11 Best Caribbean Islands to Visit in the Fall
The Caribbean is a wonderful place to visit at any time of the year, but if you’re looking for an island escape that won’t be too hot and won’t cost you a small fortune, the fall season may just be the perfect time to book your trip.
September to November are typically the least busiest months in the Caribbean – meaning it’s also one of the cheapest times to visit.
It can get very humid and sticky at this time of year in the Caribbean, but there are plenty of islands that have a much more relaxed feel during fall.
Here, we take a look at some of the best Caribbean Islands to visit in the fall.
1. Turks and Caicos
Turks and Caicos is a collection of islands located in the Caribbean Sea. It’s one of the most secluded and exclusive vacation destinations in the world, making it a perfect choice for those looking to get away from it all in the fall months.
The islands are known for their white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush tropical vegetation.
What makes Turks and Caicos unique is its combination of British and Caribbean culture.
You’ll find charming British-style pubs and restaurants alongside vibrant Caribbean markets and music venues.
This cultural mix makes for a truly unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
Another reason Turks and Caicos is a great choice for a fall vacation is because of the pleasant weather.
The average high temperature in September is around 90°F (32°C), so you can enjoy plenty of sunshine and warm weather without having to deal with the crowds or heat of summer.
Where to Stay in Turks and Caicos:
2. Bahamas
The Bahamas are a Caribbean island chain, an archipelago that consists of 700 islands, cays and islets.
Offering a great mix of beaches and culture, the crowds in September to November are much thinner than they are during the rest of the year.
As a tourist, you’ll be happy to know that the people are incredibly friendly and welcoming. Bahamians are known for their warm hospitality, and you’re sure to feel at home during your stay.
And we haven’t even mentioned the beaches yet! With crystal clear waters and soft white sand, you’ll never want to pack up and go.
The weather during fall is warm and humid with average temperatures of around 88°F (31°C). Tropical storms can occur during this time of year, but they are most common near the end of the month.
The Bahamas International Airport is in Nassau, which is the capital city and a great place to start your trip.
The airport is served by many different airlines from around the world, so you should have no trouble getting a flight.
Cruise ships also regularly stop in Nassau and can be a great option for getting to the Bahamas if you don’t want to fly.
Last, but not least, the Bahamas are an affordable destination. You can find great deals on hotels and flights, making it easy to fit the Bahamas into your budget.
Where to Stay in the Bahamas:
3. Barbados
Barbados is a Caribbean island known for its beautiful beaches and excellent scuba diving, and during fall, the island is much less crowded than it is during the rest of the year.
There are many things that make Barbados stand out from other destinations, including its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and delicious food.
You can spend your days swimming and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters or exploring the lush rainforest.
One of the best things about Barbados is its weather. The country enjoys a warm and sunny climate all year round, and the weather in September is comfortable with average temperatures around 88°F (31°C).
Barbados is also very affordable, making it a great value for your money.
So if you’re looking for a relaxing and enjoyable fall getaway, Barbados is definitely worth considering!
Where to Stay in Barbados:
Crystal Cove by Elegant Hotels
Turtle Beach by Elegant Hotels
Fairmont Royal Pavilion
4. St. Vincent and the Grenadines
St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a charming island country located in the eastern Caribbean Sea.
The island is home to some of the most stunning natural scenery in the world.
The lush rainforest and pristine beaches are a sight to behold, and there’s plenty of opportunity for adventurous travelers to explore everything this island has to offer.
Another thing that makes St. Vincent and the Grenadines so special is its culture. The locals are warm and welcoming, and you’ll get a true sense of Caribbean culture while you’re here.
From the music to the food, you’ll be able to experience all that this beautiful region has to offer.
Note, the summer months are typically when St. Vincent celebrates Carnival, which is one of the most unique celebrations in the world.
During June and July, these Caribbean islands will see a higher number of tourists.
Carnival features many different activities that are fun for everyone including parades and street parties.
The highlight of this festival usually occurs at midnight when large floats adorned with elaborate costumes make their way through town while live music fills the air.
This event is always exciting to watch and provides a great opportunity to mix with locals and explore St Vincent’s lively capital city.
Where to Stay in St. Vincent and the Grenadines:
Mariners Hotel
La Vue Boutique Hotel & Beach Club
Blue Lagoon Hotel & Marina
5. Grand Cayman
Located in the western Caribbean Sea and is part of the British Overseas Territory of the Cayman Islands, Grand Cayman is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean.
The weather in September to November is usually warm and sunny, making it the perfect time to enjoy all that the island has to offer.
What makes Grand Cayman unique is its diverse landscape and abundance of activities, from beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters to world-class shopping and dining.
The island is about 22 miles long and less than 7 miles wide, making it easy to explore on foot or by bike.
Despite its small size, Grand Cayman offers a diverse landscape that includes everything from white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters to mangrove swamps and rocky cliffs.
The island also has a rich culture that can be seen in its architecture, art, music, and food.
Grand Cayman is home to some of the best restaurants in the Caribbean, as well as world-class shopping malls like Camana Bay and Seven Mile Beach Shopping Village.
Whether you’re looking for a quiet beach getaway or an action-packed vacation full of adventure sports, Grand Cayman has something for everyone.
Where to Stay in Grand Cayman:
Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach
Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman
Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa
6. Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago offer a unique and eclectic mix of cultures, activities, and natural beauty that is perfect for a fall vacation.
From the white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters of Tobago to the bustling markets and nightlife of Trinidad, there is something for everyone in this Caribbean paradise.
What’s more, Trinidad and Tobago are still relatively undiscovered by tourists, so you can enjoy all the benefits of a tropical island getaway without the crowds.
Flights from North America are typically under $1000, and once you’re on the island, meals and activities are relatively cheap.
And because Trinidad and Tobago is a small island nation, getting around is very easy. You can either rent a car or take public transportation, which is both safe and reliable.
Where to Stay in Trinidad and Tobago:
Hyatt Regency Trinidad
Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort
Tropikist Beach Hotel Limited
7. Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia is a small Caribbean island that is often overlooked by tourists in favor of its larger and more popular neighbors, such as Jamaica and the Dominican Republic.
But Saint Lucia is a gem in its own right, with unspoiled beaches, lush rainforests, and a rich culture that celebrates both African and European influences.
What makes Saint Lucia truly unique, however, is its dramatic landscape. The island’s mountains rise sharply from the sea, making for stunning views from anywhere on the island.
The chance of rain is higher in Saint Lucia during the fall, but the showers are short-lived and are usually followed by clear blue skies.
The Food & Rum Festival in mid-September is a premier event in Saint Lucia and is a must-visit for anyone who want to experience Saint Lucia’s local food culture at its best.
Where to Stay in Saint Lucia:
Stonefield Villa Resort
Royalton Saint Lucia
Royalton Mystique St. Lucia
8. Grenada
What makes Grenada stand out from other Caribbean destinations is its unspoiled beauty.
The island has been largely untouched by tourism, so you can enjoy the natural wonders without the crowds. Grenada may not be well-known, but that could soon change.
The best time to visit Grenada? September! This is when the weather is most temperate and the vegetation is at its peak.
You can also expect fewer tourists so you’ll have more privacy and space to explore.
In addition to the gorgeous scenery set against azure waters; there are also plenty of activities available such as snorkeling or diving, or interesting historical sites that are sure to capture your interest.
Some of the most popular areas to visit include Fort George (perched above a hilltop with panoramic views of the city) and Bianca C (a 600-foot shipwreck).
Not to mention, September is typically one of the cooler months to visit so whether you’re planning on hiking or enjoying a day at the beach this month should be breezy!
Where to Stay in Grenada:
Royalton Grenada
Calabash Luxury Boutique Hotel
Mount Cinnamon Resort & Beach Club
9. Curacao
Because Curacao is located in the Caribbean, this island paradise enjoys warm weather year-round, making it a perfect destination for a vacation – just before winter hits!
Although the island does see an influx of tourists during the winter months, it’s still relatively quiet during fall.
This makes it the perfect time to explore Curacao’s many beaches, hiking trails, and other attractions without having to deal with large crowds.
There are many things that make Curacao unique, from its location to its diverse population of people from all over the world.
But perhaps the thing that makes Curacao most special is its natural beauty.
The island is home to pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and dramatic cliffs; plus it’s an especially popular destination for scuba diving and snorkeling.
The clear waters offer visibility of up to 100 feet, making it a great place to see colorful fish and other marine life.
There are also many shipwrecks to explore in the waters around Curacao.
If you’re looking for a more active vacation, there are plenty of hiking trails to explore on the island.
As far as tropical destinations in the fall season, Curacao should definitely be on your radar!
Where to Stay in Curacao:
Curacao Marriott Beach Resort
Mangrove Beach Corendon Curacao
Renaissance Wind Creek Curacao
10. Aruba
The island of Aruba is located in the southern Caribbean Sea, just off the coast of Venezuela.
Known for its white-sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and year-round warm weather, Aruba is also one of the few places in the world where flamingos can be found naturally roaming on the beach.
Due to its location outside of the hurricane belt, Aruba experiences very little rainfall throughout the year.
This makes it one of the sunniest destinations in all of the Caribbean, with almost guaranteed sunshine every day.
The average temperature in September is 91°F (33°C) during the day, making it perfect for those looking for some winter sun.
There are plenty of things to do in Aruba no matter what your interests are.
For those who love the outdoors, there are plenty of hiking and biking trails to explore.
Aruba is also home to some of the best snorkeling and diving spots in the Caribbean; the island’s many shipwrecks and coral reefs make for an exciting underwater experience.
For history buffs, there are several colonial-era buildings and museums to visit.
And of course, no trip to Aruba would be complete without spending some time lounging on one of its beautiful beaches.
So whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an action-packed getaway, Aruba won’t disappoint.
Where to Stay in Aruba:
Ritz-Carlton Aruba
Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba
Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort
11. Bonaire
Bonaire is a small and beautiful island located in the southern Caribbean Sea and is one of the Leeward Antilles Islands.
Unlike its Dutch neighbors that are thriving with entertainment, Bonaire retains much of its natural beauty and tranquility.
It’s a great place to visit for those who are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy some peace and quiet.
The island is also a paradise for divers and snorkelers, as coral and sea life can easily be seen by just standing on the shoreline.
So if you’re ever in need of a relaxing vacation, be sure to consider Bonaire as your next destination!
Where to Stay in Bonaire:
Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino
Windhoek Resort Bonaire
Harbour Village Beach Club
When's Peak Season in the Caribbean?
The Caribbean is a bucket list destination for many travelers, but it can be challenging to find the perfect time to visit.
Certain destinations are often rainier or hotter during particular months, but overall, the peak season for many Caribbean islands is somewhere between December and April.
If you’re looking for an affordable and accessible way to experience everything that the Caribbean has to offer, there’s no better time to visit than September, October, and November.
This is because the fall months offer the best combination of climate and smaller crowds than usual.
