Puerto Rico was founded over 500 years ago by the Spanish. It is a small island, only 100 miles long and 35 miles wide. For an island that has been home to Indians, Spaniards, Africans and Anglos, Puerto Rico does an excellent job of melding all the cultures into one big, vibrant society. Even though there is hardly a bad time to take a vacation to Puerto Rico, there are several times that may be better than others.
Puerto Rican weather would be considered temperate all year round, making any time a good time to visit. The summers only average 85 degrees so a vacation in July wouldn't be bad, but if you're looking to escape the cold in the winter but don't want to travel far, look no further than Puerto Rico. The winters are a whopping 83 degrees on average on the beach. The temperatures cool as you make your way into the mountains, but the beaches provide a way to beat the frigid temperatures of the continental United States.
Every year, each town in Puerto Rico celebrates an annual festival in honor of that town's patron saint. The festivals, called fiestas patronales, include religious processions since they were originated as a Catholic tradition. However, elements of African origin have melded their way into the traditions to give these annual Puerto Rican festivals a very unique flare.
The capital of San Juan holds its festival on June 24, so if you're someone who would like to go and visit Puerto Rico based on the parties, the culture and the tradition, then book your flights and get to the island a few days before then.
If you like sports, Puerto Rico is no stranger to athletic competition.
Every February, Puerto Rico participates in the Caribbean Games, a tournament between several baseball teams in and around the Caribbean. Although the games are not usually hosted on the island, visiting in February will get you up close and personal with the culture of the sport that most Puerto Ricans would call their favorite.
In March, the island hosts what is called "The World's Best 10k." It is a road race of 10 kilometers celebrated in the capital of San Juan every year. First place men and women get $25,000 with a bonus of $15,000 for men under 28 minutes and women under 31 minutes. Even if you don't run, you can still watch this race that brings in thousands of participants every year.
