Discover the best time to visit the Caribbean for an idyllic holiday

The Caribbean enjoys a tropical climate with average temperatures of 20ºC / 68ºF all year round. There is only a slight increase in temperature between summer and winter, but the main distinction can be made between the rainy and dry seasons. In the winter, the Caribbean boasts an ideal climate, yet the summer may be too warm and sticky for some. Not to mention the tropical cyclones that occasionally leave you standing in the rain. Not what you want for your next holiday. 

Generally speaking, the best time of year for the Caribbean is between December and April. This is because at this time of the year, the Caribbean and Central America enjoy incredible weather with constant sunshine and highs of 25ºC / 77ºF. This makes it a top winter sun destination and a great place to escape to during Thanksgiving and the Christmas holidays. Just be aware that due to the fabulous climate and picture-perfect setting, everywhere will be busier and more expensive during the high season. The same applies to the Easter holidays, which for many are the perfect excuse to escape the cold and enjoy spring break on the beaches of Mexico, Punta Cana, and afar.

So, if the winter months are the best time to go to the Caribbean, the summer months are less favourable. The official hurricane season in the Caribbean begins in early June and ends in late November. However, very strong hurricanes are rare. What does this mean? Travel to this area is still possible, and in fact, it is much cheaper. If there is a chance of a hurricane, advanced warning will be given ahead of time, giving you a chance to prepare. 

Be sure to look out for travel deals during this month, as you may be able to score a steal. That being said. It is worth noting that during August and September, the risk of hurricanes and tropical storms increases significantly during this time, especially in the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and the U.S. state of Florida. Panama, Costa Rica, and Colombia, thanks to their southern location, are not so affected by hurricanes during this time. It is also important to remember that during the summer in the Caribbean, the midday sun is super strong, so plan some downtime during the heat of the day. Spa day, anyone?

Looking to visit the Caribbean on a budget? The shoulder season during the months of May and November is the perfect time. These two months are no longer considered high season, yet the temperature in these months is definitely better than during the summer. Plus, the risk of hurricanes is almost zero during this time, but you can expect a few showers here and there. So, now you know the best time of year to visit the Caribbean, it is time to pick your next holiday destination. 

If you want guaranteed good weather, the so-called ABC islands, Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao are a good choice. They are part of the "Leeward Islands" in the southern Caribbean. Here, you don’t need to be looking for the best month to visit the Caribbean, as this area boasts incredible weather all year round. Plus, they are outside of the hurricane zone, making it safe to travel regardless of the season. Escape the cold winter months with a holiday in Aruba, where you can combine a beach holiday with entertaining nights at the casinos. It is also a popular wedding and honeymoon destination, so if you are looking to tie the knot, keep Aruba in mind. They don’t call it the happy island for no reason. While the weather in Aruba does offer the occasional shower during the summer, it's so pleasant that it's considered refreshing.

The best time to visit the Caribbean side of Mexico is generally between December and May. This is when you can enjoy your Riviera Maya holiday without the worry of storms and the aggressive rays of sunshine. At this time of year, the sea water is also beautifully calm, making it great for swimming, snorkelling, or diving, either in cenotes or in the sea. If you want to make your trip feel even more special, certain astronomical dates, such as the winter and summer solstices and the two equinoxes, are ideal for visiting the surrounding Mayan temples. The temples function like giant calendars and produce special effects on these dates, so it is worth exploring if you can.

In Costa Rica, summer and winter are distinguished by the rainfall: June to November is the rainy season, and December to May is the dry season. Locals use the latter season to travel within their country. Despite this division, you are not completely immune to storms even in the dry season, as the climate is tropical. That being said, storms are less frequent here than in other regions. 

It is also worth noting that Costa Rica, like Mexico, is blessed with both the Pacific coast and the Caribbean, and this makes a difference especially when it comes to the beaches and the waves. On the Pacific coast, the waves are highest from June to November, and on the Caribbean coast from November to May. Generally speaking, Costa Rica is a country that can be visited year-round, as even in the rainy season, there are usually only short, heavy showers, followed immediately by sunshine again. So, what’s your excuse? Get planning your Costa Rica holiday today.

March is often hailed as the perfect time to visit the Dominican Republic, bringing warm sunshine, gentle breezes, and minimal rainfall, perfect for soaking up Punta Cana’s world-famous beaches and all-inclusive resorts. While rain can fall year-round, the main wet seasons arrive in May–June and October–November, sometimes with hurricane-force winds. Outside those months, Punta Cana enjoys some of the country’s most enviable weather, perfect for water sports, boat trips, or simply unwinding by the turquoise Caribbean. For a change of pace, a stay in the capital city, Santo Domingo, offers year-round warmth alongside UNESCO-listed colonial streets, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural heritage, an ideal twin-centre escape with the beaches of Punta Cana.

Follow the footsteps of Hemingway and enjoy a holiday in Cuba. Whether you explore the delights of Havana to the rhythm of salsa or son, or enjoy a blissful beach break, Cuba is a country that enchants all who visit. But the question still remains, “When is the best time to visit the Caribbean?” For this island, the answer is simple. The best time for Cuba's weather is during the dry season, which runs from December to May. April and May are great months to start planning your Cuban holiday since the hurricane season has yet to begin and the weather is textbook perfect, especially around the resorts of Varadero. So, if you are looking for a spot of winter sun, Cuba is a perfect place to catch some rays.