This is just before tourists start to arrive in herds until spring time in April. Like the rhythm of its beloved reggae music, the best of Jamaica is offbeat stylish hideouts among huge and humming resorts; funky island architecture in universal modern concrete; and a laconic Bob Marley-esque Yeah, man in place of the ubiquitous Youre welcome of hotel stays elsewhere. It's just large enough for a fun day trip around the island that includes the vast pirate-era Brimstone Hill Fortress. Caribbean Island Escape 11 Photos. Visit one of the top 10 nicest beaches in the world, Learn about the history of enslaved African people in the Bahamas at the, Take a refreshing dip in the cold waters of the. Aruba your way: tips for lovers, thrill-seekers, foodies and more. It has an average nighttime temperature of 79 Fahrenheit. The island is filled with mountains, rich agricultural lands, and of course a plethora of beaches and delicious Latin-Caribbean food, so let's go ahead and get into why Puerto Rico is one of the best Caribbean islands to visit. Dont miss out on the whale-watching opportunities when youre here, either. Planning a December wedding? Book. Made up of an archipelago of 40 islands, you can expect a wide range of activities on . Please check Foreign Office advice and testing/quarantine requirements in your destination before booking. If youre not only looking for beautiful beaches and natural sights but also culture, Cuba will be sure to be the Caribbean destination to check all the marks off your list. The main four are Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke, and visitors and residents can journey among them via an extensive system of local ferries. The coral reefs attract divers and snorkelers from around the world, for an adventure here. A surfing heaven, you will find wave surfers as well as windsurfers here. Seemingly the center of Caribbean clichs such as Bob Marley songs played to the rhythm of opening beer bottles, vast Jamaica offers up resorts from posh to budget and a distinct urban culture. There are 40 islands and small cays that make up Turks and Caicos. But it stands up to the hype: the grub is the best and cheapest youll eat here (8 a plate make a beeline for Pats Place and try the meaty marlin). Head to Cuba or the Dominican Republic. 2022 Lonely Planet. There can also be tropical storms at . You'll encounter less rain between December and April, but rates are more expensive . Corfu. Walk downtown and enjoy all the street art and music youll hear on the road for free. All products and brands mentioned in this article are selected by our writers and editors based on first-hand experience or customer feedback. Saint Lucia is definitely a favorite of mine due to the small area space of the island and the rich culture they have been able to create for themselves. Book. It has an average rainfall of about five inches during the month, which makes it the rainiest of the five warmest islands. Drink, chill, and shop to your hearts content, St Thomas, the deck island will not cease making you fall in love with it. Take a hike, Dominica: the Caribbean's most adventurous island Martinique: best for French-speakers, beautiful and isolated beaches, nature hikes The most Gallic corner of the Caribbean has a sprawling main town of Fort-de-France and an untouristy focus. Disney ( NYSE:DIS ), a section of which operated theme parks and hotels, is reportedly facing a loss of over $2 billion. Buy groceries at Super Village or shop at the local market at Potters Clay. The average nighttime temperature is only 67 degrees Fahrenheit. Answered: Thinking about going on vacation for a week in mid November before Thanksgiving, but undecided which island to select. Some of the best, most lively Puerto Rican parties take place in Old San Juan, where a selection of local parties take place. Suite 403. Parties are not as common, but they are still here and available. St Barth's, Caribbean Temperature: 30C high; 24C low Season: cool Flight time from UK: 12 hours 10 minutes Time difference: GMT-5 Simply everyone is in St Barth's in December. Your chance to experience a blend of two distinct cultures at one destination, St Martin is a beautiful blend of the Dutch and French cultures. This makes it perfect for soft adventure, whether youre looking to hike the Piton mountains or go zip-lining through the dense jungle. Ideal for relaxing in a rented condo, and doing just nothing but being. The warmest Caribbean islands in December include southern destinations such as Aruba and Curaao. The urban culture here is perfect for visitors to get familiar with and enjoy. Arid and nearly featureless, Aruba's main attraction is a ribbon of beaches lined with big world-class resorts and backed up with malls of localrestaurants and bars. Yet, on an island of 105,000 people, there are only around 1,400 hotel beds. Turtle Cove Catamaran Snorkel & Sail Adventure At Little Buck Island St. Thomas159 Reviews Turks & Caicos Turks and Caicos is an archipelago of 40 islands sitting in the Atlantic Ocean. The main city of Willemstad has a famous, beautiful and historic harbor. Mudjin Harbour on the island of Middle Caicos. I have started researching a place for three families to vacation in December. This, in fact, is one purpose for the destination to be the cheapest Caribbean destination in December, as the visitors dont have to pay for anything extra. Explore the waterfalls, rainforests, and beaches the country has to offer. If you wish to do something, the proximity of these islands to others like Cuba gives you the opportunity to explore close by destinations too. After your exchange, leave and receive reviews and become an Expert. The Caribbean region is home to 13 independent nations and 17 territories, meaning that this section of the world has a lot to offer. Location: Playa, Dominican Republic. Simply everyone is in St Barth 's in December. Love good food and your fair share of rum? So while you party away the night, the next morning you can unwind at your pace in the tranquil surroundings. 5.5h. Barbados. 7.1h. It should not be hard to find liveliness when visiting this island as there is always something going on. Historically, Aruba and Curaao have average high temperatures in the upper 80s Fahrenheit in December. All rights reserved. Further south in Barbados, the average temperature is slightly higher at 26C, with highs of 28C and lows of 19C after dark. A medium-sized island with a focus beyond tourism. Never miss the best Worldpackers contents, Best islands in the Caribbean: Top 7 islands to visit, Why travel to theUnited States Virgin Islands, Things to do in theUnited States Virgin Islands, How to travel on a budget, travelers' tips and hacks, beginner's guide on how to plan your travel budget, Flight prices during this time may be slightly more affordable, The best guide to backpacking Puerto Rico. Sitting outside the hurricane belt, the Curacao island undoubtedly is your safest bet as the best Caribbean destination in December. As a member, you can contact as many hosts and travel safely as many times as you want. Grace Bay, Turks & Caicos. Antigua. The most Gallic corner of the Caribbean has a sprawling main town of Fort-de-France and an untouristy focus. Toss aside everything you know about the DR, the cheap and cheerful package holiday haven for the sloshed and sunburnt. Antigua. Read other contents that will help you plan your trip. If youre wanting sunshine, hot weather, and little to no rain, then the summer months are the best time to visit the islands. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Plan your trip withThe best guide to backpacking Puerto Rico. Sweepstakes; Covid-related restrictions may be in place. The average water temperature is typically 27 which is very warm and ideal for relaxing and swimming for the whole day. We pick out the best places to take your brood. Fun fact: Jamaica is the only country in the world to have a flag that does not contain the colors red, white, or blue. #3 St. Martin. Jamaica Dunn's River Falls Party Cruise With Snorkeling191 Reviews In fact, its tacky identikit-resort reputation applies only to two tiny pockets near the big airports: Punta Cana (in the south) and Puerto Plata (in the north). USD 48.5 A large country with a dominant Hispanic culture, theDR (as it's called) has world-class resorts on fine beaches and untrammeled inland areas with forbidding peaks. This island is full of a history and culture like no other. Your information will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy. There are quite a few budget rooms on the island that fall in between $20-$40 per night, which isnt bad at all considering that is most likely the price a bunk bed in a hostel would go for. But it is not nearly as popular with cruise and hotel visitors as Curaao and especially Aruba. Small-group Sailing And Snorkeling Catamaran Tour307 Reviews It's not too late to catch the cultural festivities and relaxation at these 5 bestCaribbean destinationsthis Christmas. The safest (weather wise) and most enjoyable time to visit the islands are during February and May as rain is a rare occurrence. Best Island to Visit in Hawaii for First-Timers 3. #5 Turks and Caicos. The Bahamas Bahamas Island is a country within the Lucayan Archipelago, in the West Indies. The 12 best beaches in the Dominican Republic. Write here your questions and greetings to the author. 1. December is a transition month from the hurricane season to the dry season. 10 Overlooked Caribbean Islands for Winter Escapes 10 Photos. Known as the 'Isle of Spice', Grenada was once home to the cultivation of nutmeg and mace on a vast scale, and today you can visit some of the still-active farms, including the Belmont Estate Plantation, which grows cocoa beans and spices among other crops. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. Here are the best places to visit in the Bahamas. The sister island of Barbuda is home to the fantasticFrigate Bird Sanctuary. If you get super hyped about Christmas markets, Stuttgart is one of the best destinations in December. If you are planning to go on a trip in December, do check this list of Islands To Visit in December : Advertisement 1. The island has a lot of beautiful flora and fauna and stunning sights to see. The best time to visit the Bahamas is from mid of December to mid of April. Tap water has been reported safe to drink,so pack a reusable water bottle when visiting. Small and inviting beaches vie with rainforest-clad hills for attention. Find the island flavors: a foodie's guide to St Martin & Sint Maarten. From planning and finances to etiquette and safety, here are some top tips to know before you go to Jamaica. The Turks and Caicos Islands are a string of post-card perfect islands located just south of the Bahamas in the Caribbean. These links are signposted with an asterisk. Sip a rum punch and kick off your flip-flops as you peruse a menu in the Caribbeans culinary capital. 3. Partly because the island is the original discreet-A-lister's sunny paradise of choice with the world's most perfect beaches, restaurants, hotels and villas, and partly because everyone else is. Nearly all the resorts, attractions and golf courses are along the west coast (as are the two main cities, French-influenced Soufrire and the more British-feeling capital of Castries) so if you want the wild, jungle scenery, take a drive along the east coast to be impressed by the animal tally the island offers. Get forecasts each morning for every major island. Dominican Republic: waterfalls, free concerts and nightlife. Listed below are the 10 best Caribbean destinations in December, perfect for the long awaited winter holiday! 28. If Cuba is one cultural pole of the Caribbean, then Jamaica is the other. Here is the list of Best Islands To Visit in December. Book My first 2 experiences with worldpackers have been in Ocho Rios, Jamaica and San Francisco, California and I plan on continuing my travels with the company. Don't get discouraged, most islands are warm in December, and those should ideally be your pick. All-Inclusive Barbados Stay & Caribbean Islands Cruise, No-Fly Cunard Voyage & Caribbean Christmas Adventure, Best all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, See the Northern Lights in Finnish Lapland, 2023 Croatia Island-Hopping Private Yacht and Magical Montenegro Experience. Here are some of my budget tips for the USVI: For top saving tips, don't miss out: How to travel on a budget, travelers' tips and hacks. Adding to the December festivities are the unique Christmas traditions of the island. Cuba has an average daytime temperature of 23C, with highs of 28C in the peak of the day. Book. These 10 Caribbean destinations offer warmth and sunshine all winter long. Source: Scott Taylor/Unsplash. Similarly, the shore snorkeling is very good on this island. Which Caribbean Island To Visit In December. The first Caribbean stop for many Americans has all the comforts - and familiar names - of home. Go sightseeing or explore on a walking tour in. Oistins Fish Fry, the Friday-night market where islanders and tourists tuck into chunks of herby grilled fish and 1.50 beers, is no secret. Lets go ahead and get into all the great country has to offer! The season is particularly festive in the Dominican Republic, where Christmas holidays are celebrated through music, shopping and food. The revenue generated will help us to support the content of this website and to continue to invest in our award-winning journalism. Check out this article for more tips on travelling the Caribbean on a budget. Take the public bus to get around local area or the bigger bus to get to other parts of the island as opposed to taxis. Come to St Kitts and neighbouring Nevis for the quiet Caribbean life a mellow itinerary of golf, delicious meals and lazy beach days, led by a regular crowd who like their hotels five-star. Despite its reputation for beachy glamour superyachts basking in wide harbours; barefoot, moneyed guests draped over cushioned loungers in immoderately priced resorts this is resolutely a proper island with plenty of snorkelling opportunities and a standout marine scene. More of The Best Places to Travel in September. Relatively cheap airfare and hotel tariffs only make this better. No. Like St Kitts & Nevis, the two islands have their own distinct flavour. Treasure Beach, in the southwest, is quieter but equally laid-back. It has an average daytime temperature of 86 degrees Fahrenheit and an average low of 73, according to the U.S. National Weather Service. Deluging with natural beauty, Anguilla will mesmerize you. Trinidad is big and brawny; oil-wealthy enough not to need tourists, but still thrilling to visit. Hiking a volcano. Both islands are among the most southern islands in the Caribbean. If the risk of rain sounds unappealing, vacation planners may consider other islands that are slightly less warm and have a lower risk of rain. Book The first country in the world to be named after a woman, Saint Lucia is a tiny island that is full of big culture. 22.7d. In exchange for accommodation, a traveler will trade their skills such as social media management, cleaning/reception at hostels, agricultural work, teaching English, among many others. The worlds only successful slave rebellion happened here, and the music, art and culture that came with it make Haiti entirely unique. Turks and Caicos was dramatically impacted by the 2017 hurricane season, but it is still one of the best places to go in the Caribbean, especially as it rebuilds and looks to attract tourists. Read our Privacy Policy. In terms of both overall crime and crime against tourists, Turks & Caicos ranks as one of the safest islands in the Caribbean. There are more reasons than one to escape to the Caribbean. Book There are fewer all-inclusive hotels here, which arguably makes for a more authentic experience. In this archipelago of blue seas and sublime beaches, there are plenty of beautiful paths to follow on land, too. After being fought over by French, British, and Dutch colonizers, Saint Lucians finally gained independence and became a sovereign nation in 1979. And in December, the Christmas Market is the top most reason to visit this place! This country has made itself quite well known as a beautiful tourist destination as it offers an array of crystal clear beach water, coral reefs, and kind people. Nowhere here is very busy, even the world-class dive sites.