A year round paradise, the Dominican Republic is best described as having a tropical and humid climate that is tempered by its position, altitude and the Northwest trade winds, which blow all year round. In the low lands of the island temperatures are known to be above 23.3 °C throughout the year; and during the summer months, temperatures vary between 26.7 °C and 32 °C.
Elevated areas tend to be considerably cooler, with annual precipitation averaging at approximately 1.525mm. However, the mountainous areas of the Northwest, with an average rainfall of about 2.450mm per year, are considerably more humid than the rest of the island. The months with the highest humidity level are May through December, which occasionally creates Atlantic tropical storms during the months of August through October.