| There is an old adage that "timing is everything." When | | | | temperatures are generally stable year-round, the |
| planning a trip to the isles of the West Indies, that | | | | majority of Caribbean islands are within the hurricane |
| adage holds true for the discerning traveller. There is | | | | belt. It is, therefore, advisable to avoid travelling during |
| good reason to be prudent in selecting the time of | | | | the rainy season, which is typically between June and |
| year for your visit. Perhaps you'd like to avoid bad | | | | December. It would certainly be useful to avoid travel |
| weather and not be crowded out by a herd of fellow | | | | between June and November, unless you are visiting |
| travellers. | | | | the Dutch Antilles or Trinidad and Tobago. |
| The your travel would also be based on whether | | | | In considering the best times for Caribbean travel, you |
| you're an event-seeker, eco-tourist or just want an idle | | | | can divide the months of the year into three segments. |
| vacation by the Caribbean Sea or Atlantic Ocean. Of | | | | The peak-season, off-season and the ideal time can |
| course, the best time of the year to hop like Kermit in | | | | be averaged on the basis of the aforementioned |
| the Caribbean Sea is dependent on your personal | | | | factors. The peak season coincides with the North |
| preferences. Still, you can estimate the best time to | | | | American winter and the dry season in the Caribbean. |
| travel by assessing critical factors. | | | | If you are looking for warm weather and an escape |
| Carnival, jazz festivals and other events would be | | | | from the cold, then the peak-season is your best time. |
| extra incentive to the traveller who wants | | | | If you wish to have a quiet vacation, the off-season |
| more-than-average activity and events on the trip. | | | | may be your pick. Hold on though. The off-season |
| Carnivals in the Caribbean usually occur between | | | | intersects with the worst time to travel to islands within |
| February and August. If you're so inclined, | | | | the hurricane belt. So, if you are looking for a quiet |
| island-hopping would be great during this period. | | | | vacation with the merits of the peak season and off |
| Accommodation and hassle are other considerations | | | | season, you need to find an ideal time or "sweet spot." |
| that should influence your time of travel. Some persons | | | | May to June is generally the best time to travel to the |
| like to visit when they know lots of other tourists are | | | | Caribbean if you want the best of both seasons. You'll |
| around. Others prefer to avoid the rush (and the | | | | benefit from reduced hotel prices and travel deals |
| chance of seeing Uncle Tom and Aunt Jane). | | | | would still be around. The downside is that you'll |
| Cost is another fulcrum for your travel timing. During | | | | experience some showers at the start of the rainy |
| the peak season - mid-December to April - the cost of | | | | season. However, you'll also avoid the tourist saturation |
| travel may be a little higher in some cases, especially | | | | and have more options available to you if you want to |
| when you consider going to a Caribbean destination | | | | get away or enjoy sightseeing without bus loads of |
| that's hosting a major event. If you check some travel | | | | other adventure seekers. Unless you are a carefree |
| sites, you'd notice that discounts for Caribbean travel | | | | traveller or one with a specific mission to the |
| between certain months - such as February and | | | | Caribbean, May or June will be your ideal time for your |
| March - are available. | | | | Caribbean sojourn. |
| Weather is also a critical factor in your travel. While | | | | |