Seasonal· Luperón· Other Caribbean
Winter Northers (Mona Passage & North Coasts)
19° 57.0′ N · 70° 54.0′ W · approximate
From December through March, cold fronts ('northers') sweep down from North America every week or so, stalling the trades, then roaring through the Mona Passage and piling big swell onto the DR's and Puerto Rico's north coasts.
Practical
Pinned off Luperón as a representative north-coast location. Per the Virgintino PR guide: early in the trade-wind season northers come every 7 to 10 days and run through the Mona Passage 'like freight trains', with very high seas. North-facing anchorages (Sosúa, Río San Juan, Puerto del Valle, Rincón, Aguadilla, Mona's Sardinera) become untenable. The DR guide notes that knowing how a norther stalls the trades is key to timing eastbound passages: you can ride the light winds at the tail of a front, but be in a safe harbor before the next one arrives.
Best for
Timing passages and choosing safe harbors in winter
Season
December–March
Nearby
- Luperón Harbor Anchorage4 NM away
- Luperón Fuel & Water (jerry can and fuel barge)4.2 NM away
- Marina Puerto Blanco (Luperón)4.2 NM away
- Handy Andy & Papo Boat Services (Luperón)4.3 NM away
- Luperón Cruiser Net & Services4.4 NM away
- Dominican Despacho System4.5 NM away
- Luperón Clearance (Armada, Customs, Immigration)4.5 NM away
- Luperón Propane Refill & Laundry4.8 NM away