The Best Time to Cruise to The Caribbean
Boasting unique landscapes, vibrant cultures, and (of course) the stunning sea, The Caribbean region is the world’s most sought-after cruise destination. With more than 7,000 different islands and 26 countries, the region draws around 40 percent of global cruise passengers. And it’s no wonder, cruising to The Caribbean offers such a wide range of experiences to suit travelers of all tastes.
Although significant contrasts in culture and geography exist among the different countries in The Caribbean, there is one feature that all these islands have in common: the weather. Thanks to reliably sunny skies and warm temperatures for many of the months out of the year, The Caribbean is a great year-round cruise destination.
Of course, this fact means that the best time to cruise to The Caribbean is ultimately a matter of personal preference. Explore the following guide to help you choose the best time for your Caribbean cruise.
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Cruise to Great Stirrup Cay with Norwegian
Typical Weather in The Caribbean
No matter where travelers might find themselves in The Caribbean, they’re likely to find consistently warm weather any time of year, with average daily highs ranging from the high 70s to the upper 80s throughout the region. As you can see below, what does vary quite a bit over the course of the year is rainfall. The region’s wet season, which comes with higher humidity, tends to peak in the late-summer and early-fall months—but even those who venture out on a Caribbean cruise during these months are still likely to experience days of weather that are tough to top anywhere on Earth.
| Month | Average Low Temperature | Average High Temperature | Average Days of Rain | Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 70-76°F | 79-83°F | 1.9-2.7 | Peak Season: Most Crowded |
| February | 70-75°F | 79-83°F | 1-2.5 | Peak Season: Most Crowded |
| March | 71-76°F | 80-84°F | 1.3-2.6 | Peak Season: Most Crowded |
| April | 73-77°F | 82-85°F | 2.3-2.9 | Peak Season: Most Crowded |
| May | 76-79°F | 85-86°F | 4-6.7 | Shoulder Season: Moderate Crowds |
| June | 78-79°F | 86-88°F | 5.8-6.8 | Shoulder Season: Moderate Crowds |
| July | 79°F | 86-88°F | 4.1-6.2 | Humidity, Hurricane Season Begin: Less Crowded |
| August | 79°F | 87-88°F | 4.8-7.9 | Less Crowded |
| September | 78°F | 87°F | 4.8-7.9 | Low Season: Least Crowded |
| October | 77-78°F | 85-86°F | 7.4-9.4 | Low Season: Least Crowded |
| November | 75-78°F | 82-85°F | 4.6-8.1 | Shoulder Season: Moderate Crowds |
| December | 72-77°F | 80-84°F | 2.5-3.9 | Peak Season: Most Crowded |
Caribbean Weather in January Through March
From January through March, The Caribbean has near-perfect weather for all types of activities, whether that’s an onshore excursion or simply basking in the warm sun that provides a welcome break to the blustery winter temperatures that dominate much of the United States during these months.
Temperatures are typically in the low 70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit in most places in The Caribbean. These months are also the beginning of the dry season, so you can expect abundant sunshine throughout the day. Plus, the weather conditions are neither too hot nor too humid. You couldn't ask for better weather for a cruise vacation.
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In case you needed another reason to choose to take a Caribbean cruise during these months, aside from the great weather, the beginning of the year also offers relatively low pricing. Particularly during the holiday season, you'll find no shortage of cruise deals to head to the Caribbean from January to early March.
Cost: $-$$$
Top Activities:
- Soaking up the perfect beach (or poolside) weather
- An adrenaline-filled zipling adventure
- Enjoying the fresh Catch of the Day
Cruising the Caribbean April Through May
April and May are also wonderful months to cruise if you are looking for a great deal on a Caribbean cruise. While you may need to contend with eager spring breakers in March and early April, you'll still be able to discover plenty of bargains, especially from mid-April until the end of May. Another plus of cruising to The Caribbean during this time of year is the fact things will be less crowded as you get closer to the so-called "shoulder season" that arrives toward the end of April.
Don't worry, though. The thinning crowds aren't a sign of any big changes in the atmosphere. The weather is still great during the months of both April and May. Highs tend to be in the 80s to low 90s, which means that the water temperature is ideal for activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming. Nature lovers will also enjoy cruising to The Caribbean during April and May. You'll find abundant opportunities to see tropical fish, flamingoes, and turtles during this time of year.
Cost: $-$$$
Top Activities:
- Snorkeling alongside vibrant marine life
- Exploring lush, blooming landscapes
- Visiting historical and heritage sites
Caribbean Vacations June Through August
The months of June through August are a great time to plan a family cruise to The Caribbean. Many families take advantage of these months when school is out to enjoy summer break and see the world. Families can discover plenty of activities for them in The Caribbean. You can explore the ancient Tulum ruins and learn about the ancient Mayan city that overlooks the sea. This experience provides a great learning opportunity for kids of all ages. Take an adventure catamaran tour and snorkel among the marine life that occupies a shipwreck below the sea. Since the Caribbean Sea averages about 81 degrees during May and June, this time of year is great for water activities as well
Norwegian Cruise Line offers plenty of activities for kids on board the many ships. Sail on the Norwegian Aqua, the newest ship in the Prima class, 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 the more adult-friendly amenities on offer, from relaxing spa treatments to excitement at the award-winning casino.
Cost: $-$$
Top Activities:
- Savoring the sweetness of mango season
- Napping in the shade of a palm tree
- Onboard evening entertainment, from musicals to live game shows
Cruise to St. Thomas
Sailing The Caribbean September Through December
September through mid-December is the best time of the year to cruise to The Caribbean for budget-conscious travelers. Plus, taking a warm-weather vacation is a great way to beat the winter doldrums. Prices are higher around Christmas break, but if you cruise before that time, you can score some great prices on cruises all throughout The Caribbean from the Dominican Republic to St. Georges in Grenada.
Although cruises around the holidays tend to be more expensive, they provide excellent opportunities to enjoy holiday festivities away from home. Instead of spending your winter break shoveling snow, why not enjoy a week or two at sea sipping margaritas poolside? If you do plan to cruise over the holiday break in December, make sure that you book your cruise early. Booking early will ensure that you get your pick of the best stateroom categories on the ship. It will also provide you with the best prices on holiday cruises. Make sure you also reserve specialty restaurants and shore excursions early, too.
Temperatures in The Caribbean during the fall usually stay within the mid-70s to 80s range. Although the rainy season occurs in The Caribbean during the fall, the rain often lasts a short time. Sometimes within minutes, the rain passes, and blue skies return. Ocean temperatures are in the 80s, which is still ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and boating.
While September through November marks hurricane season, Norwegian cruise ships are prepared to sail away from storms. Make sure you book cruise insurance to be on the safe side. Cruise insurance protects you in the case of unforeseen events such as hurricanes so that you can enjoy your cruise without worrying about anything.
Cost: $$-$$$
Top Activities:
- A catamaran tour at sunset
- Delicious holiday dinner with the whole family
- A scenic jet ski ride along the coast
Choosing Your Best Time to Take a Cruise to the Caribbean
As we hinted throughout, when it comes to the best time go on a Caribbean cruise, there's no one correct answer. In the end, it's all about picking the time of year that best suits you (and your fellow vacationers') particular needs.
Choose the best time to book your cruise and reserve your cruise vacation to The Caribbean today. Pick from Norwegian Cruise Line’s many cruise ships that sail to dreamy destinations across The Caribbean, and easily reserve your onboard activities, shore excursions, and more in one convenient place.
EDITOR'S NOTE: This article was originally published on November 2, 2018. It has been updated to show updated information and related itineraries.