The best time to visit Curaçao is between January and May, which tends to be a period of hot, relatively dry, fine weather.
Having said that, this friendly and welcoming island has a slightly different climate from the islands further north. Just off the coast of South America, it’s generally outside the hurricane belt, which makes it an excellent vacation destination between June and November, when storms can affect islands further north.
Curaçao’s favorable climate is reflected in its average hours of sunshine, which are between eight and nine daily year-round. The sea is always warm for swimming and scuba diving, with water temperatures ranging from 80°F (27°C) in January to 84°F (29°C) in September and October.
In this article:
Visiting Curaçao by Season
When Is Rainy Season?
When Is High Season?
When Is Shoulder Season?
When Is Low Season?
Visiting Curaçao by Season
Summer
Knip Beach
Curaçao doesn’t have especially distinct seasons; it’s warm and mostly dry year-round. June, July, and August could be regarded as summer, with hot temperatures ranging from lows of 78.8°F (26°C) to highs of 87.8°F (31°C).
During this time, the island sees moderate rainfall between 1.57 inches (40mm) and 1.88 inches (48mm) and relatively light winds. Humidity can be high during these months.
Fall
September, October, and November bring a change in the weather with more rain. Rainfall peaks in late November at around 3.89 inches (99mm), but normally in the form of short, sharp showers. This is when the northeast trade winds blow, hence the rainier weather.
Winter
December, January, and February are usually warm and pleasant, with rainfall dropping right down to an average of 1.2 inches (39mm) in February. This is one of the windiest months, making this an excellent time for surfing and kite surfing on some of Curaçao’s best beaches.
This is also regarded as one of the best periods for scuba diving and snorkeling in Curaçao, with exceptional clarity in the water.
Read: Best Beaches in December to Visit
Curaçao Sea Aquarium Park
Spring
March, April, and May see low rainfall and consistent temperatures ranging from lows of 78.8°F (26°C) to highs of 87.8°F (31°C). The winds continue throughout May, making this another good time to visit if you’re keen on surfing in the Caribbean.
When Is Rainy Season?
Curaçao doesn’t have a distinct rainy season like the Caribbean islands to the north. Its interior is, after all, almost desert-like. Some rain may fall in July, August, and September, with October, November, and December the wettest months.
But “wettest” does not mean constant rain; showers tend to be short and sharp, breaking early in the morning and in the evening, offering a welcome break from the heat.
When Is High Season?
High season in Curaçao, like the rest of the Caribbean, is December to April, a time that tends to bring warm weather and less rain after December. The best time to go to Curaçao is arguably January to April, when there’s less rain and steady trade winds take the edge off the heat.
When Is Shoulder Season?
May to August is regarded as shoulder season in Curaçao, overlapping with the beginning of hurricane season in the Caribbean.
As such, this is a great time for a Caribbean vacation if you’re in need of sunshine but want to minimize the possibility of storms. The island is less busy during shoulder season, too.
Curaçao
When Is Low Season?
The official low season across the Caribbean is June to November, which is hurricane season. But hurricanes rarely move this far south; at most, you’re likely to notice that the weather feels hotter.
Also, because this is low season for the rest of the Caribbean, the island and its neighbors, Aruba and Bonaire, can be busy, as visitors come for the fine weather.
If Curaçao could be described as having a low season, September to November would be the quietest months, with hot weather and occasional showers.
Curaçao
Are you inspired by the year-round great weather that Curaçao enjoys? Browse Celebrity’s cruises to Curaçao and plan your next voyage.
Sue Bryant
Sue has been writing about cruising for 20 years and is lucky enough to have sailed all seven continents. She lives in London, where she is cruise editor of The Times and The Sunday Times newspapers, as well as a freelance contributor to magazines and websites worldwide.
