Best Time to Visit Aruba

One island, one climate

Aruba is small, and Oranjestad is the only place on our list, so timing doesn't change much from one end of the island to the other. Whether you stay in the capital, at Eagle Beach or up at Palm Beach, you'll get the same weather. Aruba also sits south of the main hurricane belt, which is why it stays much drier than most of the Caribbean.

January to April: the best stretch

This is our pick for Oranjestad. Days are sunny, the trade winds keep things comfortable, and rain is rare. It's a good time for snorkelling at Baby Beach, driving out to the rocky coast in Arikok National Park, or having a long dinner outside on the waterfront.

It's also high season. Flights and hotels fill up, and Eagle Beach gets busy by midday. Travelling with kids? Expect the busiest weeks around Christmas, New Year and Easter.

Carnival is the big local event. Parades and street parties run through January and February, and the grand finale in Oranjestad is usually the Sunday before Lent. Streets close and hotels book out, so go for the party or avoid it on purpose.

September to November: hot and wetter

September is the hottest month at 30°C, and the air can feel heavy, especially away from the breeze. October is the wettest at 90 mm. Even so, rain tends to come as short, sharp showers, not all-day gloom. Some restaurants and tour operators slow down, so check hours before you go.

The upside is quiet. You'll find cheaper rooms and more space on the sand. If you don't mind some heat and the odd shower, this is the time for a relaxed trip.

May to August: the middle ground

These months sit between the two extremes. Summer school holidays bring North American and Dutch families, so July and August can feel lively again. Windsurfers like the strong breeze at Hadicurari, often called Fisherman's Huts. Keep in mind that Aruba's national day, Flag Day, falls on 18 March, when many shops close.