Best time to vacation in the caribbean
I am glad you are curious about the best time to vacation in the caribbean. I’ve been to the region on a number of occasions and I want to tell you everything you need to know before booking your next getaway. You see, there’s so much to do in the Caribbean.
There is nothing better than enjoying a vacation. And if you can enjoy it even more, why not? It’s not easy to find out the best time to visit various places around the world. The climate of every place changes depending on the time of year and its geographical location, which includes altitude and proximity to the sea or ocean. That’s why we have prepared for you an article about the best time to travel in each month of 2017 in one of the most popular cruise destinations in the Caribbean.
With the help of travel magazines and social media, we have a general idea of what’s going on at different times during the year. You see, these vacation influencers all have to have something to talk about — even if it’s just their opinion on whether it’s a good time to visit the Caribbean. But when it comes down to it, they really just make things up, right? We’ve all been there — contemplating between two or three places, with only limited information on things like weather and tourist behavior. Let’s figure out what really matters (and what doesn’t) before investing your hard-earned money into that dream vacation spot.
When is the best time to vacation in the Caribbean?
It’s a question we get asked all the time, and it can be a little tricky to answer. The reason? There are so many variables that go into answering this question—what exactly is it that you want to do while you’re there? Are you looking for an active vacation? Or just some quiet time at the beach?
We’ve put together this guide to help you find out what’s best for you!
The Caribbean is a region of the world known for its year-round warm weather, sun-drenched beaches and blue waters. The Caribbean island nations are also home to some of the most beautiful historic sites in the world.
The weather in the Caribbean can vary from island to island depending on where you are. Some places have constant high temperatures all year round, while others experience seasonal variations in temperature.
But with so many islands to choose from, it can be hard to know where to go and what to expect when you get there. So here are some tips on when is best time to vacation in the Caribbean:
1) Winter (December through February):
Most people think that winter is bad for tropical vacations, but if you plan well ahead of time, it can actually be one of the best times to go. December through February are generally considered peak season for hotels and resorts because of holiday travel and corporate events taking place during this time frame; however, there are often deals available during this time frame as well.
2) Spring (March through May):
Springtime is generally considered off-season because fewer tourists come here during these months; however, if you’re looking for cheap airfare or hotel rooms
The Caribbean islands make for some of the best tropical vacation experiences, with ideal temperatures, island breezes, and warm ocean waters perfect for swimming and diving. Key to planning a great trip is determining when to visit the Caribbean.
There are 13 sovereign states in the Caribbean and 17 territories between North and South America open for tourists, even though there are an estimated 7,000 islands throughout the Caribbean Sea.
Some of the popular Caribbean islands include Cuba, Jamaica, Aruba, the Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Barbados, St. Croix, Grenada, and Trinidad and Tobago. Weather and conditions vary slightly between these destinations and some are more prone to storms than others. But in general, tourists flock to these islands for the consistently tropical weather, clear ocean waters, rain forests, mountains, and colorful coral reefs.
Whether you visit multiple islands or just head to one for a week, it is important to review the best time to go to the Caribbean, so that you can make the most of your vacation time and money.
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Best Time to Travel to the Caribbean
Vacationers are always looking to find the best time to travel to the Caribbean, and the short answer is that the weather is nearly perfect most months of the year. Temperatures are consistently in the 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit range year-round, and it is rarely too hot or too cold.
The best time to visit the Caribbean is generally December through April, mostly because vacationers want an escape from the northern winters. It is also a bit less humid during these months and cooler in the northern Caribbean.
Keep in mind that since these months are the high season in the Caribbean, there will be more crowds on the beaches, higher rates for hotels and resorts, and less availability on flights. If this is when you plan to go, you should make reservations several months in advance.
The Caribbean’s nearly ideal tropical weather and many islands to experience is what makes it such a popular vacation destination. Since the weather is nice most of the year, your decision for travel will ultimately depend on your budget and interests.
If you have a particular experience in mind, like seeing nesting sea turtles, then you will want to look into the times of year best suited for that as you take other factors like weather and travel costs into consideration.
Best Season to Visit the Caribbean
The seasons in the Caribbean are all similar, but some months will see more rain than others, and the experiences on the islands vary at different times of the year.
Spring
Spring is a nice time to visit the Caribbean. March and April are still in the high season window, so prices will remain at a premium but deals can be found outside of spring break.
There are still a large number of tourists in the early spring, especially with spring break schedules. Late spring, in May, ushers in the shoulder season, so it is a nice time to go, when you have a balance of great weather and lower prices.
Spring temperatures are very warm and there is little rainfall. Beach days are optimal, and swimming, snorkeling, and diving are great, with clear and calm water before hurricane season arrives in June.
Summer
The summer months of June, July, and August are considered the low season in the Caribbean. This is the time to snag great deals on resort stays and take advantage of additional perks that are usually offered to attract tourists, like free nights and dinners. The tourist crowds are gone during the summer months, opening up availability at resorts and giving you more room on the beach.
Summer is also the start of the turtle nesting season, which generally goes through October. If you are traveling to see the turtles, then this is an ideal time to visit. Check with your specific islands of interest to get detailed information on nesting locations, schedules, and excursions.
The down side to visiting the Caribbean during the summer months is that it is the beginning of hurricane season and hot. June has more rain than July and August, which are usually sunny months. The summer has higher temperatures (averaging in the mid-to-upper 80s Fahrenheit) and high humidity, which is uncomfortable for some travelers.
Fall
The fall months in the Caribbean are still within prime hurricane season and less popular months for tourists. September, October, and November are on the Caribbean shoulder season so there are a few advantages of going just before the high season starts in December. You can get great prices for hotels and airfare during these months and there are fewer people on the islands.
Fall is a great time to look for last-minute getaway deals on resorts and Caribbean cruises.
One bonus of visiting during the fall is the shorebird migration, which takes place as birds make their way from their northern nesting sites to their southern winter sites in South America. This is an opportunity to see dozens of species that cannot be seen otherwise. You should refer to the migration details of the country that you plan to visit to more precisely target the timeframe for that region.
The caution for fall Caribbean travel is that it is still hurricane season. While most days will have mild and comfortable temperatures, lower humidity, and less rain than in the summer, there is always a risk for a hurricane or tropical storm. It is best to purchase trip insurance if you plan to travel in the fall.
Winter
The winter months of December, January, and February are the best time to visit the Caribbean. These are the ideal months to travel, with the best beach weather, tours in full swing, and sites open on the islands ready to cater to tourists. The winter months have the least rainfall.
The Caribbean islands are an easy travel choice, especially for North American tourists wanting to escape from the snow and cold weather. Flights are frequent to the Caribbean islands, and with so many to choose from, it is easy to book a winter vacation. You will also have an abundance of Caribbean cruise options during these months.
The only downside to booking a Caribbean vacation in the winter is the cost. Since this is high season, you can expect to pay a premium for hotels and resorts, flights, cruises, and tours. Availability is also reduced during the popular months, but with so many islands to visit, you should have no problem if you plan several months ahead.
Cheapest Time to Go to the Caribbean
The cheapest time to go to the Caribbean is during the low season, which generally runs from May through August. The cheapest months are May and June. If you do not mind some rain showers during your vacation, you can score great deals for a Caribbean vacation. These are the least popular months, so you will have the islands mostly to yourself and have no problem booking tours.
November through mid-December are also cheaper times to go, when there is better weather, cheaper prices, and still fewer tourists.
Keep in mind that most Caribbean islands rely on tourism for their economies, so during the low season, when it is a cheaper time to visit, some tourist attractions may have limited hours or be closed all together. The same is true for tour offerings on the islands, like snorkeling trips and other excursions that are easy to book during the high tourist season.
If you are not necessarily looking for the cheapest time to visit, but want cheaper rates than the winter season, then you should consider the shoulder months in the spring and fall. While you will not have the rock-bottom rates of the low season, you will still find great deals, have nice weather for a vacation, and fewer crowds.