The Best Time To Cruise The Caribbean

Vacation Activities

How you want to spend your vacation days also influences what time of year is best for your Caribbean cruise. Many activities are available onboard and across islands throughout the year; however, the best way to experience the Caribbean is by planning a cruise around major cultural events. In The Bahamas, the Junkanoo Festival — celebrated from December 26 to January 1, annually — is a vibrant display of traditional customs, traditions and street parades. Catching Carnival in the US Virgin Islands between April and May is another special time for a culture cruise, when locals and visitors party in the streets while celebrating West Indian culture.

For active travelers, conditions for adventure activities are an essential detail that can help or hinder your ability to participate in the outdoors. Water activities, such as snorkeling or scuba diving, are best enjoyed in the spring before hurricane season. Hikers will enjoy the dry season, from December to April, for the best conditions to explore lush tropical trails in pursuit of aerial island views.

As for your time on the ship, much of the onboard entertainment is regularly available, though select shows or signature activities may only be available on specific ships. The Royal Caribbean lineup of re-imagined Broadway classics and original productions doesn’t have a set end date. Still, the cruise line is constantly introducing guests who love live show tunes to new productions. If you’re passionate about a particular show, it’s better to book a cruise sooner rather than later, though some experts say most shows run for an average of five years (or longer for very popular shows).

Determining the Best Months to Cruise the Caribbean

Each month in the Caribbean offers different benefits that make cruising a fun and affordable experience year-round. Cultural activities, adventure, weather and seasonal offerings vary from month to month, so it’s wise to consider your preferences before picking the best dates for your cruise vacation. 

January - Caribbean temperatures in January vary from the northern Caribbean to the southern Caribbean, but generally remain in the 80s daily, with slightly chilly nights. It’s also the driest month in the Caribbean. January is one of the best months to cruise the Caribbean due to smaller crowds and the chance of promotional savings. Many people are back to life as usual after the holidays, which means a greater opportunity to enjoy a cruise vacation (and deals) before the spring upswing. Aruba’s Carnival celebrations also kick off at the end of January and into February, which may be the excuse you didn’t need to plan a cruise.

February - Another month of sunny Caribbean weather, February delivers minimal rainfall and temperatures in the 80s. The warmest weather can be found on Southern Caribbean itineraries. While travelers seek Valentine’s Day vacations, February still offers the benefits of post-holiday, pre-spring break timing, which means fewer fellow cruisers. The best part of sailing the Caribbean in February is the numerous Carnival festivities across islands to discover local culture, including Curaçao, the Dominican Republic and Trinidad and Tobago’s world-famous celebration.

March - Spring break season begins in March, which marks a popular period for those planning a family cruise. It’s also a peak season for tourists, so expect more crowds, college students and families seeking the dry, warm weather of the Caribbean before it gets too hot. Since demand is higher, it’s best to confirm travel plans well in advance for the best deals and availability when cruising in March.

April - The energy of spring break and peak travel continues in April, although the end of the month begins a shoulder season in the Caribbean. Temperatures start to warm up, with weather in the region creeping into the high 80s. On the cultural events scene, the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival is a multi-day must-see for jazz lovers and Antigua Sailing Week is the perfect time spent for sailing enthusiasts.

May - Cruises in May can surprisingly offer unexpected deals as the beginning of the shoulder season. Temperatures range in the mid- to upper 80s, and rainfall and humidity begin to increase across the Caribbean. Spring showers are often brief, and the smaller crowds ahead of summer are well worth the possibility of dancing in the rain. St. Thomas Carnival events typically culminate at the start of the month, and foodies can plan a trip around the gastronomic celebration of Antigua and Barbuda Restaurant Week.

June - The Caribbean’s wet season generally begins in June, while the end of the month sees the official start of hurricane season (June 30). The demand for cruises remains steady, as June is not typically an active month for hurricanes. The biggest contender is summer showers, but Royal Caribbean monitors the weather with guest safety as the top priority. June is considered one of the best months for a balance of finding a great deal and enjoying favorable weather and fewer crowds.

July - Cruises in July are another opportunity to score vacation deals, as the industry deems it the start of the off-season. The weather in the Caribbean can be pretty hot and humid, and many families are preparing for the beginning of a new school year. Temperatures average in the high 80s and 90s, and tropical storms are something to be mindful of. While July falls in hurricane season, it’s not at its peak, which makes it a great option to miss larger crowds and take advantage of summer savings.

August - Similar to the U.S., temperatures soar to new highs during the summer peak, frequently reaching the upper 80s to 90s, accompanied by high humidity. Many travelers plan vacations to islands like the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao) during this time, as they are less prone to major storms during hurricane season. Culturally, Spicemas, Grenada’s long-held Carnival tradition, takes place in August, and the British Virgin Islands holds its own with the BVI Emancipation Festival.

September - Flexibility is key if you decide to cruise in September. The conditions for tropical storms and hurricanes increase during the month, so routes may change or require making alternate plans. Still, Royal Caribbean monitors the weather to help inform guests promptly. September can offer great vacation weather at lower prices, allowing budget-conscious travelers a chance at sailing savings.

October - While hurricane season peaks in October, the chance of booking a cruise at a great price also increases. Opting for Southern Caribbean cruises can minimize the need for last-minute changes or cancellations. These destinations are less likely to be impacted by storms. Alternatively, Western Caribbean sailings to equally-enticing destinations including Cozumel, Mexico, Roatan, Honduras and Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico, are another option to sail safely in October.

November - As the chill of fall settles in in the U.S., November Caribbean weather continues to welcome visitors, with average temperatures ranging between the high-70s and low 90s. Hurricane season also officially ends on November 30. For those with limited time off, maximizing paid vacation time with company holidays like Thanksgiving can mean more time at sea. There’s also Barbados’ Independence Day (November 30) and the Latin Beach Festival in the Dominican Republic, both worth planning trips around.

December - The weather in December in the Caribbean is some of the best you can experience all year round. Travelers swap gloomy, gray days for sunny temperatures that hover in the 80s to mid-90s. Cruising in December can be a fun, alternative way to spend time with family, so no one is stuck on cooking duty. First-time cruisers should especially consider a December cruise, as the added glamour of sailing during the holidays makes the vacation feel extra special.