WHY?  Come on now, who doesn’t love warm weather, azure waters, diverse cultures and ethnic cuisine?  But wait, there’s more!

• Scenery – Rainforests and mangrove reserves, caves, mountain ranges and waterfalls, volcanoes
• Watersports – Kayaking, snorkeling, scuba and snuba diving, swimming with sea lions, dolphins and stingrays, sailing, deep-sea fishing
• Leisure sports – Golfing, cycling, hiking
• Romance – Turquoise waters, powdery white (and pink-sand in Bermuda) beaches, palm trees, flowers
• Shopping – Upscale items from around the world, local handmade crafts, duty-free bargains
• Mayan Ruins – Vine-covered cities deep in the jungle, straight out of an Indiana Jones movie
• Umbrella drinks and FUN in the sun. 

WHEN?  Any time is a good time to visit the Caribbean as most islands are warm and welcoming year round!  There is no bad time, but some things to keep in mind.

High Season runs from mid-December to mid-April. Tourism is booming because travelers want to escape cold weather in the North.  With little rainfall and moderately warm temperatures, it is prime time.  Expect to pay top dollar and make reservations months in advance.

Shoulder Season in late spring and fall has generally less demand,
although some exceptions do exist around holiday periods when family tourism picks up.  There is little rainfall and fewer crowds.  Some good rates exist and this is becoming an increasingly popular time for group trips.

Hurricane Season is from June 1 through November 30.  However, the peak time for storms is September and October. Many shy away during this time but not all areas are affected equally.  The southern Caribbean is rarely affected and considered to be outside the hurricane belt.  You can research the frequency of hurricanes for any Caribbean island at  www.stormcarib.com. Use the Climatology link then select “Hits & Misses”.  Click on the island you wish to research and you’ll find a chart listing the dates of every hurricane since 1850. It’s interesting to see how few hurricanes actually hit any given island.

Low Season from June through August when weather is hot in the North is the time of least demand.  Humidity and temperatures are at their highest. However because this coincides with wedding season, demand will depend on the island and more specifically the resort itself.  You can expect dramatically decreased room rates and a quiet, relaxed vacation, but the premier all-inclusive adult-only resorts stay busy.  Early August is a very good time for value seeking Honeymoon couples.

For convenience & value, work with a travel professional to plan your Caribbean vacation! Contact Chris Rakes to get started! 919.589.2437 / crakes@totalexperiencetravel.com