Ideal and Less Favorable Times for Visiting Anguilla
Exploring Anguilla Carnival Participating in Anguilla’s carnival is an exciting experience, but it’s important to be aware that several businesses might temporarily close during this event.
Prime Periods for an Anguilla Getaway For the most enjoyable trip, consider visiting between the months of February and April when the likelihood of rain is minimal. During this time, expect daytime temperatures to average in the mid-80s Fahrenheit.
Less Optimal Travel Seasons It’s advisable to avoid planning your visit from August to December, as these months tend to have the highest risk of rainfall and less predictable weather conditions.
Access to Anguilla’s Cruise Port and Transportation While Anguilla doesn’t have a major cruise port, smaller cruise ships can still dock there. Many travelers reach the island’s pristine white beaches and excellent snorkeling spots by taking ferries and excursion boats from the nearby St. Maarten.
Tourism Statistics and Weather Overview Anguilla typically welcomes approximately 70,000 hotel tourists every year, as reported by the Caribbean Tourism Organization. The island enjoys inviting weather conditions for most of the year. However, it’s important to be aware of the optimal and less favorable times to plan your visit to this stunning Caribbean destination.
Best Seasons: Winter and Spring Anguilla experiences its peak tourist season from mid-December to mid-April, covering the transition from winter to spring. During this period, flight deals become scarcer and hotel rates usually rise.
These months witnessed a surge in visitor numbers, especially North American travelers seeking respite from the cold winter months. December marks the peak of popularity, followed by March and April, in alignment with data from the Caribbean Tourism Organization. This trend is common across many Caribbean destinations due to families utilizing winter and spring breaks from schools for vacation.
Tourists flock to the island during these months owing to infrequent rainfall and average daytime temperatures hovering around the mid-80s Fahrenheit (high 20s Celsius). These weather details are verified by the Meteorological Department of St. Maarten, responsible for monitoring regional weather. It’s worth noting that Anguilla is a mere seven miles away from St. Maarten’s coast.
(Monthly weather breakdown: January – February – March – April – May – June – July – August – October – November – December.)
Summer: A Time for Savings Anguilla’s summer season, spanning from May to August, offers a quieter ambiance and attractive pricing. While humidity levels rise slightly and there’s an increase in rainfall, this period remains excellent for activities such as scuba diving and snorkeling due to improved water visibility. Hotel rates can drop by as much as 50 percent during this season.
Festive Carnival Season Travelers considering a visit during Carnival week (first week of August) should be aware that some businesses might have limited hours on Monday (August Monday), Thursday (August Thursday), and Friday (Parade of Troupes).
Certain establishments, including restaurants, might even remain closed from August through September.
Fall: Less Optimal Timing Tourism tends to decrease from September to November, as these months coincide with the peak of the Caribbean hurricane season.
Travelers might find excellent deals on hotel rooms in the few establishments that remain open. Similarly, many restaurants close during this slower period.
While temperatures generally remain pleasant, heavy rainfall is common. Moreover, this period corresponds with the height of the hurricane season. Historically, November experiences the highest rainfall of the year, based on data from the Meteorological Service of Netherland Antilles and Aruba.
Booking Your Trip If you’re planning to travel during the peak season, it’s advisable to secure hotel bookings several weeks or even months in advance. This guarantees availability, although last-minute options for reduced airfare can often be found.