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Once you reach July, you are at the very peak of the Caribbean’s wet season, which means you can expect high temperatures, plenty of rain, and humidity levels that can be uncomfortable. During these mid to late summer months, the Caribbean is also at the greatest risk of experiencing tropical storms, multi-day rainfalls, and even hurricanes. Those months coincide with peak season in the Caribbean, though, so crowded ports and beaches plus higher cruise fares are the norm.
The worst months to cruise the Caribbean - Cruise Blog
The worst months to cruise the Caribbean.
Posted: Tue, 23 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Spring cruises to the Caribbean
A Caribbean cruise vacation conjures up images of swaying palm trees, sun-warmed beaches, aqua waves, and frosty tropical drinks. Now, it might be the itinerary I'm looking at won't be popular, and the cruise line will lower the fare closer to sailing. Or, the itinerary will sell well, and prices will only go up from the original price. I can't know for sure, though I can guess that peak-season trips to popular destinations on a newer cruise ship are more likely to sell quickly. Christmas and New Year's cruises, top suites and limited specialty cabins (such as solo and family cabins) also tend to sell out early. Bermuda cruises sail from April through mid-November, mostly during Bermuda's beach season.
When is the Best Month to Cruise the Caribbean?
As you can imagine, the worst time to visit the Caribbean is when it has the "worst" weather during hurricane season. Bennet says while he does not think there is a "worst time" to visit the Caribbean, he prefers to visit when the crowds have gone away. Ultimately, the best and worst times to go to the Caribbean depend on your island of choice and travel goals, but we think almost any time is a great time for a beach getaway. The Caribbean dry season is mid-December through mid-March and the high tourist season is from mid-December to mid-April. Caribbean weather is at its peak, and many are trying to escape brrr-utal winters.
Caribbean Weather in July
Many travelers prefer cruising to the Eastern Caribbean during the winter months, as many islands in this region stay warm and sunny throughout the winter without getting too hot and humid. On-shore excursions are also more comfortable during this time of year, which is ideal if you plan on exploring. Since hurricane season can heavily affect this region, cruising during winter is best to avoid tropical storms.
Best Time for a Canada & New England Cruise: Mid-September - Mid-October
For that kind of weather, Brittney Magner, vice president of luxury travel sales at Royal Travel and a Travel + Leisure A-List Advisor, says January through May is the ideal time to visit. This is because demand increases, which usually translates to higher prices for cruise ship tickets. March break should also be avoided, as many families with children try to book during this week. To understand the best time to enjoy a cruise in the Caribbean, you first need to know how the seasons in the region work. Essentially, this tropical climate experiences two noticeably different seasons – the dry season and the wet season. As you may have guessed, these two seasons revolve around the amount of precipitation the region experiences during different times of the year.
The best deals in the Caribbean can often be found when the weather is at its worst — during hurricane season. At the same time, a small window exists in the dead of winter when good deals can be found. "The most ideal bargain period extends from early January to early February," said Bennett.
Before booking a trip during the cheapest months, it's essential to research the specific destination's weather patterns, and be prepared for potential itinerary adjustments. Traveling during the shoulder seasons can offer a balance between affordability and favorable weather conditions. The Western Caribbean, which includes places like Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Belize, also has its peak season from December to April. This region may be more humid, but it generally sees less rainfall during these months. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines.
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. 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. 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.
May and September can also be great times to cruise Alaska if you'd like to save a little money. Whale watching is good in both months, as gray and humpback whales migrate to and from the state. Other wildlife will also start to emerge from their winter slumbers in May or be in the middle of mating season in September. The Bermuda hurricane season lasts from June through November, as it does for the Caribbean and U.S. But the island is generally far less likely to be struck than either of those regions, and a strike is most common between late August and October.
If you're seeking a slightly cheaper river cruise in Europe, spring can mean flowers in glorious bloom and milder temperatures. Tulip-viewing itineraries in the Netherlands and Belgium are especially popular. Keep in mind that heavy rains and early-spring flooding can make the rivers swell and the locks impassable. Foodies in particular will find that each island has its own unique flavors (and loves to celebrate them). St. Kitts and Nevis, for example, holds its Restaurant Week in mid-July. It's a week-long celebration of local cuisine challenges, inviting chefs to create dishes featuring one key homegrown ingredient.
In the northern parts of the Caribbean, temperatures start to rise, while the southern islands experience blistering heat. The only exception is Bermuda, which experiences an average of 4.3 inches of rain during this month. January is the coolest month in the Caribbean, a time when the region experiences a mild and more temperate climate. Destinations like Puerto Rico, Turks and Caicos, The Bahamas, and Roatán are known for a subtle drop in temperature, offering a refreshing change from their typically warmer weather. That being said, though, many cruise lines host festive events and parties onboard that can incentivize travelers to cruise during certain seasons! Disney Cruise Line, for instance, is known for their "Halloween on the High Seas" and "Very Merrytime Cruises."
However, November through March in Australia is also typhoon season, which may affect some ports of call (particularly in the northeast) and lead to some rough waters. Aussies generally vacation between late December and January, so expect big crowds and jammed ports during that time. High season is when you'll find the most cruise options, highest prices, most crowded ships and best weather. The shoulder season coincides with moderate demand and relatively nice weather, and fares will be lower. Low season is the cheapest season -- and least busy -- but may mean sacrifices in what you can see and possible cancellations due to weather.
When it is 5 degrees at home, spending the day in the Caribbean can be a really great idea. You'll also need to plan for mosquitos in port and for serious sun protection. Most of the Caribbean averages a UV index of 7 (considered a high risk) during the summer months, holding at a high or extremely high level for long stretches of the day. Prices during the first week of March aren't too high before they edge up throughout the rest of the month. If your aim is to cruise with your own children while they are on break, there are plenty of ships with age-appropriate facilities.
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