Caribbean Weather - When to Go, When to Stay Away

Caribbean weather attracts millions of visitors toVisitors drop off in May during a brief rainy
the islands each year because of its year-roundseason for many locations, then pick up again in
warmth and cooling trade winds. But someJune and July as families take advantage of school
months should be avoided.being out.
The majority of destinations in the Caribbean seeRainfall changes dramatically in the late summer
average daytime temperatures ranging from theand early fall when the annual Caribbean hurricane
low 80s Fahrenheit to the low 90s depending onseason reaches its peak. The season officially
the time of year. Nighttime temperatures rarelybegins on June 1 and lasts until November 30.
fall below the 70s.However, Caribbean storms and hurricanes usually
Ocean temperatures usually are comfortableare light in June and July and reach their peak in
enough for swimming most of the year, althoughSeptember and October. It is during those
the water in northern destinations during themonths that most Caribbean locations have their
winter months can be cool enough to makefewest visitors because some destinations
swimming uncomfortable.receive as much as nine inches of rain per month.
Destinations see a wide variety of rainfall, rangingAnyone planning a trip to the Caribbean should
from the arid island of Aruba to the lush tropicskeep the annual weather patterns in mind so they
of Jamaica. Most places average 10-15 "rain days"can increase their chances of visiting during the
per month, but rainfall is usually brief.best possible weather months.
Rainfall tends to be lightest in late winter to spring.For more information, click:
As a result of light rainfall and ideal daytime- Caribbean weather forecasts for current
temperatures, the Caribbean has some of itsconditions, a weather map and seven-day
highest number of visitors in March and April.forecasts of all major Caribbean destinations.