Home to over 5,000 islands, the Caribbean offers a combination of sunny beaches and wonderful local culture to suit any traveller’s tastes. From Aruba to Barbados, the islands of the Caribbean vary dramatically in terms of culture, but share much the same climate throughout the year.
There are some small variations in local temperatures – when it’s 70-something in the northern islands, it may be 80-something in the southern ones – but most of the time, a warm and sunny day in Barbados is a warm and sunny day elsewhere.
Because of this, it’s fairly easy to work out the best time to travel to the Caribbean, regardless of the particular island you’re visiting. Read on to learn from the experts at Royalwestmoreland about the best time to visit the Caribbean.
Sun, Sand, and Comfortable Heat: The Caribbean Winter
While the idea of going to the beach in winter might scare people from temperate climates, the ‘winter’ of the Caribbean has little in common with the winter we’re used to back at home.
The Caribbean winter lasts from December until early April. During this season, rainfall is rare and sunny weather is the norm. Although it’s winter, the daytime temperature varies from 60-90 degrees Fahrenheit in most destinations.
Because of the cool weather in North America and Europe during this time of year, the Caribbean fills up with tourists from December until late March. Book ahead of time if you plan on visiting the islands during this time of year.
Windy, Wet, and Overcast: The Caribbean Rainy Season
Like all tropical regions, the Caribbean experiences powerful rainstorms for three months every year. Unlike the Pacific Islands or Southeast Asia, however, the wet season of the Caribbean is far windier than it is rainy.
Known to locals as the ‘Hurricane Season,’ the period lasting from September until the end of October is when most Caribbean hurricanes occur. It’s important to note that hurricanes do not affect all islands, and that travel in the region is still possible during this time of year.
Warm, Humid, and Very Sunny: The Shoulder Season
From May until August, the Caribbean is warm, immensely humid, and delightful to visit as a traveller. As the flood of tourists return home, the resorts that come at an incredible cost during peak season lower their rates and open their doors.
Likewise, the beaches that were once crowded from morning until night become an open expanse of sand just waiting for you to visit. If you’re searching for untouched nature and great prices, the Caribbean shoulder season is a great place to look.
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Photo by erikkristensen on Flickr