Puerto Rico is pleasant to visit year-round, with temperatures that stay consistently in the 80s. In fact, the island only has two seasons: rainy and dry. Rainy / hurricane season is from June – November and the best time to visit if budget travel is what you’re after. However, be sure to check weather forecasts and buy travel insurance if you decide to visit during hurricane season.

April – June: This is the best time to visit Puerto Rico. It’s no longer peak season but not quite hurricane season. You may have to deal with some rainy days but the weather is generally pleasant and hotel prices are much lower. 

December – March: Puerto Rico is at its driest and busiest during these months. It’s a popular winter getaway and far less rainy. Expect peak prices and an uptick in tourism, but if the best weather is what you’re after, this is when to visit. 

Influenced by indigenous, Spanish, and African flavors and spices, Puerto Rico’s food manages to be both quintessentially Caribbean and distinctly its own. 

The national dish of Puerto Rico is mofongo, a dish made of mashed, deep-fried plantains, often served with a side of protein, vegetables, and sometimes, rice and beans. It’s served in a variety of ways depending on where you eat it, so I was always careful to make sure it didn’t include pork.

Other delicious eats include: mamposteao (a vegetable and bean rice dish), bacalaitos (cod fritters), asopao (chicken gumbo) and tostones (fried plantain pancakes), amongst others. 

If you’d like to get a true taste of the food scene in Puerto Rico, be sure to check out one of many amazing food experiences here!