Many travelers are tied to a set vacation time because of school holidays or time off from work. For those who have the ability to choose their own vacation time, understanding the Caribbean seasons will enable them to make the best decision when it comes to picking when to go.
Though the countries in the Caribbean experience relatively warm weather year-round, the region still experiences high and a low tourist seasons. During the high season, tourism reaches is peak, with popular hotels fully booked, and tables at top restaurants reserved; while the low season is less busy, and allows for deep discounts.
The high season for tourism in the Caribbean is between the months of mid-December and mid-April, despite warm weather throughout the year. Still, this is the time that usually has the driest weather in the Caribbean, and the coldest weather in the Northern U.S. and Canada. Temperatures live in the 70s and 80s (in degrees Fahrenheit) during these months, and there are a number of fun events and festivals that take place, giving visitors plenty of activities to keep them occupied. Carnaval is one event that happens during the high season in nearly every country in the Caribbean. Click here to read more about events and festivals.
Like anything else, there are disadvantages to the high season, namely monetary disadvantages. Because the region is so busy during this time, hotel and restaurant reservations can become competitive. If you don't book these entities in advance, you may find it difficult to find a place to stay, and if you do, you'll find that prices are much higher than they might normally be. The same goes for rental cars, and local vendors have been known to mark up their prices in order to take advantage of the large quantity of people browsing their wares. Another drawback is the sheer volume of people that will be visiting all of the same sites you wish to visit. However, if you like the hustle and bustle, and the opportunity to meet new people, this shouldn't be an issue for you.
Because the United States and Canada typically experience warm weather during the summer months, vacationers aren't in such a hurry to get to a tropical locale. For this reason, mid-April to mid-December is the low season in the Caribbean. The low season in the Caribbean also coincides with the rainy season, and hurricane season. Furthermore, this is the time that hotels and restaurants will use to renovate, and some even shut down completely.
Advantages to traveling to the Caribbean during the low season do still exist. The lack of crowds is a bonus for travelers interested in a more peaceful vacation, and budget conscious travelers will be able to take advantage of discounted wares and accommodations. Some hotels have been known to reduce their rates between 20 and 50 percent to entice visitors to stay with them during this time of year.
Each season has its advantages, so regardless of when you choose to visit the Caribbean, you are sure to have a good time. The choice is yours!
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