Best time to visit the Caribbean
Best time to visit the Caribbean
A holiday to the Caribbean is near the top of many bucket lists. This is not a surprise as the region has been blessed with an abundance of brilliant weather, beautiful locations and all-embracing culture. Once you have decided on which island to visit you need to choose when to travel. Everyone has different aims for their getaway, from lazing on the beach to drinking the local rum and dancing at a festival. Club Med offers this guide for the best time to visit the Caribbean to experience your own magical escape.
When to go for good weather
Every day is a good day for weather in the Caribbean. Is there anything else that needs to be said? June to October will see sunshine beating down on every island in the region and travellers don’t have to worry too much about where to stay if looking for hours of tanning on an amazing beach.
That being said, some islands do claim to have more sunshine than others. Aruba makes a good case for the most 'rays' while many point out Anguilla as the island with the best weather all year round. Turks and Caicos is probably the driest island and Providenciales doesn't seem to sell too many raincoats in its shops either. Overall, you know what to expect with a Caribbean holiday and are paying money for the sunshine and good times. The islands will deliver this and more so bring the sunscreen – you are going to need it!
When is the rainy season in the Caribbean?
When you picture a ‘rainy season’ in your head you might envisage day after day of gray skies and showers. However, the Caribbean is not like this at all. The official rainy season often starts in June and carries on until November. The rain itself tends to come in short bursts which, although heavy at times, are unlikely to disrupt your holiday plans and may even provide a welcome break from the constant heat- making it one of the best times to visit the Caribbean.
There may also be hurricanes at this time of the year although they are relatively rare. Head for the far south of the Caribbean to an island such as Trinidad and Tobago and you are unlikely to be affected at all. If you are looking to save a little money and avoid the busiest time of year then the rainy season is a great choice for your holiday. The occasionally refreshing soak will be followed by plenty of sunshine so there is no real need to pack an umbrella.
Perfect for winter sun
The best weather in the Caribbean coincides with the worst weather at home. This makes it one of the best times to visit the Caribbean for those seeking a refuge away from the wind, snow and closed curtains of winter. From December to April, the climate is dry and temperatures usually average around 25-30°C meaning it is warm but not oppressively so which allows for more action-oriented activities such as trips to plantations or island hopping. This also tends to be the busiest time of year though so it might cost a little more to book during these months.
When to go shopping or sight-seeing
Not cold, not even close, but not boiling hot either: this is the ideal balance for those who plan to do more than sunbathe on their Caribbean holidays. May and June are good times to visit for this experience when the temperatures register less on the thermometer. But there may be the occasional burst of rain when, in general, it is a lot more pleasant and less sweaty to be sitting in the back of a 4x4 or attempting to scale a large peak. With so much to see and do in the Caribbean these months could well be your best option.
The cheapest time to travel
As with anywhere else in the world, the cheapest time to travel to the Caribbean is the low season. For this destination, those months tend to be from May through to August which coincides well with traditional summer holidays taken by Europeans. As mentioned elsewhere, any difference in weather and excitement will barely be noticeable with constant sunshine and only a few extra rain showers to think about. For those of us who are used to lower temperatures during our summer days then you will find the Caribbean to be a pure paradise of warmth and happiness when you visit during these times. And there is the added benefit of slightly shorter queues and prices that are a little kinder to your purse or wallet.
Club Med's resorts in the Caribbean
Cayman’s Pirate Week
With a rich history of buccaneering activity in the area, this is a week in November when you and the family can walk the plank in a series of street parties, parades and firework displays. If your kids are a fan of Jack Sparrow this is one festival you should not miss.
Antigua Sailing Week
For those who love the sight of billowing sails out at sea, April and May is the best time to visit the Caribbean for one of the biggest celebrations in the global calendar. The regatta can feature up to 100 yachts with thousands of crew members taking part. And the party spills over into the streets during the week around the festival.
Reggae Sumfest
July in Jamaica is a time when lovers of reggae can enjoy the largest music festival in the Caribbeanin and around the glorious surroundings of Montego Bay. It all kicks off with a beach party followed by days of top performances from leading artists, street parties and the chance to dance with hundreds of thousands of other visitors. There really is nothing else like it in the world but don’t forget to dress in something colourful.
Bermuda Kite festival
Every Good Friday the skies above Horseshoe Bay Beach in Bermuda are filled with hundreds of brightly coloured kites- making it one of the best times to visit the Caribbean. The tradition started when a teacher tried to explain the ascension of Jesus to heaven to students. Now the day is full of competitions, fun and music as well as a codfish breakfast to start the morning. The kids will love it and it could be the best Easter break of your lives.
Merengue Festival
Head for the Dominican Republic (Santo Domingo to be precise) in July or August to witness a celebration of the catchiest music in the world. Merengue cannot fail to get your feet moving and you can keep dancing for days as everyone sways in the streets then feasts with vigour to keep up their energy levels. There are Merengue lessons available to beginners from locals so don't worry about a lack of knowledge before travelling.
Club Med in the Caribbean
Club Med's Caribbean resorts offer an exceptional all-inclusive experience, perfectly situated on stunning beaches with crystal-clear waters. Guests can indulge in gourmet dining, a wide range of water and land activities, and rejuvenating wellness programs, all included in the package. Families are well-catered for with dedicated kids' clubs providing fun and educational activities for various age groups. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or quality family time, Club Med ensures a memorable vacation with top-notch amenities and services.