Best Time to Visit
When is the Best Time to Visit El Yunque?
Short answer: The best time to visit El Yunque is during the dry season, December to April. Plan on coming in early, and ideally on weekdays to avoid the crowds.
Planning a trip to see the forest? Bookmark our El Yunque National Forest website for the complete rundown on every single detail!
Best Time of Year to Visit El Yunque National Forest
What is the best time to visit El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico?
The forest is open year round, and you should plan on going, weather permitting, no matter when you visit the island.
That said, some months of the year are better than others depending on whether you seek more pleasant weather or a less crowded experience.
Similarly, arriving early in the morning on a week day offers the highest chance for a relaxed, less crowded experience.
Weather is better between December and April
You’ll have the best weather at El Yunque National Forest ( and, indeed, in Puerto Rico as a whole) between December and April.
These months are outside of the typical hurricane season, with a much lower chance of storms.
December to April is considered the “dry season,” with a lower level of rainfall (although showers are always a possibility in the rainforest).
With less rain, hiking trails are apt to be less muddy and slick.
May through November is the rainy season on Puerto Rico, and it is also hurricane season. From a weather perspective, this time of year is definitely a less desirable time to visit El Yunque National Forest, with squelchy mud on trails.
But on the flip side, waterfalls will be flowing at their powerful best at this time!
Crowds are higher between December and April
Given that the weather is usually better in the dry season between December and April, this period is high season on Puerto Rico.
You should therefore expect hiking trails and waterfalls at El Yunque to be more crowded during this time. Also expect to pay higher prices on accommodations.
In the summer, tourist crowds are lower in Puerto Rico, and visiting then offers you the chance to have trails and waterfalls to yourself or shared with few other visitors.
If you can, time your visit for the shoulder months: November and May, for lower crowds and still the potential for nice weather.
Best Time of Day to Visit El Yunque National Forest
Weekdays are less crowded than weekends
First, weekdays are always preferable to weekends for visiting El Yunque National Forest, because at the weekends, the number of locals visiting outdoor recreation areas increases quite a bit.
Early in the day offers pleasant temperatures and lower crowds
Second, arriving early in the morning allows for relatively more pleasant weather and lower crowds.
Your chance of securing a coveted parking spot at popular trailheads is much higher if you are at the forest entrance at (or near) opening time!
Leave before sunset!
The park gates are shut every evening, so be sure to be out before closing time to avoid getting locked in.
Plus, the road in the forest is winding, and there are no lights, so it is prudent to leave while there is still some daylight left.
Top-Rated El Yunque Tours