If you like Piña Colada... this post is for you!
When is the best time to go to the Caribbean? I get this question very frequently, it drives me a little cra-cra, because it is not an easy one to answer, but I get it. I understand very well where it is coming from because it is soo confusing, so, I refuse to answer it lightly. “The Caribbean” is biiig and it is a year round destination. “The Caribbean” doesn’t close! Yes, there are some seasonal hotel and resorts that choose to close for periods of time,but not all. Like most destinations, there are peak/high seasons, low seasons and shoulder seasons; nevertheless, it is open year round, it is beautiful year round and travelers come and go year round. You should have the chance to do the same. Don’t listen to your friend that has the friend of the friend that said.. Being accurately informed and using that information to plan your trip is where is at!
My strong advice is to get specific. If you have an island or group of Islands you want to go to, then figure out or ask your TA, what that Island/islands are like during the month you are planning to go. If you don’t know where to go, then ask which Island/islands would be most ideal (based in your interests) during your months of travel, say May to July. If rainfall is a concern, then ask What Islands get the least amount of rainfall during your traveling time or what islands are bellow the hurricane belt? If you don’t have much time, ask which Island have more frequent or direct flights from your closest airport (hint this means a lot of your peeps travel here). You have to get specific or else you are limiting and maybe missing out on that trip you have been dreaming of .
Here are just some pointers to get your planning started.
November to April is peak season. Why? Big holidays (Thanksgiving, fall break, December Holidays, winter break and Spring break) these are all big in the US which is the strongest market for many islands In the Caribbean. You also have “snowbirds” (peeps living in colder weather looking for a warm break)m. Historically these are the months with the least amount of rainfall, specially from January to April, so if you want to lay down in the the sun for dayyyyyys and have limited vacation time, you want to make sure you get as much of this as possible. Keep in mind, with peak season comes peak pricing.
Understanding “The Caribbean” layout. (Going wikipedia for a minute, bare with me) “The region is SE of the Gulf of Mexico and the North American mainland, east of Central America, and north of South America. The region has more than 700 islands, islets, reefs and cays”. This is no joke big you guys, 700 is not a typo. Don’t put everything in a bucket and make a 700 Island broad conclusion, figure out what works for you and then go! i.e North Caribbean will have colder waters in peak months as well as drier and cooler temperatures. This might not matter much if you are coming from NYC and 68F sounds dreamy, but if you are coming from Miami, it might feel a bit chilly. Islands that are further south like the ABC (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao) sit well inside the Caribbean, off Venezuela’s north coast, they are far south of the hurricane belt and enjoy a much drier climate year round, These are great if you are considering traveling April through August, as they are warm but tempered by trade winds, practically no storms, fewer visitors and lower prices. Win, win, win!
Activities. There is a lot more to the Caribbean than beach and sun, so experiencing these islands beyond this will also be a determining factor on when to visit. Nesting turtles, migrating birds, kite/windsurfing and submarine species all have their peak seasons, many falling from May to December. In addition to this May to June and late November to mid December are shoulder seasons, you will find incredible offers and fewer crowds, all while still experiencing great weather.
Quick question. When is the best time to go The Caribbean?
It will strongly vary depending on your interests, your budget, your Island of choice and your acquired wisdom (insert peace out emoji here).
Ttravel well & travel often,
GP
