High season in the Dominican Republic is from mid-December to mid-April. The weather is perfect for beach conditions, in that it's usually dry, and the temperatures are moderated by cooling trade winds blowing in from the northeast. Sometimes a few days can be windy under cloudy skies, but these periods often come and go quickly. April may be the most idyllic month, with perfect weather before the heat of summer comes in May. In spite of the heat, many Europeans prefer a summer visit.

Rainy season is from late May until late November. That doesn't mean, however, that it rains every day. Often the showers come in short bursts, followed by clear skies and plenty of sun.

If you want to know how to pack just before you go, check the Weather Channel's online 5-day forecast at www.weather.com for the latest information.

Hurricanes -- The curse of Dominican weather, the hurricane season, lasts -- officially, at least -- from June 1 to November 30. But there's no cause for panic; satellite forecasts give enough warning that precautions can be taken.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.