Before You GoPuerto Rico
Christmas in Puerto Rico 2026
Christmas in Puerto Rico runs about 45 days, from Thanksgiving on 26 November 2026 to the San Sebastián Street Festival, 21 to 24 January 2027.
Puerto Rico
A US territory, so US citizens fly in without a passport and pay in dollars. Old San Juan and the beach areas next to it make the easiest base.
December to April has the best weather. In San Juan, February and March are the driest months, and average highs stay between 83 and 89 F all year. Hurricane season runs from 1 June to 30 November, with a peak on 10 September. November is the wettest month in San Juan. Dengue is a risk in every month, so pack repellent.
The San Sebastián Street Festival fills Old San Juan from 21 to 24 January 2027. During the festival, businesses on the islet close from 1 a.m. to 8 a.m. on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings. Thanksgiving is an official holiday on 26 November 2026, and the Christmas season starts right after it.
You need an ID that TSA accepts to fly. Without one, TSA charges a $45 fee for its ConfirmID check. From the airport, ATI bus routes 5 and 53 end at Covadonga, next to Old San Juan, for $0.75. On weekdays the last route 53 bus leaves the airport at 8:09 p.m., so take a taxi or Uber if you land late. Taxis charge fixed rates by zone. In the city, the Tren Urbano runs from 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., and the Cataño ferry costs $2.00. Before you book, check the water utility, the AAA, for drought notices.
Before You Go
Before You GoPuerto Rico
Best Time to Visit Puerto Rico
The best time to visit Puerto Rico is February and March, San Juan's driest months. Highs stay between 83 and 89 F all year. Hurricane season, months to skip.
Before You GoPuerto Rico
Do I Need a Passport for Puerto Rico?
No. US citizens need no passport for Puerto Rico, only an ID that TSA accepts. What CBP and TSA say for green card and visa holders, cruises and the USDA check.
Before You GoPuerto Rico
Thanksgiving in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is a US territory, and Thanksgiving is an official holiday there on 26 November 2026. The law and the start of its long Christmas season.
Getting Around
Getting AroundPuerto Rico
Do I Need a Car in Puerto Rico?
You can do San Juan without a car. The bus is $0.75 on most routes, the train runs 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., and the Cataño ferry is $2.
Getting AroundPuerto Rico
San Juan Airport to Old San Juan in 2026
From Luis Muñoz Marín Airport, ATI routes 5 and 53 end at Covadonga next to Old San Juan for $0.75. Taxis use fixed zone rates, and Uber has a set pickup.
