What’s the Weather Like in Puerto Rico?

What’s the Weather Like in Puerto Rico?

Puerto Rico Weather

Puerto Rico weather is steady and pleasant all year round! It is worth a visit to check it out, if you are considering relocating to Puerto Rico. It is also a wonderful and popular vacation spot. Contact us if you would like further consultation!

 

Every Day is Beach Weather!

We have been very pleased to find that even on the lowest temperature days in Puerto Rico, you can still comfortably swim in the ocean! That is why there isn’t really an off-season here, tourism-wise.

The ultraviolet index at its strongest is 10+, with a maximum of 7 in the winter months.

Sunlight is from around 5:30am-7: 00 pm in summer, ranging to around 7:00am-5: 30 pm in winter.

 

Temperature and Humidity in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico’s climate is tropical, and it is closer to the equator than any other place in the United States. However, relocating here, we have been happy to find the climate quite moderate – in fact, summers in many mainland US States feel much more severe to us than those in Puerto Rico! Year-round, the temperature remains a fairly steady low 80’s to low 90’s (note that we are listing all temperatures in Fahrenheit).

Hottest months: May-September
Average highs 87-89 degrees, average lows 77-78

Rest of the year:
Average highs 82-84 degrees, average lows 72-74

It is almost always quite humid in Puerto Rico. However, we have noticed that with the salt water air, the humidity feels much different in Puerto Rico, and in some ways does not bother us as much as it does in some mainland areas. Also, because the humidity is a constant, one gets used to it, unlike places where it is humid for a while then changes to something completely different than the body must quickly adjust to.

Average relative humidity ranges from 57% (considered mild) to 92% throughout the year. It rarely drops below a comfortable 47%, though it can reach as high on occasion as 98%.

Living near the beach in Puerto Rico, people often also find that the constant ocean breeze mitigates heat and humidity significantly. Eastern trade winds pass across the island year-round. And if you prefer a cooler climate, living in the mountainous parts of Puerto Rico offers temperatures in the 70’s year-round.

 

How Much Rain Does Puerto Rico Get?

Puerto Rico is a tropical climate with no dry season, through March tends to be the driest month. Rain can come at any time but is often in short, warm bursts that pass quickly. The rainiest part of the year is from April to November, and during these months, rain can last longer and be more frequent throughout the day. Rainfall varies greatly throughout the island due to the variation in topography, averaging from 29.32 to 171.09 inches annually.

 

Extreme Weather Events

Puerto Rico is in “hurricane alley”. Like in southern Florida, a portion of every year is considered to possess significant risk for hurricane development. Weather is monitored closely by local services, and residents are prepared with contingencies. There has not been a major hurricane in Puerto Rico since Hurricane Hugo in 1989, and that experience resulted in much more extensive hurricane preparedness across the island.

Tropical cyclones can also occur in Puerto Rico, generally around every five years, during La Nina events. However, cyclones do not tend to affect the structures in Puerto Rico as much as in the States, due to the different construction materials used here.

Though tsunamis are possible in the Caribbean they are not common. The most recent tsunami of significance which mostly affected the west coast of Puerto Rico occurred in 1918, caused by a major earthquake, which also affected Puerto Rico. Though they have not been frequent, there is some risk of earthquakes and tsunamis in this area.

References

Puerto Rico climate details

Annual weather table

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Traveling To And Around Puerto Rico

Traveling To And Around Puerto Rico

Air Travel

Puerto Rico air travel is fairly painless!  There are many non-stop flights every day between major eastern US hubs such as New York and Miami, and flights tend to be reliable and comparatively inexpensive.  If you are planning a trip to investigate relocating to Puerto Rico,contact us to help you!

Airports exist within an hour’s drive of almost any place on the island.  The following are the international airports, but there are 9 regional airports we aren’t including here:

  • San Juan – SJU (Luiz Munoz Marin International Aiport)
  • Ponce – PSE (Mercedita International Airport)
  • Aguadilla – BQN (Rafael Hernandez International Airport)

Renting a car in Puerto Rico

If you are planning a trip to Puerto Rico, you may find that it is difficult to rent a car during the Christmas season. Car rental companies may allow you to reserve a vehicle, but from mid-December to mid-January, some travelers find that no cars are available. Vacationers tend to extend their reservations without notice, and due to this and unexpected last minute cancellations, the agencies aren’t able to effectively manage their inventory.

For this reason, it may be best to schedule your vacation or exploratory trip during a different time period, or plan to be in a place where you can walk to most of what you want to see. Cabs are also very available and clean in the metropolitan areas, and relatively inexpensive.

Driving in Puerto Rico

Like the rest of the United States, the general infrastructure of Puerto Rico reflects “car culture”. It common for individuals or families to have at least one automobile, even if it is expensive, for commute and basic use. Private transportation is primary for many, accommodated by the extensive system of roads and traffic, complete with rush hour.

The size of the island is such that it would take a driver approximately 8 hours to travel around its perimeter at normal highway speeds. Those whose business interests would make frequent travel to different parts of the island advantageous, and those who want to visit the many natural wonders of the island with any considerable frequency, would find it advisable to simply own an automobile.

However, some who relocate to Puerto Rico elect to avoid the expense and extra hassle of owning a car. As elsewhere in the United States, public transportation and the proximity of goods and services can make this very feasible in some urban areas. In locales such as Condado, Isla Verde, and Old San Juan, a car really isn’t necessary. There are also several gated communities, many of them designed with expats in mind, in which it is typical for residents to use golf carts to get around.

For those who choose to, having a vehicle to use has its challenges:

  • Bringing your car with you when relocating to Puerto Rico isn’t cheap – shipping it will cost several thousand dollars, and you will also pay thousands more in taxes to import it (as much as 40% of the car’s value).
  • If you buy a car here, taxes are higher than in the States and in some other places. Taxes vary from 10-50% depending upon whether the car classifies as a luxury vehicle.
  • And leasing is, unfortunately, not really an option in Puerto Rico. While leases exist, they are rare, and such a different animal in Puerto Rico that they typically are not an attractive option.

Traffic can be a challenge as well. In some metro areas, congestion during rush hour is definitely to be avoided.

And finally, while the rules of the road in Puerto Rico are the same as in the States, people don’t tend to observe them in the same way. We find driving in Puerto Rico to be more chaotic and unpredictable than in other places we have lived. In some ways, it is more laid back – people tend to drive slower altogether, even in the fast lane. At the same time, you have to be very alert for unexpectedly creative interpretations of driving laws. To give a general impression, some of us find driving in Puerto Rico to be more difficult than in most of the States (with the possible exception of New York City), while far more sane and orderly than in some parts of Asia.

Puerto Rico’s Public Transportation

While there are some buses and trains in metro areas, many areas are not included. Bus schedules also have a reputation for being somewhat hit or miss. If you are considering public transit as part of your plan, it would be best to test out the options in your intended destination city.

Whether you are considering relocation or just wanting to check out Puerto Rico for the first time, contact us for advice and assistance!

We Can Help

Our company helps people like you take advantage of Puerto Rico’s excellent tax incentives!  We can help you determine which tax incentives are right for you, help you plan your residency and relocation strategy, and simplify the entire process for you.

Contact us for a free initial consultation.

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Best Places to Live in Puerto Rico

Best Places to Live in Puerto Rico

Places to Live in Puerto Rico: From City to Beach

Puerto Rico offers many lifestyle options. Whether you are looking for the faster pace of city life, an exclusive gated community, a more family-oriented suburb or small town, or you are seeking solitude and communion with nature, you can find a great place to live in Puerto Rico. We assist our clients in the whole process – call us for a free consultation!

Below are just some of the options you may want to consider.

 

City Life in Puerto Rico

 

San Juan

On the northern and Atlantic side of the island, the largest city and capital of Puerto Rico is home to just under 400,000 people, with a metropolitan area population approaching two-and-a-half million. It is home to the island’s busiest airport, its largest performance and sporting venues, and the largest shopping mall in the Caribbean region. Grown from the original Spanish fort that has guarded Puerto Rico’s “rich port” since the days of Christopher Columbus, it is the site of some of the oldest colonial buildings in the United States and offers an overwhelming wealth of cultural inheritance.

Here are some of the more popular neighborhoods in the metropolitan area:

Old San Juan – Though the charm of this historic area makes it a prime tourist attraction, it also offers beautiful and unique apartment living. Also – convenience to all amenities, great shopping, many very good dining options, lots of social options, street performances, and a lot of history. Additionally, the capital building and seat of government are near to this area, and it is home to the Governor’s residence, which has been in continuous use since colonial times.

Condado/Miramar/Santurce – Upscale, downtown area known for safety, beautiful condo buildings, and great shopping. This area is also popular with tourists, with a number of high-end hotels and casinos along the beach. Parts of this neighborhood have become a kind of “hipster village”, not far removed from the affluence of its condos, hotels, and beaches.

Isla Verde – Close to the airport, Isla Verde is also home to many resorts and hotels. Condos in this area are close to what may be the best beach in the San Juan area; there are some less desirable areas also. There are many residents of high-end affluence in this area, but in smaller number and greater concentration than in Condado.

 

Ponce (Southern Puerto Rico)

“The Pearl of the South”, Puerto Rico’s second largest city. It is the site of Puerto Rico’s principal port on the Caribbean Sea, one of the busiest ports in the Caribbean region for container shipping. It also has its own international airport nearby. Retaining a lot of its colonial character, it likely offers more opportunities for those who are comfortable navigating local culture, customs, and language.

 

Popular Gated Communities in Puerto Rico

Palmas del Mar – The largest resort in Puerto Rico, in recent years it has also become a very popular locale for expats seeking timeshare or permanent residence options. It offers beautiful beaches, a marina and yacht club, world-class golf courses, riding trails, a plethora of tennis courts, restaurants and shops, and even its own English-language school. A safe, beautifully maintained, and family-oriented place, with several levels of home and neighborhood options.

Dorado – A popular destination for those moving from the States, Dorado is also one of the most expensive and exclusive areas in Puerto Rico. It boasts beaches, sought-after golf courses, upscale hotels and shopping, and beautiful and ornate homes.

Guaynabo – This is really a suburban city with a number of smaller gated communities within it. Guaynabo stretches from the edges of San Juan far inland, with many different suburban developments, both gated and open. Lots of shopping and dining options.

 

Smaller Cities and Towns

Cayey – This inland city offers a cooler climate as it is set within a mountain range. It is also home to the University of Puerto Rico at Cayey.

Fajardo – This small city is at the north-eastern side of the island, and is known for recreational boating. The largest marina in the Caribbean – Puerta Del Ray – is here, a popular launching hub for other nearby islands, such as Vieques and Culebra.

Lares – This small inland town toward the western end of the island is known for being very friendly and safe, as well as for its historical significance in the struggle for independence from Spain.
​

Mayaguez – The top engineering school in the Caribbean, The University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez, is located here, on the western coast of Puerto Rico. The pace of life is suburban, with some middle-class housing and shopping development.

 

Popular Nature Oriented Locales

Rincon – Some call this small western town the “California beach town” of Puerto Rico. Surfers call it paradise! Close to Rafael Hernandez Airport (BQN).

Isabela – Also known as the “Garden of the Northwest” (Jardin del Noroeste), this gorgeous town is known for its breathtaking views, which include coastline, mountains, rainforests, lakes, submarine rivers, and archeological sites.

Vieques Island – Only slightly more developed than Culebra Island, Vieques offers amazing attractions and natural wonders. Its quiet, pristine beaches include the world-famous Bioluminescent Bay, filled with a rare type of plankton that glows at night.

Culebra Island – Protection by law from commercial development has allowed this small Puerto Rican island to preserve the beauty of Flamenco Beach, said to be one of the best in the world. A popular tourist attraction, even for Puerto Ricans.

We Can Help

Our company helps people like you take advantage of Puerto Rico’s excellent tax incentives!  We can help you determine which tax incentives are right for you, help you plan your residency and relocation strategy, and simplify the entire process for you.

Contact us for a free initial consultation.

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Puerto Rico’s Infrastructure

Puerto Rico’s Infrastructure

Puerto Rico’s Infrastructure

Puerto Rico offers all of the conveniences you are likely used to if visiting or relocating from any developed nation. If you are contemplating a relocation, please contact us if you have questions or would like a free consultation.

 

Roads in Puerto Rico

Major highways and tollways are as excellent as any found in the fifty States. The Puerto Rico highway and local road system is substantial and offers good coverage of all parts of the island. Some roads are not repaired and maintained as frequently as in many parts of the States but are still quite usable.

 

Electricity in Puerto Rico

There is currently only one power company in Puerto Rico – PREPA, the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority. PREPA is owned by the Puerto Rico government and is the only company authorized by the government to do this type of business. Dealing with PREPA can be a bit of an ordeal at times, and our concierge service can help manage this for you if you require it.

Electricity prices are a bit higher in Puerto Rico, as much as double the prices in the States, though you might find that your usage is different due to no need for artificial heat.

In some parts of Puerto Rico, electric outages occur from time to time. These are generally only for a few minutes to a few hours, but, especially in some urban areas, can be inconvenient. You can easily mitigate this risk by outfitting your home with a backup generator (or securing a residence that already has one, which is not uncommon). Additionally, it is very easy to find small power backups that offer 1-4 hours of energy for a few devices.

 

Water Quality

Tap water is safe to drink in Puerto Rico. As with anywhere else in the States, there are still components that can modify the flavor, and we prefer to have a filter on our tap (as we also did before relocating to Puerto Rico).

In some metropolitan residences, water shortages can occur – this varies a lot depending on the area in which you plan to live. When you are looking for a place to live in Puerto Rico, it is good to ask if the house or building has a water cistern to store a backup water supply to avoid inconvenience during these temporary shortage situations.

 

High-Speed Internet

High-speed internet is available in all metropolitan areas as well as smaller towns. Many find that their internet on the island is faster and more reliable than on the mainland! Prices are comparable to most areas in the States.

 

Cell Phone Coverage

Cell coverage is strong throughout the island. AT&T is by far the largest provider, and signals are strong in most metro areas, ranging to most rural areas as well. Claro is the largest local provider. T-Mobile, Sprint and Verizon users will have coverage although the quality of coverage is not equal.

 

GPS

This, unfortunately, is not always reliable in Puerto Rico. If you are used to navigating by allowing a GPS device or the map application on your cell phone to tell you where you are and reroute you if you turn the wrong direction, you may have to change your habits here. GPS is fine to get overall directions and show the overall map of where you are looking to travel. However, updates are slow, and GPS sometimes gets confused in mid-trip and re-routes the trip inaccurately. It is best to look at the overall map rather than relying on turn-by-turn instructions based on GPS being able to locate your location at any moment.

Addresses are also not always accurately entered in GPS in Puerto Rico. Some GPS applications will be confused by Puerto Rico addresses as they are listed on websites and other listings, and will attempt to be helpful by giving directions to the address that most closely seems to match the one entered. It is important to make sure that the destination your GPS app has found for you is the same one you told it to find!

References

Puerto Rico road system

We Can Help

Our company helps people like you take advantage of Puerto Rico’s excellent tax incentives!  We can help you determine which tax incentives are right for you, help you plan your residency and relocation strategy, and simplify the entire process for you.

Contact us for a free initial consultation.

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What It’s Like Living in Puerto Rico

What It’s Like Living in Puerto Rico

Life in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is an amazing place to live and work!
With its moderate climate, strong infrastructure, many beautiful residential options, good private schools, and gorgeous nature preserves, many are finding that Puerto Rico is a wonderful place to live. We highly recommend coming to check it out!

If you do choose to investigate relocation options, we can help you every step of the way!

 

Benefits of Life in Puerto Rico

The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico offers:

  • Excellent tax advantages for many businesses and individuals
  • Amazing weather, year round!
  • A warm and friendly culture, and great places to see, including beautiful beaches
  • Comparable infrastructure and amenities to what is found in the mainland US
  • International airports
  • Many attractive places to live, to match any taste, including retirement communities
  • Cost of living comparable to that found in the States
  • Good health insurance options
  • Some excellent (private) schools

 

Living in a US Territory

If you are an American citizen who then becomes a legal resident of Puerto Rico, you remain a full citizen of the US. You still retain a US passport and do not need a visa or any special permits to relocate or work in Puerto Rico. You can start a business, buy property, register to vote, and anything else that a native Puerto Rican can do.

American citizens who are legal residents of Puerto Rico retain the same Constitutional rights, protected under the law, as all other American citizens. Commonwealth laws may vary from that of any State, just as those of any State may vary from that of any other. However, just as in each and all of the fifty States, laws local to the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico cannot circumvent the United States Constitution or the many rights that it affords to its citizens.

Though the Commonwealth has its own legal system, it is part of the US court system, subject to federal jurisdiction with respect to federal and Constitutional law, and has its own US Federal District Court.

Puerto Rico is outside of the jurisdiction of the United States Internal Revenue Service. Legal residents of Puerto Rico only become subject to taxation by the IRS if and when they engage in work or commerce within the jurisdiction of the IRS (such as within the legal territory of the fifty States). For those who are legal residents of Puerto Rico, work and commerce engaged in Puerto Rico is subject to local tax only and isn’t taxable by the IRS.

The US dollar is the legal tender of Puerto Rico, and banks in Puerto Rico work much the same as other US banks.

English and Spanish are both official languages, and though many Puerto Ricans are more fluent in Spanish, you don’t have to learn it to get around.

See our FAQ for answers to some common questions we have heard.

 

Do You Need Help Relocating to Puerto Rico?

Those of us relocating to Puerto Rico generally find it to be a fairly easy transition. You will need help, though, as there are some key differences as well. We managed our relocation ourselves – which is definitely the hard way! – and we have heard stories about people who hired local companies that made big promises that ended in disappointment.

We have been in your shoes, and we know what you need. We’ve found expert local partners who deliver what they promise, and we will manage them every step of the way. You will have a single point of contact who understands your needs and has the means to fulfill them. Our team includes bilingual members who understand how things work in Puerto Rico, and know how to get things done.

With a free initial consultation, we can help you decide if Puerto Rico is the right fit for your needs, contact us now to get started.

 

Helpful Resources from Other People’s Experiences:

This is not intended to be a comprehensive reference on life in Puerto Rico, but an overview, to give you a taste.  We also recommend the following expat blogs that are both entertaining and helpful in acclimating to Puerto Rico:

  • Abroad Dreams – Useful, practical information on a wide variety of content and subjects, from the real-life perspective of an expat’s first year living in Puerto Rico.
  • Alaskan family of five moves to Puerto Rico – As the title suggests, relocation experiences from a family perspective.
  • Caroline in the City – Travel blog focusing on tourism info and attractions.  Full of fun things to do and beautiful places to visit!
  • New to Puerto Rico – Up-to-date blog about a relocation by a family with young children relocating to Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.  Great practical information from a very personal perspective.
    ​
  • Polar Rico – Up-to-date blog about a family that relocated to Rincon, Puerto Rico with young children.  Interesting posts that focus on personal experiences, not so much practical information.

Another helpful site about Puerto Rico is Welcome to Puerto Rico, one of the longest-lived sites about Puerto Rico and its culture.

We Can Help

Our company helps people like you take advantage of Puerto Rico’s excellent tax incentives!  We can help you determine which tax incentives are right for you, help you plan your residency and relocation strategy, and simplify the entire process for you.

Contact us for a free initial consultation.

Get Started

Navigating Puerto Rico’s Taxation Opportunities

Navigating Puerto Rico’s Taxation Opportunities

Puerto Rico: Taxation as a US Territory

As a US territory, Puerto Rico is part of the United States of America, but without the same legal status as one of the States. Federal laws apply and can override local laws, much as the legal system works in any State. However, Puerto Rico residents are subject only to local taxation for work performed on-island.

For US citizens, who are usually subject to double-taxation when living abroad, Puerto Rico offers a unique and very attractive situation for those that qualify for Puerto Rico’s tax breaks. Some US citizens can pay single-digit tax rates on much of their Puerto Rico income!

Obtaining these benefits can be somewhat complex, and that is where we come in. We can help you to analyze whether the Puerto Rico tax incentives can work for you, and estimate what kind of tax savings you might expect from a Puerto Rico relocation. Then, we can help you every step of the way to check out Puerto Rico living, set up your business here, apply for whatever tax grants are appropriate for your situation, and even manage your business ongoing, if you require that.

 

Taxation for US Citizens

Under the US’ section 933 exemption, Puerto Rico residents are exempt from paying some types of tax to the US federal government. On an individual level, a resident of Puerto Rico who is a US citizen is exempt from paying personal income tax for work performed in Puerto Rico, but would be required to pay US federal payroll taxes on any salary that they draw (Social Security, Medicare, etc.).

A US citizen who is a legal resident of Puerto Rico and earns part of their income outside of Puerto Rico would pay US federal income tax on that income only, and would need to file with the IRS only regarding that income. If a US citizen who is a legal resident of Puerto Rico earns all of their income on-island, they may not need to file with the IRS at all.

 

Other Taxes in Puerto Rico

Most municipalities impose an additional 1% tax, with some exceptions. This is similar to paying a city tax in the States.

Puerto Rico has an estate tax of 10%, which applies to those born or naturalized in Puerto Rico. US citizens who have relocated to Puerto Rico but were not born or naturalized here must pay the normal 40% US estate tax rate.

The sales and use tax rate in Puerto Rico was recently raised to 11.5%.

Contact us with any other Puerto Rico tax-related questions you may have.

We Can Help

Our company helps people like you take advantage of Puerto Rico’s excellent tax incentives!  We can help you determine which tax incentives are right for you, help you plan your residency and relocation strategy, and simplify the entire process for you.

Contact us for a free initial consultation.

Get Started

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