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Here are the best Caribbean cruise destinations to consider for your next adventure. Rainfall averages 5 inches per month with Dominica and Martinique getting the most, which is why they are known for their lush rainforests. The better options for weather in December include Antigua, Aruba, Grand Cayman and the Virgin Islands because they have lower risk of rain. Cancun, Cozumel, Jamaica and San Juan are usually still a bit wet.
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When it’s teeth-chattering cold in many places, the Caribbean beckons with temps in the low to mid 80s. The occasional downpour still may surprise you, so add a raincoat to your Caribbean packing list. The Caribbean is a tropical paradise with idyllic conditions year-round. However, some people like it on the breezy side, while others prefer it toasty.
July
This often means you can enjoy fewer crowds and lower prices than peak season, and better weather than off-season. As a result, air and sea water temperatures are comfortable for vacationers even during the winter. Cruise traffic ramps up in May and June to prepare for the influx of summer-month vacationers. That means ships may be below capacity as high season comes into swing later in the summer. Short cruises remain relatively cheap, but prices for weeklong sailings increase -- some into the four-digit range, per person. 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.
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Here’s everything to know about typical weather forecasts on a Caribbean cruise. Prepare to be awed as you sail into the best Caribbean cruise destinations with Princess, where relaxation and adventure are the only things on your to-do list. With any of our itineraries, experience the island lifestyle that keeps so many guests coming back for more.
The Caribbean hurricane season with a higher risk of rain lasts from June through November. The chart below shows the historical average number of rainfall inches for 15 major destinations by month. In October, the weather is in the mid to upper 80s, and the beaches stay toasty, though there’s still a risk of hurricanes early in the month. Weather is drier and warm in December, making the early part of the month a great relaxing getaway.
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. Our February weather guide has average temperatures for every major destination. The Bahamas are dry but cooler because of their northern location. This combined with warming temperatures into the 80s to near 90s will result in a moderate to high risk for fire danger.
Temperatures typically hit the high 80s, with summer humidity still lingering. If you do decide to venture to the Caribbean in September, the ABC islands might be your best bet. Yes, daytime temperatures are usually warm for most destinations.
Caribbean Weather in July
The likelihood of at least one major hurricane, defined as a Category 3 or greater, to track through the Caribbean is 66%. That's quite a bit higher than the average probability of 47% from 1880 to 2020. Hurricane season in the Caribbean generally runs from June 1 to November 30, typically peaking in August and September.
Flights canceled and cruise itineraries changed as Lee reaches New England, Canada - CBS News
Flights canceled and cruise itineraries changed as Lee reaches New England, Canada.
Posted: Sat, 16 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Destinations with moderate rainfall include Antigua, St. Maarten and St. Thomas. Historically, Nassau averages more than nine inches of rain during the month, according to the Bahamas Department of Meteorology. Anyone planning a Caribbean cruise during August might want to avoid the Bahamas. The region averages three tropical storms during the month with two becoming hurricanes, according to the U.S.
Places to avoid with an average of eight or more inches of rain include Belize, Cancun, Cozumel, Dominica, Guadeloupe, Grand Cayman and St. Lucia. Despite the bad historical numbers, some Caribbean cruise and resort vacationers may get lucky. Heat reaches the highest point of the year for many destinations. Average daytime temperatures often go above 90 degrees Fahrenheit or 32 Celsius for Aruba, Cancun, Cayman Islands, Cozumel and Curaçao. Not surprisingly, the Caribbean in May has warmer temperatures than April. But May also brings a brief rainy season to some destinations.
Daily temperatures are mostly predictable and stay within a fairly narrow range throughout the year. They make any month good for someone who doesn’t plan to swim or spend an afternoon cruise stopover on a beach. But water temperatures especially in the winter make swimming too chilly for many people. The Mexican and Central American ports often get hit hard with rain.
Readings will start rising to above-normal levels into early May, when upper 80s to low 90s will become common. Some long-range computer models point to mid and upper 90s during the first week of May. Lows will fall to the 50s inland and the low 60s near the coast. Guardian Media is the premier provider of multimedia solutions and authoritative insight on news, politics, business, finance, sports, and current affairs. Our brand portfolio includes CNC3, Guardian, TBC Radio Network and The Big Board Company. Rainfall is lower and temperatures are higher on the Caribbean coast of most Central American countries.
Some long-range computer models point to the mid-and upper 90s during the first week of May. We're also facing a very dry period over the next days, with our first rain chance holding off until then. This, combined with warming temperatures into the 80s to near 90s, will result in a moderate to high risk for fire danger. Dip into crystalline waters—snorkel the kaleidoscopic reefs around Grand Turk or ride horses into the surf on Half Moon Cay. If you like swimming and snorkeling in warm waters, consider a Southern Caribbean cruise to Aruba, one of the Caribbean’s hottest islands. If you prefer daytime temps in the breezy high 70s, an Eastern Caribbean cruise might be a better option.
If you’re willing to chance a few tropical storms, now is a great time to avoid crowds. February just might be the best time of year to cruise the Caribbean, as blue skies and warm temperatures are the norm throughout the region. You can expect highs in the mid-80s in the Southern Caribbean, with lows typically no cooler than the mid-60s in more northern destinations like the Bahamas or Puerto Rico. September is one of the quietest months, as it’s peak hurricane season.
