The best time to visit the Caribbean from Canada
Quick answer
The best time for most Canadians to visit the Caribbean is December to April, the dry season, when the weather is sunny and hurricane risk is low. For lower prices, travel from late April to early June. Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30 and is most active from August to October.
Caribbean travel seasons at a glance
| Season | Months | Weather | Prices from Canada |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early winter | Early to mid-December | Dry and warm | Low to moderate |
| Peak winter | Mid-December to mid-April | Dry, sunny, 27 to 30°C | Highest, especially Christmas and March Break |
| Spring shoulder | Late April to early June | Hot, mostly dry | Lower |
| Summer | Late June to August | Hot and humid, some storms | Moderate, with family deals |
| Fall | September to mid-November | Wettest, peak hurricane risk | Lowest |
When is hurricane season?
The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30, with most activity between mid-August and mid-October. A storm is unlikely to hit during any single week, but if you travel in these months, buy insurance that covers trip interruption. Aruba sits outside the main hurricane belt and is a popular choice for fall trips.
What is the cheapest time to go?
September and October are usually the cheapest months, followed by late April to early June and the first two weeks of December. The most expensive weeks are Christmas, New Year and Ontario's March Break.
What about sargassum seaweed?
Sargassum is a floating seaweed that can wash up on some Caribbean and Mexican beaches, usually more in spring and summer. The amount changes a lot from year to year and beach to beach. Resorts on the Caribbean side of Mexico and the east coast of the Dominican Republic are the most affected, while Aruba is rarely affected.
Best time to visit by destination
- Cancun: December to April for weather, late April to May for value.
- Punta Cana: December to April, with good deals in May and early June.
- Aruba: any time of year, with the lowest prices from May to November.
Frequently asked questions
When is hurricane season in the Caribbean?
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. Most storms happen between mid-August and mid-October.
What is the cheapest month to go to the Caribbean from Canada?
September and October are usually the cheapest months, followed by late April to early June. September is also the peak of hurricane season, so buy travel insurance.
Is December a good time to visit the Caribbean?
Early December is one of the best-value times to go: the dry season has started but prices stay low until the Christmas rush.