Puerto Rico in October?
 

We're brainstorming destination ideas for this October, and we're considering Puerto Rico. Are we crazy to consider going there during hurricane season? We plan on getting insurance for the trip, so we'll be able to cancel if it looks like things will be really bad. I'm more concerned about rain in general, since our main objective is to visit the beach.

Just a little background info: There will be 3 of us: me, my spouse, and our 2 year old.

I'm also a little overwhelmed in terms of deciding where to stay and which part of the island would be best for us. Since we'll be travelling with a little one, ease of travel is definitely a factor. And of course we'll want to stay somewhere family friendly. Any suggestions?

Thank you! :)

First off, just because October is in Hurricane Season doesn't mean there will be a major storm threating the island the week or so you will be visiting. In fact the odds are in your favor you won't see a storm. You can research the frequency of hurricanes in Puerto Rico during October over the last 150 years by going to the "Climatology Section" at www.stormcarib.com.

As for "rainy weather" that's difficult to predict. Puerto Rico is a very big, lush, mountainous island and because it's in the tropics it will rain somewhere on the island for some time almost every day, not only in October, but throughout the year. Because of the island's large size (some 3,515 sq. miles - 3 times the size of Rhode Island)weather patterns in one area can be vastly different from other areas on the island. Also, how sever or long lasting those rain showers will be is impossible to predict. Usually there is more rain up in the mountains and in the Rain Forests (hence the name) then there is along the shore but October is one of the "wetter" months (for instance the Average Rainfall for San Juan in October is about 5.3"). You can go to www.weatherbase.com and find the average weather statistics for about 24 different cities and towns on the island.

Regarding trip insurance, you can research the various Travel Insurance policies available at www.insuremytrip.com. There you'll find information on policy terms and premiums for almost every travel policy available. Make sure you read the fine print carefully to be sure the policy you get covers the type of risk you wish to insure against. Bear in mind that most travel policies WILL NOT pay benefits simply because you decide to cancel your trip because you think the weather might be bad. In the case of a hurricane, a major storm must be an imediate threat to the island, officials might have to declare an evacuation or airlines might have to cancel flights, etc. READ THE POLICY TERMS CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU BUY.

Lastly, you haven't given us much "background" other than you are a family of 2 adults with a 2YO and you are planning to travel in October and you want a "family friendly" resort. Quite honestly, there are hundreds of hotels/resorts in Puerto Rico that can accomodate you. It would help if you could tell us more about your likes,dislikes and what you expect from a Caribbean Vacation. Make a list of the 15 or 20 "things" that are important to YOU and tell us what they are. In that way we can steer you in the right direction. For instance, do you want to stay in a large resort or a small boutique hotel? Do you have a budget for accomodations? If so, be realistic, don't ask us to recommend a 5-star resort with 3-star prices as that simply does not exist. Be specific, don't tell us you want "something affordable" or "reasonably priced" as terms like that are meaningless without a point of reference - what's affordable for me may not be affordable for you. Do you need to be "on the beach" or would a place a few minute's drive from the beach be OK. Do you plan on renting a car, using taxis (they can get expensive) or walking everywhere? Do you have to be within walking distance of shops and restaurants? Remember too, that amenities beget people - a secluded resort is going to be just that "secluded" - if you want to be within walking distance of shops, restaurants and other tourist amenities chances are the hotel/resort you stay at will be in a more crowded area. What type of activities interest you and your spouse? Obviously, your 2YO will be too young to participate in any formal children's program at your resot/hotel so I wouldn't be too concerned about finding a resort that has one. On the other hand you should probably avoid any resort that caters to "Adults". Do you or your spouse have a need for casinos or an active night life? Do you want to stay in a city like San Juan or do you want to spend your time in a smaller town or perhaps even in a rural setting?

I think you get the idea - tell us as much as you can about what an ideal vacation meams to you and we can be more helpful.

Thanks RoamsAround. You've given me a lot to think about regarding the weather.

More background info:

We're mainly interested in the beach, good food, some historical sights. We're NOT interested in nightlife, casinos, or anything else that isn't appropriate for our kiddo.

In terms of a hotel: we would like a resort with a nice pool, on the beach or within walking distance of the beach, restaurants nearby, easy to get to (we may or may not rent a car; depends where we stay. But we don't want to be at a remote hotel that is difficult to access), clean room, balcony or patio, 3 or 4 star, $200ish/night. We do NOT want: all inclusive, anything really remote, anything far from the beach.

In terms of what we want from our vacation: beach, pool, good food. With a 2 year old, we can't have grand expectations of going zip-lining through the rainforest or snorkeling or anything else that adventurous (at least not those of us who travel without a babysitter!).

Thanks again!

Topping this post...

I always suggest Rincon for what you are seeking. I would also plan to spend a day or two in OSJ either coming or going. From there you can easily access El Yunque & also Luquillo Beach. www.rinconpr.com, welcome.topuertorico.org

Caribe Hilton might fit the bill. Also worth considering for what you are looking for: Condado Marriott and Intercontinental in Isla Verde.

Thanks SAnParis2 and tom42 for the hotel suggestions. I'll look into them.

What do you think about the timing and the possibility of rain? We're also thinking about an October trip to San Francisco instead to avoid any weather issues in the Caribbean. What do you think would be the best bet?

Thanks again!

It is too difficult to predict what the weather will be in Puerto Rico at any time of the year. I just got back on Monday and only had one rainy day out of 9 (although there were a number of evening and early morning showers). I have been to Puerto Rico numerous times in many different months and have never had a complete washout in terms of rain. However, you should be prepared to expect some rain in the course of a week. And of course, it is hurricane season. That is too big a risk for some people but I love to take advantage of the significantly reduced rates in the summer and haven't had a problem (so far!). I have no idea what the weather is like in San Fran in October but those are two very different trips. Do you really want to schlep around San Francisco with a 2 year old?

Supposedly, October is the perfect time (in terms of weather) to visit San Fran.

And yes, I do want to schlep around SF with the kiddo, either this fall or some other time. ;) I've found several things there I think she would enjoy. She loves the beach though too, which why this is a tough decision.

Thanks so much for the response!