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Dominica
Affectionately named ‘The Nature Island of the Caribbean’, Dominica is a haven for enthusiasts of the great outdoors. With three national parks, hiking trails galore, and the island’s richly diverse flora and fauna, Dominica is an active holiday hotspot, whether exploring on land or diving and snorkelling in the sea. Thanks to the volcanic activity on the Lesser Antilles Island arc, of which Dominica is a part, the island is spotted with hot springs for travellers to enjoy. The island’s tropical climate breeds lush rainforests and teeming ecosystems across Dominica, giving it one of the most biodiverse landscapes in the region.
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Travelling in Dominica
Ground Transportation
Visitors can navigate Dominica using ground transportation, including private transfers, rental cars or taxis to explore the island's beautiful beaches and attractions at their own pace.
Weather
Dominica is at its coolest at the beginning of the year, but this still means a temperature of around 29-30°C. This is also when the country is at its driest.
Best Time for Hiking and Nature Exploration
29-30°C
AVG Temperature
7-9 HRs
Sunshine
2"
AVG Monthly Rainfall
28-29°C
AVG Sea Temperature
As Dominica heads into spring and early summer, temperatures increase from 30°C to 32°C in June. The rainfall increases dramatically from April to June, with less rainfall in spring and around 200mm in June.
Best Time for Waterfalls and Lush Landscape Exploration
32°C
AVG Temperature
6-8 HRs
Sunshine
6-8"
AVG Monthly Rainfall
29-30°C
AVG Sea Temperature
From July to early autumn, temperatures average from 31°C to 32°C in Dominica. The wet season – and the rainfall – peaks in July.
Best Time for Indoor Activities and Cultural Exploration
31-32°C
AVG Temperature
5-7 HRs
Sunshine
8-10"
AVG Monthly Rainfall
29-30°C
AVG Sea Temperature
The temperature cools slightly in the autumn and winter, ranging from 30-31°C. Though there’s still more rainfall at this time, there’s less than in the previous quarter as the wet season draws to a close. Storms in late summer/autumn can happen, but hurricanes are rare.
Best Time for Mild Weather Activities and Exploring Natural Attractions
30-31°C
AVG Temperature
6-8 HRs
Sunshine
4-6"
AVG Monthly Rainfall
29-30°C
AVG Sea Temperature
Geography
Thought to have been one of the final Caribbean islands created by volcanic activity in the Oligocene period, Dominica lies on the Lesser Antilles volcanic island arc, sitting between the isles of Guadeloupe and Martinique. Like many of its Caribbean cousins, Dominica is formed from volcanic, igneous rock. Dominica is nicknamed ‘The Nature Island of the Caribbean’ thanks to its three spectacular national parks, extensive foliage, and diverse fauna.
History
Dominica is thought to have been first populated by the Arawak people. At some point, the Arawaks are believed to have been pushed out by an island tribe known as the Caribs, who formed a settlement on the island until the Europeans invaded. Dominica became a French colony in 1715. However, by 1763, the French had surrendered the colony to the British, who retained control of the island for more than 200 years. French is still widely spoken on the island despite their comparatively short rule. Dominica was one of the later Caribbean islands to gain independence from Britain in 1978, although it remains part of the Commonwealth.
