Which Caribbean islands have the best weather?

Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao (ABC islands) are warm and dry almost all year and are outside the main hurricane zone.

Does it rain every day in the rainy season?

No, showers are usually brief and often in the afternoon, with plenty of clear weather in between.

Is the Caribbean hot all year?

Yes, temperatures stay warm with only small changes between seasons.

Are cruises affected by hurricanes?

Cruise lines watch storms closely and change routes when needed.

Which Caribbean island is the coolest?

The northern islands like the Bahamas and Puerto Rico can feel slightly cooler in winter, especially in the evenings.

Do I need travel insurance for hurricane season?

It is recommended. Some policies cover trip changes or cancellations if a storm affects your plans.

Does humidity get uncomfortable in the Caribbean?

It can feel humid in summer, especially in the western Caribbean, but sea breezes help keep it comfortable.

Does the Caribbean ever get cold?

Very rarely. Nighttime temperatures can drop slightly between December and April, but it never feels cold by most standards.

Caribbean weather & climate

Caribbean weather and climate are defined by warm tropical temperatures year round, with average daytime highs typically between 25°C and 32°C. The Caribbean climate stays remarkably consistent thanks to steady trade winds that moderate heat and keep sea temperatures warm throughout the year.

The year feels less like four seasons and more like endless shades of summer.

Tropical coastline and sea conditions in Trinidad and Tobago

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Caribbean weather in Trinidad & Tobago

Aerial view of beach and clear water in Guadeloupe

Calm ocean conditions near Aruba under clear skies

Caribbean climate by season

The Caribbean stays warm all year, but weather patterns shift with the seasons. Conditions vary slightly by island, with the southern Caribbean generally drier than the eastern islands. Humidity levels also change through the year, averaging around 60-70 percent during the dry season and rising to about 75-85 percent in wetter months. This table shows typical Caribbean weather by season, including rainfall patterns, humidity trends and major seasonal travel patterns.

Season	Period	Weather	Tourism
Dry season	December to April	Clear skies, steady sunshine and lower humidity make this the most reliable time to visit	Peak season with busier beaches, more cruise traffic and higher prices
Shoulder season	May, June and November	Mostly sunny days with occasional showers and moderate humidity	Good balance of pleasant weather, fewer crowds and better value
Rainy season	July to October	Hotter days with higher humidity and short afternoon showers	Quietest months with lower prices; August, September and October are peak hurricane season

The ABC Islands lie outside the main hurricane belt and experience less rainfall all year round.

Caribbean weather by month

This section provides a month by month breakdown of Caribbean weather patterns, including average temperatures, rainfall levels and notable events across the region.

Month	Average temperature	Rainfall	Top events & activities
January	24°C - 29°C	Low	Junkanoo celebrations (Bahamas) Peak whale watching in the northern Caribbean
February	24°C - 29°C	Low	Trinidad Carnival Aruba Grand Parade
March	25°C - 30°C	Low	Dance/music festivals in the Dominican Republic Excellent snorkeling conditions
April	25°C - 30°C	Low	Antigua Sailing Week Easter celebrations across the Caribbean
May	26°C - 31°C	Moderate	Cayman Batabano Carnival Saint Lucia Jazz Festival
June	26°C - 31°C	Moderate	St. Kitts Music Festival Start of summer carnival season
July	27°C - 32°C	Moderate	Crop Over Barbados Nevis Mango Festival
August	27°C - 32°C	High	Spicemas Grenad Anguilla Summer Festival
September	26°C - 31°C	High	Quietest month for travel Lowest hotel prices and uncrowded beaches
October	26°C - 31°C	High	Aruba Regatta Diwali celebrations in Trinidad
November	25°C - 30°C	Moderate	St. Barth Gourmet Festival Barbados Food & Rum Festival
December	24°C - 29°C	Low	Christmas island tradition Junkanoo parades, New Year celebrations

Caribbean climate & weather by region

While the Caribbean shares a warm tropical climate, weather conditions vary clearly by region. The islands cover a wide geographic area which influences rainfall patterns, humidity and seasonal weather behavior.

Eastern Caribbean: Islands such as Barbados, Saint Lucia and Antigua experience steady trade winds and relatively balanced conditions through most of the year. Rain showers are usually brief and temperatures remain comfortable even during warmer months.

Western Caribbean: This region includes Jamaica, the Cayman Islands and parts of Mexico and Belize. It tends to be warmer and more humid with more noticeable differences between dry and wet seasons and a higher chance of short tropical storms.

Southern Caribbean: Islands like Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire are known for their dry and sunny climate almost all year. This region lies outside the main hurricane belt which makes weather conditions more stable even during wetter months elsewhere.

Northern Caribbean: Destinations such as the Bahamas, Cuba and Puerto Rico show clearer seasonal contrast. Winter months are slightly cooler and drier while summer brings higher humidity and a greater chance of tropical systems.

Diving conditions and clear water in the Eastern Caribbean near Barbados

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Diving in Eastern Caribbean

Beach conditions in the Western Caribbean during dry season in the Cayman Islands

Coastal resort area in the Mexico, Western Caribbean

Calm sea and dry climate conditions in the Southern Caribbean near Curaçao

Best time to visit the Caribbean

The best time to visit the Caribbean depends on what you value most, from dry Caribbean weather and calm seas to fewer crowds and lower prices. Overall, most travelers consider December through April the most reliable period thanks to dry conditions, steady sunshine and comfortable temperatures across the region. Traveling outside peak season can still offer excellent experiences with fewer visitors and better value.

For the best weather: December to April offers calm seas and the most predictable sunshine.
For fewer crowds: May, June and November offer higher humidity and quieter beaches.
For lower prices: September and October are typically the cheapest months, though this is also hurricane season.

Hurricane season in the Caribbean

Hurricane season is an important part of understanding Caribbean weather and climate, especially for travelers planning trips between June and November. Hurricane season in the Caribbean officially runs from June to November with the highest activity typically occurring in August and September. Most storms form over the open Atlantic and weaken before reaching land and only a small number make direct landfall on populated islands.

Modern forecasting and early warning systems allow travelers, cruise lines and resorts to plan safely during this period. Travel itineraries are often adjusted days in advance when a storm develops and many trips continue without disruption. Traveling during hurricane season can also mean fewer crowds and lower prices, especially in late summer and early autumn.

The Caribbean sees about six to eight hurricanes each year, but most Caribbean hurricanes never make direct landfall. Southern islands like Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire sit outside the main hurricane belt and stay mostly sunny even during peak season.

Is it safe to travel to the Caribbean during hurricane season?

It is generally safe to travel to the Caribbean during hurricane season with normal precautions. The vast majority of trips take place without disruption, as storms are tracked days in advance and travel plans can be adjusted when needed. Resorts, cruise lines and airlines follow strict safety protocols and travelers are rarely caught off guard by severe weather. Choosing flexible bookings, staying informed about forecasts and following local guidance helps ensure a safe and smooth trip. To stay safe during hurricane season:

Stay informed using official weather forecasts during your trip
Book flights and accommodation with flexible change options
Follow instructions from hotels, cruise operators and local authorities
Carry travel insurance that covers weather related disruptions
Stay in well connected areas during active weather alerts

Recent major hurricanes in the Caribbean

The Caribbean hurricane season runs from June to November, with peak activity in August, September and October. While most seasons cause little disruption to tourism, the 2020s included several powerful hurricanes that caused major damage to specific islands and regions rather than the Caribbean as a whole. Below are four of the most significant storms that affected the region during the decade.

Hurricane Beryl (2024)

Hurricane Beryl reached Category 5 strength early in the season when it struck the southern Caribbean. Grenada, Jamaica and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines experienced the most severe wind damage and flooding. Tourist infrastructure reopened across affected islands within months.

Hurricane Melissa (2025)

Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 storm, causing widespread flooding, infrastructure damage and agricultural losses. Jamaica, Haiti and eastern Cuba were most affected. Major tourist areas including Montego Bay and Negril fully reopen by mid 2026, while some rural areas continue to rebuild.

Major Caribbean tourist destinations affected by recent hurricanes are open for 2026 travel. Advanced forecasting allows safe planning during hurricane season.

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Hurricane, Caribbean. Photo & CC.

Travel insurance for hurricane season in the Caribbean

Travel insurance is strongly recommended when visiting the Caribbean during hurricane season. Look for policies that include coverage for trip cancellations, delays, missed connections and weather related disruptions. Many standard policies also cover additional accommodation or rebooking costs if flights or cruises are adjusted due to storms.

When booking, confirm that hurricane related events are not excluded and that coverage applies once a storm is named. Purchasing insurance soon after booking your trip often provides the most complete protection.

Fun facts about the Caribbean weather

Many islands get over 3,000 hours of sunshine each year.
Sea temperatures stay around 25°C to 32°C all year.
Aruba sees fewer than 20 rainy days a year.
The Caribbean is often called the ocean of endless summer.

General tips for travelers to the Caribbean

The Caribbean’s climate is one of its biggest attractions. With a bit of planning, you can enjoy great weather and the region’s relaxed rhythm any time of year.

Pack light, breathable clothing and plenty of sunscreen.
Bring a light rain jacket or poncho if traveling between May and November.
Protect electronics and valuables from sudden showers.
Plan outdoor activities for mornings when conditions are usually calm.
Stay informed about weather forecasts during hurricane season.