Both the price and choice of cruises varies throughout the year, depending on the season. Below, we discuss what to expect in Autumn, Winter, Spring and Summer.
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Autumn
September and October in the Caribbean are peak hurricane season. Don't let this put you off though; there will be more rain, but far less tourists and the sun will make regular appearances between showers. It's also the time for the best cruise deals.
In November, the weather begins to improve and businesses reopen as the tourist season comes back around. This month is a great time to enjoy the weather and avoid the crowds (perfect conditions for relaxed hiking excursions). It's also turtle nesting season, so a great time to catch a glimpse of these gorgeous creatures.
Winter
These are the three most popular months in the Caribbean, with many cruise companies sailing most of their ships in the area. Cruisers are desperate to leave the cold Northern Hemisphere and as demand goes up, so do the prices. The Northern Caribbean islands are colder during this season and ocean temperatures are not ideal for swimming. Southern islands will be warmer though, so choose to focus your itinerary here if you want to enjoy excursions such as snorkeling and paddle boarding. Some of the most popular islands for warmer temperatures in Winter are Barbados, St Lucia and Dominica.
Spring
Choose spring for the largest choice of Caribbean excursions: dive in the clearest waters and swim in the calmest seas. The heat hasn't yet reached it's peak, but it's plenty hot enough for sun bathing. Many British ships will reposition back to Europe in Spring, leaving mostly American companies to choose from, and there'll be lots of families sailing for Spring Break. It's also carnival season, where you'll see a whizz of colour accompanied by amazing music and the lofty scents of traditional dishes. Some of our favourite celebrations can be found in the Dominican Republic, US Virgin Islands and Jamaica.
Summer
This is the rainy season in the Caribbean, so expect tropical storms combined with intense, humid heat. The earlier in the summer you arrive, the less weather extremes you're likely to experience, as well as fewer tourist numbers. When the school holidays begin at the end of July, these will rocket again (alongside the cruise prices). It's also an excellent season for events, such as Antigua Sailing Week, Pure Grenada Music Festival and Barbados’ Crop Over, to name just a few. If you're lucky enough to catch any of these, you'll see the Caribbean at its very best.
GET.cruises will help you find the best cruise deals. Search for your perfect cruise holiday and compare prices from all the major travel agents.
