The Best Time to Cruise the Caribbean

Table Of Content

• The Best Time to Cruise the Caribbean: A Month-by-Month Breakdown
• Caribbean Cruise Weather by Month
• Caribbean Cruise Ports of Call: Eastern, Western, Southern
• More From Travel Weekly
• Caribbean Cruise in July or August: Chances of Rain and Lots of Families
• Best hotels in Caribbean
• Caribbean Rainfall by Month
• Ocean Blue and Sand Beach Resort All Inclusive

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.

The Best Time to Cruise the Caribbean: A Month-by-Month Breakdown

They make any month good for someone who doesn’t plan to swim or spend an afternoon cruise stopover on a beach. But water temperatures especially in the winter make swimming too chilly for many people. Weather is drier and warm in December, making the early part of the month a great relaxing getaway. Rain is generally limited to the Southern Caribbean, including islands like Aruba. Ocean temperatures in the winter hover around a pleasant 79 degrees and average highs and lows in St. Kitts, for example, are 85 and 74 degrees, respectively.

Caribbean Cruise Weather by Month

Low season in the Caribbean usually kicks off in June, which is also one of the region's wettest months. Note that hurricane season runs from June through November, so while the chance of getting caught in a hurricane is unlikely, it can happen—although you're more likely to experience rain. JamaicaJamaica is a popular destination any time of the year, thanks to its warm, tropical weather. On the coast, temperatures range from 72 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit (22 to 31 degrees Celsius), with chilly mornings and evenings.

Caribbean Cruise Ports of Call: Eastern, Western, Southern

Whether swimming in the crystalline ocean or singing in the refreshing rain, come prepared with a light rain jacket, loose clothing and a heart full of wonder. The dry season and most popular time to cruise is January through April. But rainfall historically is moderate in June and climbs steadily until reaching a high point in September. It declines a bit in October for most destinations and declines even more in November.

Jamaica experiences an average of approximately 80 inches of rain per year, but some locations in the country's Blue Mountains receive more than 300 inches. December can be the best time to cruise the Caribbean or a slightly less awesome one, depending on you. Earlier in the month brings a lull to the islands as hurricane season has ended, though by the end of the month expect higher prices and more crowds.

Caribbean cruises in January and February can be extremely budget friendly, with sailings available from $50 per person, per night. Rainfall is heaviest in September, October and November, but again the worst rainfall hits Barbados, St. Lucia and Trinidad, while the lightest amount goes to Aruba. Most of these destinations are popular southern Caribbean cruise ports. Southern Caribbean weather is attractive to vacationers throughout the year because of its steady warmth both in the air and in the water. We have the answers so your first time will be nothing but smooth sailing. We have the answers so your first  time will be nothing but smooth sailing.

Caribbean Sea temperatures are at their warmest in August, reaching 83 degrees on average. Water temperatures in the Caribbean can be cool in January and February, depending on how exposed your destination is to the chilly waters of the open Atlantic. The occasional winter storm and breezy conditions can make waters a bit rougher in January and February as well.

Flights canceled and cruise itineraries changed as Lee reaches New England, Canada - CBS News

Flights canceled and cruise itineraries changed as Lee reaches New England, Canada.

Posted: Sat, 16 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Then, make your way ashore where balmy Caribbean cruise weather encourages you to float down the tree-lined rivers of Falmouth, Jamaica, on a bamboo raft. Or dive beneath the water to explore rainbow-colored reefs and marine life on a snorkeling expedition in Martinique. With adventures teeming both above and below the surface, pack your bags for a winter to remember. Summer weather forecasts on a Caribbean cruise bring a variety of flavors to each region.

Ocean Blue and Sand Beach Resort All Inclusive

For the quintessential summer vacation, cruise to the Caribbean in July and make the most of your days and nights. With More Ashore late night departures and overnight stays, revel in the warm evening climates that invite you to set sail on an Aruba sunset cruise or frolic along the Mambo Beach Boulevard in Curacao. During the daytime, bask in typical Caribbean cruise weather ranging from the mid-70s to upper 80s. Spend time floating in the warmest ocean temperatures of the year, or sunbathe on the golden beaches of the Western Caribbean during their driest month. If you’re cruising to the Eastern region, soak up the summer sun on any of the dazzling beaches, or head indoors for a taste of true Caribbean culture. In St. Kitts, delight in a relaxing swim at Pinney’s Beach followed by a festive island lunch.

Enjoy rhythmic music, family-friendly competitions and local cuisine alongside locals and visitors. Besides the occasional rainfall, Caribbean cruise weather in November will be similar to that in early summer with temperatures in the 70s and 80s. The holidays offer even more reasons to celebrate in the Caribbean this December. Trade the snow-filled driveways and icy roads for warm white-sand shores and refreshing ocean waters on a holiday cruise. You can still enjoy a white Christmas on board with life-like snow in the Atrium. Or enjoy hot chocolate and gingerbread-house building throughout your time on board.

The likelihood of at least one major hurricane, defined as a Category 3 or greater, to track through the Caribbean is 66%. That's quite a bit higher than the average probability of 47% from 1880 to 2020. Keep in mind that spring break -- for both younger kids and college students -- can mean things are crowded and lively on board and on land at this time of year. Expect an atmosphere that matches the celebratory annual ritual and rite of passage.

Weather in the southern Caribbean has an average high temperature throughout the year of nearly 87 degrees Fahrenheit and the low is about 76 degrees. The area generally covers the islands that lie closest to South America starting with St. Lucia in the north down to Trinidad in the south. Guests will receive a full monetary refund for their trip and a 10% discount for a future trip through Dec. 31, 2025, according to the cruise line. These ships visit destinations such as the Western and Eastern Mediterranean, the Caribbean, the Adriatic Sea, the Middle East, the Red Sea, Asia and northern Europe, according to Cruise Industry News.