When is the best time to cruise the Caribbean?

January marks the beginning of the Caribbean dry season, meaning there’s less chance of rain. So as one of the drier, sunnier months to visit this paradisiacal part of the world, January is a good time to cruise the Caribbean.

February also sees a lot less rainfall than previous months, whilst March brings sunshine-scattered days with up to to eight hours of sunlight - perfect for long days exploring. Throughout January, February and March, temperatures usually sit around the mid 70s and low 80s alongside low humidity. So for those looking to avoid soaring temperatures and partake in activities comfortably, the first quarter of the year is the ideal time for a Caribbean cruise.

With the high-peak of the holiday season having just come to an end, Caribbean cruises in January, February and March are much less busy. This means restaurants, sights, and beaches will be less busy than December, but still full of life as peak months.

Taking guests from Saint-Martin to Santo Domingo, discover our eight day cruise that runs between February and March.

Still falling within peak season, April is also a great time to cruise the inviting waters of the Caribbean. Boasting blissful weather, ranging from the mid 70s to the low 90s, expect dry days and very little chance of rain or storms, even within the southern Caribbean. If soaking up warmer temperatures and spending the majority of your time horizontally sounds like unmatched bliss, April is the month to embark on your Caribbean cruise.

Arguably the best time to take a Caribbean cruise, there are endless activities and expeditions to choose from in March and April. The underwater visibility is exceptional throughout this time of year, so we recommend diving and snorkelling to spot the underwater locals like parrotfish, damselfish, sea turtles and manatees. As the sea is also extremely calm during March and April, it’s the perfect opportunity to take up paddleboarding, parasailing and kayaking.

The Caribbean sees a lot of spring breakers and families during March and April which means restaurants, activities, hotels, and beaches are more overcrowded than other times of the year. However with a cruise, holidaymakers can bask in the best of both worlds by retreating to a separate Caribbean haven.
If you’re sold on a springtime Caribbean cruise, explore our Spring Transatlantic or Havana to the Dominican Republic cruises.

June marks the beginning of hurricane season and although storms are rare and sunshine is still in tow, rainy spells may make an appearance for holidaymakers choosing travel during this time. We recommend heading to southern Caribbean islands like Barbados and St Vincent to revel in more consistent temperatures and weather conditions throughout the day.

As it falls at the start of the wetter season, Caribbean cruises and the islands themselves are much quieter and less crowded in June. With this in mind, there are some notable savings to be made across trips and excursions meaning June is a good time to cruise the Caribbean.

July and August are particularly hot and humid months in the Caribbean. Plus, hurricane season is in full swing. Unsurprisingly the islands aren’t as popular during these months, meaning there are less tourists. Although hotels, beaches, restaurants, and town centres are less crowded, holidaymakers could experience up to 12 days of rain when visiting in August. And as expected, wetter weather means an increase in insects. So, waterproofs and insect repellent are essential alongside swimwear.

Islands within the western region of the Caribbean average around four inches of rain less a day during these months, so we recommend heading to Aruba, Curacao and Jamaica. However, eastern islands like Martinque and Dominica are wetter weather-wise.

Amidst the temperamental storms, travellers shouldn’t be deterred from cruising the Caribbean during these months as some islands reach 90 degrees during the day and cooler temperatures of low 70s in the evening. Turtle nesting also begins in June and ends in November, making July and August prime time for unforgettable wildlife spotting.

Embark on a premium Caribbean adventure with Club Med 2, where elegance meets relaxation on the high seas. This magnificent five-masted sailing ship offers an all-inclusive experience featuring gourmet dining, world-class amenities, and a range of water and land activities tailored to every taste. With Club Med 2, guests can explore exotic ports, bask in the warm Caribbean sun, and enjoy unparalleled service and comfort, making it the perfect choice for a memorable and rejuvenating escape.