(Updated Feb 24, 2020) You’ve been waiting months for your Puerto Rico vacation and now it’s almost here. You check the Puerto Rico weather forecast and it says there is a chance or rain. You feel like screaming….
DON’T PANIC
TAKE A DEEP BREATH
NOW CALMLY go and check the forecast again and take a look at the UV Index for each day; chances are it will still be high even if the forecast is predicting rain. If that is the case then if it does rain it should be over pretty quick and there should be plenty of sun.
NOW RELAX and get ready to enjoy a great vacation to Puerto Rico
But what if the UV Index is low and the chances of rain are high? If that is the case, then here are 10 ideas that you can do if you happen to have rainy day or two on vacation.
1. El Yunque Rainforest
Provided the weather is not too horrible, then why not head on over to El Yunque; after all it’s named a rainforest for a reason. Granted it is way better to hike the El Yunque trails in the dry, but if the rain is not too bad, then it would be a total shame to miss out on seeing El Yunque; just because of a little rain. Just be careful on the trails as even in the dry the paths can be slippery.
It’s probably best to do one of the shorter trails such as La Mina Trail or Big Tree Trail rather than trying to hike up to the top of El Yunque. That way if the weather does get worse, you will not be too far away from your car.
2. Jump in the Car
Provided you have a rental car you can always try a different area of the island if the rain decides to ruin your planned activities. Just because it is raining where you are, does not mean that it will be raining all over the island. Ask at the hotel for a local weather report or if you have access to a smartphone, check out the weather on one of the weather apps.
The Weather Channel App gives you a map with up to date radar information so you can see which areas of the island are potentially dry and sunny.
3. Take a snorkel / scuba / kayak trip
Provided the weather is not too bad these tours will probably still run if it is raining and chances are the sun will come out at some point on your trip
Tour operators are located all around the island; this is a good place to start
4. Take an Adventure Tour
Just like the snorkel and scuba tours, a lot of the adventure tours will still operate if the weather is not too bad. So don’t let a bit of rain stop you from enjoying a river trek or waterfall rappel. Here is a list of Adventure Tours in Puerto Rico
5. Sector Sixty6
If the day looks like it is going to be a total wash out, head over to Sector Sixty 6 in Canovanas.
Located at the Route 66 Outlet Mall, Sector Sixty6 is a fun option for all the family when it’s pouring down outside. In fact it is a great option no matter the weather.
Sector Sixty 6 is a family orientated entertainment center that evolved in the outlet mall post Hurricane Maria. Today it offers something for everyone and being inside the mall it is the perfect option for a rainy day. Families can enjoy: Ten Pin Bowling. Arcade machines at Arcade Mania, electric go karts (adults & children’s racing) at K1 Speed, Racing Simulatoes, Roller Coaster Simulators, rope style course called Sky Trail and latest addition drag racing at Top Eliminator Dragster. There is also the outlet shops, cinema food cours and restaurants.
6. Visit a Museum
Museums are always a great fall back option when it is raining and here in Puerto Rico there are plenty to chose from. From the Art Museums of San Juan and Ponce to the more obscure Three Kings Museum in Juan Diaz; you should be able to find one or two that will interest you. Just be aware that a lot of museums close on a Sunday and Monday. Check out this list of Museums in Puerto Rico
7. Shopping
Shopping may not have been on your list of top ten things to do in Puerto Rico, but just like any where; shopping si a great fall back option when the weather is not so great. Here in Puerto Rico we have the largest mall in the Caribbean at Plaza Las Americas (10 – 15 mins from San Juan). There are also good sized malls near Carolina, Bayamon and Ponce.
For those looking for a bargain, then head to one of the Outlet Malls at Barceloneta (west of San Juan) or Route 66 at Canovanas (east of San Juan). If the weather is particularly bad, the Canovanas Outlet Mall might be your best option, as this location has all the shops under one roof.
8. Catch a Movie
If the weather is bad, you can always fall back on a tried and tested ‘rainy day’ activity; catch a movie. All the block buster movies are shown here, usually in English with Spanish Subtitles (though some movies are also shown in Spanish ONLY, so worthwhile double checking). If you are looking for something a little less mainstream then check out the Fine Arts Cinema in San Juan. For more information about current and future movies as well as the Fine Arts Cinema, check out the Caribbean Cinemas website
9. Chill at your hotel
If you are staying at one of the larger resorts in Puerto Rico then you will probably find that the hotel will arrange entertainment for days when the skies open and the rain pours down. The San Juan Marriott Resort for example will set up movie screenings in one of their meeting rooms and will try to keep the children happy with indoor entertainment too.
Or just grab a book and a local Puerto Rican drink and relax until the sun returns. Chances are you will only have time to read a few chapters and then you will be back out on the beach or pool enjoying the sun.
10. Have a plan
Reading this article is a start, but make sure you have a plan for potential rain days during your Puerto Rico Vacation. Hopefully you will not have to use it, but why waste time on vacation seeing if a Museum is open or where the nearest car rental company is; when you can do a bit of research before your vacation and have the information ready, just in case you need it.
11. Bonus
I know this article states 10 ideas to Save Your Puerto Rico Vacation, but it’s always good to get something extra; especially if it’s free.
Based on the average rainfall during the year, consider booking your vacation to Puerto Rico during those months that have the least amount of rain. That way you will hopefully reduce the chance of needing to find alternative things to do during your stay here.
Also if you do plan on visiting during Hurricane Season, consider taking out holiday insurance that includes hurricane / tropical storm coverage and check out the latest weather information here.
Did it rain during your vacation in Puerto Rico? What did you do to make the most of the weather? Let us know in the comments below
