Spring in San Juan runs from March through May, and it offers something unique from any other season. The air is warm but less muggy, the weather stays sunny with just a few brief showers, and the island’s energy shifts into a laid-back groove after winter’s rush.
Renting a car in San Juan during spring is one of the best ways to make the most of your visit. With pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds than in winter, driving around the island is relaxed and enjoyable. As a visitor, you’ll find plenty of spring activities in San Juan, from seasonal wildlife sightings to local festivals.
Spring offers an ideal climate for exploring outdoors. This section breaks down the reasons that make spring the best season for active adventures.
Spring weather in San Juan offers comfortable warmth ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. In March, afternoons average around 85 °F (29 °C), with nights near 73 °F (23 °C). By April and May, highs rise slightly to 87 °F (30 to 31 °C), while evenings stay in the mid-70s °F (~24 °C). These conditions make it easy to walk Old San Juan, explore forts, or hike without the intense heat and humidity of late summer. You’ll stay active without overheating, especially with cooling sea breezes.
Another spring advantage is lower humidity compared to summer’s heavy stickiness. In San Juan, average humidity is around 73% in March, rising gradually toward early summer. This makes spring feel less muggy. While Puerto Rico is always tropical, spring’s lighter moisture and steady trade winds make sightseeing more comfortable.
As spring progresses, daylight hours increase, giving you more time to explore San Juan. Around March, days have just over 12 hours of light, while by May there are over 13 hours, with sunsets close to 7 pm. This extra daylight lets you enjoy full beach mornings, afternoon sightseeing, and relaxed sunset walks without rushing.
Spring isn’t just comfortable in the city. It also unlocks unique nature and water adventures around San Juan. Here are some of the best spring activities in San Juan:
Spring marks the beginning of sea turtle nesting season in Puerto Rico. Starting around March and April, endangered sea turtles return to the island’s beaches to lay their eggs, continuing through late summer. The most notable ones are leatherback turtles, the largest sea turtles in the world, which often begin nesting in early spring. Hawksbill and green sea turtles also nest during this period.
By April and May, nesting activity increases significantly. At night, female turtles crawl ashore, dig deep nests in the sand, and carefully lay their eggs before returning to the sea. Beaches near San Juan, such as Ocean Park, have leatherback nests during spring. Across Puerto Rico, tens of thousands of hatchlings eventually emerge each year.
Witnessing nesting or hatchlings must be done responsibly. Visitors should only observe from a distance and never touch turtles or nests. Joining a guided eco-tour or conservation walk is the safest and most educational way to experience this phenomenon.
If you’re looking for gentle water adventures in spring, head to San Juan’s Condado Lagoon, where kayaking and paddleboarding conditions are ideal. Laguna del Condado is an enclosed bay beside the city, naturally sheltered from ocean waves. In spring, with fewer storms and minimal runoff, the water is typically calm and crystal-clear. It’s the calmest water in the city, perfect for beginners who want to try kayaking without strong currents.
You can glide over emerald-green water so clear that you may see the bottom and even spot orange starfish beneath your kayak. Spring mornings are serene, and locals often paddleboard at dawn when the lagoon looks like glass. Wildlife sightings are another highlight. The lagoon is a habitat for Caribbean manatees. You may also see fish, herons, and small turtles along the mangrove-lined edges.
Spring’s ocean conditions deliver excellent visibility for snorkelling around San Juan and nearby islands. As winter swells fade and before heavier summer rains arrive, the sea becomes calmer and clearer. From April to June, Caribbean waters around Puerto Rico are transparent, with smoother surfaces and settled sediment.
This is ideal for snorkellers, especially beginners. Spots like Escambrón Marine Park in San Juan shine in spring, offering easy access to reefs where colorful fish and corals are easier to spot. Local operators note this period as a sweet spot. Gentle seas, warm currents, and stable weather make snorkelling safer and more enjoyable. With fewer waves stirring up sand, the water takes on a vivid blue clarity.
Guides often report spring as one of the best times to see schools of fish, vibrant corals, and occasionally sea turtles gliding by. As always, snorkel responsibly. Go with a buddy, avoid touching coral, and use proper gear.
Beach lovers will appreciate that spring brings gentler ocean conditions for swimming, before the bigger summer swells and storms arrive. In winter, Puerto Rico’s north coast, including San Juan’s beaches, suroften experiences strong Atlantic swells. These are great for surfers but less ideal for relaxed swimming. By spring, those swells ease, and with hurricane season still months away, the sea is usually calmer and more predictable.
April and May offer noticeably smoother water than winter. For less experienced ocean swimmers, this is one of the best times for beach adventures in San Juan. Balneario El Escambrón is especially appealing in spring. Protected by a coral reef, it forms a shallow, lagoon-like area that stays calm even when nearby beaches are choppier. There are lifeguards on duty and clear water. Other beaches, such as Isla Verde, also tend to have gentler waves in the spring, particularly in the mornings. As always, pay attention to beach safety flags and swim in designated areas.
One of the perks of spring in San Juan is that early mornings and late afternoons are pleasant for exploring. While the tropical midday sun is always strong, spring’s milder heat makes the start and end of the day more comfortable than in summer. Instead of pushing through midday heat, you can plan activities around these cooler hours.
Spring mornings are ideal for outdoor walks and water activities. A sunrise stroll along the Paseo del Morro is refreshing, with cooler air and soft light over San Juan Bay. Wildlife is also more active. Birds feed in the early hours, and snorkel guides often recommend morning outings when glare is low and marine life is easier to spot.
Late afternoons and evenings are just as rewarding. Spring sunsets (around 6 to 7 pm) bring golden-hour light that photographers love, especially around Old San Juan’s colorful streets or El Morro’s stone walls. Evening beach walks often come with vivid skies and gentle breezes, making dusk a highlight rather than a cooldown period.
Spring doesn’t just bring natural wonders. It also enhances cultural and city experiences in San Juan. The pleasant weather and seasonal events make exploring the city’s history and traditions extra enjoyable. In this section, we’ll cover some urban adventures that particularly shine in spring.
Spring’s mild mornings are perfect for exploring San Juan on foot before the day heats up. If you head out around 7 to 8am, the air is cool and fresh, ideal for walking tours.
Take this opportunity to wander Old San Juan’s cobblestone streets as the city wakes up. A great route is a loop from Plaza de Armas down Calle Fortaleza, where you might spot the famous hanging umbrellas or flags if they’re up for the season. The pastel-colored colonial buildings glow beautifully in the soft morning light, and the quieter streets make it easy to take photos without crowds. It’s also the perfect time to grab a fresh pastry and coffee from a local bakery to fuel your walk.
Another option is Paseo de la Princesa, the tree-lined promenade just outside the old city walls. In spring, flowering trees and shrubs are often in bloom, adding pops of color to the scenery. You’ll likely see locals jogging, walking dogs, or practicing tai chi in the pleasant weather.
With lower humidity and gentler sun, morning walks feel energizing rather than exhausting. You can cover multiple landmarks, like San Juan Cathedral and the city gate, before most tourists emerge. By midday, you’ll have already experienced some of the city’s best moments.
Semana Santa (Holy Week) in San Juan offers a rich cultural experience if your spring visit aligns with Easter. As a predominantly Catholic island, Puerto Rico observes this week with deep devotion and meaningful traditions, usually in late March or April.
The week begins on Palm Sunday, when you may see worshippers carrying woven palm fronds and taking part in processions that commemorate Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem. From Monday to Wednesday, evenings are quieter, with locals attending church services and praying the Stations of the Cross.
Maundy Thursday features symbolic foot-washing ceremonies, while Good Friday is the most solemn day. In Old San Juan, slow, moving processions reenact the Passion, complete with period costumes and hymns. Note that Good Friday is a public holiday, and most shops and restaurants close.
Despite the solemn tone, Easter also marks the unofficial start of beach season. Beaches fill with families enjoying barbecues and sunshine on Good Friday and Holy Saturday, followed by Easter Sunday Mass. Visitors are welcome to observe or attend events. Expect some road closures.
As the weather warms and dries out, San Juan’s outdoor social life truly blossoms in spring. Many events, festivals, and markets return or peak during these months, offering visitors easy ways to experience local culture in the open air.
Spring is ideal for exploring artisanal and farmers’ markets, such as Plaza del Mercado in Santurce, where weekends bring fresh produce, handmade crafts, and live music. With fewer winter tourists, the atmosphere feels more local and relaxed, and comfortable temperatures make browsing enjoyable.
Several cultural and food festivals also take place in spring. Events like La Campechada celebrate Puerto Rican arts with street performances and workshops, while Saborea Puerto Rico in April showcases top local cuisine in a beachfront setting. Evenings come alive at La Placita de Santurce, with outdoor concerts, salsa music, and pop-up events.
Let’s go over some practical tips for making the most of your spring trip to San Juan.
Bring lightweight, breathable clothing such as cotton or linen tops, shorts, and sundresses for warm days around 85 °F (30 °C). Pack swimwear, plus sunglasses, a hat, and reef-safe sunscreen for strong sun. Evenings can be cooler, so add a light jacket or cardigan. A compact umbrella or poncho helps with brief showers. Choose comfortable shoes for cobblestones, along with sandals or flip-flops for the beach. Finally, include insect repellent and a reusable water bottle.
If your spring trip overlaps with Easter week (Semana Santa), some planning will make your visit much smoother. This is a peak travel period in Puerto Rico, with both locals and international visitors on holiday, so flights and accommodation should be booked well ahead. Prices are often higher, and popular hotels can sell out early, especially from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday.
Expect crowds and traffic, particularly on Good Friday, which is a public holiday. Many businesses and some restaurants close or operate limited hours, while beaches like Isla Verde and Escambrón become very crowded. Consider visiting beaches early, using hotel facilities, or exploring cultural areas instead.
Reserve tours, activities, and your car rental in Puerto Rico in advance, as availability can be limited. Embrace the experience by respectfully observing religious processions in Old San Juan, and keep your plans flexible.
Al these spring-only advantages add up to a memorable adventure. You’ll return home having enjoyed San Juan’s historic charm under blue skies, played in tropical waters at their calmest, and witnessed seasonal wonders like baby turtles or a bioluminescent glow. The city will welcome you with open arms, and you’ll be grateful you visited during this time.
Rent a car in San Juan with Final Rentals to start planning your spring adventure. With Final Rentals, booking a car online is fast and simple. Select Luis Munoz Marin International Airport as your pickup location, enter your travel dates, and choose a vehicle for your trip. Book and manage your car rental at any time. Download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
