Are you thinking about going on a Caribbean Cruise but don’t know when to go? Although it may seem like Caribbean islands will provide the perfect vacation year-round, there are several things to consider when choosing your dates.
The best time to cruise Caribbean islands depends on what type of experience you’re looking to have, what weather you prefer, your interest in holidays and festivals, your budget, and more. So without further ado, let’s get into the best time to take a Caribbean Cruise.
What Kind of Experience Are You Looking To Have?
The first step in deciding when to book your Caribbean cruise is to consider what kind of experience you want.
Do you want a more relaxed trip where you can lounge on a quiet beach all day with a good book and a fruity drink? If so, you’ll want to avoid peak tourist season.
On the other hand, would you prefer to experience all the best that each island has to offer, with plenty of nightlife and activities? If that is more your style, peak tourist season may actually be the ideal time for you.
Of course, both choices have pros and cons, which we will look at later.
When Is the Best Caribbean Weather?
The weather is another significant factor to consider when planning your trip. The best time to cruise Caribbean islands typically falls between December and April, as these are the driest months in the region.
Late winter, spring, and the early summer months have ideal weather as temperatures are very stable, and fewer storms occur during this time of year.
In contrast, May through November is considered the “rainy season” in the Caribbean, as these months have the highest chance of hurricanes and tropical storms.
However, that doesn’t mean you can’t find good weather during these months. You’ll just have to be a little more careful when choosing your travel dates and plan and pack accordingly.
Our Recommendation
We believe the best time to cruise the Caribbean is late winter (January, February, or March).
This period offers the perfect time to escape the colder winter weather throughout the US. Moreover, temperatures are much milder than you would see during the hot and humid months of late spring and summer.
Plus, you should expect much fewer crowds after the holiday season, which is usually a plus for most travelers.
However, if you’re interested in group activities, events, and nightlife, there’ll still be plenty of opportunity for that as well, especially since this time is also Spring Break and Carnival season.
Carnival
In addition to the optimal weather, lack of storms, and fewer tourists after the holidays, many islands have Carnival during this time.
Carnival is a huge multi-day festival that takes place each year and is observed across the Caribbean, where islands celebrate their unique histories.
The occasion’s history has roots in African and indigenous history and started as a way that enslaved peoples were able to celebrate their culture through days of traditional food, songs, dances, and storytelling passed down from their ancestors in the face of colonial rule. It’s definitely an event you don’t want to miss if you’re interested in experiencing the local culture and celebrating diversity, dress, and freedom.
The best thing about Carnival is that it’s a great opportunity to let loose and have fun, no matter what your age, as the party atmosphere is infectious and everyone is welcome.
Plus, every island celebrates Carnival a little differently, so you can experience a new twist on the festivities no matter where you go.
If you’re interested in experiencing Carnival, we recommend booking cruises for late winter or early spring, as the days leading up to the Catholic holiday Ash Wednesday.
Places that celebrate Carnival before Lent include but are not limited to:
- Aruba
- Bonaire
- Dominica
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Puerto Rico
- Martinique
- Haiti
- Cayman Islands
Even if you are on a cruise and just enjoying the areas around the ports, you will still be able to immerse yourself in the experience of Carnival as the party atmosphere spills out into the streets.
What Times of the Year Should I Avoid?
There’s no objective answer to the question of when you should avoid Caribbean cruises because each time of year has its pros and cons.
However, if you want to avoid the chances of rain, hurricanes, tropical storms, and wetter weather in general, you should avoid booking your trip from May through November.
Additionally, you might want to miss large crowds. In that case, you should also avoid booking during peak tourist season, which is typically around Christmas and New Year’s, as well as during school holidays in the spring.
Of course, if you don’t mind the wetter conditions or are looking for a more lively trip with lots of people around, these can still be great times to book your cruise.
It really all comes down to personal preference and what kind of trip you desire.
The Fall
The fall, before the holiday season between September and November, is usually seen as the least popular time to go to the Caribbean. Not only is the weather risky for the cruise ship, but there are fewer events and activities.
However, this might be the best time to go if your number one priority is saving money. The lowest prices for cruises, hotels, and attractions tend to be during this fall season.
Caribbean Holidays and Festivals
In addition to Carnival, there are plenty of other holidays and festivals that take place throughout the year in the Caribbean.
Many of these holidays and festivals are specific to certain islands, so if you have your heart set on celebrating a particular event, you’ll want to confirm when it takes place and plan your trip accordingly.
Some of the most popular holidays and festivals in the Caribbean include but are not limited to:
- National Heroes Day (Jamaica)
- Sugar Mas (St. Kitts and Nevis)
- Diwali (Trinidad and Tobago)
- Sint Nicolaas Festival (Aruba)
- St. Lucia Jazz Festival
- Bonaire Jazz Festival
- Tobago Heritage Festival
- Barbados Crop Over Festival
Each of these holidays and festivals celebrates something different: the island’s heritage, culture, music, and food.
If you’re interested in experiencing any of these events, you should plan your trip around the time they take place. For example, the St. Lucia Jazz Festival occurs in late May/early June, while the Sint Nicolaas Festival in Aruba is in mid-December.
What’s more, some of the festivals are on the same dates each year, while others move around, so it’s best to do your research in advance. That way, you won’t miss either and might even experience several events on your trip!
Researching the date of the holiday or festival you’re interested in before booking your trip is the safest way to ensure you don’t miss out.
Conclusion
Now that you know the best time to cruise Caribbean islands, what are you waiting for? You can start planning your dream trip today and get ready to enjoy the sun, sand, and waters. Just don’t forget to pack your sunscreen!
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing trip, a party-filled vacation, or just to avoid as much rain as possible, there’s a time of year that’s perfect for you. No matter where you go, remember to do your research so you can choose the best time for your Caribbean cruises.
