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March sees a lot of activity in the Caribbean, largely due to the consistently warm and dry weather. This attracts masses of spring breakers and snowbirds to the Caribbean to escape the cold. The summer offers some of the nicest weather, with daytime highs in Boston and New York between 80 and 90 degrees. Along the coastal areas in Maine and Canada, you'll find highs in the 70s in July.
Best time to cruise the Caribbean and Bahamas to avoid crowds
Although you might think they all look like stock photos of white sand beaches with palm trees and blue skies, each island has its own look, culture and vibe. I've sailed to a large number of those ports and would be hard-pressed to pick a favorite. For something a little different, try SeaDream Yacht Club for a super-small ship that feels like a private yacht, complete with an emphasis on alfresco recreation and dining. Star Clippers appeals to sailing enthusiasts with its masted ships, simple entertainment and emphasis on water sports.
Caribbean Weather in March
"The most ideal bargain period extends from early January to early February," said Bennett. "Essentially from the time that all the New Year's Eve confetti is swept up until President's [Day]." Temperatures in The Caribbean during the fall usually stay within the mid-70s to 80s range. Although the rainy season occurs in The Caribbean during the fall, the rain often lasts a short time.
Lesser-known Ports
Whether you’re walking around Mayan ruins in Costa Maya, lounging in a beach chair in St. Thomas, or going hiking in St. Lucia, you won’t feel as hot as you would in the peak of summer. The Southern Caribbean, encompassing destinations such as Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao, has a more stable climate throughout the year. You can visit the Southern Caribbean year-round, but the peak season is still during the drier months from December to April. 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.
Ocean temperatures are in the 80s, which is still ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and boating. Sail on the Norwegian Bliss, the newest ship in the fleet, and everyone in the family will enjoy a nonstop fun day and night. The Entourage Teens Club gives older teens the chance to meet friends, dance, and play video games. Younger kids will have a blast at Splash Academy where they can play sports and participate in supervised themed activities. This opportunity leaves mom and dad free to enjoy all that the Norwegian Bliss has to offer, from relaxing spa treatments to excitement at the award-winning casino. The weather is also still great during the months of both April and May.
While it may surprise you, some of the most affordable months of the year to cruise the Caribbean are some of the most pleasant months to travel in the region. July brings rain to the Eastern Caribbean (including Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands) and August is wet in the Bahamas, Martinique and Dominica. Caribbean Sea temperatures are at their warmest in August, reaching 83 degrees on average. May and June are hot in the Caribbean, with highs in the 80s and 90s during the day.
Best Times to Visit the Caribbean for Diving and Boat Carters
I cruised Royal Caribbean from Tampa for the first time. Here's what a cruise from this smaller port is like. - Royal Caribbean Blog
I cruised Royal Caribbean from Tampa for the first time. Here's what a cruise from this smaller port is like..
Posted: Fri, 17 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
While there isn’t a particular time of year that needs to be avoided when cruising to the Caribbean, you may prefer a certain time of the year based on your schedule and cruising style. If you are looking to get the lowest cost for a Caribbean cruise, late August through early November see some of the lowest prices of the year. In rare situations, entire sailings have been cancelled if the path of the storm rules out any possibility of a ship making it in or out of its homeport. Here's a look at what each month of the year is like for a Caribbean cruise so that you can pick the best time for your family to cruise the Caribbean. The Bahamas, which technically are in the Atlantic rather than the Caribbean, remain popular because they are easy to reach from the U.S.
New to cruising
The cruise season is short if you want to sail to Northern Europe, the Baltic or the Scandinavian fjords; itineraries run from April through October. However, if you love the cold and want to chase the aurora borealis in Norway, several lines offer northern lights itineraries in the winter months. January is the beginning of the dry season, so the humidity is lower, and the temperatures are in the 70s and 80s. The advantage of traveling in the shoulder season is that you can experience the towns without the summer crowds and with cooler temperatures. Island weather tends to be more humid during these months, with temperatures still in the 70s and 80s range, and generally rainier.
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
St. Lucia, for example, experiences 21 rainy days with an average of 6.2 inches of rain. In contrast, Aruba and Curacao are much drier, with each averaging less than 2 inches of rain per month. In February, the Caribbean enjoys warm, sunny weather similar to January. Temperatures reach 86°F (30°C) in southern islands like Aruba, and around 78°F (25°C) in northern islands like Cuba and The Bahamas. In January, the Caribbean experiences temperatures ranging from 80°F to 85°F (27°C to 29°C). You’ll find the southern Caribbean is generally warmer than other areas.
Thanks to its consistently pleasant weather, you don’t have to worry about picking the “right” time to enjoy your vacation. This region, especially the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao), offers sunny skies and comfortable temperatures no matter when you decide to go. July brings increased rainfall, averaging around 6 inches and typically having 14 rainy days.
“Repositioning cruises” are long sea voyages as ships move from one sailing area to the next. As the seasons change in April and October/November, ships move between Europe and the Caribbean, selling these sea passages at competitive prices. Sailing east, you’ll often enjoy a few days exploring Caribbean islands before crossing the Atlantic. Westbound crossings, in November, can be a good time to add on a few nights in a hotel before flying home. 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.
The cruise season in Canada and New England begins in May and ends in October, with a few ships even making the voyage in April. You'll find more ships in this region between August and October as it gets closer to peak leaf-peeping season. The Panama Canal cruise season picks up at the end of the rainy season, so you'll find fewer tourists during October and November when the weather is still wet. Some of the Caribbean's nicest weather is in May, at the start of shoulder season.
