Caribbean in the summer?

[tinofbeans]

We're thinking of going to the Caribbean for our summer holiday... I know it's low season then and there is a risk of hurricanes.

If you've been anywhere in the Caribbean please can you let me know where you went and what the weather was generally like? We're not bothered about a bit of rain in the afternoons, but it would be nice to get some sunshine too!

Thanks 😊

They tend to be extremely humid in summer but if you like humidity, lightening and storms, go for it.

Dutch Antilles are further south - outside the hurricane belt and more temperate, but a longer flight

I stayed at the Royalton Splash in Punta cana it was in May. The beach was spotless no seaweed issues. Met lots of friendly people and I went out of the hotels with DC felt safe.

Weather was 30s. Rained once in 2 weeks for about 10mins. I don't usually go back to the same hotel twice but I'm considering it as Mexico have a big seaweed issue which seems to be getting worse!

Been lots of places, Jamaica, Grenada, Bahamas, Mexico, Cayman etc, all late June/Jul/early Aug. It will be hot and there’s likely to be some rain but usually just an occasional heavy shower. We’ve never lost more than a half day to rain.
can also be breezy.
What island are you thinking as there is a big variety and “Caribbean “covers a vast area, many islands have a distinct flavour. Budget and what you’d like to do (or just a fly n beach flop) will narrow it down.
Hurricane season usually is June to Nov. Personally I’d avoid Sept/Oct time. Some islands are out with the hurricane belt.

Be careful about Mexico at the moment. The US have issued a no travel warning to Mexico for Americans since there is currently a massively increased risk of targeted attacks and kidnappings. It’s a sudden targeted escalation by crime rings.

We went to the Caribbean in summer holidays. We went to the BVIs. No issue really but a bit humid. I would go immediately in July though. Mexico isn’t a Caribbean island. Stick to the islands.

I've been to Barbados in the summer a few times. The rain showers tend to be intense and short lived. Yes it's humid. As long as it doesn't bother you then go for it!

I've been to Antigua many times in the summer and it's been fine. Rain is short lived (it's not like sulky British rain that hangs about for ages!) and any storms have been rare. It's not been overly humid either.

I’m not keen on the weather then. Too humid and too many flies.
if you do go, make sure you have the option of an indoor restaurant that’s air conditioned.

We've been to the Caribbean every year for years between January and mid April - mostly gorgeous sunshine with the occasional short shower, perhaps twice a week, around late afternoon/early evening. One year we went towards the end of May (had no option for various reasons) and the difference was very noticeable. We had one day when it poured down all day as well as showers on the other days some were downpours lasting all afternoon. The hotel staff said we were lucky and were having a good week weather wise. It's less expensive and less busy then and it's obvious why.

@Zipps January to mid April is high season! It’s not July/August! However Easter hols is the better time to go.

What cottage is £4000 a week! Not mine. Sadly.

@shandilah true. There's no way I would even pay £1000 for a cottage never mind 4k!

Anywhere that’s £4000 a week is big. My place is in Cornwall and I know pricing.

Last year we went to the Dominican in September and got caught in a hurricane,not an experience i would wish to repeat and would make me think twice about going in hurricane season

Been to Jamaica, Bahamas and Antigua in May and June and normally get a heavy rain shower in the afternoon for 20 mins before it clears again.

Biggest worry is hurricanes and I've experienced 3 of them in Florida including 2 evacuations.

Thank you all for your responses, there's plenty of food for thought!
I worked in Mexico 20 years ago, so don't really want to go back as I'd prefer to explore somewhere new..

Re which island- we'd like snorkelling, beach, exploring natural areas (DS loves geology/geography) historical stuff. None of us are really into big built up areas / clubs etc.

We don't want an all inclusive where you never leave the resort, we want to explore the actual island and culture :-)

A bit of rain in the afternoon won't put us off, but 2 solid weeks of grey cloud probably would 😆

Any recommendations for particular islands?

@tinofbeans
The BVIs are some of the best. You can rent a villa on somewhere like Virgin Gorda. You can get ferries to other islands. The Grenadines are also unspoilt. BequIa is a gem.

Most people will go to bigger islands of course and just want a luxury hotel. St Lucia has an interesting geology so that might be worth a look.

I meant to say, you probably do need to go to smaller islands to explore culture. We hired a car on a Sunday in Antigua (1980s) and saw people all dressed up going to the numerous churches. Then we could hear the congregations singing. No glass in the windows! It was absolutely great. Markets are always worth a look. Using local ferries is an experience. Hire a car. Don’t do the standard tourist trips. We have even had beaches to ourselves on St John in the USVIs! Just quietly snorkelling - but you need to buy a sunshade! St John is stunning. I think it’s a US national park. The Brits don’t go there but you can stay in a villa, as Americans do. They don’t go far though so exploring is worth it. I would look at combining 2 islands. We’ve always done this. If you can afford it, a crewed yacht for a week is the best!

I recommend St Vincent and the Grenadines too. Bequia is a gem as a PP says - stay in one of the many small beachside hotels or cottages. I've been May to October. It will be hot and rainy in the afternoons but there is usually a breeze. Buy a brolly and you'll be fine. Everything will be lush with trees and flowers in full bloom. Lovely walks. Beautiful beaches and snorkelling.

St Vincent mainland has a volcano you can hike up, an old Fort, waterfalls, gardens and wildlife. Also Pirates of the Caribbean film set. From Kingstown on St Vincent you can take a ferry to other islands Mayreau, Union and Canouan. The Tobago Cays is fantastic for snorkelling.

Alternatively, Barbados is a possible choice. If you go in August you can catch the finale to the Crop Over Festival. Google Grand Kadooment Day which is first Monday in August. There is a lot of history in Bridgetown and the Garrison (UNESCO site). Another site is Nicolas Abbey (Jacobean) which has an interesting museum and vintage films and a restored narrow gauge railway. Cattlewash and Morgan Lewis windmill. Inland there is interesting geology and caves to explore. Fabulous beaches and snorkelling.

If you hire a car, get one with a lid and AC to protect you from the fierce sun -avoid an open top jeep. Take mozzie killer as they will be out in force. Both destinations are serviced by Virgin Atlantic.

Invest in: 'Footprint Caribbean Islands' by Sarah Cameron which contains everything you need to know about each island including accommodation.