Planning a Caribbean vacation doesn't end with picking an island: you also need to figure out when to take your vacation. Fortunately, the weather in the Caribbean is delightful year-round (except for the occasional tropical storm or hurricane), but rates do vary seasonally, and of course every month brings its own unique events and festivals that you'll want to factor into your travel and trip planning.
January in the Caribbean is still plenty warm for most visitors from up north, making it an ideal destination to escape the cold and snow, not to mention the post-holiday blahs. New Year's Day in the islands cements the Caribbean's reputation for throwing a great party, and this also is the month where many islands' Carnival celebrations are getting into full swing.
There's a reason this is the most popular time of the year to visit the Caribbean: the weather is warm and sunny even though there's snow and chilly temperatures up north. Also, there is no better time for a romantic trip to the islands than on or around Valentine's Day, when many Caribbean resorts offer special packages designed to woo couples. And of course February is when Mardi Gras - peak of the pre-Lentin celebration - takes place, and the frenzy of Carnival tops out on many Caribbean islands.
By this point in the year, most people up north are sick of winter, so it's no surprise that March is so popular for Caribbean travel. The weather is dependably warm and dry, and the time is right to head to the islands if you have time off from work or school around Easter or Spring Break.
As far as weather goes, April is a fantastic time to travel to the Caribbean. You’ll have mostly sunny days and comfortable, moderate temperatures. If you can wait until the end of the month (the “shoulder season”) to book your trip, you’ll also save money and avoid the Spring Break crowds.
The weather is great, there's no threat of hurricanes, resorts are into low-season mode with great rates and last-minute bargains, and there are plenty of events and festivals designed to bring visitors down to fill up those empty hotel rooms. So, what's not to like?
Low-season rates are the biggest attraction, plus warm, mid-summer temperatures -- beach weather! -- throughout the region, including the Bahamas and Bermuda, while the northern latitudes may still be experiencing some cooler days and evenings.
Low-season rates are in full effect in July, plus warm, mid-summer temperatures throughout the region, including the Bahamas and Bermuda.
As with July, low-season rates are the biggest attraction, plus warm, mid-summer temperatures throughout the region, including the Bahamas and Bermuda. Hurricane season starts heating up, however.
Low-season rates still apply, plus warm, mid-summer temperatures throughout the region even as things begin to cool in the northern latitudes. This is a great time to travel if you don't want to share your resort with kids, who are all back in school by now.
Many travelers don't realize that even though the leaves are falling up north, the fall is still low season in the Caribbean, with rates spiking only in mid-December.
November visitors will enjoy off-season prices, uncrowded resorts and beaches, and generally great weather. This is also generally a good time for airfare deals. Renting a villa in the Caribbean has become a popular option for Thanksgiving celebratons by far-flung families, and cruise lines also offer special Thanksgiving cruises.
The few weeks before Christmas are filled with bargain rates on hotels and airfares, since this is typically a slow travel time. Many resorts cater to families looking to spend the holidays together. Since nearly every Caribbean island has a majority Christian population, it's easy to find local holiday celebrations regardless of where you travel. Christmas Cruises to the Caribbean are very popular. And, what's better than spending a few days in December on a beach?
