominican Republic, the views on depression are controversial, especially because many don’t believe in it. Their approach is simple: they handle stress by going outside, being social, and staying active.
They often use the phrase “ven a República Dominicana” (“come to the Dominican Republic”) with strong conviction that this beautifully imperfect country will uplift your spirits.
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