July - August (Summer)

The Summer months (July and August) are officially the slow season in the Caribbean. This is when Most travelers from the north are content to stick around closer to home, which means fewer crowds in the Caribbean. By late June the temperatures are soaring, humidity is high and rain threats are daily. The northern region (the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico) is also squarely in the hurricane zone, and hurricane season officially kicks off in June. The summer is the wettest months in the northern Caribbean, and while showers are typically in the late afternoon, there is no guarantee that they won’t keep you inside for a day or more.

In contrast, the Caribbean islands in the south have a different weather pattern, making summer a good time of year to consider visiting. These islands include Aruba, Curacao where the tradewinds and latitude here typically offers clear skies and less rain. Many Europeans and Canadians come to the southern Caribbean throughout the summer months during summer breaks from school. Nonetheless, the crowds are still thinner than during the winter months, and you can still find great rates.

Events and Festivals

Aruba International Regatta: Sailors from around the world come to the island to race all manner of watercraft, from yachts to sunfish to miniature boats and even stand up paddle boards.

- Caribbean Fashion Week: Usually taking place in mid-June, this week-long fashion event is held at the National Arena in Kingston, Jamaica each year.

- Portland Jerk Festival: Jamaican jerk flavored foods have become popular worldwide, and in July you can get mouthwatering jerk chicken, pork, sausage, and more at this annual festival in Jamaica.

- Bob Marley Day: Jamaica celebrates the life and music of Bob Marley on his birthday (February 6) each year.

- Carnivals: Barbados throws the largest Carnival celebration in the region with Crop Over. This five-week-long festival is filled with music, dance, drinks, and plenty of cultural events and performances throughout the summer in celebration of the harvest; Antigua celebrates its Carnival in July.