December is the perfect time to travel to the Caribbean if you’re looking to escape the cold and get some sun. The weather is glorious: plenty of sun, warm water, and temperatures ranging from the low 70s to high 80s depending on where you go. Plus, the hurricane season has ended so you don’t need to worry about storms messing up your vacation.
But there are so many beautiful islands in the Caribbean–which is the best to visit in December if you want the highest temperatures? We’ll help you narrow it down with our picks for the warmest Caribbean island in December.
Warmest Caribbean Island in December Quick Picks:
Curacao, Barbados, and Jamaica have some of the warmest weather in December, with average temperatures in the high 80s.
Curacao
Curacao is one of the warmest Caribbean islands in December: temperatures can be in the high 80s, making it an excellent place to escape the cold back home and enjoy lounging on the white-sand beaches and getting in the vivid blue water to enjoy some of the amazing snorkeling and diving opportunities here.
December isn’t a wet season here, so the island only averages between one and two inches of rain. That means you’ll have less of a chance of your outdoor activities being affected.
Aruba
Like neighboring Curacao (and the third “ABC” island, Bonaire) Aruba also has one of the warmest average temperatures during December. Temperatures here get up to the mid to high 80s, and the water temperatures are also warm enough for a dip in the ocean.
The only concern with travel to Aruba in December is the higher amount of rainfall. While December isn’t necessarily the wet season for the island, December in Aruba can come with a few more raindrops than in Curacao or some of the other islands. The average is only about three inches, but it should factor into your travel decisions.
Jamaica
Jamaica is a favorite destination for travelers in December. This Caribbean island experiences temperatures in the mid to upper 80s and is also a great swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving destination with warm water temperatures.
There can be small, infrequent rain showers here and there, but Jamaica only averages about one inch of rain in December so you should be able to fully enjoy your tropical vacation here.
Barbados
Barbados temperatures can also reach the high 80s, so it’s another top island for travelers who like those warmer temperatures.
However, you can expect a few more rain showers in Barbados than in other Caribbean islands at this time. The average rainfall in December is about three inches, but showers usually pass quickly so it shouldn’t put too much of a damper on your planned activities.
St. Lucia
December is the peak of the dry season for St. Lucia, so there is little chance of rain. Even if there is a small rain shower, it will pass quickly. The average temperature is great, too. This island can get a little cooler than others in the Caribbean, daytime temperatures average between the mid 70s and the low 80s.
These temperatures make it the perfect atmosphere to enjoy outdoor festivals and events. This month features several festivals, so it’s a great time to visit St. Lucia both for the weather and the atmosphere.
Cayman Islands
Most daytime temperatures in the Cayman Islands come in somewhere between the mid and high 80s. However, unlike islands such as Aruba and Curacao, nighttime temperatures get much cooler here.
While many people enjoy a cooler night on a sandy beach, these lower air temperatures can have big impacts on the water temperatures. With nighttime temperatures dipping into the mid 60s, the ocean in the morning can be a little chilly, so it can be less enjoyable to go swimming or do watersports here.
Anguilla
Temperatures in Anguilla in December are warm but mild, ranging between the mid 70s and low 80s–perfect for a relaxing day on the beach. December is part of the wet season in Anguilla, but there is much less rainfall on average.
Water temperatures are warm here at this time, making it a great month to go swimming and explore all the snorkeling and diving spots.
December is one of the best times to visit the Caribbean to get away from the cold and store up some warmth and sunshine. While Barbados, Curacao, and Jamaica have some of the highest temperatures, you really can’t go wrong no matter which island you choose. Let us know which of these picks for the warmest Caribbean island in December appeals to you most!
And if you’re not sure, or are ready to plan your winter escape, feel free to reach out to one of our expert travel advisors!