If you’re planning a Caribbean vacation, you’re likely trying to figure out the best time for your trip and are therefore wondering when the Caribbean rainy season is.
In this article we’ll tell you all about it, including dates for the Caribbean rainy season, the best time to visit the Caribbean for good weather, the difference between the western Caribbean rainy season and eastern Caribbean rainy season, and more.
Caribbean Rainy Season Quick Take
Although the specific rainy seasons vary from island to island, in general the Caribbean rainy season is the summer and fall. However, rainfall is generally light and showers pass quickly, so don’t let this deter you from traveling here during this time.
Caribbean Rainy Season Overview
The tropical Caribbean has warm temperatures all year round and attracts travelers looking for fun in the sun. However, like all tropical climates, it has a wet season as well as a dry season. While you may not want rain on your vacation, rain plays an important part in keeping the islands lush, green, and beautiful.
The Caribbean rainy season is generally the summer and fall, but specific months vary depending on the island and its location. While average daily rainfall is usually pretty minimal and most showers are short, it’s important to note that the Caribbean wet season overlaps hurricane season (which is June 1 to November 30). If you plan a trip during this time, be sure to get travel insurance.
The Caribbean rainy season climate is generally hot and humid, with rainfall occurring mostly in the form of afternoon thunderstorms that pass quickly. The average Caribbean rainy season temperature ranges from the mid-70s to the mid-90s depending on the month and island. Temperatures are highest in the summer and early fall.
There are some important differences between the rainy season in the eastern and western Caribbean (see below for details). While there aren’t any Caribbean islands with no rainy season at all, your best bet for a dry vacation any time of year is in the ABC islands off the coast of Venezuela—Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao—because the average rainfall is so minimal. A bonus is that these islands lie outside the hurricane zone, so you don’t have to worry about storms.
Eastern Caribbean Rainy Season
The eastern Caribbean rainy season is generally June to November. This region is influenced more by the Atlantic weather patterns, including hurricane season, which runs for the same months.
This plus higher water temperatures make the risk for severe thunderstorms, tropical storms, and hurricanes a good bit higher in the eastern Caribbean than in the west. Rain can be intense and sporadic, and it can be accompanied by high winds.
Western Caribbean Rainy Season
The western Caribbean rainy season lasts from May to November and is mainly affected by weather conditions in the Pacific Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean. There is still the risk of severe storms and hurricanes in most western Caribbean islands (except for Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, and Trinidad & Tobago), but it is less than in the east. Rainfall tends to vary quite a bit depending on the island and its topography.
Top Caribbean Islands Rainy Season
The Bahamas
The rainy season in The Bahamas generally lasts from May to October. Average daily rainfall ranges from 2 to 4 inches, with occasional thunderstorms and a pretty high risk of hurricanes.
Jamaica
In Jamaica, the rainy season goes from May to November. Daily rainfall averages around 3 to 5 inches, with heavier downpours common in the mountainous interior.
Antigua
The rainy season in Antigua is May to November. Daily rainfall averages around 3 to 5 inches, which increases during occasional tropical storms.
St. Lucia
The rainy season in St. Lucia occurs from June to November. Daily rainfall varies depending on the region, with coastal areas receiving around 3 to 5 inches. The lush interior gets more rain.
Grenada
In Grenada, the rainy season lasts from June to December. Daily rainfall averages around 4 to 6 inches, with occasional tropical storms and hurricanes affecting the island.
Dominican Republic
The rainy season in the Dominican Republic generally lasts from May to November. Daily rainfall varies depending on the region, with coastal areas receiving around 2 to 4 inches but more occurring in the interior’s higher elevations.
Turks and Caicos
The rainy season in Turks and Caicos typically runs May to October. Average daily rainfall is 2 to 4 inches, with occasional tropical disturbances bringing increased precipitation.
Barbados
Barbados experiences a rainy season from June to November. Daily rainfall averages around 3 to 5 inches, with occasional storms affecting the island. While not outside the hurricane zone, it has a very low risk of being hit by one.
Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao
These “ABC islands” off the coast of Venezuela in the western Caribbean are outside the hurricane zone. They are also quite arid. The rainy season here lasts from September to early January, but rainfall is relatively low, with average daily amounts rarely exceeding 1 inch.
What is the rainiest month in the Caribbean?
Although specific rain amounts and rainy times are different from island to island, the rainiest months in the Caribbean are usually September and October. This would make those months the worst time to visit Caribbean islands if you want to avoid rain.
What time of year is best to visit the Caribbean?
The best time to visit the Caribbean for good weather is in the winter months of December, January, and February, as these are the driest months (except in the ABC islands, which still see rain in December). However, this can also mean that prices are higher and there are bigger crowds during this time. For lower prices and crowds, try the shoulder season of spring.
What is the best month to go on a Caribbean cruise?
The best month to go on a Caribbean cruise is December, January, February, March, or April. The winter and early spring months will give you the best weather, with warm temperatures, sunny skies, and calm seas.
Have we answered all your questions about the Caribbean rainy season? If not, let us know in the comments. And if you are ready to plan your trip, we have tons of information on this site that can help. Or, feel free to contact one of our trusted travel advisors!