Is December A Good Time To Cruise The Caribbean?

December is a popular time to cruise the Caribbean due to families on winter break from schools. March and June through August are also popular for families on spring and summer breaks. June is the best time to cruise the Caribbean in the summer because it has a lower risk of rain than July or August.

The best time to visit the Caribbean is between December and April, when the weather is dry, sunny, and clear skies on most days. December through April is the peak season for Caribbean cruising, offering warmer weather, affordable prices, and lively holiday celebrations. The ideal cruising conditions are mild temperatures and mild temperatures.

Cruise ships are open from January to December, and the best time to visit is between December and April. This time frame allows for better weather and more entertaining holidays and festivals. The December to January time frame is our favorite time to cruise, as it gets us out of the cold mid-Atlantic winter and allows us to stock up on supplies. To avoid the busy season, the best time to go on a Caribbean cruise is from November to early December.

Mid-December through mid-March is the best time for a Caribbean cruise, as these are the driest months with sunny skies and little rainfall. While the rainy season lasts from October through November, these are some of the best months to cruise to the Caribbean.

In summary, the best time to cruise the Caribbean depends on the weather, cost, and crowds. December through April offers the best weather, entertainment, and experiences, making it an ideal time to explore the Caribbean.

When not to go to the Caribbean?

When is hurricane season in the Caribbean?. Hurricanes occur during the low season, specifically from June 1 to November 30. The risk peaks in August and September and occasionally extends into October and even November. Travel companies generally advise against going to the Caribbean during these months. It’s important to be informed if you plan to visit the Caribbean during hurricane season, damage can be surprisingly localised, so you won’t necessarily want to cancel a trip to the southern Caribbean when the northeastern Caribbean (500 miles away) or Florida gets hit. There also tend to be fewer storms in the southern Caribbean, which includes Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao and Barbados.

When is the rainy season in the Caribbean?. The rainy season runs parallel to hurricane season, from June 1 – November 30. Rainy season doesn’t mean consistent rainfall but rather showers and/or short tropical storms. Be sure to check the rainfall of the island you want to visit. Certain islands like St Lucia (more mountainous) see a heavier rainy season in comparison to an island such as Aruba.

When is the shoulder season?. The shoulder season includes early December, when the weather is cool and lovely, following November’s rainy season. May and June are dry but not too hot, making for a great holiday. You can usually catch a deal in addition to more affordable flights.

Are the Caribbean seas rough in December?

During bad weather, the size of your ship matters, but expect changes and be prepared if you don’t have sea legs. December seems to be the worst month to take a Caribbean cruise. Last year, I spent Christmas week on Celebrity Summit, and rough seas sent that relatively small ship bouncing up and down.

Can you still swim on a cruise in December?

Onboard, the ships’ pools are heated should the temperature drop below 75 degrees, so swimming on the ship is always enjoyable. The ocean water temperatures near the beaches in the Bahamas tend to have average water temperatures in December of mid to upper 70’s, so again, pretty comfortable. When we’ve visited Castaway Cay and Nassau in the winter, our whole family has enjoyed snorkeling, swimming with dolphins, and just playing in the ocean. I’m sure you’ll find the same!

Have fun as you begin planning your cruise, Amy! Marcy.

What months to avoid the Caribbean?

When is hurricane season in the Caribbean?. Hurricanes occur during the low season, specifically from June 1 to November 30. The risk peaks in August and September and occasionally extends into October and even November. Travel companies generally advise against going to the Caribbean during these months. It’s important to be informed if you plan to visit the Caribbean during hurricane season, damage can be surprisingly localised, so you won’t necessarily want to cancel a trip to the southern Caribbean when the northeastern Caribbean (500 miles away) or Florida gets hit. There also tend to be fewer storms in the southern Caribbean, which includes Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao and Barbados.

When is the rainy season in the Caribbean?. The rainy season runs parallel to hurricane season, from June 1 – November 30. Rainy season doesn’t mean consistent rainfall but rather showers and/or short tropical storms. Be sure to check the rainfall of the island you want to visit. Certain islands like St Lucia (more mountainous) see a heavier rainy season in comparison to an island such as Aruba.

When is the shoulder season?. The shoulder season includes early December, when the weather is cool and lovely, following November’s rainy season. May and June are dry but not too hot, making for a great holiday. You can usually catch a deal in addition to more affordable flights.

Should I go to the Caribbean in December?

. December. The start of the peak season, December often tops the list as the best time to visit the Caribbean. It’s considerably drier than the preceding months, and the official start of the dry season (January) is just a month away.

You can expect slightly cooler temperatures through December with highs in the low to mid 80s. If you visit in early December you’ll find lower prices than in the holidays, while if you visit later in the month you can spend Christmas and New Year on the beach.

December falls outside of the official hurricane season so there’s no need to worry about storms spoiling your vacation. But be aware that it’s one of the most popular times to visit the Caribbean, so it’s likely to be busy.

Look out for the many fun and colorful events taking place all across the region. Some of the best are the St Nicholas Day parades taking place in the Dutch Caribbean on December 5. The main events feature St Nicholas (Sinter Klass) riding his white horse.

Are cruise ships decorated for Christmas in December?

Whether you relish a visit from Santa or celebrate by lighting a Hanukkah menorah, you can celebrate both Christmas and Hanukkah on a winter cruise. Cruise lines go all-out with seasonal decor (generally from Thanksgiving through New Year’s), holiday activities, religious services and festive food and drink.

Christmas: Azamara ships will be decorated for the holidays from the beginning of December. Crew will perform carols at various times and in different venues, Christmas cookies will be served the entire voyage and a priest will be onboard to lead religious services. The cruise director will have a special Christmas Show on Dec. 25.

The ships will offer holiday-themed buffets in Windows Cafe, as well as special menus in the main dining room and specialty restaurants on Dec. 24 and 25.

Hanukkah: A rabbi is onboard all ships for the Hanukkah celebration.

Are Caribbean seas rough in December?

During bad weather, the size of your ship matters, but expect changes and be prepared if you don’t have sea legs. December seems to be the worst month to take a Caribbean cruise. Last year, I spent Christmas week on Celebrity Summit, and rough seas sent that relatively small ship bouncing up and down.

Do hurricanes hit the Caribbean in December?

According to the U.S. National Weather Service (NWS), hurricane season in the Caribbean runs from June 1 through November 30 and normally peaks in August and September. The Caribbean region is within the Atlantic hurricane basin, whose storms also affect Florida and other parts of the coastal southern United States. In 2022, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) counted 17 named storms that passed through the Caribbean, and in 2023 this increased to 20. Its 2024 prediction: an 85 percent chance of an above-normal hurricane season and 17 to 25 named storms, of which eight to 13 are forecast to become hurricanes.

To be better prepared, check for updates from the National Hurricane Center before your trip. This NWS division tracks and predicts weather in the tropics and issues hurricane warnings and updates on weather conditions across the Atlantic Ocean up to 48 hours in advance.

Even if there are no reports of hurricanes in the weather forecast, you may experience some rain and tough weather patterns at your destination. Be prepared and take your best waterproof luggage, pack a rain jacket, and consider bringing a dry bag, like those by Sea to Summit, to keep important items like your camera and wallet dry while out and about.

What is the weather like on a Caribbean cruise in December?

Weather-wise, mid-December through mid-March is the best time for a Caribbean cruise. These are the driest months, with sunny skies, little rainfall, and pleasantly moderate temperatures. Expect average lows in the 70s and highs in the 80s.

While Caribbean weather varies by region, wet season runs from June through November, with many areas experiencing their rainiest months in September and October.

What are the average high and low temperatures in the Caribbean?

Is it worth going on a cruise in December?

6. Cruises in December or Other Winter Months Can Be Great for Your Travel Budget.

Winter can be the best season to cruise for your vacation budget. While it’s often a challenge to find a bargain for summer sailings, cruises in December and January tend to offer incredible deals. The exception to this, of course, are tropical cruises with limited availability.

To plan for the biggest savings, keep an eye on cruise deals year-round and note when pricing dips in your favor. Then you’ll be able to judge for yourself whether seasonal fall promotions or last-minute fares during Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales offer the best value for cruising in the winter months.

Is it cold on a cruise ship in December to The Bahamas?

From December through February, temperatures range from high 70s during the day to lows in the mid 60s at night. March starts a slight warm up, and the months of April to November bring high temperatures in the mid to upper 80s with nighttime temperatures in the low to mid 70s. You have options for your Bahamas cruise.

When you think of travel to The Bahamas, there really isn’t a bad time to visit. So, how do you decide when to book a cruise? Consider the temperatures that you prefer and how much time you can spend. Think about timing questions like whether you want to travel during school vacations or not. Then, pick the places in the Bahamas you’d like to see and make a reservation! The tips below will help you decide.

You’ll love the fresh trade winds that give the islands an agreeable climate all year round. The weather can be compared to Miami, Florida, which means you’ll see mostly sunny days with some clouds. When the rains come, you’ll see squalls or thunderstorms that clear quickly.

From December through February, temperatures range from high 70s during the day to lows in the mid 60s at night. March starts a slight warm up, and the months of April to November bring high temperatures in the mid to upper 80s with nighttime temperatures in the low to mid 70s.