The Best Time to Cruise the Caribbean

Table Of Content

• Dry Season in the Caribbean
• Caribbean Cruise Weather in January and February
• Snuba Cruise Excursions Offer Underwater Adventures
• The Best Time to Cruise the Caribbean: A Month-by-Month Breakdown
• Ocean Blue and Sand Beach Resort All Inclusive
• Caribbean Cruise Ports of Call: Eastern, Western, Southern
• Before You Leave, Check This Out

You can expect highs in the mid-80s in the Southern Caribbean, with lows typically no cooler than the mid-60s in more northern destinations like the Bahamas or Puerto Rico. July and August can be the most expensive months to cruise the Caribbean, but there are plenty of exceptions. Because more and more ships sail the region every year, prices can be competitive for families, couples and friends planning their summer getaway. As a result, air and sea water temperatures are comfortable for vacationers even during the winter. Daily temperatures are mostly predictable and stay within a fairly narrow range throughout the year.

Dry Season in the Caribbean

That means ships may be below capacity as high season comes into swing later in the summer. Short cruises remain relatively cheap, but prices for weeklong sailings increase -- some into the four-digit range, per person. A bigger challenge than water temperatures for Caribbean cruise weather is rainfall because of the annual hurricane season, which officially runs from the beginning of June through the end of November. "If you're planning an outside Caribbean wedding on a specific date, it's more likely to be interrupted by rain during the hurricane season," says Bob Sheets, former director of the National Hurricane Center. For less wind and more stable conditions, visit the Caribbean during the driest months, February through the end of May.

Caribbean Cruise Weather in January and February

Rainfall spikes from late summer through November for many destinations. Because fall weather in the Caribbean is unpredictable, you'll find some of the best cruise deals of the year. As the end of November transitions to the holidays, though, Caribbean cruise prices begin to increase again. Beginning at the very end of April and into May, Antigua Sailing Week is globally known for its prestigious sailing races and parties. Tons of music and jazz festivals take place around the Caribbean this time of year, including the Pure Grenada Music Festival in May and the St. Kitts Music Festival in June. May and June are hot in the Caribbean, with highs in the 80s and 90s during the day.

Snuba Cruise Excursions Offer Underwater Adventures

Tropical storms and hurricanes have a significant impact on Caribbean weather, especially between June and November. But most travelers overestimate the threat of hurricanes while overlooking other weather factors that can affect their trip. Across the Caribbean, though weather patterns vary, the climate falls under the category of "tropical marine," where there are distinct wet and dry seasons and minimal variation in temperature. This also means that, although there is a risk of hurricanes, there is a reasonably defined time of year when the risk is highest, and there is relatively little chance of certain islands being hit at all. Cruise traffic ramps up in May and June to prepare for the influx of summer-month vacationers.

Although the dry season is a popular time to cruise, the rainy season has some appeal for budget-minded travelers because prices are usually lower. ArubaAruba's climate is hot and tropical, with temperatures averaging 84 degrees Fahrenheit (28 degrees Celsius) most of the year. Unlike many of its Caribbean neighbors, Aruba receives very little rainfall—just over 20 inches per year. While temperatures remains steady in September, October and November (70s and 80s), sunny days might be tempered by winds and rains during stormy conditions. February just might be the best time of year to cruise the Caribbean, as blue skies and warm temperatures are the norm throughout the region.

Most Caribbean cruises in March and April run close to $100 per person, per night. Spring break is a popular time to cruise and fares can fluctuate during that time. Prepare to be awed as you sail into the best Caribbean cruise destinations with Princess, where relaxation and adventure are the only things on your to-do list. With any of our itineraries, experience the island lifestyle that keeps so many guests coming back for more.

Humidity will also be higher this time of year, and nighttime temps won't fall lower than the 70s. If your Caribbean cruise takes place over Easter, Virgin Gorda (part of the British Virgin Islands) holds a weekend filled with parties and calypso music. In Jamaica, parades known as Bacchanal, take to the streets during both months. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has up-to-date advice on staying safe and healthy abroad. For more on security, local laws and the latest travel information, visit the FCDO Travel Aware website.The advice can change so check regularly for the latest information. With abundant sunshine and clear blue skies, Caribbean cruise weather is known for being consistent year-round.

Caribbean Cruise Ports of Call: Eastern, Western, Southern

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The Caribbean is famously hot and sunny but you do have the occasional shower. Our forecast will give you the heads up so you always make the most of every day. Whether you’re relaxing on the beach or enjoying some scuba diving around the coral reefs, our Caribbean weather forecast will give you the information you need for a great break, whatever the weather. While the rainy season lasts from the beginning of October through November, these are some of the best months to cruise to the Caribbean. Sip and savor your way through the Barbados Food and Rum Festival in October where local chefs prepare culinary treasures that give you a taste of island life. In the Grand Cayman, don your tricorn hat and line the streets to watch pirates invade George Town during Pirates Week Festival.

Before You Leave, Check This Out

Or join a game of volleyball when you arrive at Honeymoon Beach in St. Thomas, and then cool off in the refreshing waters. Even in the middle of winter, Caribbean cruise weather feels like a tropical oasis. As the start of the dry season, January yields the least amount of rain all year. While climates will vary depending on which region you’re sailing, expect temperatures to range from the upper 80s during the day to the mid-60s in the evening.

With slightly warmer temperatures and little-to-no-clouds in sight, there are even more reasons to celebrate. Visit Grand Cayman in April and experience Cayfest, the island’s annual celebration of art, music and cultural diversity. During the dry season, let the radiant sun feed your imagination without worry of anyone — or anything — raining on your parade. With waters around 75 degrees Fahrenheit, take a dip in the Caribbean Sea while visiting Bamboo Beach Club. Even Eastern Caribbean islands — like Princess Cays® in the Bahamas — anticipate ideal Caribbean cruise weather.

While the Southern Caribbean maintains its sunny disposition, other destinations welcome refreshing ocean breezes. Occasional light showers are the perfect excuse to head inside and tour the Graycliff Chocolatier, where you can create your own decadent masterpiece with local ingredients like mango and lime. Or sip on an aromatic flight of wines at Bahama Barrels while hearing stories from locals. Then, cruise into clearer conditions and partake in one of the many music festivals that dot the rural roads like the Pure Grenada Music Festival in May or the St. Kitts Music Festival in June.

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As so, Princess does not sail to these regions during late summer and early fall. Instead, we invite guests to visit these breathtaking islands when the sand is dry and the waters are calm. Dominican RepublicThe Dominican Republic experiences a generally hot, humid tropical climate year-round.

If you’re cruising to ports like Aruba or Bonaire in the Southern Caribbean, you’ll likely experience the warmest conditions, as they’re the closest to the equator. Take advantage of the unique winter climates by jet skiing along one of Aruba’s pristine beaches or strolling through the lush botanical gardens in Martinique. As July comes to a close, the calming sound of August rain brings an air of utter relaxation to the islands. During this month, locals head indoors to prepare for the busy season ahead. The weather in the Caribbean in August also means that many excursions are put on pause.

Among the destinations that have seen an increase in travel insurance purchases from TravelInsurance.com, according to Sandberg said, are Bonaire, the Bahamas and Puerto Rico. Lindsey Epperly, CEO of Jetset World Travel, said she doesn't think travelers put too much emphasis on a busy hurricane forecast. A southern cruise has the best chances of avoiding bad weather, but it isn’t guaranteed. While temperatures rise in many places across the U.S. during the height of summer, July and August temperatures in the Caribbean are in the upper 70s and 80s. Barbados, St. Lucia and Trinidad receive the most rainfall, while arid Aruba receives the least.

Stan Sandberg, co-founder of TravelInsurance.com, said policy sales for Caribbean bookings from August to November, typically the most active portion of hurricane season, are up 30% compared with last year. Overall, the forecast predicts 23 named storms in the Atlantic season, 11 of which may become hurricanes and five that could be major hurricanes with winds of at least 115 mph. It was the highest number of hurricanes predicted by Colorado State in its April forecast since it began doing its forecasts in 1995; the previous high was nine.

Here are the best Caribbean cruise destinations to consider for your next adventure. In much of the region, sea surface temperatures are climbing to record warmth levels. The chart below shows the historical average number of rainfall inches for 15 major destinations by month. If a winter cruise sounds appealing, try the southern Caribbean because destinations such as Aruba are closer to the equator and warmer as a result. While cruise lines are usually prepared to sail away from storms, it's always a good idea to supplement low fares with travel insurance for incidentals like flight changes. Crop Over is a summer festival in Barbados that celebrates the end of the sugar cane harvest.